1.Effects of probiotic treatment on the prognosis of patients with sepsis: a systematic review
World Journal of Emergency Medicine 2025;16(1):18-27
BACKGROUND Sepsis, a common acute and critical disease, leads to 11 million deaths annually worldwide. Probiotics are living microorganisms that are beneficial to the host and may benefit sepsis outcomes, but their effects are still inconclusive. This study aimed to evaluate the overall effect of probiotics on the prognosis of patients with sepsis.
DATA RESOURCES: We searched several sources for published/presented studies, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and the US National Library of Medicine Clinical Trials Register (www.clinicaltrials.gov) updated through July 30, 2023, to identify all relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or observational studies that assessed the effectiveness of probiotics or synbiotics in patients with sepsis and reported mortality. We focused primarily on mortality during the study period and analyzed secondary outcomes, including 28-day mortality, in-intensive care unit (ICU) mortality and other outcomes.
RESULTS: Data from 405 patients in five RCTs and 108 patients in one cohort study were included in the analysis. The overall quality of the studies was satisfactory, but clinical heterogeneity existed. All adult studies reported a tendency for probiotics to reduce the mortality of patients with sepsis, and most studies reported a decreasing trend in the incidence of infectious complications, length of ICU stay and duration of antibiotic use. There was only one RCT involving children.
CONCLUSION: Probiotics show promise for improving the prognosis of patients with sepsis, including reducing mortality and the incidence of infectious complications, particularly in adult patients. Despite the limited number of studies, especially in children, these findings will be encouraging for clinical practice in the treatment of sepsis and suggest that gut microbiota-targeted therapy may improve the prognosis of patients with sepsis.
2.Association between intestinal barrier disruption in liver failure and the cGAS-STING signaling pathway
Qiao TANG ; Chao ZHOU ; Ning ZHANG ; Man GONG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(3):574-579
Liver failure is a common severe syndrome of liver diseases with high mortality. The function and structural integrity of the intestinal barrier as an entity are closely associated with the development and progression of liver failure. The cGAS-STING signaling pathway can participate in innate immune response by recognizing DNA produced by pathogen invasion and host cell damage and inducing the production of type I interferon. Numerous studies have shown that activation of the cGAS-STING pathway can significantly impact the cellular structure, mucosal components, and commensal bacteria of the intestinal barrier. This article reviews the interplay between the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and intestinal barrier disruption in liver failure, in order to provide novel insights for the clinical management of liver failure.
3.Clinical Phenotype Identification and Validation of Patients with Sepsis in the Intensive Care Unit
Chao GONG ; Na YU ; Haoran CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):710-721
To identify and validate the clinical phenotypes of patients with sepsis in the intensive care unit(ICU). We applied unsupervised machine learning algorithms (K-means clusteringand hierarchical clustering) to identify the phenotypes of sepsis patients in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care Ⅳ (MIMIC-Ⅳ) 2.2 database, based on 89 clinical features including demographic characteristics, laboratory indicators and treatment measures on the first day in ICU. Then, supervised machine learning algorithms (lightweight gradient boosting machine) were used for the prediction of the patient's phenotypes, and were further combined with SHAP (Shapely Additive eXplanations) for the identification of important features. Finally, traditional statistical methods were used to validate the differences in clinical characteristics and clinical outcomes among the phenotypes. We identified three phenotypes in 22 517 sepsis patients. The phenotype 1 patients had the highest risk of death (28-day mortality of 46.4%), dominated by abnormal renal function and elevated disease severity scores, while the phenotype 3 patients had the lowest risk of death (28-day mortality of 11.2%), and the best neurological function score. Using interpretable machine learning, we identified six features (all the worst value on the first day) that showed good performance in phenotypic identification(AUC≥0.89) and phenotypic prognostic prediction (AUC≥0.74): anion gap, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, Glasgow Coma Scale score, prothrombin time, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score. The mortality risk of phenotype 3 patients was the lowest at 28 days, 60 days, 90 days, and 1 year after ICU discharge ( Using machine learning methods, we successfully identified three clinical phenotypes of sepsis patients with different clinical characteristics and prognosis and screened out six key clinical features, which are expected to play an important role in the phenotype classification and prognostic assessment of sepsis and are conducive to individualized treatment.
4.A systematic evaluation of the public health governance capacity of 40 cities in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui Provinces
Huayi ZHANG ; Qingyu ZHOU ; Huihui HUANGFU ; Peiwu SHI ; Qunhong SHEN ; Chaoyang ZHANG ; Zheng CHEN ; Chuan PU ; Lingzhong XU ; Anning MA ; Zhaohui GONG ; Tianqiang XU ; Panshi WANG ; Hua WANG ; Chao HAO ; Zhi HU ; Chengyue LI ; Mo HAO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(5):451-457
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the public health governance capacity of 40 cities in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui Provinces, providing a scientific evaluation basis for building a "Healthy Yangtze River Delta". MethodsA comprehensive collection of policy documents, public information reports, and research literature related to public health governance capacity in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui Provinces was conducted, totaling 6 920 policy documents, 1 720 information reports, and 1 200 literature pieces. Based on the evaluation standards for an appropriate public health system established by the research team, the basic status of public health governance capacity was assessed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the 40 cities. ResultsIn 2022, the public health governance capacity score for the 40 cities in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui Provinces was (562.5±38.0) points. In terms of specific areas, the emergency response field received the highest score of (791.4±49.7) points, while the chronic disease prevention and control field received the lowest score of (368.2±29.6) points. The Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Anhui region has largely achieved the strategic priority of health, gradually improved public health legal regulations, and established a basic organizational framework with a solid foundation for information and data infrastructure. However, challenges still need to be addressed, such as unstable government funding for public health, unclear departmental responsibilities, and barriers to information interoperability. ConclusionThe public health governance capacity of the 40 cities in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui Province has been at a moderate level, but disparities have still existed across regions and fields. In the future, while continuing to deepen existing advantages, it is essential to accurately identify the causes of problems, establish a long-term and stable investment mechanism, enhance information connectivity mechanisms, further clarify departmental responsibilities, and promote the achievement of the "Healthy Yangtze River Delta" goal.
5.Improvement effect and mechanism of sanguinarine on inflammatory pain in rats with lumbar disc herniation
Zhen RUAN ; Shenghua HE ; Xuehua GONG ; Song QIAO ; Chao WANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(9):1087-1093
OBJECTIVE To study the improvement effect and mechanism of sanguinarine (SG) on inflammatory pain in rats with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and its mechanism. METHODS LDH model rats were established and divided into model group, SG low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups (1.00, 2.50, 6.25 mg/kg), high-dose of SG+Anisomycin [mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activator] group (6.25 mg/kg SG+5 mg/kg Anisomycin), with 10 rats in each group. Another 10 rats were included as the control group. Each group was given corresponding drugs intraperitoneally, while the control group and model group were given an equal volume of normal saline intraperitoneally, once a day, for 7 consecutive days. The general situation and neurological changes of rats in each group were observed, and the pain threshold [including paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) and paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWTL)] of rats was determined; the histopathological changes of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) were observed in rats. The serum levels of inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β)] and pain factors [neuropeptide Y (NPY), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] in rats were detected.The positive expressions of ionized-calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 (Iba-1) in spinal cord microglia and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in astrocytes were observed. The expressions of proteins related to MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, TNF-α and IL-1β proteins were detected in DRG tissue of rats. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the rats in the model group showed decreased appetite, hindlimb movement disorders, and disordered neuronal cell arrangement, the neurological score, the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, NPY, the positive expressions of Iba-1 and GFAP, the phosphorylations of p38 MAPK, ERK1/2 and NF-κB p65, the protein expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly increased (P<0.05); PWMT, PWTL and the levels of 5-HT were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the rats of SG groups showed some relief in their mental appetite and hindlimb motor disorders, the intervertebral disc structure of DRG was restored, and the levels of the above quantitative indicators had significantly reversed (P<0.05). Anisomycin reversed the improvement effect of SG on inflammatory pain in LDH rats. CONCLUSIONS SG can improve inflammatory pain by inhibiting the activation of microglia in DRG tissue of LDH rats, reducing the release of inflammatory factors, and increasing pain threshold, and its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of MAPK/ERK/NF- κB signaling pathway.
6.Finite element analysis of three-dimensional frame screws and minimally invasive plate for fixation of Sanders Ⅲ calcaneal fractures
Dewei KONG ; Chao SONG ; Liang WU ; Ming WU ; Lulu GONG ; Jiaqi WANG ; Hongyuan PAN ; Xinbin FAN ; Yan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;33(33):5289-5294
BACKGROUND:Satisfactory clinical results have been achieved in the treatment of Sanders Ⅲ calcaneal fractures by percutaneous compression fixation with three-dimensional frame screws.However,whether the stability of minimally invasive plate internal fixation can be achieved in terms of biomechanics,and the advantages and disadvantages after comparison are still unknown. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the fixation effect of different internal fixation devices on Sanders Ⅲ calcaneal fractures by finite element analysis. METHODS:A finite element model of Sanders Ⅲ calcaneal fracture was made based on CT data of a 26-year-old healthy male volunteer.The calcaneal fracture models were fixed by minimally invasive three-dimensional frame screws and minimally invasive Y-plate.The longitudinal loads of 350 and 700 N were applied respectively.The displacement and stress distribution of the two models were analyzed,and the stability of each model was compared. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The peak stress of bone block and implant in the minimally invasive three-dimensional frame screw model was significantly lower than that in the minimally invasive minimally invasive plate model.The average stress of bone block and implant in the three-dimensional frame screw model was also significantly lower than that in the minimally invasive plate model.(2)The maximum displacement of the two models was located at the medial side of the articular surface of the posterior talus,and the maximum displacement of the three-dimensional frame screw model was smaller than that of the minimally invasive plate model.(3)The longitudinal displacement between the anterior fragment and the medial fragment of the minimally invasive plate model was smaller,and the transverse and vertical displacement between the medial fragment and the middle fragment of the three-dimensional group screw model was smaller.(4)It is concluded that both of the two internal fixation models can provide satisfactory fixation effect.The three-dimensional frame screw model can provide better transverse and vertical stability with more uniform stress distribution and smaller comprehensive displacement of bone fragments,while the minimally invasive plate has more advantages in maintaining longitudinal stability.
7.Cancer-related fatigue in patients with advanced malignant tumours:current status and influencing factors
Pei WANG ; Chao SUN ; Huixiu HU ; Shaohua GONG ; Yajie ZHAO ; Shengmiao MA
Modern Clinical Nursing 2024;23(1):8-13
Objective To investigate the status quo of cancer-related fatigue(CRF)in patients with advanced malignant tumours during anti-tumour treatment,and explore the influencing factors so as to provide a reference for nursing intervention.Methods Between January and August 2022,a total of 279 patients with advanced malignant tumours who received anti-tumour therapies in the Department of Oncology of a general hospital in Beijing were selected as study subjects using convenience sampling method.General data questionnaire,cancer fatigue scale,chemotherapy-related gastrointestinal symptoms inventory,and nutritional risk screening 2002 were used for the investigation.Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the influencing factors of cancer-related fatigue.Results Toally 279 patients finished the study.A total of 204(73.12%)patients had cancer-related fatigue.Binary logistic regression analysis showed that BMI,education,monthly family income and diabetes were the influencing factors in cancer-related fatigue(all P<0.05).Conclusions The incidence of cancer-related fatigue is high in patients with advanced malignant tumours during anti-tumour therapy.Low BMI,poor education,low monthly family income and diabetes are the risk factors in cancer-related fatigue.Targeted interventions should be implemented based on the risk factors so as to reduce the incidence of cancer-related fatigue.
8.Expert Consensus on Clinical Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine:Aural Vertigo
Yingdi GONG ; Zhanfeng YAN ; Wei FENG ; Daxin LIU ; Jiaxi WANG ; Jianhua LIU ; Yu ZHANG ; Shusheng GONG ; Guopeng WANG ; Chunying XU ; Xin MA ; Bo LI ; Shuzhen GUO ; Mingxia ZHANG ; Jinfeng LIU ; Jihua GUO ; Zhengkui CAO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zhonghai XIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(8):215-222
Aural vertigo frequently encountered in the otolaryngology department of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) mainly involves peripheral vestibular diseases of Western medicine, such as Meniere's disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, vestibular neuritis, and vestibular migraine, being a hot research topic in both TCM and Western medicine. Western medical therapies alone have unsatisfactory effects on recurrent aural vertigo, aural vertigo affecting the quality of life, aural vertigo not relieved after surgery, aural vertigo with complex causes, and children's aural vertigo. The literature records and clinical practice have proven that TCM demonstrates unique advantages in the treatment of aural vertigo. The China Association of Chinese medicine sponsored the "17th youth salon on the diseases responding specifically to TCM: Aural vertigo" and invited vertigo experts of TCM and Western medicine to discuss the difficulties and advantages of TCM diagnosis and treatment of aural vertigo. The experts deeply discussed the achievements and contributions of TCM and Western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of aural vertigo, the control and mitigation of the symptoms, and the solutions to disease recurrence. The discussion clarified the positioning and advantages of TCM treatment and provided guidance for clinical and basic research on aural vertigo.
9.Etiology and intervention measures of comorbid fracture in children with cerebral palsy
Jiahao LIU ; Chao GONG ; Beibei LIAN ; Jin GUO
Chinese Journal of Child Health Care 2024;32(5):511-515
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) frequently experience secondary musculoskeletal issues, with a high incidence of fractures and severe symptoms. These factors cannot be overlooked in the rehabilitation process for children with CP. This article examines the causes of fractures in children with CP, including low bone mineral density, abnormal training, premature delivery, and falls. Furthermore, it outlines intervention measures to improve bone mineral density and exercise training, in order to assist in the prevention and treatment of fractures in children with CP.
10.Genetic factors, risk factors and pathogenesis of cerebral palsy comorbid epilepsy
Chao GONG ; Beibei LIAN ; Xuemei LI ; Peng ZHANG ; Fanxu SONG ; Jin GUO
Chinese Journal of Child Health Care 2024;32(2):174-180
Compared to the general population, there is a higher prevalence of epilepsy in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). Epilepsy serves as an indicator of CP severity and has a significant impact on the early survival and future quality of life of children with CP. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the shared mechanisms underlying CP and epilepsy. This study aims to summarize the comorbidity of CP and epilepsy from genetic factors, risk factors, and pathophysiological mechanisms, in order to provide a reference for further research.


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