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.Ethical issues and countermeasures for peer psychological counseling conducted by university class committee member for psychology
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(6):819-825
This paper analyzed the characteristics of peer psychological counseling conducted by class committee member for psychology in universities and the dilemmas they faced in four aspects, including dual relationships, confidentiality issues, competence issues, and informed consent. It also examined the causes of these ethical dilemmas and corresponding countermeasures one by one. Specific work requirements were proposed for class committee member for psychology in conducting peer psychological counseling. These encompassed clarifying the nature and boundaries of the helping relationship, establishing appropriate settings, discussing the impacts of dual relationships, maintaining confidentiality awareness, adopting appropriate confidentiality measures, actively participating in training to improve competence, making timely referrals when exceeding their professional scope, ensuring proper informed consent, and maintaining value neutrality. Recommendations were also put forward for universities to strengthen the training and management of class committee member for psychology, enhance their ethical awareness, and ensure the effectiveness of peer counseling.
3.Association analyses of early medication clocking-in trajectory with smart tools and treatment outcome in pulmonary tuberculosis patients
Chunhua XU ; Zheyuan WU ; Yong WU ; Qing WANG ; Zichun WANG ; Nan QIN ; Xinru LI ; Yucong YAO ; Kehua YI ; Yi HU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(3):210-214
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.
4.Expressions of Patched 1 and insulin enhancer binding protein-1 in mouse embryonic foregut and their relationship with early development of trachea-main bronchus
Yu-Nan YAN ; Liang SHI ; Hui-Chao LI ; Jun CHEN ; Kai-Ning YAO ; Yan-Ping YANG
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(2):223-231
Objective To explore the spatiotemporal expression patterns of Patched 1(Ptch1)and insulin enhancer binding protein-1(Isl 1)in mouse embryonic foregut and their relationship with the early development of trachea-main bronchus.Methods The foregut of 60 mouse embryos at E9.5-12.5 was separated for the detection of Isl1 and sonic hedgehog(Shh)protein by Western blotting.Serial paraffin sections of 6 mouse embryos at E9.5-14.5 were taken for immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence double staining with Isl1,Ptch1,forkhead box protein A2(Foxa2),type Ⅱ collagen α1 chain(Col2a1)and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),as well as HE staining and Masson staining.Results The expression trend of Isl1 and Shh in foregut endoderm at E9.5-12.5 was similar,and the peak of Shh expression was later than Isl1.The foregut developed into the trachea at E9.5-12.5,Ptch1 was expressed in the thickening and protrusion of the respiratory endoderm,the laryngal-tracheal groove and the solid cell cord,accompanied by the increase and aggregation of Isl1-positive mesenchymal cells,forming a characteristic pyramidal structure centered on the respiratory endoderm and the solid cell cord;The main bronchus appeared at E12.5-13.5,Ptch1 was only expressed in its lateral wall,accompanied by the accumulation of Isl1-positive mesenchymal cells;The trachea-main bronchial epithelium lost Ptch1 expression and the surrounding Isl 1-positive mesenchymal cells also decreased rapidly at E13.5-14.5.Co12a1-positive chondrocytes first appeared in the Isl1-positive mesenchymal area adjacent to the Ptch1-positive epithelium at E12.5;Col2a1-positive cartilage was nested within the Isl1-positive mesenchymic area in a"C"shape and expanded in a proximal-distal pattern at E12.5-13.5;Col2a1-positive cartilage extended to the dorsal trachea beyond the Isl1-positive mesenchyma and encircles α-SMA positive smooth muscle in a circular manner at E14.5.Conclusion The expression of Ptch1 in the foregut endoderm is involved in the development and morphogenesis of the trachea-main bronchus epithelium,and is closely related to the proliferation and aggregation of Isl1-positive mesenchyme in the trachea-main bronchial wall,Subsequently,they jointly determine the time,location and extent of airway cartilage.
5.Clinical and pathological characteristics of pediatric tumors with DICER1 mutations detected by Sanger sequencing
Meng ZHANG ; Xingfeng YAO ; Nan ZHANG ; Chao JIA ; Yaqian WU ; Baofeng YANG ; Shen YANG ; Lejian HE
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2025;54(12):1288-1296
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological and molecular genetic characteristics of pediatric tumors with DICER1 mutations.Methods:A total of 90 patients diagnosed with various types of pediatric tumors at Beijing Children′s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China from July 2023 to September 2025 were included in this study. PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing were performed to detect the coding-region mutations of the DICER1 gene. The clinical, histopathological, and molecular genetic features of the cases with DICER1 mutation were then analyzed.Results:Among the 90 patients, 39 were male and 51 were female, with an age of onset ranging from 1 month to 17 years [median 7.13 (2.77, 10.37) years]. DICER1 mutations were detected in 37 patients (37/90, 41.1%). Among them, 9 cases harbored one mutation [6 pleuropulmonary blastomas (PPBs), 2 sex cord stromal tumors (SCSTs), and 1 cystic nephroma (CN)], 27 cases carried two mutations [10 PPBs, 3 anaplastic sarcomas of the kidney (ASKs), 3 SCSTs, 3 thyroid adenoma, 2 nodular thyroid goiters, 2 thyroid follicular lesions, 2 CN, 1 embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, and 1 case with multiple primary tumors], and 1 case exhibited three mutations (bilateral ASKs). Despite variations in the site of origin, DICER1-mutant tumors shared several morphological features. Grossly, they presented as multilocular cystic, cystic-solid to solid masses. Microscopically, they exhibited a subepithelial layer of mesenchymal cells, with focal rhabdomyoblastic/chondroid/chondrosarcomatous differentiation, as well as cellular anaplasia. Germline testing using peripheral blood in the 31 patients with DICER1 mutation confirmed germline origin in 61.3% (19/31) of them. Parental analysis ( n=12) demonstrated genetic inheritance in 8 cases, predominantly from families with tumor history. Germline variants scattered throughout DICER1 and consisted of loss-of-function mutations (nonsense, frameshift, and splice-site). Somatic mutations showed distinct clustering in exons 24 and 25 hotspots (codons 1705, 1709, 1809, 1810 and 1813), primarily missense variants. Notably, one multiple primary tumor case harbored a somatic mosaic p.E1705K mutation. Conclusions:DICER1 mutations are frequently detected in pediatric PPB, CN, SCST, ASK, nodular thyroid goiter, thyroid adenoma, and genitourinary rhabdomyosarcoma, which often represent as the index case of DICER1 syndrome. Performing DICER1 mutation testing in these patients not only facilitates tumor diagnosis and secondary cancer surveillance, but also enables the comprehensive genetic risk assessment and management for patient′s family members.
6.Research progress of nano drug delivery system based on metal-polyphenol network for the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory diseases
Meng-jie ZHAO ; Xia-li ZHU ; Yi-jing LI ; Zi-ang WANG ; Yun-long ZHAO ; Gao-jian WEI ; Yu CHEN ; Sheng-nan HUANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):323-336
Inflammatory diseases (IDs) are a general term of diseases characterized by chronic inflammation as the primary pathogenetic mechanism, which seriously affect the quality of patient′s life and cause significant social and medical burden. Current drugs for IDs include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, biologics, and antioxidants, but these drugs may cause gastrointestinal side effects, induce or worsen infections, and cause non-response or intolerance. Given the outstanding performance of metal polyphenol network (MPN) in the fields of drug delivery, biomedical imaging, and catalytic therapy, its application in the diagnosis and treatment of IDs has attracted much attention and significant progress has been made. In this paper, we first provide an overview of the types of IDs and their generating mechanisms, then sort out and summarize the different forms of MPN in recent years, and finally discuss in detail the characteristics of MPN and their latest research progress in the diagnosis and treatment of IDs. This research may provide useful references for scientific research and clinical practice in the related fields.
7.Targeted screening and profiling of massive components of colistimethate sodium by two-dimensional-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry based on self-constructed compound database.
Xuan LI ; Minwen HUANG ; Yue-Mei ZHAO ; Wenxin LIU ; Nan HU ; Jie ZHOU ; Zi-Yi WANG ; Sheng TANG ; Jian-Bin PAN ; Hian Kee LEE ; Yao-Zuo YUAN ; Taijun HANG ; Hai-Wei SHI ; Hongyuan CHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(2):101072-101072
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.
8.Association of Loneliness and Social Isolation with Ischemic Heart Disease: A Bidirectional and Network Mendelian Randomization Study.
Shu Yao SU ; Wan Yue WANG ; Chen Xi YUAN ; Zhen Nan LIN ; Xiang Feng LU ; Fang Chao LIU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(3):351-364
OBJECTIVE:
Observational studies have shown inconsistent associations of loneliness or social isolation (SI) with ischemic heart disease (IHD), with unknown mediators.
METHODS:
Using data from genome-wide association studies of predominantly European ancestry, we performed a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) study to estimate causal effects of loneliness ( N = 487,647) and SI traits on IHD ( N = 184,305). SI traits included whether individuals lived alone, participated in various types of social activities, and how often they had contact with friends or family ( N = 459,830 to 461,369). A network MR study was conducted to evaluate the mediating roles of 20 candidate mediators, including metabolic, behavioral and psychological factors.
RESULTS:
Loneliness increased IHD risk ( OR= 2.129; 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.380 to 3.285), mediated by body fat percentage, waist-hip ratio, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. For SI traits, only fewer social activities increased IHD risk ( OR= 1.815; 95% CI: 1.189 to 2.772), mediated by hypertension, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting insulin, and smoking cessation. No reverse causality of IHD with loneliness and SI was found.
CONCLUSION
These findings suggested more attention should be paid to individuals who feel lonely and have fewer social activities to prevent IHD, with several mediators as prioritized targets for intervention.
Loneliness/psychology*
;
Humans
;
Mendelian Randomization Analysis
;
Social Isolation
;
Myocardial Ischemia/etiology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Genome-Wide Association Study
;
Risk Factors
;
Aged
10.Molecular Characterization of New Recombinant Human Adenoviruses Detected in Children with Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in Beijing, China, 2022-2023.
Yi Nan GUO ; Ri DE ; Fang Ming WANG ; Zhen Zhi HAN ; Li Ying LIU ; Yu SUN ; Yao YAO ; Xiao Lin MA ; Shuang LIU ; Chunmei ZHU ; Dong QU ; Lin Qing ZHAO
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(9):1071-1081
OBJECTIVE:
Recombination events are common and serve as the primary driving force of diverse human adenovirus (HAdV), particularly in children with acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs). Therefore, continual monitoring of these events is essential for effective viral surveillance and control.
METHODS:
Respiratory specimens were collected from children with ARIs between January 2022 and December 2023. The penton base, hexon, and fiber genes were amplified from HAdV-positive specimens and sequenced to determine the virus type. In cases with inconsistent typing results, genes were cloned into the pGEM-T vector to detect recombination events. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) was performed to characterize the recombinant HAdV genomes.
RESULTS:
Among 6,771 specimens, 277 (4.09%, 277/6,771) were positvie for HAdV, of which 157 (56.68%, 157/277) were successfully typed, with HAdV-B3 being the dominant type (91.08%, 143/157), and 14 (5.05%, 14/277) exhibited inconsistent typing results, six of which belonged to species B. The penton base genes of these six specimens were classified as HAdV-B7, whereas their hexon and fiber genes were classified as HAdV-B3, resulting in a recombinant genotype designated P7H3F3, which closely resembled HAdV-B114. Additionally, a partial gene encoding L1 52/55 kD was identified, which originated from HAdV-B16.
CONCLUSION
A novel recombinant, P7H3F3, was identified, containing sequences derived from HAdV-B3 and HAdV-B7, which is similar to HAdV-B114, along with additional sequences from HAdV-B16.
Humans
;
Adenoviruses, Human/isolation & purification*
;
Respiratory Tract Infections/epidemiology*
;
Child, Preschool
;
Child
;
Recombination, Genetic
;
Male
;
Beijing/epidemiology*
;
Infant
;
Female
;
Phylogeny
;
Adenovirus Infections, Human/epidemiology*
;
Acute Disease
;
Genome, Viral

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