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.

ObjectiveTo construct a group-based trajectory model (GBTM) for early medication adherence check-in, and to analyze the relationship between different trajectories and treatment outcomes in tuberculosis patients using data that were generated from smart tools for monitoring their medication adherence and check-in. MethodsFrom October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023, a total of 163 pulmonary tuberculosis patients diagnosed in Fengxian District were selected as the study subjects. The GBTM was utilized to analyze the weekly active check-in trajectories of the subjects during the first 4 weeks and establish different trajectory groups. The χ² tests were employed to compare the differences between groups and logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between different trajectory groups and treatment outcomes. ResultsA total of four groups were generated by GBTM analyses, of which a low level of punch card was maintained in group A, 6% of the drug users increased rapidly from a low level in group B, 17% of drug users increased gradually from a low level in group C, and 18% of drug users maintained a high level of punch card in group D. The trajectory group was divided into two groups according to homogeneity, namely the low level medication punch card group (group A) and the high level medication punch card group (group B, group C, and group D). The results of multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that low-level medication check-in (OR=3.250, 95%CI: 1.089‒9.696), increasing age (OR=1.030, 95%CI: 1.004‒1.056), and not undergoing sputum examination at the end of the fifth month (OR=2.746, 95%CI: 1.090‒7.009) were significantly associated with poor treatment outcomes. ConclusionThe medication check-in trajectory of pulmonary tuberculosis patients within the first 4 weeks is correlated with adverse outcomes, or namely consistent low-level medication adherence check-ins are associated with poor treatment outcomes, while high-level medication adherence check-ins are associated with a lower incidence of adverse outcomes.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)often exhibits a high incidence of multifocality.The dis-tinction between multiple primary and metastatic tumor origin is a prerequisite for precise diagnosis and treatment.Based on histopathological diagnosis,molecular pathological diagnostic indicators and technologies utilizing multi-omics approaches(DNA,RNA,protein)have been gradually identified.This article systematically reviews recent advance-ments in pathological diagnostic techniques for distinguishing the origin of multifocal ESCC and provides future perspec-tives,aiming to offer references for precise diagnosis.

BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that vascular factors have an important impact on the occurrence of diabetic foot.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the important role of angiopoietin-like protein 4 in the formation of diabetic foot.METHODS:(1)Bioinformatics analysis was performed on the gene expression profile data of diabetic foot patients to find the key genes.The skin samples of diabetic foot patients and healthy people were collected for hematoxylin-eosin staining,immunohistochemical staining,and qRT-PCR experiments to detect the expression of angiopoietin-like protein 4.(2)The immortalized human skin fibroblast cell line and primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured.The two kinds of cells were divided into control group and exogenous angiopoietin-like protein 4 supplemented group.The migration ability and proliferation ability of fibroblasts were detected by scratch assay and CCK-8 assay.The proliferation ability of endothelial cells was detected by Ki67 assay.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Bioinformatics analysis results showed that the down-regulation of angiopoietin-like protein 4 gene might be the key gene leading to the formation of diabetic foot.(2)Hematoxylin-eosin staining exhibited that compared with normal skin,angiopoietin-like protein 4 was weakly expressed in diabetic foot skin,and the mRNA level was decreased(P＜0.01).(3)Scratch assay results demonstrated that compared with the control group,fibroblast migration ability was significantly enhanced in the angiopoietin-like protein 4 group.CCK-8 assay showed that the absorbance value of fibroblasts in the angiopoietin-like protein 4 group was higher than that of the control group at 24 and 48 hours(P＜0.01,P＜0.001).It is suggested that angiopoietin-like protein 4 can enhance the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts.(4)Ki67 assay results demonstrated that the number of Ki67 positive cells in the angiopoietin-like protein 4 group was significantly more than that in the control group.CCK-8 assay results showed that the absorbance value of endothelial cells in the angiopoietin-like protein 4 group was higher than that of the control group at 24 and 48 hours(P＜0.05,P＜0.001).(5)All findings suggest that angiopoietin-like protein 4 can enhance the proliferation of endothelial cells treated with high glucose.

BACKGROUND:Previous studies have found that Jiangu Formula can play a dual role in anti-osteoporosis therapy by inhibiting bone resorption and promoting bone formation,but its mechanism of action has not been elucidated.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of Jiangu Formula on the coupling mechanism between bone resorption and bone formation at the cellular and molecular levels.METHODS:Serum containing Jiangu Formula was prepared and its toxicity to bone marrow derived macrophages was determined using MTT assay.The cell proliferation ability of MC3T3-E1 cells that treated Jiangu Formula medicated serum was measured by using cell counting kit-8 method.Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase staining was used to determine the bone resorption inhibition effect of serum containing Jiangu Formula on osteoclast differentiation.The Jiangu Fang conditional culture medium was prepared and the promoting effect of the conditional culture medium on bone formation of MC3T3-E1 was determined through alkaline phosphatase staining.The effect of serum containing Jiangu Formula on the mRNA levels of osteoclast associated sphingosine kinase 2,collagen triple helix repeat containing 1,and slit homolog 3 coupled genes,as well as the effect of conditioned culture medium on the mRNA levels of bone formation related secreted phosphoprotein 1,alkaline phosphatase,Sp7 transcription factor,and secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine genes,were determined by RT-qPCR method.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The MTT and cell counting kit-8 methods showed that serum containing Jiangu Formula had no significant cytotoxic effects at a concentration of<5%.(2)Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase staining results indicated that serum containing Jiangu Formula dose-dependently inhibited osteoclast differentiation at 2.5%,1.25%,and 0.63%concentrations.(3)The alkaline phosphatase staining results showed that the osteoclast conditioned medium of Jiangu Formula promoted osteoblast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner.(4)In addition,RT-qPCR results showed that serum containing 0.63%Jiangu Formula could increase the mRNA levels of osteoclast derived slit homolog 3 and sphingosine kinase 2 coupling factors,and the conditional culture medium could increase the mRNA expression levels of bone formation related secreted phosphoprotein 1,Sp7 transcription factor,and secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine.To conclude,the serum containing Jiangu Formula can promote bone formation while inhibiting bone resorption,and its mechanism may be related to the mRNA expression of the coupling factors osteoclast derived slit homolog 3 and sphingosine kinase 2 that promote bone resorption and bone formation.

Objective:To investigate the effectiveness and safety of secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCS) in patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer who progressed after first-line maintenance therapy with poly adenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase inhibitor (PARPi).Methods:Clinical pathological data and prognostic information were retrospectively collected from 30 ovarian cancer patients who underwent SCS between January 2018 and June 2024. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the second progression-free survival (PFS2) time and 3-year overall survival (OS) rate.Results:(1) Primary treatment: the median age at diagnosis was 51.3 years. A total of 40% (12/30) patients underwent primary debulking surgery with an expectation of achieving no gross residual disease (R0), while 60% (18/30) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and interval debulking surgery. Optimal cytoreduction was achieved in 93% (28/30) of patients. BRCA1/2 gene testing was performed in 29 patients (testing rate 97%, 29/30), identifying 11 BRCA-mutated (37%, 11/30) and 18 BRCA wild-type (60%, 18/30) patients. The median duration of PARPi maintenance therapy among the 30 patients was 11.9 months; patients with BRCA gene mutations had a median duration of 19.2 months, while those with BRCA wild-type had a median duration of 10.1 months. (2) Secondary surgery: pathologically confirmed recurrence patterns, single lesion in 9 patients (30%, 9/30), oligo-lesion (2 lesions) in 3 patients (10%, 3/30), and multi-lesion (≥3 lesions) in 18 patients (60%, 18/30). Among the 30 patients, optimal cytoreduction was achieved in 97% (29/30) of SCS patients, with suboptimal cytoreduction in 1 patient (3%, 1/30). Adjuvant chemotherapy included platinum+paclitaxel in 24 (80%, 24/30) patients and platinum+liposomal doxorubicin in 6 (20%, 6/30) patients. PARPi re-treatment was administered to 17 patients (57%, 17/30) after chemotherapy. (3) Efficacy and safety: as of the follow-up cutoff in June 2024, the median follow-up time was 28.0 months. A total of 19 (63%, 19/30) patients experienced the next recurrence. The median PFS2 time after SCS was 18.5 months. Recurrence occurred in 7 BRCA-mutated and 12 BRCA gene wild-type patients. Median PFS2 time was significantly longer in BRCA-mutated patients compared to BRCA wild-type patients (25.7 vs 14.1 months; P=0.028). Three deaths occurred during follow-up, resulting in a 3-year OS rate of 90%. Among the 30 patients, postoperative complications occurred in 4 patients (13%, 4/30). One patient developed a ureteral fistula on 7 days post-SCS requiring ureteral stenting, and one patient was transferred to the intensive care unit on 1 day post-SCS due to hypovolemic shock. No deaths occurred within 30 days after SCS. Conclusion:For platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer patients progressed after first-line PARPi maintenance therapy who are anticipated to achieve R0 resection, SCS represents a safe and effective second-line treatment option.

Objective To compare the effects of non-invasive intermittent oxygen-driven nebulization,non-invasive intermittent air-driven nebulization,and non-invasive simultaneous air-driven nebulization on the dynamic changes of partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PtCO2),pulse oxygen saturation(SpO2),and heart rate during nebulization,as well as the therapeutic effects in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Methods A total of 99 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD requiring non-invasive mechanical ventilation and nebulization were randomly divided into a control group,an experimental group one,and an experimental group two,with 33 patients in each group.The control group was given non-invasive intermittent oxygen-driven nebulization,the experimental group one was given non-invasive intermittent air-driven nebulization,and the experimental group two was given non-invasive simultaneous air-driven nebulization.The changes in PtCO2,SpO2,and heart rate at 0 min,5 min,10 min,15 min during nebulization,5 min,10 min,and 15 min after nebulization were recorded.The values of arterial blood gas PaCO2 and PaO2 were recorded every morning from before treatment to the 7th day of treatment.The length of hospital stay in the three groups was also recorded.Results The comparison of PtCO2 during nebulization among the three groups showed that there were statistically significant differences in the main effect of time and the interaction effect of time and group(P<0.001).The PtCO2 values in the control group showed a linear relationship with time(F=10.166,P=0.003),increasing over time;the PtCO2 values in the experimental group one showed a linear relationship with time(F=10.544,P=0.003),decreasing over time;the PtCO2 values in the experimental group two showed a linear rela-tionship with time(F=20.003,P<0.001),decreasing over time.A one-way ANOVA was conducted on the PtCO2 values at each time point in the three groups.The PtCO2 value at 15 min of nebulization in the control group was higher than that in the experimental group one and the experimental group two.There were statistically signifi-cant differences in the difference in PtCO2 before and after nebulization(dPtCO2)between the experimental group one and the experimental group two and the control group(P<0.05).A one-way ANOVA was conducted on the PtCO2 values at each time point during the observation period after nebulization.The results showed that there were statistically significant differences in PtCO2 at 0 min and 5 min after nebulization among the three groups(P<0.05),while there were no statistically significant differences in PtCO2 at 10 min and 15 min after nebulization among the three groups(P>0.05).The comparison of SPO2 during nebulization among the three groups showed that there were statistically significant differences in the interaction effect of time and group(P<0.05).The SPO2 values in the experimental group one decreased over time.The SPO2 values at 10 min and 15 min of nebulization in the control group were higher than those in the experimental group one and the experimental group two.All three groups could improve PaCO2 in arterial blood gas with the treatment days(P<0.05).Conclusions All three nebu-lization treatment methods can achieve good therapeutic effects.However,non-invasive intermittent oxygen-driven nebulization can increase PtCO2 and SPO2 during nebulization;non-invasive intermittent air-driven nebulization can decrease PtCO2 and SPO2 during nebulization;non-invasive simultaneous air-driven nebulization can decrease PtCO2 and maintain stable SPO2 during nebulization.Therefore,non-invasive simultaneous air-driven nebulization is a relatively safer nebulization inhalation method and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Objective To explore the effects of modified prone ventilation combined with bronchoscopic alveolar lavage on respiratory mechanics and hemodynamics in children with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome(ARDS),as well as to evaluate the clinical treatment efficacy.Methods A total of 96 ARDS children receiving mechanical ventilation treatment in the emergency intensive care unit of Kunming Children's Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023 were selected and randomly assigned into three groups:Group A(prone ventilation group,n=32),Group B(modified prone ventilation group,n=32),and Group C(modified prone ventilation combined with bronchoscopic alveolar lavage group,n=32).The changes in the following parameters before and after treatment among the three groups were compared:oxygenation indicators:arterial oxygen partial pressure(PaO2),arterial oxygenation index(PaO2/FiO2);respiratory mechanics indicators:lung compliance,mean airway pressure,plateau airway pressure,and total airway resistance;hemodynamic indicators:cardiac output,cardiac index,systemic vascular resistance index,and mean arterial pressure;clinical efficacy indicators time to disappearance of rales,mechanical ventilation duration,and length of hospital stay;and incidence of complications:arrhythmia,airway obstruction,pressure injuries,total incidence of catheter dislodgment,and gastric content reflux.Results The oxygenation indicators in Group C after treatment were superior to those in Groups A and B(P<0.05).The respiratory mechanics indicators in Group C after treatment were also better than those in Groups A and B(P<0.05).In terms of hemodynamics,there were no statistically significant differences in cardiac output,cardiac index,and mean arterial pressure among Groups A,B,and C after treatment(P>0.05).However,the SVRI in Group C was better than that in Groups A and B(P<0.05).Curative effect for Group C were also better than those for Groups A and B(P<0.05).The incidence of complications in Group C showed no significant difference compared to Groups A and B(P>0.05).Conclusion The modified prone ventilation combined with bronchoscopic alveolar lavage treatment scheme demonstrates better therapeutic effects compared to traditional treatment methods,significantly improving oxygenation and respiratory mechanics indicators as well as the systemic vascular resistance index in children,and is worthy of clinical promotion.

In-depth study of the components of polymyxins is the key to controlling the quality of this class of antibiotics. Similarities and variations of components present significant analytical challenges. A two-dimensional (2D) liquid chromatography-mass spectrometr (LC-MS) method was established for screening and comprehensive profiling of compositions of the antibiotic colistimethate sodium (CMS). A high concentration of phosphate buffer mobile phase was used in the first-dimensional LC system to get the components well separated. For efficient and high-accuracy screening of CMS, a targeted method based on a self-constructed high resolution (HR) mass spectrum database of CMS components was established. The database was built based on the commercial MassHunter Personal Compound Database and Library (PCDL) software and its accuracy of the compound matching result was verified with six known components before being applied to genuine sample screening. On this basis, the unknown peaks in the CMS chromatograms were deduced and assigned. The molecular formula, group composition, and origins of a total of 99 compounds, of which the combined area percentage accounted for more than 95% of CMS components, were deduced by this 2D-LC-MS method combined with the MassHunter PCDL. This profiling method was highly efficient and could distinguish hundreds of components within 3 h, providing reliable results for quality control of this kind of complex drugs.

This study aims to comprehensively analyze the material basis of toad visceral oil(hereafter referred to as toad oil), and explore the pharmacological effect of toad oil on atopic dermatitis(AD). Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap/orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS) were employed to comprehensively identify the chemical components in toad oil. The animal model of AD was prepared by the hapten stimulation method. The modeled animals were respectively administrated with positive drug(0.1% hydrocortisone butyrate cream) and low-and high-doses(1%, 10%) of toad oil by gavage. The effect of toad oil on AD was evaluated with the AD score, ear swelling rate, spleen index, and pathological section results as indicators. A total of 99 components were identified by UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS, including 14 bufadienolides, 7 fatty acids, 6 alkaloids, 10 ketones, 18 amides, and other compounds. After methylation of toad oil samples, a total of 20 compounds were identified by GC-MS. Compared with the model group, the low-and high-dose toad oil groups showed declined AD score, ear swelling rate, and spleen index, alleviated skin lesions, and reduced infiltrating mast cells. This study comprehensively analyzes the chemical composition and clarifies the material basis of toad oil. Meanwhile, this study proves that toad oil has a good therapeutic effect on AD and is a reserve resource of traditional Chinese medicine for external use in the treatment of AD.
Animals ; Dermatitis, Atopic/immunology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mice ; Male ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; Humans ; Bufonidae ; Oils/administration & dosage* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Female ; Mice, Inbred BALB C