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.Characteristics of brain glymphatic system changes in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment based on perivascular spaces and DTI-ALPS index assessment
Xiaoqin CHENG ; Guoqiang FEI ; Shen ZHAO ; Rui HUA ; Feng SHI ; Xiaoli PAN ; Ziyi HE ; Sirui LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(3):479-485
Objective To explore the characteristics and correlation between perivascular spaces (PVS) and diffusion tensor image analysis along perivascular spaces (DTI-ALPS) index in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Methods A retrospective study was conducted on a total of 118 participants, including cognitive normal (CN) healthy controls and aMCI patients, recruited from the Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from September 2020 to September 2022. All participants underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). An automatic segmentation algorithm was used to quantify PVS metrics in the brain, and DTI-ALPS index was calculated based on DTI. Differences in DTI-ALPS index and PVS metrics between the CN and aMCI groups were compared. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent factors influencing aMCI. Correlation analysis was performed to assess relationships among DTI-ALPS index, PVS metrics, and cognitive scores. Results A total of 80 CN healthy controls and 38 aMCI patients were included. The DTI-ALPS index was significantly lower in the aMCI group compared with the CN group (1.28±0.18 vs 1.37±0.21, P=0.018), while differences in PVS metrics between groups were not statistically significant. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that DTI-ALPS index was an independent factor affecting aMCI (OR=0.097, 95%CI 0.011–0.833, P=0.033). Correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between DTI-ALPS index and MMSE score (r=0.210, P=0.023) as well as PVS length in the centrum semiovale (r=0.216, P=0.019). Conclusions The DTI-ALPS index may serve as an imaging biomarker for identifying early cognitive impairment, and patients with aMCI exhibit abnormal DTI-ALPS indices, suggesting that brain glymphatic system dysfunction may occur prior to morphological changes.
3.Analysis of the clinical characteristics of Klebsiella pneumoniae endogenous endophthalmitis
Shi FENG ; Wenfei ZHANG ; Xinyu ZHAO ; Youxin CHEN
Journal of Chinese Physician 2025;27(5):650-653
Objective:To review the clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis of patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae endogenous endophthalmitis in the past 20 years, in order to guide diagnosis and treatment.Methods:Patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae endogenous endophthalmitis who visited the Ophthalmology Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2004 to December 2023 were retrospectively included. The basic information, general condition, microbiological evidence, treatment regimens and prognosis of the patients were statistically analyzed.Results:A total of 26 patients (33 affected eyes) were included, with an age of (53.6±12.6)years. Among them, 76.9%(20/26) of the patients had diabetes mellitus, 61.5%(16/26) of the patients had liver abscess, and 88.5%(23/26) of the patients visited the hospital due to systemic infection symptoms such as fever rather than ocular symptoms. Thirty affected eyes underwent complete ocular sign examinations. The time from the appearance of ocular symptoms to the first ophthalmic visit of the patients was (10.5±6.2)days. The best corrected visual acuity of the minimum resolution visual Angle logarithm (logMAR) of the affected eyes at the visit was (2.3±0.9), and retinal detachment occurred in 70.0%(21/30) of the affected eyes. Thirty-three affected eyes received (2.9±2.3) intravitreal antibiotic injections. 66.7%(22/33) of the affected eyes underwent vitreous surgeries, and 24.2%(8/33) of the affected eyes eventually underwent enucleation of the ocular contents or enucleation of the eyeball. The median follow-up time for the patients was 111 days. The logMAR best corrected visual acuity at the last follow-up was (2.1±0.9), and only 27.3%(9/33) of the affected eyes had improved visual acuity compared with that at the first visit.Conclusions:Klebsiella pneumoniae endogenous endophthalmitis progresses rapidly and has a poor prognosis. The combined systemic and intraocular application of antibiotics and vitreous surgeries are crucial for eye protection. Early diagnosis and early treatment are the most crucial.
4.Overexpression of PP2Cm alleviates atorvastatin-induced insulin resistance
Shi-han ZHAO ; Cai-lin TANG ; Yu CHEN ; Wei-kang HUANG ; Feng-rong LUO ; Xue BAI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1273-1282
Aim To investigate the potential role and related mechanisms of protein phosphatase 2Cm(PP2Cm)overexpression in atorvastatin-induced insu-lin resistance.Methods Male C57BL/6J mice,fibro-blast growth factor 21 knockout(FGF21-KO)mice,and wildtype(WT)mice were raised for 12 weeks to construct models.Groups included atorvastatin,con-trol,atorvastatin+PP2Cm overexpression(OE),FGF21-KO+vehicle,FGF21-KO+PP2Cm OE,WT+vehicle,WT+PP2Cm OE.Body weight,fasting blood glucose levels,fasting insulin levels,and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests(IPGTT)were measured in 4,8 and 12 weeks.The concentrations of branched-chain a-mino acids(BCAA)in cells,tissues and serum,as well as the mRNA and protein expression of BCAA cat-abolic enzymes,were determined by qRT-PCR,Western blot and ELISA after atorvastatin treatment.Further-more,the effects of PP2Cm overexpression on these in-dicators were explored,and the FGF21 was verified in vivo and in vitro.Results Atorvastatin induced insu-lin resistance in mice,altered insulin,glucose tolerance and increased BCAA levels.PP2Cm overexpression mitigated these changes.In the Atorvastatin+PP2Cm OE group,FGF21 mRNA,protein and concentration were all significantly upregulated.Regardless of PP2Cm overexpression,the knockout of FGF21 signifi-cantly increased BCAA expression levels,both fasting insulin and blood glucose levels were significantly high-er than those in WT group.Conclusions FGF21 may be an important regulator of PP2Cm involved in atorv-astatin-induced insulin resistance.PP2Cm overexpres-sion alleviates the effects of atorvastatin-induced insulin resistance by regulating FGF21.
5.The significance of preoperative neck enhanced multidetector computed tomography in predicting the recurrent veins and classifying their courses of the submental flap reflux vein for repair in pharyngeal cancer
Qian SHI ; Jugao FANG ; Qi ZHONG ; Lizhen HOU ; Hongzhi MA ; Ling FENG ; Shizhi HE ; Meng LIAN ; Yanming ZHAO ; Ru WANG ; Yunxia LI ; Xixi SHEN ; Yifan YANG ; Lingwa WANG
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;60(10):1208-1214
Objective:To evaluate preoperative high-resolution thin-layer cervical enhanced CT used to predict the venous route of the submental flap reflux vein and its relationship with adjacent structures in order to guide the anatomical understanding and protection of submental flap in pharyngeal cancer surgery.Methods:Sixty consecutive patients with pharyngeal cancer who underwent submental flap repair surgery in our department from March 2022 to December 2024, as well as 60 patients who were accepted neck dissection suffering other cancers, were selected. Before surgery, high-resolution cervical enhanced CT scans were performed, and the position of the transverse section of the facial vein in the venous phase horizontal image gradually variation tendency was focused layer by layer. The direction and adjacent relationship of the submental flap reflux veins were determined and recorded. Combined with 60 patients with other head and neck tumors who underwent neck dissection in our department during the same period (a total of 120 cases, 240 sides), the classification and management of the draining veins of Fang′s mental flap were conducted. Type Ⅰ mainly drains into the internal jugular vein; Type Ⅱ mainly drains into the external jugular vein and Type Ⅲ mainly drains into the anterior jugular vein (often accompanied by an external jugular draining branch). The status and proportion of venous drainage were analyzed.Results:Vascular predictive coincidence rate was 98.3% (59/60) among the 60 patients with pharyngeal cancer. Only one patient was predicted to have a simple return to the external jugular vein. However, during the operation, in addition to the main return to the external jugular vein, a small portion also returned to the internal jugular vein. Submental flap reflux vessels were classified into three types based on intraoperative submental flap venous return in 60 cases of laryngopharyngeal cancer, in conjunction with the analysis of venous return patterns from 240 cervical CT scans. Type Ⅰ mainly refluxed to the internal jugular vein, accounting for 42.1%. Type Ⅱ mainly refluxed to the external jugular vein (47.9%). Type Ⅲ mainly refluxed to the anterior jugular vein (10.0%). The total detection rate of CT reading of 240 venous reflux was 98.7% (237/240). Vascular predictive coincidence rate was 97.9%(235/240).Conclusion:The detailed analysis of submental venous return vessels can accurately predict the direction of reflux veins and its surrounding areas by preoperative high-resolution enhanced CT scan. This provides reliable guidance for the anatomy and protection of the submental flap reflux veins during surgery.
6.Visual detection of neurovascular coupling in mouse brain based on two-photon imaging
Xiao-fen ZHOU ; Ya-xian ZHAO ; Run ZHOU ; Wen-bin HE ; Zhao ZHANG ; Shi-feng CHU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1991-1997
Aim To establish a simple and practical method for visualizing neurovascular coupling in the mouse barrel cortex in vivo.Methods Male C57BL/6J mice received stereotaxic in-jections of pAAV-hSyn-jGCaMP7s-WPRE into the barrel cortex to monitor neuronal activity.Three weeks post-injection,a crani-al window was implanted,and TRITC-Dextran 155 ku was ad-ministered intravenously to visualize the vasculature and blood flow dynamics.A custom-built whisker stimulator was used to e-voke controlled neuronal excitation.Two-photon microscopy was employed to monitor neuronal and vascular responses to whisker stimulation in real-time.Results Neuronal calcium signals and plasma signals were clearly observed using two-photon microsco-py.Whisker stimulation led to a significant increase in neuronal calcium signals in the barrel cortex,indicating effective neuronal activation.This neuronal excitation was accompanied by a syn-chronous increase in blood vessel diameter,blood flow velocity and overall blood flow.Conclusions This study successfully establishes a three-dimensional visualization framework(spatial,temporal,and functional)for in vivo visualization of neurovascu-lar coupling in the mouse barrel cortex,which provides a useful tool for investigating the pathophysiological mechanisms of neuro-vascular dysfunction and evaluating the efficacy of potential ther-apies.
7.Consistency of ultrasound diagnosis of abnormal placenta in singleton pregnancy and its relationship with adverse pregnancy outcome
Jing ZHAO ; Qian ZHANG ; Wei FENG ; Lina ZHANG ; Xianquan SHI
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(6):64-69
Objective:To explore ultrasound technique in relationship between three common abnormal placentas in singleton pregnancy,which included battledore placenta,velamentous placenta and circumvallate placenta,and clinically adverse pregnancy outcome.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on the case documents of 330 singleton patients with abnormal placenta admitted and confirmed at Beijing Friendship Hospital from January 2020 to December 2024.Based on the morphology of abnormal placenta and the location of the umbilical cord attached to the placenta,they were divided into battledore placenta group(126 cases),velamentous placenta group(139 cases),and circumvallate placenta group(65 cases).Additionally,197 pregnant women with normal placenta who gave birth during the same period were selected as the normal placenta group.The perinatal outcomes of abnormal placenta and normal placenta were compared.Results:The coincidence rates of ultrasound diagnosis for the three abnormal placentas,which included battledore placenta,velamentous placenta and circumvallate placenta,were respectively 40.5%(51/126),46.0%(64/139)and 58.5%(38/65).The proportions of adverse pregnancy outcomes caused by three abnormal placentas were respectively 49.2%,69.8%and 47.7%,and the differences were statistically significant(x2=12.857,53.575,7.258,P<0.005).The quantity of adverse pregnancy outcome caused by velamentous placenta was the largest,which included increase of cesarean section rate,premature birth,fetal growth restriction,placental adhesions,postpartum hemorrhage,and neonatal asphyxia.Conclusion:All three kinds of abnormal placenta can increase the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes.It is important to pay attention to the situation of placenta in ultrasound during pregnancy,so as to make early diagnosis,and guide clinical work to adopt effective measures,which can reduce the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
8.A study on job preferences of CDC personnel at county level:Based on a Discrete Choice Experiment
Zhao-ran HAN ; Wan-jin YANG ; Han-lin NIE ; Yan GUO ; Xue-feng SHI
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(2):53-59
Objective:This study aims to explore the job preferences of county-level Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)personnel and to provide a basis for the development of effective incentive mechanisms.Methods:This study used a combination of stratified sampling and latent class sampling to investigate 1 809 respondents from 56 county-level CDCs in Shandong Province,Hubei Province,and Guizhou Province.Data were analysed using a mixed logit model and a latent class model,and willingness to pay was calculated.Results:The results of the mixed logit model showed that,all attributes and their levels had a significant influence(P<0.05),with establishment being the most important motivating factor(β=2.249).In the latent class model,respondents were divided into three categories.The main differences between the three classes were the choice of exit options and differences in preferences for job attributes.Conclusion:County-level CDC personnel preferred jobs with higher incomes,very good benefit levels,establishment,low workload,better recognition and respect from the public,more opportunities for career advancement,and abundant training opportunities.It is recommended that the total number of establishment should be rationally controlled and dynamically adjusted to balance the differences between working conditions within and outside the establishment;that a comprehensive approach should be adopted to improve both hygiene and motivation factors;and that different incentives should be adopted for different categories of CDC staff. Those who are willing to make a change should be provided with more opportunities for training and career advancement.
9.Iron overload induces ferroptosis in osteoblast precursor cells and inhibits osteogenic differentiation
Yu PAN ; Renfeng ZHAO ; Xingping LI ; Chengdong ZHANG ; Feng SHI ; Chao PU ; Xuwei LUO ; Dongqin XIAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(30):6381-6390
BACKGROUND:Iron overload is an independent factor inducing osteoporosis,but the action mechanism is currently unclear.Therefore,exploring the effects of iron overload on osteoblast-related cells will help to deeply understand the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and provide potential strategies for osteoporosis treatment.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of iron overload environment on osteoblast precursor cell activity,ferroptosis,and osteogenic differentiation.METHODS:Osteoblast precursor cells(MC3T3-E1 cells)were divided into blank group,iron overload group,fer-1 group,and deferoxamine group.The iron overload group was treated with 300 μmol/L ammonium ferric citrate in the culture medium for 48 hours to simulate the iron overload microenvironment.The cells in fer-1 group and deferoxamine group were pretreated with 5 μmol/L antioxidant fer-1 and 5 μmol/L deferoxamine for 8 hours,respectively,and then added with 300 μmol/L ammonium ferric citrate for 48 hours.CCK-8 assay was used to determine the cell viability.Intracellular reactive oxygen species levels were detected employing a reactive oxygen species fluorescent probe.Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were monitored with a mitochondrial membrane potential fluorescent probe.Mitochondrial morphology was observed employing transmission electron microscopy.Cellular glutathione levels were measured with a reduced glutathione colorimetric assay kit.Lipid peroxidation levels were assessed with a malondialdehyde colorimetric assay kit.Cellular ferrous ion levels were determined with a ferrous ion colorimetric assay kit.The osteogenic and mineralization capabilities of the cells were verified by alkaline phosphatase staining and alizarin red staining.Collagen secretion ability was detected using Sirius Red staining.The expression of osteogenic/ferroptosis-related genes and proteins was examined through reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In an iron-overload environment,the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells decreased and their structure was compromised,with an elevation in intracellular lipid peroxidation levels and a downregulation of genes and proteins associated with ferroptosis resistance.However,pretreatment with fer-1 and deferoxamine led to an increase in mitochondrial membrane potential and partial restoration of morphology,a reduction in intracellular lipid peroxidation levels,and an upregulation of genes and proteins related to ferroptosis resistance.(2)In an iron-overload environment,the levels of cellular alkaline phosphatase,the formation of mineralized nodules,and the synthesis of collagen fibers were all found to be decreased.Pretreatment with fer-1 and deferoxamine was observed to upregulate the expression of osteogenic differentiation in cells.(3)In summary,iron overload could increase intracellular oxidative stress levels,mediate ferroptosis in MC3T3-E1 cells and inhibit osteogenic differentiation,thereby inducing osteoporosis.Therefore,maintaining iron homeostasis and inhibiting osteogenesis-related ferroptosis may be potential strategies to prevent or treat osteoporosis.
10.Poly gala fallax Hemsl.improves diabetic kidney disease in rats via Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway
Si-chao WANG ; Qiu-hong LIU ; Shi-wei ZHAO ; Yu-qiong LEI ; Min-chao FENG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1186-1193
Aim To observe the interventional effects of Polygala fallax Hemsl.(PFH)on diabetic kidney disease(DKD)rats and the regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis.Methods Thirty-six SD rats were ran-domly divided into the control group,DKD group,fer-rostatin-1(Fer-1)group,PFH-L group,PFH-M group,and PFH-H group,with six rats in each group.Model-ing was induced by a one-time intraperitoneal injection of 35 mg·kg-1 streptozocin(STZ)in combination with high-sugar and high-fat feed.Ferrostatin-1(25μmol·kg-1)was injected intraperitoneally in Fer-1 group.The PFH-L,PFH-M,and PFH-H groups were gavaged with 50,100 and 200 mg·kg-1 of alcoholic extracts of PFH respectively,and the control and DKD groups were gavaged with an equal volume of distilled water once a day for eight weeks.At the end of drug administration,blood glucose,24h-UP,BUN and Scr levels were measured in each group of rats.HE stai-ning and Masson staining were used to observe renal histopathological changes.ELISA was employed to de-termine the levels of total iron,MDA and GSH activity.IHC was used to observe the expression of Nrf2,SLC7A11,and GPX4 in renal tissues.Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of COL1A1,α-SMA,TGF-,FTH-1,TFR-1,Nrf2,SLC7A1 1,GPX4,in renal tissues.RT-qPCR was used to detect the ex-pression levels of Nrf2,SLC7A11,GPX4 mRNA in re-nal tissues.Results Compared with the control group,blood glucose,24h-UP,BUN,Scr increased(P<0.05);glomerular volume increased,tubular dilata-tion and collagen fiber deposition were obvious;total i-ron,MDA content increased and GSH activity de-creased(P<0.05);there was increased protein ex-pression of COL1A1,α-SMA,TGF-β,TFR-1 and de-creased protein expression of FTH-1(P<0.01);there was decreased mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2,SLC7A11,GPX4 in DKD group rats(P<0.01).Compared with the DKD group,blood glucose,24h-UP,BUN and Scr decreased(P<0.05);renal tissue le-sions were significantly reduced;total iron and MDA content decreased,and GSH activity increased(P<0.05);COL1A1,α-SMA,TGF-β,and TFR-1 protein expression decreased and FTH-1 protein expression in-creased(P<0.05,P<0.01);Nrf2,SLC7A11,GPX4 mRNA and protein expression increased in Fer-1 and PFH dose groups(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusions PFH attenuates renal histopathological injury in DKD rats,and the mechanism may be related to the regula-tion of the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway.

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