1.Molecular Mechanism of Programmed Cell Death in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Xin PENG ; Yunhui LI ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Haotian XU ; Ziming DANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):304-313
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that poses a significant threat to global health, exhibiting high morbidity, disability and mortality rate, with its prevention and treatment situation becoming increasingly critical. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex, and the underlying cellular and molecular biological mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Programmed cell death (PCD) is the process wherein cells actively undergo demise to maintain internal environmental stability in response to certain signals or specific stimuli. Contemporary medical research indicates that the dysregulation of PCD patterns such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis is closely related to the onset and progression of COPD. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms of PCD in COPD may provide novel perspectives for in-depth understanding and prevention of the disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by holistic regulation. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted in the TCM field focusing on modulating apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis for the treatment of COPD, yielding remarkable achievements. Therefore, this study systematically explored the molecular mechanism of PCD in COPD and reviewed the potential mechanisms and intervention status of TCM targeting PCD in COPD, aiming to provide insights and references for the clinical prevention, treatment and in-depth research of COPD.
2.Molecular Mechanism of Programmed Cell Death in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Xin PENG ; Yunhui LI ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Haotian XU ; Ziming DANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):304-313
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that poses a significant threat to global health, exhibiting high morbidity, disability and mortality rate, with its prevention and treatment situation becoming increasingly critical. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex, and the underlying cellular and molecular biological mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Programmed cell death (PCD) is the process wherein cells actively undergo demise to maintain internal environmental stability in response to certain signals or specific stimuli. Contemporary medical research indicates that the dysregulation of PCD patterns such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis is closely related to the onset and progression of COPD. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms of PCD in COPD may provide novel perspectives for in-depth understanding and prevention of the disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by holistic regulation. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted in the TCM field focusing on modulating apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis for the treatment of COPD, yielding remarkable achievements. Therefore, this study systematically explored the molecular mechanism of PCD in COPD and reviewed the potential mechanisms and intervention status of TCM targeting PCD in COPD, aiming to provide insights and references for the clinical prevention, treatment and in-depth research of COPD.
3.Association between takeout fast foods and sugar sweetened beverage consumption with co-occurrence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among first year junior high school students in Yunnan Province
HU Dongyue, ZHANG Zhengwu, XU Zenglei, TAO Lei, ZENG Anna, GUAN Liao, CHANG Litao,〖JZ〗 HUANG Xin, CHEN Weiwei, LI Jiangli, XU Honglü ;
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):23-26
Objective:
To explore the association between takeout fast foods and sugar sweetened beverage consumption with co-occurrence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among first year junior high school students in Yunnan Province, so as to provide theoretical basis for the prevention of anxiety and depressive symptoms co-occurrence among adolescents.
Methods:
A random cluster sampling involving 8 500 first year junior high school students in 11 counties in Yunnan Province was conducted by a questionnaire survey from October to December 2022. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was applied to assess anxiety and depressive symptoms in first year junior high school students. Chi-square test was used to compare the anxiety-depression co-occurrence symptoms of first year junior high school students with different demographic characteristics. The association between takeout fast foods and sugar sweetened beverage consumption with co-occurrence of anxiety and depressive symptoms of adolescents was analyzed by binary Logistic regression models.
Results:
The detection rate of co-occurrence of anxiety and depression symptoms among first year junior high school students in Yunnan Province was 26.92%. After controlling for demographic variables and other confounders, takeout fast foods and sugar sweetened beverage consumption( OR=1.50, 95%CI =1.27-1.77) was associated with anxiety-depression co-occurrence symptoms among first year junior high school students in Yunnan Province ( P <0.01). Stratified analysis showed that both Han ( OR=1.37, 95%CI =1.07-1.77) and ethnic minorities ( OR=1.60, 95%CI =1.29-2.00) exhibited statistically significant associations between takeout fast foods and sugar sweetened beverage consumption with co-occurrence of anxiety and depressive symptoms(both P <0.05).
Conclusions
Takeout fast foods and sugar sweetened beverage consumption increases the risk of co-occurrence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among first year junior high school students in Yunnan Province. It is recommended to strengthen guidance on the consumption of such products among junior high school students to prevent co-occurrence of anxiety and depressive symptoms.
4.Occupational fatigue and influencing factors of live-line power distribution workers
Ruijian PAN ; Conghan LIU ; Xin LU ; Chu CHEN ; Min LI ; Lei LIU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(2):196-200
Background Fatigue among distribution network live-line workers in complex operational environments has become increasingly severe and requires widespread attention. Objective To investigate the positive rates of fatigue and associated influencing factors of live-line power distribution workers, and to make a reasonable strategy to reduce the fatigue of front-line workers. Methods Power supply companies in Guangdong, Guangxi, and Yunnan provinces were selected by cluster sampling in 2023, and all front-line live-line workers in the selected companies were recruited. The questionnaire used in this study consisted of two parts: one was the Fatigue Scale-14 (FS-14) for investigating fatigue status and the other was for associated influencing factors. A FS-14 score greater than 3 points was defined as fatigue.
5.Multi-label fundus disease classification using dual-branch deep learning: an intelligent diagnosis framework inspired by traditional Chinese medicine Five Wheels theory
Xin HE ; Xiaohui LI ; Jun PENG ; Lei LEI ; Dan SHU ; Li XIAO ; Qinghua PENG ; Xiaoxia XIAO
Digital Chinese Medicine 2026;9(1):80-90
Objective:
To develop a dual-branch deep learning framework for accurate multi-label classification of fundus diseases, addressing the key limitations of insufficient complementary feature extraction and inadequate cross-modal feature fusion in existing automated diagnostic methods.
Methods:
The fundus multi-label classification dataset with 12 disease categories (FMLC-12) dataset was constructed by integrating complementary samples from Ocular Disease Intelligent Recognition (ODIR) and Retinal Fundus Multi-Disease Image Dataset (RFMiD), yielding 6 936 fundus images across 12 retinal pathology categories, and the framework was validated on both FMLC-12 and ODIR. Inspired by the holistic multi-regional assessment principle of the Five Wheels theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) ophthalmology, the dual-branch multi-label network (DBMNet) was developed as a novel framework integrating complementary visual feature extraction with pathological correlation modeling. The architecture employed a TransNeXt backbone within a dual-branch design: one branch processed red-green-blue (RGB) images to capture color-dependent features, such as vascular patterns and lesion morphology, while the other processed grayscale-converted images to enhance subtle textural details and contrast variations. A feature interaction module (FIM) effectively integrated the multi-scale features from both branches. Comprehensive ablation studies were conducted to evaluate the contributions of the dual-branch architecture and the FIM. The performance of DBMNet was compared against four state-of-the-art methods, including EfficientNet Ensemble, transfer learning-based convolutional neural network (CNN), BFENet, and EyeDeep-Net, using mean average precision (mAP), F1-score, and Cohen's kappa coefficient.
Results:
The dual-branch architecture improved mAP by 15.44 percentage points over the single-branch TransNeXt baseline, increasing from 34.41% to 44.24%, and the addition of FIM further boosted mAP to 49.85%. On FMLC-12, DBMNet achieved an mAP of 49.85%, a Cohen’s kappa coefficient of 62.14%, and an F1-score of 70.21%. Compared with BFENet (mAP: 45.42%, kappa: 46.64%, F1-score: 71.34%), DBMNet outperformed it by 4.43 percentage points in mAP and 15.50 percentage points in kappa, while BFENet achieved a marginally higher F1-score. On ODIR, DBMNet achieved an F1-score of 85.50%, comparable to state-of-the-art methods.
Conclusion
DBMNet effectively integrates RGB and grayscale visual modalities through a dual-branch architecture, significantly improving multi-label fundus disease classification. The framework not only addresses the issue of insufficient feature fusion in existing methods but also demonstrates outstanding performance in balancing detection across both common and rare diseases, providing a promising and clinically applicable pathway for standardized, intelligent fundus disease classification.
6.Targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 signaling to improve bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis
Haihui HAN ; Lei RAN ; Xiaohui MENG ; Pengfei XIN ; Zheng XIANG ; Yanqin BIAN ; Qi SHI ; Lianbo XIAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1905-1912
BACKGROUND:Although researchers have noted that fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 shows great potential in rheumatoid arthritis bone destruction,there is a lack of reviews related to the potential mechanisms of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 in rheumatoid arthritis bone destruction. OBJECTIVE:To comprehensively analyze the mechanism of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 in bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis by reviewing the relevant literature at both home and abroad. METHODS:We searched the CNKI database using the Chinese search terms"fibroblast growth factor receptor 1,rheumatoid arthritis,bone destruction,bone cells,osteoblasts,osteoclasts,chondrocytes,macrophages,synovial fibroblasts,T cells,vascular endothelial cells."PubMed database was searched using the English search terms"fibroblast growth factor receptor 1,rheumatoid arthritis,bone destruction,osteocytes,osteoblasts,osteoclasts,chondrocytes,macrophages,synovial fibroblasts,T cells,endothelial cells."The search period focused on April 1992 to January 2024.After screening the literature by reading titles,abstracts,and full texts,a total of 82 articles were finally included for review according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 was found to be widely expressed in bone tissue-associated cells,including osteoblasts,osteoclasts,and osteoclasts.Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 affects bone remodeling and homeostasis by regulating the function of these cells,as well as promoting the onset and progression of bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 is involved in the inflammatory response of synovial fibroblasts and macrophages and regulates angiogenesis of endothelial cells in synovial tissues.Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 promotes bone destruction in several ways.Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 may be a potential causative agent of bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis and provides a reference for further research on its therapeutic targets.
7.Anatomical Importance Between Neural Structure and Bony Landmark in Neuroventral Decompression for Posterior Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy
Xin WANG ; Tao HU ; Chaofan QIN ; Bo LEI ; Mingxin CHEN ; Ke MA ; Qingyan LONG ; Qingshuai YU ; Si CHENG ; Zhengjian YAN
Neurospine 2025;22(1):286-296
Objective:
This study aims to investigate the anatomical relationship among the nerve roots, intervertebral space, pedicles, and intradural rootlets of the cervical spine for improving operative outcomes and exploring neuroventral decompression approach in posterior endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD).
Methods:
Cervical computed tomography myelography imaging data from January 2021 to May 2023 were collected, and the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer Software was employed to conduct multiplane reconstruction. The following parameters were recorded: width of nerve root (WN), nerve root-superior pedicle distance (NSPD), nerve root-inferior pedicle distance (NIPD), and the relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root (shoulder, anterior, and axillary). Additionally, the descending angles between the spinal cord and the ventral (VRA) and dorsal (DRA) rootlets were measured.
Results:
The WN showed a gradual increase from C4 to C7, with measurements notably larger in men compared to women. The NSPD decreased gradually from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. However, the NIPD showed an opposite level-related change, notably larger than the NSPD at the C4–5, C5–6, and C7–T1 levels. Furthermore, significant differences in NIPD were observed between different age groups and genders. The incidence of the anterior type exhibited a gradual decrease from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. Conversely, the axillary type exhibited an opposite level-related change. Additionally, the VRA and DRA decreased as the level descended, with measurements significantly larger in females.
Conclusion
A prediction of the positional relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root is essential for the direct neuroventral decompression in PECD to avoid damaging the neural structures. The axillary route of the nerve root offers a safer and more effective pathway for performing direct neuroventral decompression compared to the shoulder approach.
8.Long-term Outcomes of Endoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation versus Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Widespread Superficial Esophageal Squamous Cell Neoplasia
Xin TANG ; Qian-Qian MENG ; Ye GAO ; Chu-Ting YU ; Yan-Rong ZHANG ; Yan BIAN ; Jin-Fang XU ; Lei XIN ; Wei WANG ; Han LIN ; Luo-Wei WANG
Gut and Liver 2025;19(2):198-206
Background/Aims:
Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (ERFA) is a treatment option for superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasia (ESCN), with a relatively low risk of stenosis; however, the long-term outcomes remain unclear. We aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of patients with widespread superficial ESCN who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or ERFA.
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with superficial ESCN who underwent ESD or ERFA between January 2015 and December 2021. The primary outcome measure was recurrence-free survival.
Results:
Ninety-two and 33 patients with superficial ESCN underwent ESD and ERFA, respectively. The en bloc, R0, and curative resection rates for ESD were 100.0%, 90.2%, and 76.1%, respectively. At 12 months, the complete response rate was comparable between the two groups (94.6% vs 90.9%, p=0.748). During a median follow-up of 66 months, recurrence-free survival was significantly longer in the ESD group than in the ERFA group (p=0.004), while no significant differences in overall survival (p=0.845) and disease-specific survival (p=0.494) were observed.Preoperative diagnosis of intramucosal cancer (adjusted hazard ratio, 5.55; vs high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia) was an independent predictor of recurrence. Significantly fewer patients in the ERFA group experienced stenosis compare to ESD group (15.2% vs 38.0%, p=0.016).
Conclusions
The risk of recurrence was higher for ERFA than ESD for ESCN but overall survival was not affected. The risk of esophageal stenosis was significantly lower for patients who underwent ERFA.
9.Protective effect of vascular endothelial growth factor B on retinal nerve cells
Xin SUN ; Lei ZHANG ; Honglian GAO ; Shoukuan ZHANG ; Jun JIANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(7):1089-1093
The retina has a complex and delicate function and structure, containing a large number of neuronal cells with extremely limited regenerative capacity, which are susceptible to damage and apoptosis under pathological conditions such as ischemia and hypoxia, resulting in irreversible vision loss. Retinal diseases are very common, such as retinitis pigmentosa(RP), age-related macular degeneration(ARMD), diabetic retinopathy(DR), and glaucoma. Most of the diseases in this category are treated symptomatically, which is effective but has some limitations in neuroprotection. Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-B is functionally relatively inert in the VEGF family, and unlike pro-angiogenic VEGF-A, VEGF-B shows functional inertia in angiogenesis but exhibits significant neuroprotective effects. VEGF-B is a potent anti-apoptotic, antioxidant factor that can regulate the expression of apoptotic genes and enhance the expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase 1 by binding to VEGFR-1 to activate the ERK1/2 or Akt pathway, in addition to decreasing the expression of glutamate, resulting in retinal neuroprotective effects. In this article, the protective effects of VEGF-B on retinal neuronal cells were reviewed to provide new ideas for the treatment of retina-associated diseases.
10.Anatomical Importance Between Neural Structure and Bony Landmark in Neuroventral Decompression for Posterior Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy
Xin WANG ; Tao HU ; Chaofan QIN ; Bo LEI ; Mingxin CHEN ; Ke MA ; Qingyan LONG ; Qingshuai YU ; Si CHENG ; Zhengjian YAN
Neurospine 2025;22(1):286-296
Objective:
This study aims to investigate the anatomical relationship among the nerve roots, intervertebral space, pedicles, and intradural rootlets of the cervical spine for improving operative outcomes and exploring neuroventral decompression approach in posterior endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD).
Methods:
Cervical computed tomography myelography imaging data from January 2021 to May 2023 were collected, and the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer Software was employed to conduct multiplane reconstruction. The following parameters were recorded: width of nerve root (WN), nerve root-superior pedicle distance (NSPD), nerve root-inferior pedicle distance (NIPD), and the relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root (shoulder, anterior, and axillary). Additionally, the descending angles between the spinal cord and the ventral (VRA) and dorsal (DRA) rootlets were measured.
Results:
The WN showed a gradual increase from C4 to C7, with measurements notably larger in men compared to women. The NSPD decreased gradually from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. However, the NIPD showed an opposite level-related change, notably larger than the NSPD at the C4–5, C5–6, and C7–T1 levels. Furthermore, significant differences in NIPD were observed between different age groups and genders. The incidence of the anterior type exhibited a gradual decrease from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. Conversely, the axillary type exhibited an opposite level-related change. Additionally, the VRA and DRA decreased as the level descended, with measurements significantly larger in females.
Conclusion
A prediction of the positional relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root is essential for the direct neuroventral decompression in PECD to avoid damaging the neural structures. The axillary route of the nerve root offers a safer and more effective pathway for performing direct neuroventral decompression compared to the shoulder approach.


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