1.Predictive Factors Associated With Dysphagia in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury
Shu-Mei YANG ; Ting-Ju LAI ; Ya-Chu HSU ; Yu-Lin LU ; Hsing-Yu CHEN ; Hsiao-Ting TSAI ; Sheng-Hao CHENG ; Ming-Yen HSIAO ; Meng-Ting LIN
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine 2026;50(2):117-128
Objective:
To identify early clinical predictors associated with dysphagia and delayed swallowing recovery in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Methods:
In this retrospective study, we enrolled adult TBI patients admitted to the rehabilitation unit of a tertiary medical center between June 2019 and June 2023. Data on baseline characteristics, neurological status, imaging findings, and rehabilitation-related variables were collected. Swallowing function was assessed using two indicators: (1) nasogastric (NG) tube retention and (2) the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) scores at 1, 4, and 12 weeks post-injury. Regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors associated with dysphagia and swallowing recovery.
Results:
A total of 160 patients were included. At 1 week post-injury, longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay, poor initial sitting balance and use of sedative medication in ICU were associated with NG tube retention. At 4 weeks, lower initial Rancho Los Amigos Scale (RLAS) scores, immobility-related complications, longer hospitalization, and temporal lobe hematomas were associated with persistent NG tube dependence. By 12 weeks, older age, delayed ability to follow commands, and poor initial sitting balance remained associated with NG tube retention. FOIS outcomes were also associated with older age, delayed time to follow commands, impaired initial sitting balance, prolonged ICU stay, temporal lobe hematomas, lower initial RLAS scores, immobility-related complications, prolonged endotracheal tube placement and extended hospital stays.
Conclusion
Impaired cognitive status, poor physical function, immobility-related complications, and temporal lobe hematomas were key factors associated with dysphagia and delayed oral intake in individuals with TBI.
2.Pathogenesis Evolution and Treatment Strategies of Inflammation-Cancer Transformation in Helicobacter Pylori-Associated Gastritis:Based on the Theory "Latent Wind in Stomach Collaterals"
Chuanyang LIU ; Lin CHENG ; Xinqiao CHU ; Shuxuan CHEN ; Zhihua TIAN ; Shaoli WANG ; Zhen LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1383-1389
It is considered that "latent wind in stomach collaterals" is the core pathogenesis underlying the inflammation-caner transformation of helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis (HpAG). The concept of "latent wind in stomach collaterals" integrates stomach wind theory, latent pathogen theory, and collateral disease theory, referring to wind pathogen deeply hidden in the stomach collaterals, characterized by both external and internal wind pathogen as well as latent pathogen that remain concealed and may be triggered under certain conditions. Accordingly, the Correa cascade is reclassified into four stages including the prodromal stage, progressive stage, transitional stage and carcinogenic stage. In the prodromal stage, the fundamental pathogenesis is described as "wind toxin invading externally with collateral deficiency and stirring of wind". In the progressive stage, wind is accompanied by qi constraint, fire pathogen, and dryness pathogen, manifesting as "wind pathogen complicated by constraint" "wind-fire agitation" and "wind-dryness interaction". In the transitional stage, "wind transforming into phlegm-drool and stomach collaterals being obstructed by stasis" is identified as a critical window for disease reversal. In the carcinogenesis stage, "wind-qi hyperactivity leading to pathological transformation, and collateral damage resulting in abdominal masses" drives tumor progression and metastasis. This paper proposes the treatment principle of "wind-dispelling throughout the entire process and stage-based treatment", according to the pathological evolution of "collateral deficiency-collateral stagnation-collateral accumulation". In the prodromal stage, it is suggested to dispel wind and resolve toxin, fortify spleen and tonify collaterals; in the progressive and transitional stage, the method of dispelling wind pathogen, clearing phlegm and eliminating stasis should be used; in the carcinogenesis stage, it is suggested to expel wind and remove pathogens from collaterals, disperse concretions and eliminate tumors.
3.Application of Pivot-Regulating and Orifices-Unblocking Acupuncture in Post-Stroke Dysphagia:from the Perspective of the Relationship among the Brain,Shaoyang (少阳) and Pharynx
Yingquan LIU ; Hongjie JI ; Yu YE ; Junhao CHU ; Lin BAI ; Xingxing SU ; Hongliang CHENG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(17):1830-1834
Based on the close structural and functional associations of the Shaoyang (少阳) channel and related zang-fu (脏腑) organs with the brain and the pharynx, this paper proposes that the pathogenesis of post-stroke dysphagia involves constraint and stagnation of the pivot mechanism, binding of phlegm and stasis, frenetic stirring of ministerial fire, and incoordination of the spirit mechanism, ultimately leading to loss of pharyngeal function. An acupuncture therapy centered on regulating the pivot and unblocking the orifice is established. Acupoints of the Shaoyang channel, including Fengchi (GB 20), Wangu (GB 12), Yifeng (SJ 17), and Waiguan (SJ 5), are selected to regulate the pivot and treat the root; acupoints of the Du (督) and Ren (任) channels, including Fengfu (GV 16), Lianquan (CV 23), and Tiantu (CV 22), are used to unblock the orifice and treat the branch. In addition, staged treatment can be applied according to syndrome differentiation. In the acute stage with predominant phlegm turbidity, Fenglong (ST 40), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Jinjin (EX-HN 12), and Yuye (EX-HN 13) are added to resolve phlegm and facilitate orifice function. During the recovery stage with excess ministerial fire scorching the pharynx, Zulinqi (GB 41) and Zhaohai (KI 6) are added to drain fire and nourish yin; when ministerial fire disturbs the spirit, Tongli (HT 5) and Neiguan (PC 6) are added to calm the spirit and the heart. During the chronic stage with blood deficiency and collateral stasis, Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) are added to nourish blood and unblock collaterals. In clinical practice, the angle and depth of needling are adjusted based on the stage of dysphagia, with the combination of elongated needles and medicinal moxibustion are used to enhance the therapeutic effect.
4.Clinical Observation on Tianmeng Lingjiao Formula(天礞羚角方) as an Adjunctive Therapy for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation with Phlegm-Heat Harassing the Interior Syndrome
Jiafan CHEN ; Chenglin DUAN ; Yihang DU ; Lianfen QI ; Xinjue SHAN ; Jiaqi LI ; Wenjing ZHANG ; Tao CHENG ; Bochao JIA ; Zizhen CHEN ; Jingjing SHI ; Yuguang CHU ; Yuwen SUN ; Yuanhui HU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(20):2195-2201
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Tianmeng Lingjiao Formula(天礞羚角方, TLF) as an adjunctive therapy for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) with phlegm-heat harassing the interior syndrome. MethodsNinety patients with PAF and phlegm-heat harassing the interior syndrome were enrolled and randomly assigned in a 2∶1 ratio to test group (60 cases) and control group (30 cases). The control group received conventional western medicine, while the test group received TLF in addition to the conventional treatment, with one dose administered daily. The treatment course for both groups was 4 weeks. The efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome and the rate of atrial fibrillation (AF) conversion were compared between groups. Assessments included AF burden, frequency and duration of AF episodes, TCM syndrome scores, and European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) AF symptom classification before and after treatment. Safety indicators such as blood routine, urine routine, stool routine, liver function, kidney function, and electrolytes were also monitored. Adverse events were recorded. ResultsA total of 82 patients completed the study (54 in the test group and 28 in the control group). After treatment, AF burden, the frequency and duration of AF episodes, and TCM syndrome scores were significantly reduced in both groups, and the test group showed lower indicators than the control group (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The AF conversion rate was 25.93% (14/54) in the test group, significantly higher than 3.57% (1/28) in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate for TCM syndrome efficacy was 83.33% (45/54) in the test group, which was significantly higher than 67.86% (19/28) in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the EHRA atrial fibrillation symptom severity in the test group showed significant improvement, and the improvement in atrial fibrillation symptoms was superior to that in the control group (P<0.01or P<0.05). No significant abnormalities were observed in safety indicators, and no adverse events occurred during the trial. ConclusionTLF as an adjunctive therapy can reduce AF burden, enhance the conversion rate of AF, decrease the frequency and duration of episodes, and improve clinical symptoms in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation presenting with phlegm-heat harassing the interior syndrome, with a favorable safety profile.
5.Application of Kaitianmen acupoint massage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Yahui CHENG ; Chunhua YAN ; Fangfang HU ; Xinguo FAN ; Wenling CHU ; Caihong ZHANG ; Chunjie WANG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(2):96-102
Objective:To explore the application effect of Kaitianmen point massage on pain, faligue, anxiety and depression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.Methods:This study was a randomized controlled study, a total of 80 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who were admitted to Shanghai Guanghua Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from May to November 2023 were selected as the research objects. The control group was given routine treatment and nursing, and the experimental group was given Kaitianmen acupoint massage on the basis of routine treatment and nursing. The differences in pain score, fatigue score, anxiety and depression score before and after intervention were compared between the two groups.Results:In the final, there were 37 cases in the experimental group and 36 cases in the control group completed the study. Before intervention, there was no statistically significant difference in pain scores, fatigue scores, anxiety and depression scores between the two groups (all P>0.05). After four weeks of intervention, the pain score of the experimental group was (2.06 ± 0.35), and that of the control group was (3.72 ± 0.59), the difference was statistically significant ( t=14.57, P<0.05). After four weeks of intervention, the fatigue score of the experimental group was (20.11 ± 8.03), and that of the control group was (25.02 ± 8.32), the difference was statistically significant ( t=2.55, P<0.05). After four weeks of intervention, the anxiety score of the experimental group was (48.33 ± 6.13), which was significantly different from (53.99 ± 4.91) of the control group ( t=4.35, P<0.05), and the depression score of the experimental group was (49.99 ± 6.33), compared with the (54.86 ± 4.83) of control group, the difference was statistically significant ( t=3.69, P<0.05). Conclusions:Kaitianmen acupoint massage can relieve limb pain, fatigue, anxiety and depression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, which is worthy of clinical promotion.
6.An animal model of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome for translational research
Kuo‑An CHU ; Chia‑Yu LAI ; Yu‑Hui CHEN ; Fu‑Hsien KUO ; I.‑Yuan CHEN ; You‑Cheng JIANG ; Ya‑Ling LIU ; Tsui‑Ling KO ; Yu‑Show FU
Laboratory Animal Research 2025;41(1):81-92
Background:
Despite the fact that an increasing number of studies have focused on developing therapies for acute lung injury, managing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains a challenge in intensive care medicine.Whether the pathology of animal models with acute lung injury in prior studies differed from clinical symptoms of ARDS, resulting in questionable management for human ARDS. To evaluate precisely the therapeutic effect of trans‑ planted stem cells or medications on acute lung injury, we developed an animal model of severe ARDS with lower lung function, capable of keeping the experimental animals survive with consistent reproducibility. Establishing this animal model could help develop the treatment of ARDS with higher efficiency.
Results:
In this approach, we intratracheally delivered bleomycin (BLM, 5 mg/rat) into rats’ left trachea via a needle connected with polyethylene tube, and simultaneously rotated the rats to the left side by 60 degrees. Within sevendays after the injury, we found that arterial blood oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) significantly decreased to 83.7%, partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2 ) markedly reduced to 65.3 mmHg, partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2 )amplified to 49.2 mmHg, and the respiratory rate increased over time. Morphologically, the surface of the left lung appeared uneven on Day 1, the alveoli of the left lung disappeared on Day 2, and the left lung shrank on Day 7. A his‑ tological examination revealed that considerable cell infiltration began on Day 1 and lasted until Day 7, with a larger area of cell infiltration. Serum levels of IL-5, IL-6, IFN-γ, MCP-1, MIP-2, G-CSF, and TNF-α substantially rose on Day 7.
Conclusions
This modified approach for BLM-induced lung injury provided a severe, stable, and one-sided (left-lobe) ARDS animal model with consistent reproducibility. The physiological symptoms observed in this severe ARDS animal model are entirely consistent with the characteristics of clinical ARDS. The establishment of this ARDS animal model could help develop treatment for ARDS.
7.Frontal and Parietal Alpha Asymmetry as Biomarkers for Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia
Yao-Cheng WU ; Chih-Chung HUANG ; Yi-Guang WANG ; Chu-Ya YANG ; Wei-Chou CHANG ; Chuan-Chia CHANG ; Hsin-An CHANG
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(4):435-441
Objective:
Negative symptoms in schizophrenia indicate a poor prognosis. However, the mechanisms underlying the development of negative symptoms remain unclear. This study investigated the relationship between negative symptoms in schizophrenia and frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA).
Methods:
The study used a 32-channel electroencephalography to acquire alpha power in 4 target-paired sites in each patient. Regional alpha asymmetry was calculated based on the alpha power using EEGLAB Frontal Alpha Asymmetry Toolbox.
Results:
Sixty schizophrenia patients with predominant negative symptoms (PNS), 72 stabilized schizophrenia (SS) patients, and 73 healthy control (HC) participants were enrolled in this study. No significant differences were observed in FAA between the PNS and SS groups, although both groups exhibited reduced P3-P4 alpha asymmetry compared to HCs. A positive correlation was found between F7-F8 alpha asymmetry and illness duration. Additionally, a predictive model based on P3-P4 alpha asymmetry scores was able to differentiate schizophrenia patients from HCs, achieving a sensitivity of 71.2% and a specificity of 72.6%.
Conclusion
This study highlighted that parietal alpha asymmetry could serve as a valuable diagnostic tool for schizophrenia.
8.Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique (version 2025)
Sihao HE ; Junchao XING ; Tongwei CHU ; Zhengqi CHANG ; Xigao CHENG ; Fei DAI ; Xiaobing JIANG ; Jie HAO ; Jiang HU ; Jinghui HUANG ; Tianyong HOU ; Fei LUO ; Bo LIAO ; Changqing LI ; Lei LIU ; Guodong LIU ; Peng LIU ; Sheng LU ; Weishi LI ; Yang LIU ; Zhen LIU ; Wei MEI ; Peifu TANG ; Bing WANG ; Bing WANG ; Ce WANG ; Hongli WANG ; Liang WANG ; Shengru WANG ; Xiaobin WANG ; Yang WANG ; Yingfeng WANG ; Zheng WANG ; Jianzhong XU ; Guoyong YIN ; Haiyang YU ; Qiang YANG ; Zhaoming YE ; Bin ZHANG ; Chengmin ZHANG ; Jun ZOU ; Qiang ZHOU ; Min ZHAO ; Rui ZHOU ; Xiaojun ZHANG ; Yongfei ZHAO ; Zhongrong ZHANG ; Zehua ZHANG ; Yingze ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(11):1035-1047
For middle-aged and elderly patients with conditions such as spinal fractures and degenerative spinal diseases, spinal internal fixation is a core surgical procedure for reconstructing spinal stability, heavily relying on the biomechanical stability provided by pedicle screw systems. Whereas, these patients are often complicated by osteoporosis that can significantly compromise the stability of the bone-pedicle screw interface, leading to a marked increase in pedicle screw loosening and surgical failure rates. The bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique, which involves injecting bone cement into the vertebral body or screw trajectory to optimize the mechanical properties of the bone-pedicle screw composite, has been proven to significantly enhance fixation strength and effectively prevent screw-related failures, thereby reducing the incidence of internal fixation failure in high-risk populations undergoing spinal fusion. However, the widespread clinical application of this technique has faced challenges such as inaccurate clinical decision-making (indication and contraindication selection), non-standardized operative practices, and insufficient awareness of complication prevention, resulting in considerable variability in clinical outcomes and even severe complications. To address this, Prof. Luo Fei from First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University initiated the project and the Chinese Association Orthopaedic Surgeons organized relevant experts to develop the Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique ( version 2025), based on current evidence. The guidelines put forward 8 recommendations regarding the clinical value, scope of application, and operational standards of the technique, aiming to provide evidence-based medical support and technical standardization for clinical decision-making.
9.Epidemic factors in foodborne parasitic diseases in ethnic minority areas of Guizhou Province from a One Health perspective
Li-dan LU ; Mu-xin CHEN ; Shan CAI ; Dan-ya SHE ; Guang-chu LIN ; Song-ping LI ; Kai-neng MO ; Cheng ZHOU ; Ling LI
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(5):480-486
This study was aimed at understanding the prevalence and influencing factors of food-borne parasitic diseases in ethnic minority areas of Guizhou Province,to provide a scientific basis for the development of appropriate intervention measures based on the human-animal-environment One Health concept.In 2023,the infection status of the human population,reservoir hosts,intermediate hosts,food-borne parasitic diseases,and related social and environmental factors were investigated in Congjiang County in Qidongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture;Luodian County in Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture;and Ceheng County in Qianxinan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture.At least 1 000 individuals were sampled from each county,along with at least 50 insect-protected host samples from each location.Food-borne parasite infections were detected with the modified Kato thick smear method.A questionnaire survey was administered to the population.Detection of food-borne parasitic metacercariae was performed in intermediate host fish through the flaking and digestion method,and in crabs through the pounding and sedimentation method.The chi-square test was used to compare rates,and logistic regression was applied for multivariate analysis.A total of 3 023 questionnaires and fecal samples were collected.Males accounted for 47.50%,females accounted for 52.50%,and members of ethnic minorities accounted for 96.06%.A total of 186 food-borne parasitic infections were identified,and the infection rate was 6.15%.Five insect species were detected,which showed an infection rate of 5.39%.The infection rate of Clonorchis sinensis was 0.33%,that of Taenia was 0.40%,that of Heteroceles was 0.17%,that of Acanthus was 0.17%,and that of Echinostoma was 0.03%.Human infections with Echinostomus colloides and Echinostomia transferoris had not previously been reported in China.Single-factor analysis revealed statistically significant differences in food-borne parasite infections according to various factors,including the consumption of untreated water,raw fish and shrimp,raw pig blood,raw cow gastric juice,and raw pork and beef,as well as raw pig and cow viscera(P<0.05).Multivariate analysis indicated that the risk factors for food-borne parasite infections among residents in minority areas of Guizhou Province included the consumption of raw pig blood(OR=2.841,95%CI:1.809-4.463),raw cow gastric juice(OR=2.122,95%CI:1.297-3.469),and raw fish and shrimp(OR=1.779,95%CI:1.049-3.018).A total of 173 fecal samples of the reservoir host were examined,which showed a rate of food-borne parasite infection of 5.2%.A total of 510 intermediate host fish were examined,which showed a 4.51%positivity rate of encysted metacercaria of Clonorchis sinensis.The crab,pig,and beef samples were not positive.In conclusion,food-borne parasitic infections were prevalent in ethnic minority regions of Guizhou Province,and consumption of raw food were influencing factors.A focus on populations with raw food consumption habits,including raw pig blood,cow gastric juice,fish and shrimp,is essential.Concurrently,monitoring of animal hosts must be strengthened to perform key interventions according to the One Health concept.
10.Behavioral Economic Analysis for Low-Value Care in Oncology
Hongqiu ZHENG ; Hongjie CHU ; Genyong ZUO ; Baolin CHENG ; Zhiyuan HOU
Chinese Health Economics 2025;44(9):1-4
Objective:Drawing upon behavioral economics theory,it aims to elucidate the irrational decision-making mechanisms and systematic governance strategies driving low-value care in oncology,optimize healthcare resource allocation and enhance service quality.Methods:Centered on the dual-system theory framework,the behavioral economics principles of loss aversion,anchoring effects,and intertemporal choice are integrated to develop a physician-patient shared decision-making model spanning the entire cancer care continuum(screening,diagnosis,treatment,rehabilitation).Results:Low-value oncology care are jointly driven by physicians' defensive psychology,patients'loss aversion preferences,and socio-cultural pressures.Conclusion:Multidimensional interventions,such as predefining high-value care pathways,establishing negative lists to constrain low-value supply,reforming payment mechanisms,and implementing targeted health education,can effectively disrupt the"cognitivebias-behavioral inertia"loop and improve the efficiency of resource allocation in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

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