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.Perioperative electroacupuncture for early gastrointestinal function recovery after colorectal cancer surgery:a pilot study protocol
Jiaojiao WU ; Xuqiang WEI ; Shouquan FENG ; Qunhao GU ; Jing LI ; Zi YE ; Chenchen FENG ; Lijuan PEI ; Yanbin PENG ; Jia ZHOU
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2025;23(3):239-249
Objective:A preliminary trial is conducted to explore whether perioperative(preoperative,intraoperative,and postoperative)electroacupuncture is more effective than postoperative electroacupuncture in improving gastrointestinal function for colorectal cancer patients.Methods and analysis:The study proposes a randomized,parallel-controlled,single-center trial involving 30 colorectal cancer patients aged 18-79 requiring elective surgery.Participants are randomly assigned to two groups,with equal allocation,where one group receives perioperative electroacupuncture,and the other group receives postoperative electroacupuncture.The treatment duration spans from preoperative to postoperative 72 h,with a subsequent 28-day follow-up period.The primary outcome is the time of first postoperative defecation.The secondary outcomes include the recovery time of postoperative bowel sounds,time of the first flatus,dietary recovery,postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction frequency,quality of life scale,postoperative pain degree,time of the first ambulation,length of hospital stay,gastrointestinal hormone indicators,and adverse events.The coagulation function test,liver and renal function,and stool and blood routine serve as security biomarkers.The statistical analysis includes the t-test,rank-sum test,Chi-square test,and analysis of variance.A two-sided significance level is set at 5%.Discussion:This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of perioperative electroacupuncture for gastrointestinal function recovery following colorectal cancer surgery.The study's strengths include its randomized design,well-defined intervention periods,and multi-dimensional outcome assessment.Nevertheless,limitations,such as the small sample size and single-center setting,may affect external validity.The findings will guide protocol refinement and sample size estimation for future large-scale multi-center randomized controlled trials.
3.Water extract of Rehmannia glutinosa improves bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice and its metabolic mechanism
Zi-yu ZHANG ; Meng-nan ZENG ; Peng-li GUO ; Yu-han ZHANG ; Xiang-da LI ; Yan-xing WU ; Shuang-ying FU ; Zi-chang LIAN ; Wei-sheng FENG ; Xiao-ke ZHENG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(12):2315-2325
Aim To investigate the intervention effect of Rehmannia radix water extract on bleomycin(BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice combined with metabolomics and to reveal the potential mechanism,in order to provide new ideas for clinical treatment of pul-monary fibrosis.Methods Male C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into the control group,model group,pirfenidone group(positive control,PFD,270 mg·kg-1),and low dose(DH-L,4.55 g·kg-1)group,medium dose(DH-M,9.1 g·kg-1)group and high dose(DH-H,18.2 g·kg-1)group of Rehman-nia.Except for the control group,BLM(5 mg·kg-1)was instilled into the trachea to establish the model of pulmonary fibrosis in the other groups.The survival rate,lung index and blood oxygen saturation of mice in each group were evaluated.HE and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes of lung tissue.WBP was used to detect lung function.Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis of primary lung cells,ROS and immune cells.ELISA was used to detect the levels of fibrosis markers and inflammatory factors(α-SMA,collagen Ⅰ,collagen Ⅲ,TGF-β1,TNF-α,IL-1 β,and IL-6).Biochemical method was employed to detect the contents of GSH-Px,T-SOD and MDA.Liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer(LC-MS)metabolomics was used to analyze the changes of serum metabolic profile.Results Water extract of Re-hmannia significantly increased the survival rate,oxy-gen saturation and lung function of mice with pulmona-ry fibrosis,reduced the lung coefficient,ameliorated pathological damage and collagen deposition in lung tissue,reduced the levels of apoptosis and oxidative stress,and down-regulated the levels of inflammatory factors in lung tissue.It regulated the levels of metabo-lites such as bile acid metabolism,sphingolipid metabo-lism,and unsaturated fatty acid metabolism.Conclu-sions Water extract of Rehmannia inhibits lung injury and collagen deposition in mice with pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting inflammatory response,which may be a-chieved by regulating the levels of inflammatory factors through the metabolic pathways of bile acid and sphin-golipid.
4.Important factors affecting depression:modulatory effects of Cx43 on neuroinflammation
Xuan ZENG ; Zi-han YAN ; Zhi-feng TIAN ; Hong-bin WANG ; Qi-di AI ; Mei-yu LIN ; Xuan LIU ; Nai-hong CHEN ; Song-wei YANG ; Yan-tao YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2027-2031
Numerous studies have shown that depression is main-ly associated with the abnormal expression of connexin 43(Cx43)in astrocytes(Astro)and its mediated dysfunction of gap junction(GJ).However,the molecular mechanism of post-translational modifications targeting Cx43 to regulate neuroin-flammation-associated depression is still unclear.Post-transla-tional modifications of Cx43 mainly include phosphorylation of specific amino acid sites by PKC,PKA,PKG,MAPK and PTK,and protein degradation of Cx43 through the K48/K63 polyubiq-uitylation and deubiquitination pathways,which ultimately lead to protein degradation through K48/K63 polyubiquitination and deubiquitination.These modifications are ultimately involved in the regulation of neuroinflammatory responses through the associ-ation of GJ function.In this paper,we systematically review the role of Cx43 post-translational modifications in neuroinflamma-tion,with the aim of further exploring the potential application of targeting these modifications to modulate the inflammatory re-sponse mechanism in improving depressive symptoms.
5.Important factors affecting depression:modulatory effects of Cx43 on neuroinflammation
Xuan ZENG ; Zi-han YAN ; Zhi-feng TIAN ; Hong-bin WANG ; Qi-di AI ; Mei-yu LIN ; Xuan LIU ; Nai-hong CHEN ; Song-wei YANG ; Yan-tao YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2027-2031
Numerous studies have shown that depression is main-ly associated with the abnormal expression of connexin 43(Cx43)in astrocytes(Astro)and its mediated dysfunction of gap junction(GJ).However,the molecular mechanism of post-translational modifications targeting Cx43 to regulate neuroin-flammation-associated depression is still unclear.Post-transla-tional modifications of Cx43 mainly include phosphorylation of specific amino acid sites by PKC,PKA,PKG,MAPK and PTK,and protein degradation of Cx43 through the K48/K63 polyubiq-uitylation and deubiquitination pathways,which ultimately lead to protein degradation through K48/K63 polyubiquitination and deubiquitination.These modifications are ultimately involved in the regulation of neuroinflammatory responses through the associ-ation of GJ function.In this paper,we systematically review the role of Cx43 post-translational modifications in neuroinflamma-tion,with the aim of further exploring the potential application of targeting these modifications to modulate the inflammatory re-sponse mechanism in improving depressive symptoms.
6.Establishment of preparation process and quality standard for Zhenggu Pills
Wen-ming ZHANG ; Zi-fang FENG ; Li-hong GU ; Ping QIN ; Zhen-hua BIAN ; Min-min HU ; Xiao-wei CHEN
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(9):2863-2869
AIM To establish the preparation process and quality standard for Zhenggu Pills.METHODS With decoction time,decoction frequency and water addition as influencing factors,comprehensive score for extract yield and transfer rates of epicatechin and naringin as an evaluation index,the decoction process was optimized by orthogonal test.With sugarless paste relative density,medicinal powder fineness,sugarless paste-corn starch ratio,drying temperature and drying time as influencing factors,soft material traits,pill formability,moisture and disintegration time limit as evaluation indices,the formability process was optimized by single factor test.TLC was adopted in the qualitative identification of Dipsaci Radix,salt-processed Psoraleae Fructus,cooked Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma.HPLC was used for the content determination of paeoniflorin and naringin.RESULTS The optimal decoction process was determined to be 0.5 h for decoction time,two times for decoction frequency,and 10 times for water addition,the comprehensive score was 0.93.The optimal formability process was determined to be 1.21-1.22 for sugarless paste relative density,80 mesh for medicinal powder fineness,1∶0.17-1∶0.18 for sugarless paste-corn starch ratio,70 ℃ for drying temperature,and 24 h for drying time,good soft material traits and pill formability were observable,and moisture and disintegration time limit accored with 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia requirements.The TLC spots were clear without negative interference.Two constituents showed good linear relationships within 61.30-490.41 μg/mL(r=0.999 8)and 3.27-26.18 μg/mL(r=0.999 8),whose average recoveries were 100.15%and 98.15%with the RSDs of 0.55%and 2.30%,respectively.CONCLUSION This stable,reliable and specific method can be used for the production and quality evaluation of Zhenggu Pills.
7.Antiviral effect of Lopinavir against porcine hemagglutinated encephalomyelitis virus
Yanfang YU ; Yihan TIAN ; Jianwei WEI ; Zi LI ; Junchao SHI ; Feng GAO ; Wenqi HE
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(8):1720-1726
This study explores the antiviral effects of Lopinavir on porcine hemagglutinating en-cephalomyelitis virus(PHEV)in vitro and in vivo.Using PHEV-infected N2a cells as an in vitro experimental model,the impact of varying concentrations of Lopinavir on PHEV replication was analyzed through Western blot and qRT-PCR techniques.The results demonstrated that Lopinavir was beneficial to PHEV replication at low-concentration,but as the concentration increased,Lopi-navir began to exert an inhibitory effect,with the most pronounced effect observed at a concentra-tion of 8 μmol/L.PHEV-infected 3-week-old male BALB/c mice were utilized in vivo experi-ments,with Lopinavir(10 mg/kg)administered intragastrically three days post-infection.Follow-ing the onset of illness in the control group,all mice were euthanized,and brain tissues were col-lected for histopathological examination.The findings indicated that Lopinavir significantly reduced the distribution of PHEV and ameliorated the pathological damage in brain tissue,and prolonged the survival time of the mice.In conclusion,Lopinavir exhibits an antiviral effect against PHEV both in vitro and in vivo,offering a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of PHEV in-fections in clinical practice.
8.Antiviral effect of Lopinavir against porcine hemagglutinated encephalomyelitis virus
Yanfang YU ; Yihan TIAN ; Jianwei WEI ; Zi LI ; Junchao SHI ; Feng GAO ; Wenqi HE
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(8):1720-1726
This study explores the antiviral effects of Lopinavir on porcine hemagglutinating en-cephalomyelitis virus(PHEV)in vitro and in vivo.Using PHEV-infected N2a cells as an in vitro experimental model,the impact of varying concentrations of Lopinavir on PHEV replication was analyzed through Western blot and qRT-PCR techniques.The results demonstrated that Lopinavir was beneficial to PHEV replication at low-concentration,but as the concentration increased,Lopi-navir began to exert an inhibitory effect,with the most pronounced effect observed at a concentra-tion of 8 μmol/L.PHEV-infected 3-week-old male BALB/c mice were utilized in vivo experi-ments,with Lopinavir(10 mg/kg)administered intragastrically three days post-infection.Follow-ing the onset of illness in the control group,all mice were euthanized,and brain tissues were col-lected for histopathological examination.The findings indicated that Lopinavir significantly reduced the distribution of PHEV and ameliorated the pathological damage in brain tissue,and prolonged the survival time of the mice.In conclusion,Lopinavir exhibits an antiviral effect against PHEV both in vitro and in vivo,offering a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of PHEV in-fections in clinical practice.
9.Perioperative electroacupuncture for early gastrointestinal function recovery after colorectal cancer surgery:a pilot study protocol
Jiaojiao WU ; Xuqiang WEI ; Shouquan FENG ; Qunhao GU ; Jing LI ; Zi YE ; Chenchen FENG ; Lijuan PEI ; Yanbin PENG ; Jia ZHOU
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2025;23(3):239-249
Objective:A preliminary trial is conducted to explore whether perioperative(preoperative,intraoperative,and postoperative)electroacupuncture is more effective than postoperative electroacupuncture in improving gastrointestinal function for colorectal cancer patients.Methods and analysis:The study proposes a randomized,parallel-controlled,single-center trial involving 30 colorectal cancer patients aged 18-79 requiring elective surgery.Participants are randomly assigned to two groups,with equal allocation,where one group receives perioperative electroacupuncture,and the other group receives postoperative electroacupuncture.The treatment duration spans from preoperative to postoperative 72 h,with a subsequent 28-day follow-up period.The primary outcome is the time of first postoperative defecation.The secondary outcomes include the recovery time of postoperative bowel sounds,time of the first flatus,dietary recovery,postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction frequency,quality of life scale,postoperative pain degree,time of the first ambulation,length of hospital stay,gastrointestinal hormone indicators,and adverse events.The coagulation function test,liver and renal function,and stool and blood routine serve as security biomarkers.The statistical analysis includes the t-test,rank-sum test,Chi-square test,and analysis of variance.A two-sided significance level is set at 5%.Discussion:This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of perioperative electroacupuncture for gastrointestinal function recovery following colorectal cancer surgery.The study's strengths include its randomized design,well-defined intervention periods,and multi-dimensional outcome assessment.Nevertheless,limitations,such as the small sample size and single-center setting,may affect external validity.The findings will guide protocol refinement and sample size estimation for future large-scale multi-center randomized controlled trials.
10.Application of Non-invasive Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease Treatment
Yu-Feng ZHANG ; Wei WANG ; Zi-Jun LU ; Jiao-Jiao LÜ ; Yu LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1196-1205
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder that significantly impacts patients’ independence and quality of life, imposing a substantial burden on both individuals and society. Although dopaminergic replacement therapies provide temporary relief from various symptoms, their long-term use often leads to motor complications, limiting overall effectiveness. In recent years, non-invasive deep brain stimulation (DBS) techniques have emerged as promising therapeutic alternatives for PD, offering a means to modulate deep brain regions with high precision without invasive procedures. These techniques include temporal interference stimulation (TIs), low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (LITFUS), transcranial magneto-acoustic stimulation (TMAS), non-invasive optogenetic modulation, and non-invasive magnetoelectric stimulation. They have demonstrated significant potential in alleviating various PD symptoms by modulating neural activity within specific deep brain structures affected by the disease. Among these approaches, TIs and LITFUS have received considerable attention. TIs generate low-frequency interference by applying two slightly different high-frequency electric fields, targeting specific brain areas to alleviate symptoms such as tremors and bradykinesia. LITFUS, on the other hand, uses low-intensity focused ultrasound to non-invasively stimulate deep brain structures, showing promise in improving both motor function and cognition in PD patients. The other three techniques, while still in early research stages, also hold significant promise for deep brain modulation and broader clinical applications, potentially complementing existing treatment strategies. Despite these promising findings, significant challenges remain in translating these techniques into clinical practice. The heterogeneous nature of PD, characterized by variable disease progression and individualized treatment responses, necessitates flexible protocols tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Additionally, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying these treatments is crucial for refining protocols and maximizing their therapeutic potential. Personalized medicine approaches, such as the integration of neuroimaging and biomarkers, will be pivotal in customizing stimulation parameters to optimize efficacy. Furthermore, while early-stage clinical trials have reported improvements in certain symptoms, long-term efficacy and safety data are limited. To validate these techniques, large-scale, multi-center, randomized controlled trials are essential. Parallel advancements in device design, including the development of portable and cost-effective systems, will improve patient access and adherence to treatment protocols. Combining non-invasive DBS with other interventions, such as pharmacological treatments and physical therapy, could also provide a more comprehensive and synergistic approach to managing PD. In conclusion, non-invasive deep brain stimulation techniques represent a promising frontier in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. While they have demonstrated considerable potential in improving symptoms and restoring neural function, further research is needed to refine protocols, validate long-term outcomes, and optimize clinical applications. With ongoing technological and scientific advancements, these methods could offer PD patients safer, more effective, and personalized treatment options, ultimately improving their quality of life and reducing the societal burden of the disease.

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