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.Reconceptualizing Critical Illness in Cancer Through the Lens of Host Unregulated Response
Yun CHU ; Shiyi GONG ; Xin DING ; Hua ZHAO ; Huan CHEN ; Qing ZHANG ; Xiaoting WANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):1-9
Onco-critical care has emerged as an important subspecialty at the intersection of critical care medicine and oncology, attracting increasing attention in recent years. With continuous innovations in cancer therapies, patient survival has improved significantly; however, the incidence of associated critical complications has also increased. The reasons for cancer patients requiring intensive care unit admission are diverse and can be broadly categorized into three groups: progression of the underlying malignancy, treatment-related complications, and coexisting classical critical illnesses. Traditional critical care concepts and practices face limitations in addressing the multidimensional and heterogeneous challenges of onco-critical care. Based on the core mechanism of critical illness development—host/organ unregulated response (HOUR)—this article systematically elaborates on how this framework advances understanding and clinical practice into onco-critical care, with emphasis on its manifestations in neuroendocrine, immune-inflammatory, and coagulation-metabolic pathways. The review summarizes recent advances in clinical assessment and phenotyping systems for onco-critical illness and discusses a multidisciplinary, integrated management strategy centered on the "Disease Control, Host Response Modulation, Organ Support" triad. Finally, major challenges and future directions in this field are outlined. By integrating existing evidence and theoretical insights, this review aims to provide new perspectives and a theoretical foundation for the clinical management of onco-critical illness, thereby promoting its evolution toward precision and standardization.
4.Standards for the Application of Hemodynamic Monitoring Technology in Critical Care
Hua ZHAO ; Hongmin ZHANG ; Xin DING ; Huan CHEN ; Jun DUAN ; Wei DU ; Bo TANG ; Yuankai ZHOU ; Dongkai LI ; Xinchen WANG ; Cui WANG ; Gaosheng ZHOU ; Xiaoting WANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):73-85
With the rapid advancement of hemodynamic indices and monitoring technologies, their classification methods and application processes have become increasingly complex. Currently, no unified standard hasbeen established, making it difficult to fully meet the clinical requirements for hemodynamic management. To assist in hemodynamic monitoring assessment and therapeutic decision-making in critically ill patients, the Critical Hemodynamic Therapy Collaborative Group, in conjunction with the Critical Ultrasound Study Group, has jointly developed the Standard for the Application of Hemodynamic Monitoring Techniques in Critical Care. The first part of this standard systematically categorizes hemodynamic indicators into flow indicators, pressure and its derivative indicators, and tissue perfusion indicators, while elaborating on the clinical application of each. The second part establishes a standardized clinical implementation pathway for hemodynamic monitoring. It proposes a tiered monitoring strategy-comprising basic, advanced, indication-specific, and special scenario monitoring-tailored to different clinical settings. It emphasizes the central role of critical care ultrasound across all levels of monitoring and establishes hemodynamic assessment standards for organs such as the brain, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. This standard aims to provide a unified framework for clinical practice, teaching, training, and research in critical care medicine, thereby promoting standardized development within the discipline.
5.Compact Fundus Imaging System Using Shack-Hartmann Wavefront Sensing for High-speed Auto-focus
Zhe-Kai LIN ; Long CHEN ; Geng-Yong ZHENG ; Jin-Tian HUANG ; Jia-Xin DONG ; Shang-Pan YANG ; Wen-Zheng DING ; Ding-An HAN ; Xue-Hua WANG ; Ya-Guang ZENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1076-1086
ObjectiveThe widespread adoption of portable fundus cameras for primary care and community screening is hindered by limitations in current autofocus(AF) technologies. Image-based methods relying on sharpness evaluation require iterative searches, resulting in slow convergence, while projection-based techniques are susceptible to optical artifacts and calibration errors. To address these challenges, this study introduces a novel AF system based on direct wavefront sensing, designed to deliver simultaneous high speed, high precision, and operational robustness within the compact form factor essential for portable ophthalmic devices. MethodsOur approach fundamentally reimagines the AF process by directly measuring the ocular wavefront aberration. We developed a custom portable fundus camera integrating a miniaturized Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor (SHWS) into the optical path. An 850 nm laser diode projects a point source onto the retina via oblique illumination to minimize corneal reflections. Light scattered from this spot carries the eye’s refractive error through the imaging optics and is directed to the SHWS, positioned at a plane optically conjugate to the primary color CMOS imaging sensor. A microlens array within the SHWS samples the incident wavefront, generating a pattern of focal spots on a CCD. Real-time centroid analysis of these spots provides a map of local wavefront slopes. These measurements are processed through a singular value decomposition (SVD) algorithm to fit a Zernike polynomial basis set, enabling real-time reconstruction of the wavefront phase. The defocus component (S) is extracted from the second-order Zernike coefficients, providing a direct, quantitative measure of the refractive error in diopters. This value serves as a precise error signal in a closed-loop control system, which commands a voice-coil actuated focusing lens to its null position in a single, deterministic step, eliminating the need for iterative search algorithms. ResultsComprehensive evaluation demonstrated the system’s high performance. Testing on a calibrated model eye (OEMI-7) established a highly linear relationship between the computed defocus S and the focusing lens position across a ±20 Diopter (D) compensation range, achievable within a 5 mm mechanical travel. The system achieved a focusing precision of 0.08 D, corresponding to an 18-fold improvement over a conventional projection spot-size method tested under identical conditions. The total focus acquisition time, encompassing wavefront measurement, computation, and lens actuation, averaged under 0.5 s. Clinical validation with 25 human volunteers (50 eyes, refractive range -15 D to +10 D) confirmed practical efficacy. The wavefront-sensing AF succeeded in 92% of attempts with a mean time of 0.5 s, substantially outperforming a projection-based benchmark which achieved only a 32% success rate with an average time of 4.25 s. The system provided instantaneous directional guidance and maintained stability during minor ocular movements. Objective assessment of image quality, via amplitude contrast of retinal vasculature, showed consistent and significant enhancement following AF correction across the entire tested diopter range. ConclusionThis work successfully implements and validates a direct wavefront-sensing autofocus paradigm for portable fundus cameras. By directly quantifying and compensating for the optical defocus aberration, this method bypasses the fundamental limitations of image-processing and projection-based techniques, enabling rapid, precise, and deterministic diopter compensation. The developed system delivers an exceptional combination of a wide operational range (±20 D), high accuracy (0.08 D), fast convergence (0.5 s), and a compact physical footprint. This technology provides a practical and high-performance focusing solution capable of enhancing the reliability, throughput, and diagnostic utility of portable retinal imaging in large-scale screening applications. Future efforts will be directed towards system cost optimization and performance adaptation for diverse ocular conditions.
6.Consensus on Hemodynamic Management in Adult Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (2026 Edition)
Wei CHENG ; Shuhan CAI ; Ying ZHU ; Zhongran CEN ; Hua ZHAO ; Huan CHEN ; Yangong CHAO ; Xiaoting WANG ; Xin DING
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):784-797
Despite significant advances in the field of critical care medicine over the past three decades, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) remains the primary temporary mechanical circulatory support modality for patients with acute severe circulatory failure. With the accumulation of clinical experience and the increasing maturity of operational techniques in V-A ECMO, its technical management—particularly hemodynamic management—has become a key factor influencing patient outcomes. To further improve patient survival, the Chinese Critical Care Ultrasound Study Group, in collaboration with the Hemodynamic Therapy of Critical Care Collaborative Group and the Critical Care Medicine Branch of the China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care, organized experts in critical care medicine to develop the
7.Construct a Prediction Model of Poor Prognosis of Anaphylactoid Purpura Children Based on Logistic Regression Analysis and Nomogram
Xi LIN ; Jing SUN ; Ze-yu YU ; Zhang-hua CHEN ; Wei YANG ; Xin-yu ZHANG
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(12):1989-1995
Objective:The purpose of this study is to explore the influencing factors of poor prognosis in henoch-schonlein purpura(HSP)children,and to construct a nomogram model and verify its validity through the analysis results of Logistic regression model.Methods:Collected the clinical data of 170 HSP children who were treated in Fuzhou Luoyuan County Hospital from January 2015 to May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.They were divided into good prognosis group and poor prognosis group according to the prognosis after treatment.The clinical data and related biochemical indexes of different prognostic groups were compared.The factors of poor prognosis in HSP children were analyzed by Logistic regression model.A predictive model(nomogram)for poor prognosis in HSP children were constructed and evaluated its predictive performance.Prediction accuracy were evaluateed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results:170 HSP children,69 cases(40.59%)had poor prognosis and 101 cases(59.41%)had good prognosis.C-reactive protein(CRP),kidney injury at initial onset,platelet count(PLT),respiratory infection,recurrent rash,and immunoglobulin A(IgA)levels in poor prognosis group were higher than those in good prognosis group(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic analysis showed that,recurrent rash,respiratory infection,elevated PLT,CRP and IgA levels were independent influencing factors of poor prognosis in HSP children(P<0.05).The consistency index(C-index)of the column chart model established based on the results of multiple factor analysis was 0.798.The internal verification was carried out by Bootstrap self-sampling method,and the average absolute error of calibration curve was 0.017.ROC curve was drawn according to independent influencing factors and nomogram prediction probability,the area under the curve was 0.674(recurrent rash),0.649(respiratory infection),0.777(PLT),0.733(CRP),0.749(IgA)and 0.910(nomogram prediction probability)respectively.Conclusion:Recurrent rash,respiratory infection,PLT,CRP and IgA are independent factors affecting the prognosis of HSP children.The column chart prediction model constructed based on the above factors has certain predictive value for the poor prognosis in HSP children.
8.Disease burden and trends in enteric infections in China,1990-2021:a One Health perspective
Jing TAN ; Fei WANG ; Shi-pan CHEN ; Xiao-chun LI ; Hong-xin JU ; Chun-xiao YANG ; Wen-qiang YIN ; Lan-hua LI
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(5):472-479
This study analyzed the burden and trends in enteric infections in China from 1990 to 2021 from a One Health perspec-tive.Data on mortality associated with enteric infections were extracted from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease(GBD)database.The analysis focused on assessing the mortality rates of enteric infectious diseases attributed to various etiologies and risk factors,along with the age and sex distribution,from 1990 to 2021.Average annual percentage change(AAPC)was used to assess the total changes in disease burden.The age-standardized mortality rate of intestinal infections in China decreased from 9.642/100 000 in 1990 to 0.439/100 000 in 2021,with an AAPC of-57.103%(95%CI:-57.118%to-57.088%).In 2021,Rotavirus,Norovirus,and Crypto-sporidium were the top three etiologies contributing to disease burden,with mortality rates of 1.020/100 000,0.040/100 000 and 0.079/100 000,respectively.A significant variation in etiology distribution was observed across age groups:Rotavirus,Shigella,and Crypto-sporidium dominated among children under 5 years of age,whereas Cryptosporidium,Norovirus,and Clostridioides difficile were more prevalent in older populations.Risk factor analysis indicated that unsafe water sources and poor sanitation accounted for 73.394%of all enteric disease-related deaths.In conclusion,the burden of enteric infections in China markedly declined from 1990 to 2021,and sig-nificant variations in the etiological spectrum and disease burden were observed across age groups.The persistent effects of unsafe wa-ter sources and poor sanitation underscore the need for targeted interventions to further decrease the burden of these diseases.Our find-ings highlight the success of public health interventions in decreasing the burden of enteric infections in China,while emphasizing the need for targeted measures to address disparities in high-risk populations and improve environmental sanitation.
9.A cross-sectional study of anxiety disorders in adults in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
Xin WANG ; Lixia CHEN ; Tingting ZHANG ; Ping LYU ; Dongsheng LYU ; Zhaorui LIU ; Jie YAN ; Ruiqi WANG ; Hua DING ; Yinxia BAI ; Yueqin HUANG ; Xiaojie SUI
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(5):385-391
Objective:To describe the prevalence of anxiety disorders and its distribution in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,and to explore the relevant factors of anxiety disorders.Methods:From June 2019 to Decem-ber 2019,representative multi-stage disproportionate stratified sampling procedure was used to sample in residents aged 18 and over in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.All respondents were face-to-face interviewed by trained interviewers.Composite International Diagnostic Interview-3.0(CIDI-3.0)was used to diagnose anxiety disorders according to the criteria and definition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fourth Edition(DSM-Ⅳ).Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used for statistical anal-ysis.Results:Totally 12 315 people were interviewed in the survey.The weighted 12-mouth prevalence rate of any anxiety disorder was 4.64%,and the lifetime prevalence rate was 6.25%.The weighted 12-month prevalence rate of anxiety disorders was higher in female than that in male(5.38%vs.3.92%).The rate was higher in rural resi-dents than that in urban residents(5.67%vs.3.95%).The rate was higher in people with chronic diseases than that in people without chronic diseases(6.81%vs.2.29%).Logistic regression analysis showed that unmarried(OR=2.32,95%CI:1.31-4.10),separated/divorced(OR=2.49,95%CI:1.33-4.67),in debt(OR=1.55,95%CI:1.04-2.32),chronic disease(OR=2.22,95%CI:1.39-3.53),family history of anxiety disorders(OR=12.05,95%CI:8.78-16.53),poor sleep(OR=2.64,95%CI:1.97-3.54)were risk factors of occurrence of anxiety disorders,while junior high school(OR=0.65,95%CI:0.44-0.96)was protective factor of anxiety disor-ders.Conclusion:Adults with chronic diseases,poor sleep,unmarried or separated/divorced,family history of anxi-ety disorders,and financial debt are at higher risk groups of anxiety disorder in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Re-gion.
10.CT features of pleuropulmonary blastoma in children
Hua CHEN ; Yuewen HAO ; Xin HOU
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(5):837-839,869
Objective To explore the CT features of pediatric pleuropulmonary blastoma(PPB)and its clinical application value.Methods The CT features of 9 patients with PPB confirmed by postoperative pathology were analyzed retrospectively and compared with the postoperative pathological types.Results There was 1 case with type Ⅰ PPB,whose CT manifestations were multilocular septated cystic space-occupying lesions,with mild enhancement of the cyst wall and septum after enhancement,and was misdiagnosed as type Ⅳ congenital pulmonary airway malformation(CPAM)before surgery.There were 2 cases with type Ⅱ PPB,whose CT manifestations were well-defined cystic and solid space-occupying lesions,closely related to the pleura,with uneven mild to moderate progressive enhancement of the solid components,and multiple thickened and tortuous blood vessels were visible in both lesions.The preoperative imaging diagnosis and pathological type prediction of type Ⅱ PPB,lesions were completely consistent with the post-operative pathological diagnosis and type,with a diagnostic accuracy of 100%.There were 6 cases with type Ⅲ PPB,whose CT man-ifestations were solid soft tissue density space-occupying lesions,with uneven enhancement of the solid part after enhancement,and multiple thickened and tortuous blood vessels within the masses.Before surgery,2 cases(33.3%)with type Ⅲ PPB were misdiag-nosed as Askin tumors of the chest wall,and the diagnostic accuracy was 66.7%.Conclusion PPB is a rare tumor in the chest of children,with high malignancy.Type Ⅰ PPB is difficult to be differentiated from benign cystic lesions of the chest before surgery.For suspected type Ⅰ PPB pulmonary cystic lesions,the postoperative pathological sampling should be extensive to search for whether there are primitive mesenchymal cells for a clear diagnosis.The CT features of type Ⅱ and Ⅲ PPB are cystic-solid and solid masses in the chest,with clear boundaries,pseudocapsules,and nodular enhancement.Generally,the consistency rate between preoperative imaging diagnosis and pathological type prediction and postoperative pathological diagnosis and type is relatively high.Combining the CT characteristics of PPB is helpful to improve the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis and pathological type prediction,and can assist clinicians in selecting reasonable treatment plans.

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