1.Noninvasive Screening for Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Using Photoplethysmography-derived Meridian-labelled Harmonic Parameters
Yun-Qing LE ; Jian-Xin CHEN ; Ai-Ping CHEN ; Zhi-Hong LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1178-1194
ObjectiveChronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is usually diagnosed by gastroscopy and histopathological biopsy. These procedures remain the reference standard, but their invasive nature and resource requirements may limit their use in large-scale population screening and repeated follow-up. A convenient and reproducible method for noninvasive auxiliary screening may help identify individuals who require further endoscopic assessment. Fingertip photoplethysmography (PPG) provides a noninvasive recording of peripheral pulse waves and allows harmonic features to be extracted from the signal. In this study, the so-called meridian-related variables were defined as PPG-derived harmonic parameters labelled according to meridian nomenclature, rather than as direct measurements of meridian physiology. This study aimed to compare these harmonic parameters between patients with CAG and non-CAG controls, identify parameters that remained different after age adjustment, and develop a multivariable model for noninvasive auxiliary screening and pre-endoscopic risk stratification of CAG. MethodsA total of 343 participants were included, comprising 171 patients with CAG and 172 non-CAG controls. CAG diagnosis was established using gastroscopy and histopathology as the reference standard. Fingertip PPG signals were collected using a PPG-based pulse acquisition device. Eight PPG-derived harmonic parameters labelled according to meridian nomenclature were extracted for analysis. Between-group differences were first assessed using nonparametric tests. Age-adjusted analyses were then performed to reduce potential confounding by age. The false discovery rate (FDR) method was applied for multiple-comparison correction. A multivariable logistic regression model integrating age and multiple harmonic parameters was constructed. Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and the area under the curve (AUC). Internal validation performance was assessed using stratified five-fold cross-validation and bootstrap optimism correction. Threshold performance was examined using both a high-specificity strategy and a Youden index-based cutoff. Decision curve analysis was used to evaluate the model’s net clinical benefit across a range of threshold probabilities. ResultsAll eight harmonic parameters were non-normally distributed. In the univariate analysis, the stomach-labelled harmonic parameter (ST), bladder-labelled harmonic parameter (BL), and liver-labelled harmonic parameter (LR) differed between the CAG and non-CAG groups. After age adjustment and FDR correction, only ST and BL remained statistically significant. Compared with non-CAG controls, patients with CAG showed higher ST values and lower BL values. This finding indicates an associated differential harmonic pattern that was not fully explained by age distribution. However, the discriminative ability of a single harmonic parameter was limited. The best-performing single indicator was ST, with an AUC of 0.652 (95% CI: 0.595-0.707). The multivariable model integrating age and multiple harmonic parameters achieved an AUC of 0.791 (95% CI: 0.743-0.835), representing an improvement of 0.139 over ST alone. In internal validation, stratified five-fold cross-validation yielded a mean AUC of 0.753 (95% CI: 0.715-0.781), and the bootstrap optimism-corrected AUC was 0.748. These results suggest that the model retained moderate discriminative performance after internal validation.At a specificity of at least 95%, the model achieved a sensitivity of only 40.4% (95% CI: 25.7%-49.7%). This high-specificity cutoff may be suboptimal as the preferred threshold for an initial screening setting because of the potential risk of missed CAG cases. The Youden index-based optimal cutoff was 0.419, corresponding to a sensitivity of 80.7% and a specificity of 62.8%. This threshold may better match the practical aim of noninvasive auxiliary screening, where sensitivity is usually prioritized to reduce missed cases. Decision curve analysis showed that, within a threshold probability range of 10%-55%, the model provided higher net clinical benefit than the reference strategies of recommending gastroscopy for all participants or for none. ConclusionPatients with CAG showed associated harmonic differences in fingertip PPG-derived features, mainly characterized by higher ST and lower BL values after age adjustment and FDR correction. Compared with a single harmonic parameter, the multivariable model showed better overall discrimination and retained moderate internal validation performance. These findings suggest that PPG-derived harmonic parameters labelled according to meridian nomenclature may provide auxiliary information for noninvasive auxiliary screening and front-line triage before gastroscopic confirmation in CAG. The present results support further validation rather than immediate clinical implementation. External validation in independent, multicenter, and preferably prospective screening cohorts is needed to assess the model’s generalizability, screening performance, and potential clinical utility.
2.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.
3.Noninvasive Screening for Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Using Photoplethysmography-derived Meridian-labelled Harmonic Parameters
Yun-Qing LE ; Jian-Xin CHEN ; Ai-Ping CHEN ; Zhi-Hong LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1178-1194
ObjectiveChronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is usually diagnosed by gastroscopy and histopathological biopsy. These procedures remain the reference standard, but their invasive nature and resource requirements may limit their use in large-scale population screening and repeated follow-up. A convenient and reproducible method for noninvasive auxiliary screening may help identify individuals who require further endoscopic assessment. Fingertip photoplethysmography (PPG) provides a noninvasive recording of peripheral pulse waves and allows harmonic features to be extracted from the signal. In this study, the so-called meridian-related variables were defined as PPG-derived harmonic parameters labelled according to meridian nomenclature, rather than as direct measurements of meridian physiology. This study aimed to compare these harmonic parameters between patients with CAG and non-CAG controls, identify parameters that remained different after age adjustment, and develop a multivariable model for noninvasive auxiliary screening and pre-endoscopic risk stratification of CAG. MethodsA total of 343 participants were included, comprising 171 patients with CAG and 172 non-CAG controls. CAG diagnosis was established using gastroscopy and histopathology as the reference standard. Fingertip PPG signals were collected using a PPG-based pulse acquisition device. Eight PPG-derived harmonic parameters labelled according to meridian nomenclature were extracted for analysis. Between-group differences were first assessed using nonparametric tests. Age-adjusted analyses were then performed to reduce potential confounding by age. The false discovery rate (FDR) method was applied for multiple-comparison correction. A multivariable logistic regression model integrating age and multiple harmonic parameters was constructed. Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and the area under the curve (AUC). Internal validation performance was assessed using stratified five-fold cross-validation and bootstrap optimism correction. Threshold performance was examined using both a high-specificity strategy and a Youden index-based cutoff. Decision curve analysis was used to evaluate the model’s net clinical benefit across a range of threshold probabilities. ResultsAll eight harmonic parameters were non-normally distributed. In the univariate analysis, the stomach-labelled harmonic parameter (ST), bladder-labelled harmonic parameter (BL), and liver-labelled harmonic parameter (LR) differed between the CAG and non-CAG groups. After age adjustment and FDR correction, only ST and BL remained statistically significant. Compared with non-CAG controls, patients with CAG showed higher ST values and lower BL values. This finding indicates an associated differential harmonic pattern that was not fully explained by age distribution. However, the discriminative ability of a single harmonic parameter was limited. The best-performing single indicator was ST, with an AUC of 0.652 (95% CI: 0.595-0.707). The multivariable model integrating age and multiple harmonic parameters achieved an AUC of 0.791 (95% CI: 0.743-0.835), representing an improvement of 0.139 over ST alone. In internal validation, stratified five-fold cross-validation yielded a mean AUC of 0.753 (95% CI: 0.715-0.781), and the bootstrap optimism-corrected AUC was 0.748. These results suggest that the model retained moderate discriminative performance after internal validation.At a specificity of at least 95%, the model achieved a sensitivity of only 40.4% (95% CI: 25.7%-49.7%). This high-specificity cutoff may be suboptimal as the preferred threshold for an initial screening setting because of the potential risk of missed CAG cases. The Youden index-based optimal cutoff was 0.419, corresponding to a sensitivity of 80.7% and a specificity of 62.8%. This threshold may better match the practical aim of noninvasive auxiliary screening, where sensitivity is usually prioritized to reduce missed cases. Decision curve analysis showed that, within a threshold probability range of 10%-55%, the model provided higher net clinical benefit than the reference strategies of recommending gastroscopy for all participants or for none. ConclusionPatients with CAG showed associated harmonic differences in fingertip PPG-derived features, mainly characterized by higher ST and lower BL values after age adjustment and FDR correction. Compared with a single harmonic parameter, the multivariable model showed better overall discrimination and retained moderate internal validation performance. These findings suggest that PPG-derived harmonic parameters labelled according to meridian nomenclature may provide auxiliary information for noninvasive auxiliary screening and front-line triage before gastroscopic confirmation in CAG. The present results support further validation rather than immediate clinical implementation. External validation in independent, multicenter, and preferably prospective screening cohorts is needed to assess the model’s generalizability, screening performance, and potential clinical utility.
4.Advances in research on mitochondrial fission and fusion dynamics in allergic diseases
Kai-yuan HE ; Long-yun ZHOU ; Xu-qing CHEN ; Yong-jun WU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):820-824
Mitochondrial dynamics refer to two modes of move-ment:mitochondrial fission and mitochondrial fusion.Stimula-tion from internal and external sources promotes the occurrence of mitochondrial dynamic changes,supporting cellular functional changes to adapt to physiological and pathological changes.This article systematically reviews relevant literature,providing an o-verview of the dynamic changes in mitochondrial fission/fusion from both physiological and pathological perspectives.It summa-rizes the essence of these changes by highlighting functional al-terations,including ion homeostasis,redox balance,energy me-tabolism,and programmed death signaling,and reveals the un-derlying mechanisms of action.Additionally,by focusing on key cellular components in allergic diseases,it discusses the impact of functional alterations in mitochondrial dynamic division/fusion on allergic diseases.Progressively examining the concept,func-tional alterations,and impact on allergic diseases,this study es-tablishes a connection between mitochondrial fission/fusion dy-namics and key cellular components of allergic diseases.It con-structs a networked map that outlines how these dynamics modu-late the progression of allergic diseases through diverse cellular components,aiming to guide mechanistic studies and systematic treatments for these diseases.
5.Clinical effects of Supplemented Gegen Qinlian Decoction combined with acupuncture on patients with ulcerative colitis of Large Intestinnal Dampness-heat Pattern
Tian CHEN ; Ze-hui WANG ; Yun-hua PENG ; Qing-yuan WANG ; Yan-ni PEI ; Qi-qi YANG ; Wei YANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(2):453-457
AIM To investigate the clinical effects of Supplemented Gegen Qinlian Decoction combined with acupuncture on patients with ulcerative colitis of Large Intestinal Dampness-heat Pattern.METHODS One hundred and twenty patients were randomly assigned into control group(60 cases)for 1-month administration of Pefikang Capsules and Mesalazine Sustained Release Granules,and observation group(60 cases)for 1-month administration of Supplemented Gegen Qinlian Decoction,acupuncture,Pefikang Capsules and Mesalazine Sustained Release Granules.The changes in clinical effects,symptom remission time,TCM syndrome scores,Geboes index,lesion activity index,Baron score,inflammatory factors(IL-6,IL-8,TNF-α),immune function indices(IgA,IgG,IgM),IBDQ score and recurrence rate were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P<0.05),along with shorter symptom remission time(P<0.05)and lower recurrence rate(P<0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed decreased TCM syndrome scores,Geboes index,lesion activity index,Baron score,inflammatory factors,IgG,IgM(P<0.05),and increased IBDQ score(P<0.05),especially for the observation group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION For the patients with ulcerative colitis of Large Intestinal Dampness-heat Pattern,Gegen Qinlian Decoction combined with acupuncture can improve clinical symptoms,promote disease recovery,enhance immune functions and life quality,and reduce recurrence rate.
6.Advances in research on mitochondrial fission and fusion dynamics in allergic diseases
Kai-yuan HE ; Long-yun ZHOU ; Xu-qing CHEN ; Yong-jun WU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):820-824
Mitochondrial dynamics refer to two modes of move-ment:mitochondrial fission and mitochondrial fusion.Stimula-tion from internal and external sources promotes the occurrence of mitochondrial dynamic changes,supporting cellular functional changes to adapt to physiological and pathological changes.This article systematically reviews relevant literature,providing an o-verview of the dynamic changes in mitochondrial fission/fusion from both physiological and pathological perspectives.It summa-rizes the essence of these changes by highlighting functional al-terations,including ion homeostasis,redox balance,energy me-tabolism,and programmed death signaling,and reveals the un-derlying mechanisms of action.Additionally,by focusing on key cellular components in allergic diseases,it discusses the impact of functional alterations in mitochondrial dynamic division/fusion on allergic diseases.Progressively examining the concept,func-tional alterations,and impact on allergic diseases,this study es-tablishes a connection between mitochondrial fission/fusion dy-namics and key cellular components of allergic diseases.It con-structs a networked map that outlines how these dynamics modu-late the progression of allergic diseases through diverse cellular components,aiming to guide mechanistic studies and systematic treatments for these diseases.
7.Development of dynamic multi-time-point clinical prediction models for bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants with gestational age<32 weeks
Wen LI ; Xue-Fei ZHANG ; Xiao-Ri HE ; Tao WANG ; Jing-Tao HU ; Wen LI ; Qing-Yi DONG ; Xiao-Yun GONG ; Yong-Hui YANG ; Ping-Yang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(12):1464-1474
Objective To develop dynamic prediction models based on multiple postnatal time points to support early diagnosis and individualized intervention for bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD)in preterm infants with gestational age<32 weeks.Methods Clinical data of 472 preterm infants with gestational age<32 weeks admitted to the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between January 2016 and November 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.Multivariable logistic regression was applied to develop five independent prediction models at postnatal days 1,7,14,21,and 28.The performance of the models was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test.Results Baseline characteristics such as gestational age and birth weight differed significantly between the BPD group(n=147)and the non-BPD group(n=325)(P<0.05).Predictors of BPD evolved across time points:on day 1,key predictors included gestational age,birth weight,Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology II(SNAP-II),invasive mechanical ventilation,and fraction of inspired oxygen>30%;by day 7,additional variables emerged,including fasting duration>2 days,mean feeding advancement rate<8.5 mL/(kg·d),neonatal respiratory distress syndrome,apnea of prematurity,and positive sputum culture;from day 14 onward,nutrition-and treatment-related indicators were incorporated additionally.The models demonstrated good discrimination at postnatal days 1,7,14,21,and 28,with AUCs of 0.917,0.927,0.939,0.944,and 0.968,respectively,and good calibration(Hosmer-Lemeshow P>0.05).Internal validation showed AUCs ranging from 0.899 to 0.958,indicating robust performance.Conclusions Dynamic postnatal prediction models incorporating indicators spanning perinatal factors,respiratory support,nutritional management,and therapeutic interventions demonstrate high predictive performance and facilitate dynamic risk assessment for BPD in preterm infants with gestational age<32 weeks.
8.Clinical effects of Supplemented Gegen Qinlian Decoction combined with acupuncture on patients with ulcerative colitis of Large Intestinnal Dampness-heat Pattern
Tian CHEN ; Ze-hui WANG ; Yun-hua PENG ; Qing-yuan WANG ; Yan-ni PEI ; Qi-qi YANG ; Wei YANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(2):453-457
AIM To investigate the clinical effects of Supplemented Gegen Qinlian Decoction combined with acupuncture on patients with ulcerative colitis of Large Intestinal Dampness-heat Pattern.METHODS One hundred and twenty patients were randomly assigned into control group(60 cases)for 1-month administration of Pefikang Capsules and Mesalazine Sustained Release Granules,and observation group(60 cases)for 1-month administration of Supplemented Gegen Qinlian Decoction,acupuncture,Pefikang Capsules and Mesalazine Sustained Release Granules.The changes in clinical effects,symptom remission time,TCM syndrome scores,Geboes index,lesion activity index,Baron score,inflammatory factors(IL-6,IL-8,TNF-α),immune function indices(IgA,IgG,IgM),IBDQ score and recurrence rate were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P<0.05),along with shorter symptom remission time(P<0.05)and lower recurrence rate(P<0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed decreased TCM syndrome scores,Geboes index,lesion activity index,Baron score,inflammatory factors,IgG,IgM(P<0.05),and increased IBDQ score(P<0.05),especially for the observation group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION For the patients with ulcerative colitis of Large Intestinal Dampness-heat Pattern,Gegen Qinlian Decoction combined with acupuncture can improve clinical symptoms,promote disease recovery,enhance immune functions and life quality,and reduce recurrence rate.
9.Preparation and Performance Test of Highly Stable Ammonium Ion Selective Electrode Based on Hydrophobic Solid Contact Layer
Chen-Yu LIU ; Jia-Wen YIN ; Yun-Zhe HAN ; Sheng-Kang LU ; Qing-Hui JIN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(5):774-784
The stability of ammonium ion selective electrode is an important indicator to ensure accurate monitoring of ammonia nitrogen concentration in drinking water.However,in long-term monitoring process,interfering ions and water molecules in water samples may penetrate into the interior of the ammonium ion selective electrode to form a water layer,which affects the potential response and stability of the electrode.Perfluorooctanoic acid is a low surface energy material,and doping it in polyaniline can reduce surface energy of the composite and improve surface roughness.In this work,five ammonium ion selective electrodes were prepared by doping polyaniline with different concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid as a solid contact layer,which made the solid contact layer of electrode had hydrophobic properties,thereby improving stability of the ammonium ion selective electrode.The stability of the ion-selective electrode was evaluated by potential drift experiment,and the optimal doping concentration of perfluorooctanoic acid in the sediment solution was determined to be 5 mmol/L.The experiment results showed that the solid contact layer had a water contact angle of 132o under the doping concentration,the potential drift rate was 41.66 μV/h,and potential drift rate in the aqueous layer test was 1.31 mV/h,which were all better than those of the unmodified electrode.The standard deviation of the electrode potential was 1.42 mV,which was obviously superior to that of the unmodified electrode.The characteristics of high stability of the electrode made it suitable for long-term monitoring of ammonia nitrogen content in water samples.
10.Exploring the medication rules of GU Nai-fang,in the treatment of skin diseases based on the real world
Qing XU ; Yun-fei LI ; Xi CHEN ; Kan ZE ; Ye TANG ; Ya-nan ZHANG
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(5):701-707,764
Objective To organize and summarize the medication rules of GU Nai-fang in treating skin diseases through real-world data.Methods We collected traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions for GU Nai-fang's treatment of skin diseases from the outpatient medical record system of Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital to establish a database.Statistical analysis of disease types,performance,and efficacy was conducted,and association rules and systematic clustering analysis were performed using SPSS Modeler 18.0 and SPSS 26.0 software,respectively.Results A total of 5 020 patients were included,and 5 020 prescriptions were collected,involving 241 traditional Chinese medicines with a total frequency of 85 758 uses.The frequency of using heat clearing drugs,deficiency tonifying drugs,blood activating and stasis removing drugs,surface clearing drugs,and wind and dampness dispelling drugs was relatively high;most drugs tended to be cold and warm,mainly targeting the heart,lungs,and colon meridians.The top 15 Chinese medicines with the highest frequency of use were Smilacis Glabrae Rhixoma,Cortex Moutan,Radix Paeoniae Rubra,Rehmanniae Radix,Scutellariae Radix,Cynanchi Paniculati Radix et Rhizoma,Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus,Violsse Herba,Mume Fructus,Herba Pyrolae,Hedyotis Diffusae Herba,Lonicerae Japonicae Flos,Cicadae Periostracum,Bombyx Batryticatus,Radix Salviae.Association rule analysis obtained 15 high-frequency combinations of 2 traditional Chinese medicines and 3 traditional Chinese medicines.Cluster analysis resulted in 7 clustered prescriptions.Conclusion GU Nai-fang commonly used heat clearing drugs,deficiency tonifying drugs,blood activating and stasis removing drugs,surface resolving drugs,and wind and dampness dispelling drugs in the treatment of skin diseases,and Smilacis Glabrae Rhixoma,Cortex Moutan,Radix Paeoniae Rubra,Rehmanniae Radix,and Scutellariae Radix were the most frequently used drugs.

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