1.Overview of Diagnosis,Treatment and Mechanism Research of Functional Dyspepsia by Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Shengsheng ZHANG ; Zhaohong SHI ; Xiaofang LU ; Luqing ZHAO ; Danyan LI ; Shu ZHANG ; Lu ZHAO ; Yudi ZHUO ; Nian WANG ; Fan LIU ; Shuangyi LI ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):397-403
Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a prioritized disease category where traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) demonstrates distinct therapeutic advantages. The current western medicine treatment for FD is mainly based on proton pump inhibitors and prokinetic agents, with digestive enzymes, probiotics and antidepressants serving as adjuvant medication, yet such therapies still have certain limitations. TCM treatment for FD includes oral administration of Chinese herbal formulas and Chinese patent medicines, as well as external TCM therapies such as acupuncture and moxibustion, acupoint application, hot medicinal compress therapy, rubbing with ointment, medicinal iontophoresis, auricular acupoint therapy and tui na (Chinese medical massage). The combined treatment of FD with integrated TCM and western medicine can significantly improve clinical effectiveness and reduce adverse reactions. The common mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of both TCM and western medicine revolve around the core pathological processes of FD, mainly focusing on restoring gastrointestinal motility, regulating the levels of brain-gut peptides, modulating intestinal microecology, and ameliorating inflammatory status. The differential mechanisms lie in the precise targeting feature of western medicine versus the holistic-regulating and multi-target characteristics of TCM, and the two approaches exert a synergistic effect to enhance efficacy. This paper proposes to leverage the advantages of TCM in holistic regulation and the strengths of western medicine in targeted treatment, so as to provide personalized and comprehensive treatment regimens for FD patients.
2.The Role of Lysosomal Dysfunction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Pathogenesis to Targeted Therapies
Yue-Yan WU ; Xin CHEN ; Ce-Fan ZHOU ; Jing-Feng TANG ; Rui ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):609-622
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal cancer with high morbidity rates worldwide. It is a major threat to public health in China, due to the combination of known and new risk factors, such as endemic hepatitis B virus (HBV), dietary aflatoxin exposure, and the occurrence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Although many methods for surveillance and multimodal therapies, such as surgery, local ablation, transarterial therapy, and new systemic agents, have been available, the survival rates of HCC remains poor. They have very limited durable responses, long post-treatment recurrence rates, and high resistance to treatment. This reflects an imperfect picture of the biological cause of the disease and a need for new mechanistic or targeted techniques. A significant characteristic of HCC, in common with other aggressive cancers, is the presence of reprogrammed, hyperactive cell metabolism. Tumor cells hijack metabolic pathways to promote their uncontrolled growth, stress survival, invasion and metastasis. While classical mechanisms such as the Warburg effect, lipid metabolism and glutamine utilization have been understood, the lysosome, which was once viewed as a static “waste disposal unit” to remove old organelles and proteins, is instead a dynamic signaling and metabolic core. The lysosomes incorporate nutrients, energy and stress signals by master regulators such as mTORC1 (activated on its surface) that balance anabolic growth and catabolic recycling to the cellular demands. In HCC, lysosomes are not passive, but are highly active and dysregulated. HCC cells upregulate lysosomes, which scavenge intracellular components via enhanced autophagy and engulf extracellular proteins via macropinocytosis, crucial for survival in the nutrient-poor, hypoxic tumor microenvironment. In addition to metabolism, lysosomes exhibit pro-invasive functions by secreting hydrolases to remodel the extracellular matrix, promote angiogenesis, and suppress stromal immune cells to foster a pro-tumor microenvironment. In a clinical context, lysosomes play an important role in therapeutic resistance: they sequester and inactivate chemotherapeutics via lysosomal sequestration, and enhanced autophagic flux protects the cell from therapy-induced damage, contributing to relapse, as lysosomal dysfunction is a key cause of treatment failure. This makes lysosomes promising yet challenging therapeutic targets in HCC. Recent preclinical and early clinical studies investigate multiple strategies to exploit the susceptibility of lysosomes: lysosome-specific agents, alkalinizing the lysosome lumen or inducing membrane permeabilization and lysosome-dependent cell death; pharmacological inhibition of key lysosomal enzymes or autophagy to impair nutrient recycling and stress adaptation; smart nanotherapeutic agents or antibody-drug conjugates, specifically activated in the acidic lysosomal environment or utilizing lysosomal pathways for efficient intracellular drug release; and combination strategies of lysosome-targeting agents with tyrosine kinase inhibitors or immunotherapy to overcome resistance and achieve synergistic antitumor effects. In summary, our review systematically presents the role of lysosomes in HCC, from metabolic reprogramming and microenvironmental adaptation to therapeutic resistance. By synthesizing the latest mechanistic insights and preclinical advances, this review highlights the indispensable role of lysosomes in the complex HCC biological network, emphasizing that an in-depth understanding of this dynamic organelle holds great promise for developing innovative, targeted therapies, offering new hope for improving the poor prognosis of global HCC patients.
3.Population composition and seasonal distribution of mosquitoes in Laoshan District, Qingdao City
Zi-long TANG ; Na YU ; Yang YU ; Fan YIN ; Bing-hui LI ; Hong-yu WANG ; Ke-jia HUANG
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):114-120
Objective The study aimed to elucidate the population composition and seasonal distribution characteristics of mosquitoes in Laoshan District, Qingdao City, providing a scientific basis for the prevention and control of mosquito-borne infectious diseases. Methods Mosquito surveillance was conducted in Laoshan District in Qingdao City using light traps from April to November 2020-2022. Dominant mosquito species were identified using the Berger-Parker dominance index(I)and mosquito density was compared using the Kruskal-Wallis H test. The seasonal distribution characteristics of adult mosquitoes were analyzed using concentration and circular distribution method. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to study the relationship between mosquito populations and meteorological factors with mean monthly temperature, mean monthly relative humidity, and mean monthly rainfall. Results The mean mosquito density for the trapping period was 9.771 females/(trap·night)in 2020,9.771 in 2021, and 9.427 in 2022. There was no statistically significant difference in mosquito density between different years(H = 0.095, P = 0.954). In total, 2 781 adult female mosquitoes comprising five species from four genera were captured over three years. Culex pipiens(I = 0.654), Aedes albopictus(I = 0.202), and Aedes aegypti(I = 0.118)were identified as dominant species. Seasonal fluctuations in the adult mosquitoes were unimodal, and primarily concentrated from June to September. The peak period of adult mosquito varied between years with statistical significance. (F = 3.838, P < 0.05). Mosquito density was highly correlated with mean monthly temperature, mean monthly relative humidity and mean monthly precipitation(P< 0.05). Conclusions Cx. pipiens pallens, Ae. albopictus, and Ar. inamoratus are the dominant mosquito species in the Laoshan District of Qingdao City. The activity of adult mosquitoes is seasonal, and primarily concentrated in summer and autumn, during which the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever is increased.
4.Simultaneous bilateral mPCNL combined with antegrade flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy for calculi in horseshoe kidney:a case report and feasibility analysis
Shuaiqi CHEN ; Huijun FAN ; Zhao TANG ; Xinjun ZHANG ; Feng ZHU ; Huiqing ZHANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(6):599-602
Objective To report the first case of renal calculi in a patient with horseshoe kidney (HSK) treated with simultaneous bilateral minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SB-mPCNL) combined with antegrade flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy (A-FURS), and to analyze the feasibility of the surgical approach. Case Report A 57-year-old male patient was admitted due to “right lumbago and abdominal pain for 10 days”.Computed tomography urography (CTU) revealed bilateral nephrolithiasis with HSK.The patient underwent SB-mPCNL combined with A-FURS.The operation time was 185 min, with the lithotripsy and stone clearance time accounting for 80 min, and the estimated blood loss being approximately 30 mL.A plain abdominal radiograph conducted on the 4th postoperative day showed complete clearance of stones.Bilateral nephrostomy tubes were removed on the 6th postoperative day.The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged on the 7th postoperative day.The safety and feasibility of this combined surgical modality were analyzed based on relevant literature. Conclusion SB-mPCNL combined with A-FURS is a safe, effective and feasible therapeutic option for bilateral nephrolithiasis in patients with HSK, which is worthy of further clinical verification.
5.Dexmedetomidine Improves the Therapeutic Efficacy Against Mammary Tumors in Stress-exposed Mice by Inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB Pathway
Chuyi ZHANG ; Shan MENG ; Xin XU ; Peng FAN ; Xunyuan MAO ; Yuhui HUANG ; Sanqing JIN
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(4):601-612
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate whether dexmedetomidine (Dex) alleviates stress-induced mammary tumor progression in mice by inhibiting the TLR4/NF‑κB signaling pathway, and to examine its effects on anxiety‑depression‑like behaviors and stress hormone levels. MethodsAn orthotopic EMT6 mammary tumor model was established in mice, and chronic mild stress (CMS) was applied to induce anxiety‑depression‑like states. The mice were divided into six groups: naive, tumor, CMS, CMS+tumor, CMS+tumor+Dex, and CMS+tumor+Vehicle groups. Behavioral changes were evaluated using the open field test and tail suspension test. Plasma stress hormone levels were measured by high‑performance liquid chromatography. Western blot and RT‑qPCR were performed to detect the expression of TLR4, p‑NF‑κB p65, p‑IκBα, and inflammatory cytokines (IL‑6, IL‑1β, TNF‑α) in tumor tissues. In vitro, EMT6 cells were treated with cortisol to mimic the stress-related microenvironment, and the effects of Dex on the TLR4/NF‑κB pathway were assessed by CCK‑8, Western blot, and RT-qPCR. ResultsTumor‑bearing mice exhibited significant anxiety‑depression‑like behaviors (P<0.05), along with markedly elevated plasma levels of norepinephrine, epinephrine, and cortisol (P<0.05). Chronic stress further aggravated these behavioral abnormalities and promoted tumor growth (P<0.05). Dexmedetomidine intervention significantly improved anxiety‑depression‑like behaviors (P<0.05) and lowered peripheral stress hormone levels (P<0.05) in stress‑exposed tumor‑bearing mice. In vitro experiments demonstrated that cortisol treatment activated the TLR4/NF‑κB pathway (P<0.001) and upregulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines (P<0.05 in EMT6 cells, whereas dexmedetomidine effectively suppressed this activation (P<0.001). In the in vivo model, dexmedetomidine treatment downregulated the expression of TLR4, p‑NF‑κB p65, p‑IκBα, and pro‑inflammatory cytokines in tumor tissues (P<0.001) and significantly inhibited tumor growth (P<0.05). ConclusionDexmedetomidine inhibits the TLR4/NF‑κB signaling pathway, alleviates stress‑induced inflammatory responses, improves anxiety- and depression‑ like behaviors, reduces stress hormone levels, and suppresses mammary tumor progression. These findings provide an experimental basis for understanding anxiety- and depression- associated breast tumor progression and suggest that Dexmedetomidine and the TLR4/NF-κB pathway may serve as potential therapeutic targets.
6.Risk assessment and stepwise management framework for pulmonary nodules
Lang TANG ; Xiaoke CHEN ; Jie TANG ; Jin JIANG ; Xinnan FANG ; Sikun LIU ; Zeguang YE ; Jiamei JIN ; Canglei ZHANG ; Wenzhao ZHONG ; Haibo WANG ; Yi HU ; Hao ZHANG ; Jigang DAI ; Guibin QIAO ; Junqiang FAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(10):1544-1552
Objective To propose a framework for risk assessment and stepwise management of pulmonary nodules based on existing guidelines and key studies, and to clarify the boundaries for triage, workup escalation, and referral in different detection scenarios. Methods A problem-oriented evidence synthesis approach was used, prioritizing Chinese expert consensus, Fleischner Society Guidelines, British Thoracic Society (BTS) Guidelines, and Lung-RADS. This was supplemented by studies on risk models, imaging measurements, liquid biopsy, tissue sampling, and surgical treatments. This paper is not presented as a formal consensus or a validated clinical pathway. Results A three-tiered framework consisting of basic non-invasive assessment, advanced assessment, and invasive diagnosis was established. It specified the applicable populations, boundaries for the use of risk models, imaging review, management of conflicting results, evaluation of histopathological consistency, and post-intervention follow-up. Liquid biopsy, genetic testing, and artificial intelligence were defined as investigational or adjunctive tools. Conclusion This framework can serve as a preliminary reference for multidisciplinary teams in developing local protocols. It cannot replace applicable guidelines, pathological diagnosis, shared decision-making with patients, or real-world validation.
7.Dynamic Monitoring and Analysis of Ammonia Concentration in Laboratory Animal Facilities Under Suspension of Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning System
Qingzhen JIAO ; Guihua WU ; Wen TANG ; Fan FAN ; Kai FENG ; Chunxiang YANG ; Jian QIAO ; Sufang DENG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(4):490-495
ObjectiveTo monitor the real-time changes in ammonia concentration in the laboratory animal facility environment before, during, and after the air conditioning system stops supplying air, so as to provide a basis and reference for developing emergency plans for the shutdown of the air conditioning system. MethodsThe laboratory animal facilities of the Wuhan Institute of Biological Products were used as the research object. Ammonia concentration detectors were used to monitor ammonia concentration continuously in the environment of conventional rabbit production facility, SPF hamster production facility, and SPF guinea pig experimental facility before and after the passive shutdown due to repairs and active maintenance shutdown of the air conditioning system, as well as the time for the ammonia concentration to return to daily levels after resuming air supply. ResultsUnder both shutdown modes of the air conditioning system, the trend of ammonia concentration changes in different laboratory animal facilities was consistent, showing a rapid increase after shutdown and a rapid decrease after resuming air supply. Under active maintenance shutdown, the maximum ammonia concentrations in the conventional rabbit production facilities, SPF hamster production facilities, and SPF guinea pig experimental facilities were 9.81 mg/m³, 14.27 mg/m³, and 6.98 mg/m³, respectively. Within 12 minutes after resuming air supply, ammonia concentration could return to normal daily levels. Under passive long-term shutdown, ammonia concentration value was positively correlated with the duration of air supply suspension. As the shutdown duration increased, ammonia concentration continued to increase. The maximum ammonia concentration values in the three facilities occurred at 88 minutes (38.06 mg/m³), 40 minutes (18.43 mg/m³), and 34 minutes (15.61 mg/m³) after air supply suspension, respectively.Within 11 minutes after resuming air supply, ammonia concentration could return to normal daily levels. ConclusionShutdown of the air conditioning system causes a rapid increase in ammonia concentration in laboratory animal facilities, and the rise in ammonia concentration is positively correlated with the duration of air supply suspension. Therefore, when an emergency shutdown of the air-conditioning system is required due to maintenance or other reasons, backup fans should be provided in accordance with the requirements of GB 50447-2008 "Architectural and Technical Code for Laboratory Animal Facilities". Older facilities should make adequate preparations and develop a scientifically sound emergency plan.
8.Adolescent anxiety and non-suicidal self-injury behavior: the mediating role of depression and the moderating role of social support
Juexi LI ; Liyuan LI ; Yuxuan GUO ; Xiaoqiang XIAO ; Peiqi TANG ; Ting PU ; Haixi ZUO ; Ting YANG ; Xiaoxia FAN ; Bo ZHOU
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(4):357-363
BackgroundNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behavior among adolescents has become a global public health concern. Anxiety and depression are considered key factors influencing NSSI behavior, while social support may play a protective role in alleviating emotional and behavioral issues. However, existing research has primarily focused on the direct impact of individual factors on NSSI behavior, with insufficient exploration of the combined effects of anxiety, depression and social support. ObjectiveTo investigate the direct effect of anxiety on NSSI, the mediating role of depression and the moderating role of social support in relationship between anxiety and NSSI behavior, thus to provide references for the prevention and intervention of NSSI behavior among adolescents. MethodsIn February 2022, a total of 40 820 students in grades 7 to 12 across 10 middle schools in a district of Chengdu were selected as participants, and they were assessed using Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 item (GAD-7), Patient's Health Questionnaire Depression Scale-9 item (PHQ-9), Social Support Scale for Urban Students (SSSUS) and Adolescent Self-Harm Scale (ASHS). Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the correlations between scale scores among adolescents with NSSI behaviors. Mediation and moderation analyses were performed using Process 3.5 in SPSS, and the significance was tested with bootstrapping. The interaction was visualized by using simple slope analysis. ResultsAmong 34 534 (84.60%) valid respondents, 542 adolescents (1.57%) reported engaging in NSSI behavior. Significant differences in gender, GAD-7 scores, PHQ-9 scores, and SSSUS scores were observed between NSSI behavior group and non-NSSI group (χ²/t=62.889, 71.120, 94.365, -41.464, P<0.01).Adolesents with NSSI showed positive correlations between GAD-7 scores and both ASHS and PHQ-9 scores (r=0.158, 0.166, P<0.01). PHQ-9 scores were positively correlated with ASHS scores (r=0.364, P<0.01), but negatively correlated with SSSUS scores (r=-0.290, P<0.01). SSSUS scores were negatively correlated with ASHS scores (r=-0.247, P<0.01). Depression partially mediated the relationship between anxiety and NSSI behavior, with an effect size of 0.544 (95% CI: 0.162~0.944), accounting for 35.79% of the total effect. Social support moderated the relationship between depression and NSSI bahavior, with an effect value of -0.082 (95% CI: -0.135~-0.029). ConclusionAnxiety not only directly influences NSSI bahavior among adolescents, also indirectly exacerbates it through depression, while social support mitigates the impact of depression on NSSI behavior. [Funded by Youth Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China (number, 82401812); Project of Health Commission of Sichuan Province (number, 24LCYJPT18)]
9.Relationship between psychological abuse and neglect and suicidal ideation in left-behind adolescents: the mediating role of negative affect and the moderating role of different stages of adolescence
Lu PAN ; Yuhang WU ; Yuqin SONG ; Cen LIN ; Yu CEN ; Jiarui SHAO ; Cailin XIE ; Mengqin DAI ; Qiuyue FAN ; Lei TANG ; Jiaming LUO
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(4):374-380
BackgroundPrevious studies have identified a close relationship among psychological neglect and abuse, negative affect, different stages of adolescence, and suicidal ideation. However, the mechanisms underlying the impact of psychological abuse and neglect on suicidal ideation among left-behind adolescents remain unclear, and this field of research is still in its relative infancy. ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between psychological neglect/abuse and suicidal ideation among left-behind adolescents, as well as the mediating role of negative affect and the moderating effect of different stages of adolescence, so as to provide insights for preventing and intervening suicidal ideation in this population. MethodsFrom November 2021 to May 2022, a cluster random sampling technique was utilized to select 2 309 left-behind adolescents in western China. Assessments were conducted using the Child Psychological Abuse and Neglect Scale (CPANS), the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation (PANSI) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule for Children (PANAS-C). Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated across all samples, and Process 4.1 was employed to test the mediating role of negative affect and the moderating role of different stages of adolescence in the pathway linking psychological abuse/neglect to suicidal ideation. ResultsA total of 2 119 left-behind adolescents (mean age: 14.94±1.20 years) completed the study, with males comprising 51.34% (1 088/2 119) and females 48.66% (1 031/2 119).Among left-behind adolescents, scores on CPANS psychological neglect subscale showed positive correlations with both psychological abuse subscale scores and PANAS-C negative affect subscale scores (r=0.446, 0.496, P<0.01). Additionally, CPANS psychological neglect and psychological abuse subscale scores were also positively correlated with PANSI scores (r=0.487, 0.508, P<0.01). Furthermore, PANAS-C negative affect subscale scores demonstrated a positive correlation with PANSI scores (r=0.499, P<0.01). Negative affect partially mediated the relationship between psychological abuse/psychological neglect and suicidal ideation, with effect sizes of 0.166 (95% CI: 0.141~0.191) and 0.131 (95% CI: 0.112~0.152). Different stages of adolescence moderated the latter part (negative emotion → suicidal ideation) of the indirect mediation path from psychological neglect to suicidal ideation through negative affect (β=-0.066, P<0.01). ConclusionBoth psychological neglect and psychological abuse may influence suicidal ideation among left-behind adolescents via negative affect. Moreover, different stages of adolescence may moderate the indirect path from psychological neglect to suicide ideation through negative affect.
10.Association between Chinese visceral adiposity index and diabetes mellitus and hypertension among elderly people in Hebei Province
Fujuan YUE ; Xiaoli LIU ; Lijuan TANG ; Fan ZHANG ; Yajing CAO ; Tiantian GUO ; Wen LI ; Dongsheng JIANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(6):53-57
Objective To investigate the association between the Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI) and diabetes mellitus, hypertension, diabetes mellitus or hypertension, and diabetes with hypertension among elderly people in Hebei Province. Methods In 2020, a stratified multi-stage random sampling was used to conduct questionnaire survey, physical examination and laboratory detection among permanent residents of 10 monitoring sites in Hebei Province. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between CVAI and diabetes mellitus, hypertension, diabetes mellitus or hypertension, and diabetes with hypertension. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the predictive value of CVAI for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, diabetes mellitus or hypertension, and diabetes with hypertension. Results The detection rates of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, diabetes mellitus or hypertension, and diabetes with hypertension were 19.8%, 74.6%, 78.2%, and 16.2%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with the lowest quartile of CVAI group Q1, the OR (95% CI) of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, diabetes mellitus or hypertension, and diabetes with hypertension in the highest quartile Q4 group were 3.55 (2.58~4.89), 2.52 (1.92~3.31), 3.09 (2.31~4.12), and 4.92 (3.40~7.12), respectively. The ROC curve results showed that CVAI had the best predictive value in the diagnosis of diabetes with hypertension, and the optimized critical values in males and females were 128.54 and 141.88, respectively. Conclusion The detection rates of diabetes mellitus and hypertension are high in the elderly population in Hebei Province. CVAI is positively associated with the risk of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, diabetes mellitus or hypertension, and diabetes with hypertension among the elderly in Hebei. CVAI has the strongest prediction ability for diabetes with hypertension.


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