AIM: To detect the distribution and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in radiation retinopathy(RR)through fluorescence targeted imaging.METHODS:Covalent binding of fluorescein FITC with VEGF antibody ranibizumab to prepare targeted fluorescent imaging probe ranibizumab-FITC. SD rats were randomly divided into three groups based on the principle of weight balance: a normal control group(Con group), a low-dose radiation group(10 Gy group), and a high-dose radiation group(30 Gy group). Medical linear accelerators and lead blocks were used to locally irradiate the rat eyeballs for modeling. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression levels of VEGF-A in each group and to screen for appropriate modeling dose. The inverted fluorescence microscope and the confocal microscope were used to observe the distribution of VEGF and imaging probes in the retinas of control and RR model group rats, and to verify the effectiveness of targeted probes.RESULTS:The expression level of VEGF-A in the retina of rats in the high-dose radiation group(30 Gy group)was higher than that in the normal control group(Con group). In early RR, VEGF expression was observed to be associated with microaneurysms and abnormal microvessels in the retina. VEGF accumulation was observed at the site of capillary wall damage. When retinal capillary endothelial damage occurred, targeted probes gathered on the outer surface of the vessel wall.CONCLUSION:The expression level of VEGF in the retina of RR model rats is elevated, and fluorescent targeted molecular imaging probes can detect the spatial distribution of VEGF at the microvascular lesions in the retina of RR rats.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Qizhujianwei granules （QZJW） on abnormal proliferation and malignant transformation of gastric mucosal cells in rats with gastric intraepithelial neoplasia （GIN） and to explore the related mechanisms. MethodsA total of 80 SPF male Wistar rats were used. A GIN rat model was established using a four-factor comprehensive method consisting of methylnitronitrosoguanidine （MNNG）， ranitidine， irregular feeding patterns， and sodium salicylate. Except for the normal group， after successful modeling， the rats were randomly divided according to body weight into a model group， a Moluodan group （0.55 g·kg^-1）， and a QZJW group （7.34 g·kg^-1）， with 12 rats in each group. All groups were treated for 8 weeks. The general characteristics of the rats and morphological changes of the gastric mucosa were observed. Histopathological changes of the gastric mucosa were examined by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect serum levels of pepsinogenⅠ （PGⅠ）， pepsinogenⅡ （PGⅡ）， and gastrin （G-17）， as well as the expression level of transforming growth factor-β₁ （TGF-β₁） in gastric mucosal tissue， and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio was calculated. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was used to detect the localization and expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen （Ki-67） and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue. Western blot analysis was used to determine the protein expression levels of Wnt family member 3A （Wnt3a）， β-catenin， CyclinD₁， proto-oncogene Cmyc， transforming growth factor-β receptor Ⅰ （TGFβRⅠ）， intracellular signaling transducers Smad2/3， phosphorylated （p）-Smad2/3， twist family transcription factor （Twist1）， and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group showed characteristic changes including dim eyes， pale ears and claws， dark-red tongue， and reduced luster of the tail. The gastric mucosa appeared pale， with surface congestion and erosion. The gastric mucosal glands were disordered， the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio increased， and local tumor cells were observed. Serum PGⅠ and PGⅡ levels and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio were significantly decreased （P<0.01）， while the level of G-17 was significantly increased （P<0.01）. The protein expression levels of Ki-67， Wnt3a， β-catenin， CyclinD₁， Cmyc， TGF-β₁， TGFβRⅠ， Smad2/3， Twist1， and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， whereas the ratio of p-Smad2/3 to Smad2/3 was significantly decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the general characteristics and gastric mucosal conditions of rats in the Moluodan group and the QZJW group were improved. HE staining showed that QZJW could effectively block the malignant progression of GIN. Serum PGⅠ and PGⅡ levels and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while the level of G-17 was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The protein expression levels of Ki-67， Wnt3a， β-catenin， CyclinD₁， Cmyc， TGF-β₁， TGFβRⅠ， Smad2/3， Twist1， and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionQZJW have a therapeutic effect on rats with GIN. The mechanism may involve inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to regulate the cell cycle and suppress abnormal cell proliferation. Meanwhile， it may inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition by suppressing the TGF-β₁/Smad/Twist1 signaling pathway， thereby blocking the malignant progression of GIN.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Qizhujianwei granules （QZJW） on abnormal proliferation and malignant transformation of gastric mucosal cells in rats with gastric intraepithelial neoplasia （GIN） and to explore the related mechanisms. MethodsA total of 80 SPF male Wistar rats were used. A GIN rat model was established using a four-factor comprehensive method consisting of methylnitronitrosoguanidine （MNNG）， ranitidine， irregular feeding patterns， and sodium salicylate. Except for the normal group， after successful modeling， the rats were randomly divided according to body weight into a model group， a Moluodan group （0.55 g·kg^-1）， and a QZJW group （7.34 g·kg^-1）， with 12 rats in each group. All groups were treated for 8 weeks. The general characteristics of the rats and morphological changes of the gastric mucosa were observed. Histopathological changes of the gastric mucosa were examined by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect serum levels of pepsinogenⅠ （PGⅠ）， pepsinogenⅡ （PGⅡ）， and gastrin （G-17）， as well as the expression level of transforming growth factor-β₁ （TGF-β₁） in gastric mucosal tissue， and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio was calculated. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was used to detect the localization and expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen （Ki-67） and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue. Western blot analysis was used to determine the protein expression levels of Wnt family member 3A （Wnt3a）， β-catenin， CyclinD₁， proto-oncogene Cmyc， transforming growth factor-β receptor Ⅰ （TGFβRⅠ）， intracellular signaling transducers Smad2/3， phosphorylated （p）-Smad2/3， twist family transcription factor （Twist1）， and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group showed characteristic changes including dim eyes， pale ears and claws， dark-red tongue， and reduced luster of the tail. The gastric mucosa appeared pale， with surface congestion and erosion. The gastric mucosal glands were disordered， the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio increased， and local tumor cells were observed. Serum PGⅠ and PGⅡ levels and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio were significantly decreased （P<0.01）， while the level of G-17 was significantly increased （P<0.01）. The protein expression levels of Ki-67， Wnt3a， β-catenin， CyclinD₁， Cmyc， TGF-β₁， TGFβRⅠ， Smad2/3， Twist1， and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， whereas the ratio of p-Smad2/3 to Smad2/3 was significantly decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the general characteristics and gastric mucosal conditions of rats in the Moluodan group and the QZJW group were improved. HE staining showed that QZJW could effectively block the malignant progression of GIN. Serum PGⅠ and PGⅡ levels and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while the level of G-17 was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The protein expression levels of Ki-67， Wnt3a， β-catenin， CyclinD₁， Cmyc， TGF-β₁， TGFβRⅠ， Smad2/3， Twist1， and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionQZJW have a therapeutic effect on rats with GIN. The mechanism may involve inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to regulate the cell cycle and suppress abnormal cell proliferation. Meanwhile， it may inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition by suppressing the TGF-β₁/Smad/Twist1 signaling pathway， thereby blocking the malignant progression of GIN.

Objective:To evaluate the safety and oncological outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic inferior vena cava(IVC)segmental resection in renal tumor with IVC tumor thrombus(IVCTT).Methods:Clinical data from renal tumor patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic IVC segmental resection at Peking University Third Hospital from Jan.2021 to Feb.2025 were retrospectively analyzed.Data collection included baseline demographics,tumor characteristics,perioperative parameters,and follow-up outcomes.Surgical records and pathological reports were retrieved from the electronic medical record system.Continuous variables were presented as median(P25,P75),and categorical variables as frequency(percentage).Results:Forty-four patients were enrolled.The cohort comprised 31 malesand 13 females,with a median age of 62(55,68)years.Right-sided tumors were observed in 39 cases and left-sided in 5 cases.Median tumor diameter was 8.1(6.1,10.1)cm.Mayo classifications included grade Ⅱ(n=37),Ⅲ(n=6),and Ⅳ(n=1).Neoadjuvant therapy was administered to 23 patients.Seventeen patients were complicated by IVC bland thrombus.Median operative time was 224.0(167.3,303.8)min,with intraoperative blood loss of 500.0(300.0,850.0)mL.Transfusion was administered to 19 patients,with a median blood transfusion of 800.0(400.0,1 200.0)mL.Postoperative complica-tions occurred in 25 cases(56.8％),classified as Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅰ(n=8)and grade Ⅱ(n=17).Procedure-specific complications included deep vein thrombosis(n=6),transfusion-requiring ane-mia(n=5),lower extremity edema(n=2),and pulmonary embolism(n=2),with no procedure-related mortality.Median postoperative serum creatinine was 116.0(86.5,157.5)μmnol/L.Pathological examination identified clear cell renal cell carcinoma as the predominant subtype,observed in 34 cases(77.3％).Pathological staging revealed T3b(n=12),T3c(n=29),and T4(n=3)disease,with nodal involvement(N1)in 8 cases and distant metastasis(M1)in 17.At a median follow-up of 10 months(range:1-49 months),cancer-specific mortality occurred in 3 patients,while 1 succumbed to other causes.Disease progression included pulmonary metastasis(n=5),hepatic metastasis(n=4),and local recurrence(n=4).Adjuvant therapy regimens comprised targeted-immunotherapy combina-tions(n=9)and targeted monotherapy(n=18).Conclusion:Robot-assisted laparoscopic I VC seg-mental resection achieves precise thrombus removal with confirmed short-term efficacy in renal tumor with IVCTT,though vigilance against vascular complications remains critical.

Objective:To evaluate the safety and oncological outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic inferior vena cava(IVC)segmental resection in renal tumor with IVC tumor thrombus(IVCTT).Methods:Clinical data from renal tumor patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic IVC segmental resection at Peking University Third Hospital from Jan.2021 to Feb.2025 were retrospectively analyzed.Data collection included baseline demographics,tumor characteristics,perioperative parameters,and follow-up outcomes.Surgical records and pathological reports were retrieved from the electronic medical record system.Continuous variables were presented as median(P25,P75),and categorical variables as frequency(percentage).Results:Forty-four patients were enrolled.The cohort comprised 31 malesand 13 females,with a median age of 62(55,68)years.Right-sided tumors were observed in 39 cases and left-sided in 5 cases.Median tumor diameter was 8.1(6.1,10.1)cm.Mayo classifications included grade Ⅱ(n=37),Ⅲ(n=6),and Ⅳ(n=1).Neoadjuvant therapy was administered to 23 patients.Seventeen patients were complicated by IVC bland thrombus.Median operative time was 224.0(167.3,303.8)min,with intraoperative blood loss of 500.0(300.0,850.0)mL.Transfusion was administered to 19 patients,with a median blood transfusion of 800.0(400.0,1 200.0)mL.Postoperative complica-tions occurred in 25 cases(56.8％),classified as Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅰ(n=8)and grade Ⅱ(n=17).Procedure-specific complications included deep vein thrombosis(n=6),transfusion-requiring ane-mia(n=5),lower extremity edema(n=2),and pulmonary embolism(n=2),with no procedure-related mortality.Median postoperative serum creatinine was 116.0(86.5,157.5)μmnol/L.Pathological examination identified clear cell renal cell carcinoma as the predominant subtype,observed in 34 cases(77.3％).Pathological staging revealed T3b(n=12),T3c(n=29),and T4(n=3)disease,with nodal involvement(N1)in 8 cases and distant metastasis(M1)in 17.At a median follow-up of 10 months(range:1-49 months),cancer-specific mortality occurred in 3 patients,while 1 succumbed to other causes.Disease progression included pulmonary metastasis(n=5),hepatic metastasis(n=4),and local recurrence(n=4).Adjuvant therapy regimens comprised targeted-immunotherapy combina-tions(n=9)and targeted monotherapy(n=18).Conclusion:Robot-assisted laparoscopic I VC seg-mental resection achieves precise thrombus removal with confirmed short-term efficacy in renal tumor with IVCTT,though vigilance against vascular complications remains critical.

Objective:To observe the efficacy and safety of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) therapy in children with steroid dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS)/frequently relapsed nephrotic syndrome (FRNS).Methods:The clinical data of children with SDNS/FRNS who received treatment with prednisone acetate tablets were retrospectively collected from June 2019 to June 2023 in the Nephrology Department of Xi′an Children′s Hospital. The children were divided into glucocorticoid+ACTH group and glucocorticoid group, according to whether ACTH was used or not. The differences in cortisol, total cholesterol and 24 hour urinary protein quantity between 2 groups of children at baseline and follow-up endpoints were compared, and the effectiveness (the proportion of no recurrence and discontinuation of glucocorticoid) and occurrence of adverse reactions were evaluated.Results:A total of 39 patients with SDNS/FRNS were included in this study, with 21 cases in the glucocorticoid+ACTH group and 18 cases in the glucocorticoid group. Among the 39 children, there were 33 cases of SDNS and 6 cases of FRNS, respectively. The proportion of baseline low cortisol levels was 76.9% (30/39). The proportion of cortisol levels returning to normal after ACTH treatment in the glucocorticoid+ACTH group was 76.2% (16/21). The baseline and follow-up endpoint for cortisol levels in the glucocorticoid+ACTH group were 28.0(19.8, 51.5) μg/L and 79.9(58.9, 113.0) μg/L, respectively. The baseline and follow-up endpoint for cortisol levels in the glucocorticoid group were 21.0(15.8, 37.4) μg/L and 25.3(18.2, 51.4) μg/L, respectively. In the 2 groups of cortisol levels, there was statistically significant difference in the interaction effect between time and group ( Wald χ2=11.595, P=0.001), there was a statistically significant difference at the follow-up endpoint between the 2 groups ( Wald χ2=19.462, P<0.001), and the difference was statistically significant in the time effect of the glucocorticoid+ACTH group ( Wald χ2=21.100, P<0.001). The baseline and follow-up endpoint for total cholesterol in the glucocorticoid+ACTH group were 4.95(4.23, 5.26) mmol/L and 4.38(4.04, 5.24) mmol/L, respectively. The baseline and follow-up endpoint for total cholesterol in the glucocorticoid group were 4.80 (4.17, 5.28) mmol/L and 5.74 (5.04, 6.88) mmol/L, respectively. In the 2 groups of total cholesterol, there was statistically significant difference in the interaction effect between time and group ( Wald χ 2=9.842, P=0.002), there was statistically significant difference at the follow-up endpoint between the 2 groups ( Wald χ 2=12.187, P<0.001), the difference was statistically significant between the 2 groups in the time effect at baseline and the follow-up endpoint (glucocorticoid+ACTH group: Wald χ 2=6.488, glucocorticoid group: Wald χ2=7.112; all P<0.05). The baseline and follow-up endpoint for 24 hour urinary protein quantity in the glucocorticoid+ACTH group were 115 (105, 128) mg/d and 121 (113, 128) mg/d, respectively. The baseline and follow-up endpoint for 24 hour urinary protein quantity in the glucocorticoid group were 118 (113, 125) mg/d and 138 (119, 2 100) mg/d, respectively. In the 2 groups of 24 hour urinary protein quantity, there was statistically significant difference in the interaction effect between time and group ( Wald χ2=7.743, P=0.005), there was statistically significant difference at the follow-up endpoint between the 2 groups ( Wald χ2=7.779, P=0.005), and the difference was statistically significant in the time effect of the glucocorticoid group ( Wald χ2=13.331, P<0.001). The proportion of no recurrence (17/21) and discontinuation of oral glucocorticoid (16/21) in the glucocorticoid+ACTH group were higher than those in the glucocorticoid group (the proportion were both 6/18), and the differences between the 2 groups were statistically significant (the chi square values were 9.084 and 7.240, respectively; all P<0.01). No adverse reactions occurred in the glucocorticoid group. The incidence of adverse reactions in the glucocorticoid+ACTH group was 14.3% (3/21), of which 2 cases developed generalized urticaria and 1 case developed hypertension. Conclusions:ACTH has a good efficacy and safety in children with SDNS/FRNS. The results of this study need to be further validated by increasing the sample size and conducting multicenter studies.

Objective To investigate the impacts of intervertebral foramen endoscopic surgery combined with silver needle hyperthermia therapy on lumbar spine function and local tenderness in patients with lumbar disc herniation(LDH).Methods From April 2020 to March 2023,100 LDH patients were randomly devided into a control group(50 cases)and an observation group(50 cases)through random number table method.The control group was treated with intervertebral foramen endoscopic surgery combined with conventional lumbar and dorsal muscle training,while observed group was treated with intervertebral foramen endoscopic surgery combined with silver needle warm therapy.The lumbar function,local tenderness,laboratory indicators,and adverse reactions were compared.Results The Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)score increased in both groups after treatment,and observed group had obviously higher scores,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05);After treatment,both groups showed a decrease in pain visual analogue scale(VAS)score,and observed group had obviously lower scores,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05);The levels of interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),prostaglandin E2(PGE2),and 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)in both groups decreased after treatment,and the observed group showed a more obvious decrease in all indicators,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05);The incidence of adverse reactions was 4.00%(2/50)in observed group and 20.00%(10/50)in the control group,adverse reactions in observed group were obviously fewer,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The combination of intervertebral foramen endoscopic surgery and silver needle hyperthermia therapy can effectively improve lumbar spine function and alleviate local tenderness symptoms in patients with LDH.It is worthy clinical application.

Objective:To explore the efficacy and factors affecting the treatment of gastric cancer liver metastasis (GCLM) with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI).Methods:This is a retrospective cohort study. Clinical and pathological data of 588 patients with GCLM treated at the Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, People′s Liberation Army General Hospital, from January 2018 to December 2022 were retrospectively collected. There were 491 males and 97 females, aged ( M(IQR)) 60(14) years (range: 18 to 86 years). Patients were divided into an ICI treatment group ( n=142) and a non-ICI treatment group ( n=446) based on whether they received ICI therapy. Clinical and pathological data between the two groups were compared using the χ2 test or Mann-Whitney U test. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed with cT stage, cN stage, surgical treatment, targeted therapy, and biomarkers as covariates, using a 1∶1 nearest neighbor matching method with a caliper value of 0.2. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using Cox proportional hazards regression models, with relevant variables selected through forward stepwise regression. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method, and group differences were compared using the Log-rank test. Subgroup analysis was conducted to identify potential beneficiary populations for ICI through forest plots. Results:After PSM, 114 patients were included in each group, and there were no statistically significant differences in the baseline data between the two groups (all P>0.05). The results of Cox multivariate analysis after PSM showed that cN2-3 stage ( HR=1.348, 95% CI: 1.091 to 1.665, P=0.006) and peritoneal metastasis ( HR=1.877, 95% CI:1.360 to 2.590, P<0.01) were independent risk factors for survival in GCLM patients; radical surgery ( HR=0.391, 95% CI: 0.305 to 0.501, P<0.01), immunotherapy ( HR=0.630, 95% CI: 0.503 to 0.788, P<0.01), and deficient DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) or combined positive score (CPS)≥5 ( HR=0.454, 95% CI: 0.320 to 0.644, P<0.01) were independent protective factors for survival in GCLM patients. After PSM, the overall survival was 12.4 (13.0) months in the non-immunotherapy group and 17.6 (17.8) months in the immunotherapy group (Log-rank test: P=0.029). Subgroup analysis showed that female patients, those with primary tumors located in the upper stomach, cN2-3 stage, one liver metastasis, synchronous liver metastasis, receiving targeted therapy, and those with dMMR or CPS≥5 were more likely to benefit from ICI therapy (all P<0.05). Conclusions:ICI prolongs overall survival in GCLM patients. Female patients, those with primary tumors located in the upper stomach, cN2-3 stage, one liver metastasis, synchronous liver metastasis, receiving targeted therapy, and those with dMMR or CPS≥5 are more likely to benefit from ICI therapy.

Objective To investigate the impacts of midazolam(MDZ)on the proliferation,migration,and invasion of esophageal cancer(EC)cells by regulating the monocyte chemotactic protein-1(CCL2)-C-C chemokine receptor 2(CCR2)signaling pathway.Methods QRT-PCR method was applied to determine the expression of CCL2 and CCR2 mRNA in EC tissue,adjacent cancer tissue,human normal esophageal epithelial cell HEEC,and EC cell Eca-109.MTT assay and colony formation were applied to measure cell proliferation.Scratch test,Transwell test,and TUNEL method were applied to determine cell migration,invasion,and apoptosis,respectively.The expression of CCL2-CCR2 signaling pathway proteins was determined using Western blot method.Results Compared with adjacent cancer tissues and normal human esophageal epithelial cells(HEEC),the mRNA and protein expression levels of CCL2 and CCR2 in cancer tissues and Eca-109 cells were increased(P＜0.05).Compared with the control group,the OD450 value,colony formation number,scratch healing rate,and invasive cell count of Eca-109 cells in the MDZ-L group,MDZ-M group,and MDZ-H group decreased,while the proportion of TUNEL positive cells increased(P＜0.05).Compared with the MDZ-H group,the OD450 value,colony formation number,scratch healing rate,and number of invasive cells in the MDZ-H+GW0742 group all increased,while the proportion of TUNEL positive cells decreased(P＜0.05).Compared with the control group,protein and mRNA expressions of CCL2 and CCR2 proteins in Eca-109 cells in the MDZ-L group,MDZ-M group,and MDZ-H group decreased(P＜0.05).Compared with the MDZ-H group,the MDZ-H+GW0742 group showed an increase in the expression of CCL2 and CCR2 proteins in Eca-109 cells(P＜0.05).Conclusion MDZ can inhibit the proliferation,migration,and invasion of EC cells by inhibiting the activation of the CCL2-CCR2 signaling pathway.

Objective To characterize working memory performance in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS)and spleen-deficiency syndrome and to examine its associations with clinical symptoms by Sternberg working memory task(SWMT).Methods 31 CFS patients meeting both CDC-1994 criteria and consensus criteria for spleen-deficiency pattern were recruited from outpatient clinics and universities from September 2022 and June 2025.31 healthy controls were also recruited based on age,sex,and education.All subjects completed the SWMT.Group differences were analyzed.Within the CFS cohort,reaction time(RT)was correlated with scores on the checklist individual strength(CIS),36-item short-form health survey(sf-36),and fatigue scale-14(FS-14).Mediation was examined.Results RT lengthened with increasing memory load in both groups.CFS patients displayed slower RTs than controls in the baseline and 6-digit set(P<0.05).The 3-digit RT difference,though not significant(P>0.05),yielded a medium effect size(r=0.36).Accuracy did not differ between two groups.Among CFS patients,3-digit RT correlated positively with CIS total and the 4 sub-scale scores.6-digit RT correlated with the SF-36 health-transition dimension(r=0.396,P=0.027).CIS and FS-14 scores directly impaired SF-36 social functioning without working-memory mediating.Conclusion CFS patients with spleen-deficiency exhibit slowed processing speed rather than capacity loss.The close link between working-memory slowing and fatigue suggests a distinct neural basis.These results support the traditional concept"the spleen stores Yi"and integrate TCM pattern differentiation with modern cognitive neuroscience in CFS.