1.Influence of CYP2C19 gene polymorphism on platelet function and inflammatory cytokines and analysis of factors associated with poor prognosis in elderly patients with ischemic stroke
Hai LIANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Runan XIA ; Huijuan CHEN ; Mengyu JIANG ; Fanqin LI ; Panpan DI ; Miao YANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):782-787
OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of CYP2C19 gene polymorphism on platelet function and inflammatory cytokines in elderly patients with ischemic stroke, and to analyze potential factors associated with poor prognosis. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on elderly patients with ischemic stroke admitted to our hospital from June 2024 to June 2025, wh o underwent CYP2C19 genotype testing and received antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel. The levels of platelet function indicators and inflammatory cytokines before and after treatment were compared among patients with different metabolic phenotypes. Based on the prognosis at 6 months post-treatment, patients were divided into poor prognosis group and good prognosis group. Univariate analysis was performed on general data, metabolic phenotype, the levels of platelet function indicators and inflammatory cytokines. Variables with P <0.05 and the levels of inflammatory cytokines before treatment were included in a multivariate Logistic regression analysis to identify independent risk factors for poor prognosis. Multiple linear regression was used to further analyze the relationship between metabolic phenotypes and inflammatory cytokines. RESULTS A total of 448 elderly patients with ischemic stroke were included; among them, 162 cases were normal metabolic phenotype, 218 were intermediate metabolic phenotype, and 68 were poor metabolic phenotype. No rapid or ultrarapid metabolic phenotypes were observed. After treatment, platelet aggregation rate, the levels of P-selectin and platelet activated complex-1 (PAC-1), high-sensitivity C-reactive Protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the normal metabolic phenotype group, intermediate metabolic phenotype group, and poor metabolic phenotype group (except for platelet aggregation rate, and the levels of P-selectin and PAC-1 in the poor metabolic phenotype group) were significantly lower than those before treatment in the same group. Moreover, the above indicators in the normal metabolic phenotype group were significantly lower than those in the intermediate and poor metabolic phenotype groups at the corresponding time, and the levels of platelet function indicators in the intermediate metabolic phenotype group were significantly lower than those in the poor metabol ic phenotype group at the corresponding time ( P <0.05). Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses showed that combined with hypertension, combined with diabetes mellitus, and intermediate or poor metabolic genotypes were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in elderly patients with ischemic stroke ( P <0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum levels of hs-CRP, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α before treatment were significantly higher in patients with intermediate and poor metabolic genotypes compared to those with normal metabolic genotype ( P <0.05), with a greater magnitude of increase in inflammatory cytokines observed in the patients with poor metabolic genotype. CONCLUSIONS The elderly ischemic stroke patients with CYP2C19 intermediate and poor metabolic genotypes have poor inhibition effect on platelet and higher levels of inflammatory cytokines than normal metabolic genotype; CYP2C19 gene polymorphism, and in combination with hypertension and diabetes, can be used as independent predictors of poor prognosis.
2.Hydrogen and Methane Breath Test: The Asian Neurogastroenterology andMotility Association Monograph
Yinglian XIAO ; Kewin T H SIAH ; Mengyu ZHANG ; Benjamin Wei Rong TAY ; Kee Huat CHUAH ; Victoria TAN ; Yen Po WANG ; Yingxuan CHEN ; Ling LIU ; Uday C GHOSHAL ; Justin C Y WU ; Xiaohua HOU
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2026;32(2):150-171
Despite of the widespread use of hydrogen and methane breath test, the variability in testing protocols, gas measurement techniques, and interpretation criteria continues to challenge the reproducibility and comparability across centers, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. The Asian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association hence presents the first Asian monograph guiding application and interpretation of breath test. The monograph was formulated according to the framework of indications, preparatory process, performance, and interpretation of results, as well as future direction for research.
3.Belching and Reflux: The Relationship and the Underlying Mechanism
Songfeng CHEN ; Xingyu JIA ; Dianxuan JIANG ; Mengyu ZHANG ; Niandi TAN ; Qianjun ZHUANG ; Yinglian XIAO
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2026;32(2):254-256
Background/Aims:
Belching can occur either independently or concurrently with reflux symptoms. This study aims to explore the relationship between belching and reflux and explore the underlying mechanisms involved.
Methods:
Firstly, patients with isolated belching symptoms or concurrent belching and reflux symptoms were retrospectively enrolled. High-resolution esophageal impedance manometry (HRIM) and 24-hour pH impedance monitoring were used to assess belching types and temporal relationship between belching and reflux. Secondly, subjects with belching disorder were prospectively recruited. Postprandial HRIM monitoring was used to clarify the relationship and underlying mechanisms between belching and reflux.
Results:
In the initial phase, 139 subjects were enrolled. Regardless of patients' symptom spectrum (with or without gastroesophageal reflux symptoms), the proportion of preceding-reflux belching was significantly higher in those with objective evidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease, compared to those without (both P < 0.05), which indicated that belching could trigger reflux events and led to more severe reflux burden. To clarify the potential mechanisms involved, 44 belching subjects were prospectively enrolled in the second phase of this study. HRIM analysis demonstrated that maximum intragastric pressure, gastric–lower esophageal sphincter pressure gradient and gastric–esophageal pressure gradient were significantly higher in preceding-reflux belching than those in independent belching.
Conclusions
This study demonstrated that belching might trigger reflux by increasing intragastric pressure, elevating the gastric-sphincter pressure gradient, which enables gastric contents to pass through the esophagogastric junction.These findings have crucial clinical significance, suggesting that reducing the occurrence of belching might be a potential treatment for refractory reflux.
4.Review on separation and determination of 63Ni in solid wastes and liquid effluents from nuclear power plants
Mengyu FU ; Xinjie GUO ; Xuqin ZHANG ; Junwu TANG ; Yongshi XU ; Hongshen DING
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(1):142-148
63Ni is predominantly generated through neutron activation in nuclear reactors and is classified as a pure beta-emitting radionuclide with a half-life of 101.1 a. During decay, 63Ni emits a beta ray with an energy of 65.87 keV. 63Ni can be used in the manufacture of beta radiation sources, which are utilized as reference and working sources for beta activity measurement and beta energy response calibration. Additionally, it is used in electron capture detectors for chromatography, ionization sources in electron tubes, and electron capture probes in gas chromatography. These instruments have extensive applications in food safety, public health and epidemic prevention, soil pollution monitoring, and security. 63Ni is an artificial radionuclide not commonly found in the natural environment under normal conditions. However, the 63Ni generated during routine operations of nuclear power plants, as well as residual materials and wastes contaminated with 63Ni during plant decommissioning, may be released into the environment through liquid effluents or solid wastes. This can pose potential radiation risks to both the public and the environment. Hence, it is necessary to monitor the activity concentration of 63Ni. Currently, reports on this subject are limited in China, and there is a lack of established standards for the determination of 63Ni in nuclear power plants. This article reviews the global literature on the pretreatment and purification measurement processes of 63Ni. The merits and demerits are summarized for pretreatment methods such as acid leaching, mixed acid digestion, ashing acid leaching/dissolution, and alkali fusion, and for separation and purification methods like solvent extraction, precipitation, and extraction chromatography. The article also highlights the advantages of measurement using liquid scintillation counters. This review provides a reference for the establishment of the determination method of 63Ni in liquid effluents and solid wastes from nuclear power plants.
5.Metabolite identification and metabolic pathway analysis of pirtobrutinib in rats
Meijuan ZHANG ; Jie LI ; Hang YIN ; Mengyu HOU ; Jiangshuo LI ; Jingxuan WU ; Ruihua DONG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(9):1076-1081
OBJECTIVE To analyze and identify the metabolites of pirtobrutinib (PTN) in rats, and clarify the possible metabolic pathways of PTN in rats. METHODS Six rats were intragastrically administered with 10 mg/kg PTN suspension. Blood samples were collected from the rats 30 minutes before administration and at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 hours after administration. Urine and feces samples were collected 12 hours before administration and 24 hours after administration. UHPLC- Orbitrap Exploris 240 system combined with Compound Discoverer 3.0 and Xcalibur 2.0 software were adopted for structural identification and metabolic pathway analysis of PTN metabolites in rat plasma, urine, and feces. RESULTS A total of 29 PTN metabolites were identified, including 17, 19 and 22 metabolites in plasma, urine and feces, respectively. The metabolic pathways of PTN mainly included oxidation, sulfation, glucuronidation, etc., and its metabolites were mostly combination products of two or more different metabolic forms. In detail, a total of 26 metabolites were associated with phase Ⅰ metabolic reactions (14 oxidation metabolites, 9 reduction/dehydrogenation metabolites, 8 demethylation metabolites, and 5 hydrolysis metabolites). Meanwhile, a total of 20 products were involved in phase Ⅱ metabolites (14 sulfation metabolites and 8 glucuronic acid binding metabolites). CONCLUSIONS PTN exhibits a diverse range of metabolites in rat fecal samples, with the primary metabolic pathways being oxidation, sulfation, glucuronidation, and others.
6.Analysis of changes in visual function before and after small incision lenticule extraction in patients with different degrees of myopia
Meiluo ZHANG ; Chunyu TIAN ; Liexi JIA ; Qinghua YANG ; Hongtao ZHANG ; Hui CUI ; Mengyu PENG ; Ruihua WEI
International Eye Science 2025;25(6):980-985
AIM: To analyze the changes in binocular visual function before and after small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)in patients with different degrees of myopia.METHODS:A prospective non-randomized controlled study was conducted. A total of 94 patients(188 eyes)who visited the refractive outpatient department of the ophthalmology department of the General Hospital of the PLA from June 2022 to June 2023 and voluntarily chose SMILE were consecutively included. They were grouped according to the degree of myopia, including 24 cases(48 eyes)in the low myopia group(-3.00 D
7.Overlapping Reflux Symptoms in Functional Dyspepsia Are Mostly Unrelated to Gastroesophageal Reflux
Songfeng CHEN ; Xingyu JIA ; Qianjun ZHUANG ; Xun HOU ; Kewin T H SIAH ; Mengyu ZHANG ; Fangfei CHEN ; Niandi TAN ; Junnan HU ; Yinglian XIAO
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2025;31(2):218-226
Background/Aims:
Reflux symptoms frequently present in patients diagnosed with functional dyspepsia (FD). This investigation sought to elucidate the contribution of gastroesophageal reflux in the overlap relationship.
Methods:
Consecutive patients presenting with reflux symptoms and/or FD symptoms were prospectively included. Comprehensive assessments, including symptoms evaluation, endoscopy, esophageal functional examinations (high-resolution manometry and reflux monitoring), and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment efficacy evaluation, were conducted in these patients.
Results:
The study enrolled 315 patients, 43.2% of which had concurrent FD symptoms and overlapping reflux symptoms. Notably, a mere 28.7% of patients in the overlap symptoms group had objective gastroesophageal reflux disease evidences (the grade of esophagitis≥ B or the acid exposure time ≥ 4.2%). Functional heartburn was demonstrated to be the main cause of overlapping reflux symptoms(55.1%). Reflux parameters analysis revealed that the reflux burden in the overlap symptoms group paralleled that of the FD symptoms group, with both registering lower levels than the reflux symptoms group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, PPI response rates were notably diminished in the overlap symptoms group (P < 0.001), even for those with objective gastroesophageal reflux disease evidences.
Conclusions
The study illuminated that overlapping reflux symptoms in FD was common. Strikingly, these symptoms primarily diverged from reflux etiology and exhibited suboptimal responses to PPI intervention. These findings challenge prevailing paradigms and accentuate the imperative for nuanced therapeutic approaches tailored to the distinctive characteristics of overlapping reflux symptoms in the context of FD.
8."Integrated Internal and External Treatment with Harmonization of Body and Mind" for Tinnitus Caused by Constraint Syndrome
Wenli WU ; Ying ZHANG ; Daxin LIU ; Zhanfeng YAN ; Mengyu YIN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(12):1281-1285
Based on the theories of "pathogenesis caused by constraint emotions" and "visceral orifices", it is believed that the pathogenesis of tinnitus caused by constraint syndrome follows the evolution pattern of "qi constraint (liver qi constraint) → fire disturbance (liver constraint transforming into fire) → deficiency impairment (liver constraint with spleen deficiency) → blood stasis (liver constraint leading to blood stasis)". The treatment is guided by the principle of integrated internal and external therapy with harmonization of both body and mind. Internally, the treatment focuses on rectifying zang-fu imbalances, primarily using the Xiaoyao Powder (逍遥散), with modifications based on syndrome differentiation. External therapies aim to unblock the meridians and orifices, commonly using auricular acupressure and Chinese herbal hot compresses. Additionally, traditional Chinese five-tone music therapy is applied to regulate emotional and mental disturbances. By integrating these three approaches, a comprehensive treatment strategy is formed that harmonizes both body and mind for managing tinnitus associated with constraint syndrome.
9.Overlapping Reflux Symptoms in Functional Dyspepsia Are Mostly Unrelated to Gastroesophageal Reflux
Songfeng CHEN ; Xingyu JIA ; Qianjun ZHUANG ; Xun HOU ; Kewin T H SIAH ; Mengyu ZHANG ; Fangfei CHEN ; Niandi TAN ; Junnan HU ; Yinglian XIAO
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2025;31(2):218-226
Background/Aims:
Reflux symptoms frequently present in patients diagnosed with functional dyspepsia (FD). This investigation sought to elucidate the contribution of gastroesophageal reflux in the overlap relationship.
Methods:
Consecutive patients presenting with reflux symptoms and/or FD symptoms were prospectively included. Comprehensive assessments, including symptoms evaluation, endoscopy, esophageal functional examinations (high-resolution manometry and reflux monitoring), and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment efficacy evaluation, were conducted in these patients.
Results:
The study enrolled 315 patients, 43.2% of which had concurrent FD symptoms and overlapping reflux symptoms. Notably, a mere 28.7% of patients in the overlap symptoms group had objective gastroesophageal reflux disease evidences (the grade of esophagitis≥ B or the acid exposure time ≥ 4.2%). Functional heartburn was demonstrated to be the main cause of overlapping reflux symptoms(55.1%). Reflux parameters analysis revealed that the reflux burden in the overlap symptoms group paralleled that of the FD symptoms group, with both registering lower levels than the reflux symptoms group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, PPI response rates were notably diminished in the overlap symptoms group (P < 0.001), even for those with objective gastroesophageal reflux disease evidences.
Conclusions
The study illuminated that overlapping reflux symptoms in FD was common. Strikingly, these symptoms primarily diverged from reflux etiology and exhibited suboptimal responses to PPI intervention. These findings challenge prevailing paradigms and accentuate the imperative for nuanced therapeutic approaches tailored to the distinctive characteristics of overlapping reflux symptoms in the context of FD.
10.Overlapping Reflux Symptoms in Functional Dyspepsia Are Mostly Unrelated to Gastroesophageal Reflux
Songfeng CHEN ; Xingyu JIA ; Qianjun ZHUANG ; Xun HOU ; Kewin T H SIAH ; Mengyu ZHANG ; Fangfei CHEN ; Niandi TAN ; Junnan HU ; Yinglian XIAO
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2025;31(2):218-226
Background/Aims:
Reflux symptoms frequently present in patients diagnosed with functional dyspepsia (FD). This investigation sought to elucidate the contribution of gastroesophageal reflux in the overlap relationship.
Methods:
Consecutive patients presenting with reflux symptoms and/or FD symptoms were prospectively included. Comprehensive assessments, including symptoms evaluation, endoscopy, esophageal functional examinations (high-resolution manometry and reflux monitoring), and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment efficacy evaluation, were conducted in these patients.
Results:
The study enrolled 315 patients, 43.2% of which had concurrent FD symptoms and overlapping reflux symptoms. Notably, a mere 28.7% of patients in the overlap symptoms group had objective gastroesophageal reflux disease evidences (the grade of esophagitis≥ B or the acid exposure time ≥ 4.2%). Functional heartburn was demonstrated to be the main cause of overlapping reflux symptoms(55.1%). Reflux parameters analysis revealed that the reflux burden in the overlap symptoms group paralleled that of the FD symptoms group, with both registering lower levels than the reflux symptoms group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, PPI response rates were notably diminished in the overlap symptoms group (P < 0.001), even for those with objective gastroesophageal reflux disease evidences.
Conclusions
The study illuminated that overlapping reflux symptoms in FD was common. Strikingly, these symptoms primarily diverged from reflux etiology and exhibited suboptimal responses to PPI intervention. These findings challenge prevailing paradigms and accentuate the imperative for nuanced therapeutic approaches tailored to the distinctive characteristics of overlapping reflux symptoms in the context of FD.

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