1.Three-dimensional Electrical Impedance Tomography for Monitoring Gastric Hemorrhage
Zi-Han ZHAO ; Bo SUN ; Jing-Shi HUANG ; Zhi-Wei LI ; Yang WU ; Nan LI ; Jia-Feng YAO ; Tong ZHAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1062-1075
ObjectiveGastric hemorrhage is one of the most common and life-threatening emergencies of the upper digestive tract. Early identification and continuous monitoring are essential for reducing rebleeding rates and mortality, particularly within the critical early hours after onset. Although endoscopy and radiological imaging can accurately localize bleeding sites, these approaches are invasive, resource-intensive, and unsuitable for continuous bedside monitoring. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT), as a noninvasive and radiation-free functional imaging technique, offers real-time visualization of conductivity distribution and has the potential for detecting intragastric bleeding based on the electrical contrast between blood and surrounding gastric tissues. In this study, a three-dimensional gastric EIT (3D-gEIT) framework is proposed to achieve noninvasive, real-time, and dynamic monitoring of gastric hemorrhage, with emphasis on spatial localization and quantitative volume assessment. MethodsA three-dimensional upper-abdominal simulation model incorporating the stomach, gastric wall, gastric contents, and surrounding tissues was established. Three electrode configurations, namely the dual layer ring, the four layer staggered ring, and the opposed dual plane array, were designed and systematically compared to evaluate their influence on depth sensitivity and spatial resolution. Based on the Tikhonov-Noser hybrid regularization scheme, a region-clustering constraint was introduced to develop the TK-Noser-RCC algorithm. This approach aggregates spatially adjacent elements with similar conductivity variations, thereby enhancing structural continuity and suppressing isolated noise artifacts. To validate the proposed framework, an upper-abdominal physical phantom was constructed using agar to simulate background tissue conductivity. Hemispherical high-conductivity inclusions with volumes ranging from 10 ml to 50 ml were attached to the inner gastric wall to mimic localized bleeding under different gastric filling states. Boundary voltages were acquired under a 120 kHz excitation current and reconstructed using the TK-Noser-RCC algorithm. Furthermore, an in vivo animal experiment was performed using a porcine model with adult-scale abdominal dimensions. A total of 100 ml of autologous blood was injected incrementally into the stomach to simulate progressive gastric hemorrhage, and time-difference EIT reconstruction was conducted at each injection stage to assess the dynamic system response under physiological conditions. ResultsSimulation results demonstrated that the opposed dual-plane electrode array achieved superior depth sensitivity distribution and spatial resolution. For a 40 ml hemorrhage model, the average ICC and SSIM improved by 55.9% and 38.8% compared with the dual-layer ring configuration, and by 64.0% and 39.5% compared with the four-layer staggered configuration. The proposed region-clustering constraint significantly enhanced reconstruction stability. Under added Gaussian noise of 40 dB and 30 dB, ICC values remained approximately 0.85, indicating effective artifact suppression and preservation of boundary integrity. In physical phantom experiments, reconstructed hemorrhage volumes increased approximately linearly with the preset hemispherical volumes, and the reconstructed high-conductivity regions closely matched the actual bleeding locations. Both empty-stomach and full-stomach conditions were evaluated, demonstrating that the opposed dual-plane configuration maintained stable imaging performance across varying gastric contents. In the animal experiment, reconstructed low-impedance regions expanded progressively with increasing injected blood volume. The spatial localization of the hemorrhage remained stable throughout the procedure, and no significant artifacts were observed. Quantitative analysis showed that reconstructed volume and average conductivity variation exhibited an approximately linear growth trend with injected blood volume, confirming the sensitivity of the system to dynamic intragastric conductivity changes. ConclusionThe proposed 3D-gEIT framework enables quantitative reconstruction of gastric hemorrhage volume and spatial distribution with improved depth sensitivity, structural continuity, and noise robustness compared with conventional EIT approaches. By integrating optimized electrode configuration and a region-clustering-constrained reconstruction algorithm, the system provides stable dynamic monitoring under both controlled phantom conditions and in vivo physiological environments. This method offers a noninvasive, real-time, and low-cost imaging strategy for early diagnosis, postoperative monitoring, and bedside surveillance of gastric bleeding.
2.Effects of drought stress training on polysaccharide accumulation and drought resistance of Codonopsis pilosula.
Lu-Lu WANG ; Xiao-Lin WANG ; Zhe-Yu LIU ; Li-Zhen WANG ; Jia-Tong SHI ; Jiao-Jiao JI ; Jian-Ping GAO ; Yun-E BAI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(3):672-681
In order to clarify the effects of drought stress training on the quality and drought resistance of Codonopsis pilosula, this study used PEG to simulate drought stress and employed potting with water control for the drought stress training of C. pilosula plants. The polysaccharide content, secondary metabolites, antioxidant system, and photosynthetic pigment system of C. pilosula after drought stress training were analyzed. The results showed that the content of fructans in the root of C. pilosula increased after two rounds of drought stress treatment, and it was significantly higher than that of the control group. The accumulation of fructans in the root of C. pilosula showed an upward trend during the rehydration treatment. The content of lobetyolin and tangshenoside Ⅰ increased after drought stress treatment compared with that of the control group. The rehydration treatment caused first increasing and then decreasing in the content of lobetyolin, while it had no significant effect on the tangshenoside Ⅰcontent. The content of photosynthetic pigments decreased after drought stress treatment, and it gradually increased during the first round of rehydration and the second round of rehydration. Moreover, the increase was faster in the second round of rehydration than in the first round of rehydration. The content of the peroxidation product malondialdehyde(MDA) and the activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD), peroxidase(POD), and catalase(CAT) increased after drought stress treatment compared with those of the control group, and they showed a tendency of decreasing during rehydration. Moreover, the decrease was faster in the second round of rehydration than in the first round of rehydration. When the plants of C. pilosula after drought stress training were again subjected to severe drought stress, the wilting rate decreased significantly, and the biomass increases significantly. This study showed that the drought stress training could promote the accumulation of polysaccharides and secondary metabolites in the root of C. pilosula. When encountering drought stress again, C. pilosula plants could quickly regulate the antioxidant system and delay the decomposition of chlorophyll to respond to drought stress. The findings provide a theoretical basis for the ecological cultivation of C. pilosula in arid and semi-arid areas.
Codonopsis/growth & development*
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Droughts
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Polysaccharides/metabolism*
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Stress, Physiological
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Water/metabolism*
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Antioxidants/metabolism*
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Photosynthesis
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Drought Resistance
3.The Impacts of Climate Change on the Environment and Human Health in China: A Call for more Ambitious Action.
Shi Lu TONG ; Yu WANG ; Yong Long LU ; Cun de XIAO ; Qi Yong LIU ; Qi ZHAO ; Cun Rui HUANG ; Jia Yu XU ; Ning KANG ; Tong ZHU ; Dahe QIN ; Ying XU ; Buda SU ; Xiao Ming SHI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(2):127-143
As global greenhouse gases continue rising, the urgency of more ambitious action is clearer than ever before. China is the world's biggest emitter of greenhouse gases and one of the countries affected most by climate change. The evidence about the impacts of climate change on the environment and human health may encourage China to take more decisive action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts. This article aimed to review the evidence of environmental damages and health risks posed by climate change and to provide a new science-based perspective for the delivery of sustainable development goals. Over recent decades, China has experienced a strong warming pattern with a growing frequency of extreme weather events, and the impacts of climate change on China's environment and human health have been consistently observed, with increasing O 3 air pollution, decreases in water resources and availability, land degradation, and increased risks for both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Therefore, China's climate policy should target the key factors driving climate change and scale up strategic measures to curb carbon emissions and adapt to inevitable increasing climate impacts. It provides new insights for not only China but also other countries, particularly developing and emerging economies, to ensure climate and environmental sustainability whilst pursuing economic growth.
Climate Change
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China
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Humans
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Greenhouse Gases
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Air Pollution
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Sustainable Development
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Environment
4.Machine learning-assisted microfluidic approach for broad-spectrum liposome size control.
Yujie JIA ; Xiao LIANG ; Li ZHANG ; Jun ZHANG ; Hajra ZAFAR ; Shan HUANG ; Yi SHI ; Jian CHEN ; Qi SHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(6):101221-101221
Liposomes serve as critical carriers for drugs and vaccines, with their biological effects influenced by their size. The microfluidic method, renowned for its precise control, reproducibility, and scalability, has been widely employed for liposome preparation. Although some studies have explored factors affecting liposomal size in microfluidic processes, most focus on small-sized liposomes, predominantly through experimental data analysis. However, the production of larger liposomes, which are equally significant, remains underexplored. In this work, we thoroughly investigate multiple variables influencing liposome size during microfluidic preparation and develop a machine learning (ML) model capable of accurately predicting liposomal size. Experimental validation was conducted using a staggered herringbone micromixer (SHM) chip. Our findings reveal that most investigated variables significantly influence liposomal size, often interrelating in complex ways. We evaluated the predictive performance of several widely-used ML algorithms, including ensemble methods, through cross-validation (CV) for both liposome size and polydispersity index (PDI). A standalone dataset was experimentally validated to assess the accuracy of the ML predictions, with results indicating that ensemble algorithms provided the most reliable predictions. Specifically, gradient boosting was selected for size prediction, while random forest was employed for PDI prediction. We successfully produced uniform large (600 nm) and small (100 nm) liposomes using the optimised experimental conditions derived from the ML models. In conclusion, this study presents a robust methodology that enables precise control over liposome size distribution, offering valuable insights for medicinal research applications.
5.Research progress of adiponectin in the regulation of cardiovascular system
Chao REN ; Bo ZHANG ; Shi-feng LIU ; Yong ZHANG ; Jia-li LIANG ; Tong-jian WANG
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(5):744-748
As an important endocrine organ of human body,adipose tissue secrets a large amount of endocrine fac-tors that regulate a variety of physiological functions,and role of adiponectin in cardiovascular system is especially important.At the cellular and molecular level,adiponectin possesses profound anti-inflammatory,anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects,which can reduce various pathogenic factors of cardiovascular diseases(CVD).In ad-vanced stage of CVD,the expression of adiponectin in adipose tissue as well as its circulating level compensatively increased.Therefore,adiponectin has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system,and increased adiponectin level may suggest severe CVD.In this review article,we systematically introduced the role of adiponectin in CVD and discussed its application prospects as a clinical biomarker.
6.Machine learning-assisted microfluidic approach for broad-spectrum liposome size control
Yujie JIA ; Xiao LIANG ; Li ZHANG ; Jun ZHANG ; Hajra ZAFAR ; Shan HUANG ; Yi SHI ; Jian CHEN ; Qi SHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(6):1238-1248
Liposomes serve as critical carriers for drugs and vaccines,with their biological effects influenced by their size.The microfluidic method,renowned for its precise control,reproducibility,and scalability,has been widely employed for liposome preparation.Although some studies have explored factors affecting liposomal size in microfluidic processes,most focus on small-sized liposomes,predominantly through experimental data analysis.However,the production of larger liposomes,which are equally significant,remains underexplored.In this work,we thoroughly investigate multiple variables influencing liposome size during microfluidic preparation and develop a machine learning(ML)model capable of accurately predicting liposomal size.Experimental validation was conducted using a staggered herringbone micromixer(SHM)chip.Our findings reveal that most investigated variables significantly influence liposomal size,often interrelating in complex ways.We evaluated the predictive performance of several widely-used ML algorithms,including ensemble methods,through cross-validation(CV)for both lipo-some size and polydispersity index(PDI).A standalone dataset was experimentally validated to assess the accuracy of the ML predictions,with results indicating that ensemble algorithms provided the most reliable predictions.Specifically,gradient boosting was selected for size prediction,while random forest was employed for PDI prediction.We successfully produced uniform large(600 nm)and small(100 nm)liposomes using the optimised experimental conditions derived from the ML models.In conclusion,this study presents a robust methodology that enables precise control over liposome size distribution,of-fering valuable insights for medicinal research applications.
7.Antimicrobial resistance surveillance in the bacterial strains isolated from pediatric intensive care units in China:results from 2020 to 2022
Jing LIU ; Huiyuan YAN ; Gangfeng YAN ; Guoping LU ; Pan FU ; Chuanqing WANG ; Danqun JIN ; Wenjia TONG ; Chenyu ZHANG ; Jianli CHEN ; Yi LIN ; Jia LEI ; Yibing CHENG ; Qunqun ZHANG ; Kaijie GAO ; Yuanyuan CHEN ; Shufang XIAO ; Juan HE ; Li JIANG ; Huimin XU ; Yuxia LI ; Hanghai DING ; Hehe CHEN ; Yao ZHENG ; Qunying CHEN ; Ying WANG ; Hong REN ; Chenmei ZHANG ; Zhenjie CHEN ; Mingming ZHOU ; Yucai ZHANG ; Yiping ZHOU ; Zhenjiang BAI ; Saihu HUANG ; Lili HUANG ; Weiguo YANG ; Weike MA ; Qing MENG ; Pengwei ZHU ; Yong LI ; Yan XU ; Yi WANG ; Yanqiang DU ; Huijun CAI ; Bizhen ZHU ; Huixuan SHI ; Shaoxian HONG ; Yukun HUANG ; Meilian HUANG
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;25(3):303-311
Objective This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profiles of bacterial strains isolated from pediatric intensive care units(PICU)in China for better antimicrobial therapy.Methods Clinical isolates were collected from 17 institutions,including tertiary care children's hospitals and pediatric department of tertiary general hospitals in China from January 1,2020 to December 31,2022.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out according to a unified protocol using Kirby-Bauer method or automated systems.Results were interpreted according to the breakpoints released by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI)in 2020.Results A total of 10 688 isolates were collected,including gram-positive organisms(39.2%)and gram-negative organisms(60.8%).The top three organisms were S.aureus(13.6%,1 453/10 688),A.baumannii(10.0%,1 067/10 688),and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus(9.9%,1 058/10 688).Multi-drug resistant organisms(MDROs)were very common in children.The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA),carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales(CRE),carbapenem-resistant E.coli,carbapenem-resistant K.pneumoniae(CRKP),carbapenem-resistant A.baumannii(CRAB),and carbapenem-resistant P.aeruginosa(CRPA)was 41.1%,19.4%,8.8%,30.9%,67.4%,and 28.8%,respectively.Overall,more than 50%of Enterobacteriales isolates were resistant to cephalosporins,while nearly 25%of Enterobacteriales isolates were resistant to carbapenems.MDROs were highly resistant to commonly used antibiotics.More than 80%of CRE and CRAB strains were resistant to all beta-lactam antibiotics.CRE and CRAB showed low resistance rates to tigecycline and polymyxin.CRPA showed lower resistance rates to piperacillin,beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations than the resistance rates to third and fourth generation cephalosporins.All of the Staphylococcus and Enterococcus isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and tigecycline.None of PRSP strains isolated from meningitis and nonmeningitis samples were resistant to rifampicin,vancomycin,or linezolid.The prevalence of β-lactamase-negative ampicillin-resistant(BLNAR)strains was 43.3%in Haemophilus influenzae.Conclusions MDROs were prevalent in PICU.It is necessary to establish an effective multidisciplinary team(MDT)to control the antimicrobial resistance.
8.In vitro fluorescent substrate assay for the activity of leucine aminopeptidase(LAP)in Echinococcus multilocularis
Jia-yu CHEN ; Yao DAI ; Shun-juan WANG ; Yang XIAO ; Xin-zong YAN ; Tong LIU ; Zhi-hao YUAN ; Kai-li SHI ; Run-le LI ; Feng TANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(1):23-31
This study was aimed at developing an in vitro fluorescent substrate assay for the activity of leucyl aminopeptid-ase(LAP)from Echinococcus multilocularis and comparing it with the chemical chromogenic substrate enzyme activity assay.Through the establishment of reaction conditions for the fluorescent substrate-based in vitro enzyme activity assay,we com-pared the differences between the fluorescent substrate L-Leucine-7-amido-4-methylocoumarin(Leu-AMC)and the chemical chromogenic substrate L-Leucine-4-nitroanilide(Leu-pNA)through molecular docking,inhibition rates,and precision measures.Molecular docking revealed that the fluorescent substrate Leu-AMC had higher affinity for the protein than the chemical chromogenic substrate Leu-pNA.Through analysis of the effects of varying reaction conditions on fluorescence intensi-ty,we optimized the fluorescent substrate enzyme activity assay to demonstrate favorable performance at a reaction temperature of 37℃,a pH of 9.0,a protein concentration of 800 nmol/L,and a reaction duration of 60 minutes.Leu-AMC exhibited significant and distinct responses at a 5 μmol/L substrate concentration,under varying substrate conditions.The fluo-rescent substrate assay demonstrated more significant intergroup differences than the chemical chromogenic substrate assay when various inhibitors were added.This study established a fluorescence-based enzyme activity assay for leucyl aminopeptidase from Echinococcus multilocularis by using Leu-AMC as the substrate;this method demonstrated a more significant intergroup difference and sensitivity than the chemical chromogenic substrate assay.
9.Research progress of adiponectin in the regulation of cardiovascular system
Chao REN ; Bo ZHANG ; Shi-feng LIU ; Yong ZHANG ; Jia-li LIANG ; Tong-jian WANG
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(5):744-748
As an important endocrine organ of human body,adipose tissue secrets a large amount of endocrine fac-tors that regulate a variety of physiological functions,and role of adiponectin in cardiovascular system is especially important.At the cellular and molecular level,adiponectin possesses profound anti-inflammatory,anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects,which can reduce various pathogenic factors of cardiovascular diseases(CVD).In ad-vanced stage of CVD,the expression of adiponectin in adipose tissue as well as its circulating level compensatively increased.Therefore,adiponectin has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system,and increased adiponectin level may suggest severe CVD.In this review article,we systematically introduced the role of adiponectin in CVD and discussed its application prospects as a clinical biomarker.
10.Antimicrobial resistance surveillance in the bacterial strains isolated from pediatric intensive care units in China:results from 2020 to 2022
Jing LIU ; Huiyuan YAN ; Gangfeng YAN ; Guoping LU ; Pan FU ; Chuanqing WANG ; Danqun JIN ; Wenjia TONG ; Chenyu ZHANG ; Jianli CHEN ; Yi LIN ; Jia LEI ; Yibing CHENG ; Qunqun ZHANG ; Kaijie GAO ; Yuanyuan CHEN ; Shufang XIAO ; Juan HE ; Li JIANG ; Huimin XU ; Yuxia LI ; Hanghai DING ; Hehe CHEN ; Yao ZHENG ; Qunying CHEN ; Ying WANG ; Hong REN ; Chenmei ZHANG ; Zhenjie CHEN ; Mingming ZHOU ; Yucai ZHANG ; Yiping ZHOU ; Zhenjiang BAI ; Saihu HUANG ; Lili HUANG ; Weiguo YANG ; Weike MA ; Qing MENG ; Pengwei ZHU ; Yong LI ; Yan XU ; Yi WANG ; Yanqiang DU ; Huijun CAI ; Bizhen ZHU ; Huixuan SHI ; Shaoxian HONG ; Yukun HUANG ; Meilian HUANG
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;25(3):303-311
Objective This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profiles of bacterial strains isolated from pediatric intensive care units(PICU)in China for better antimicrobial therapy.Methods Clinical isolates were collected from 17 institutions,including tertiary care children's hospitals and pediatric department of tertiary general hospitals in China from January 1,2020 to December 31,2022.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out according to a unified protocol using Kirby-Bauer method or automated systems.Results were interpreted according to the breakpoints released by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI)in 2020.Results A total of 10 688 isolates were collected,including gram-positive organisms(39.2%)and gram-negative organisms(60.8%).The top three organisms were S.aureus(13.6%,1 453/10 688),A.baumannii(10.0%,1 067/10 688),and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus(9.9%,1 058/10 688).Multi-drug resistant organisms(MDROs)were very common in children.The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA),carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales(CRE),carbapenem-resistant E.coli,carbapenem-resistant K.pneumoniae(CRKP),carbapenem-resistant A.baumannii(CRAB),and carbapenem-resistant P.aeruginosa(CRPA)was 41.1%,19.4%,8.8%,30.9%,67.4%,and 28.8%,respectively.Overall,more than 50%of Enterobacteriales isolates were resistant to cephalosporins,while nearly 25%of Enterobacteriales isolates were resistant to carbapenems.MDROs were highly resistant to commonly used antibiotics.More than 80%of CRE and CRAB strains were resistant to all beta-lactam antibiotics.CRE and CRAB showed low resistance rates to tigecycline and polymyxin.CRPA showed lower resistance rates to piperacillin,beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations than the resistance rates to third and fourth generation cephalosporins.All of the Staphylococcus and Enterococcus isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and tigecycline.None of PRSP strains isolated from meningitis and nonmeningitis samples were resistant to rifampicin,vancomycin,or linezolid.The prevalence of β-lactamase-negative ampicillin-resistant(BLNAR)strains was 43.3%in Haemophilus influenzae.Conclusions MDROs were prevalent in PICU.It is necessary to establish an effective multidisciplinary team(MDT)to control the antimicrobial resistance.

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