1.Clinical Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Childhood Simple Obesity: Insights from Expert Consensus
Qi ZHANG ; Yingke LIU ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Guichen NI ; Heyin XIAO ; Junhong WANG ; Liqun WU ; Zhanfeng YAN ; Kundi WANG ; Jiajia CHEN ; Hong ZHENG ; Xinying GAO ; Liya WEI ; Qiang HE ; Qian ZHAO ; Huimin SU ; Zhaolan LIU ; Dafeng LONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):238-245
Childhood simple obesity has become a significant public health issue in China. Modern medicine primarily relies on lifestyle interventions and often suffers from poor long-term compliance, while pharmacological options are limited and associated with potential adverse effects. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history in the prevention and management of this condition, demonstrating eight distinct advantages, including systematic theoretical foundation, diversified therapeutic approaches, definite therapeutic efficacy, high safety profile, good patient compliance, comprehensive intervention strategies, emphasis on prevention, and stepwise treatment protocols. Additionally, TCM is characterized by six distinctive features: the use of natural medicinal substances, non-invasive external therapies, integration of medicinal dietetics, simple exercise regimens, precise syndrome differentiation, and diverse dosage forms. By combining internal and external treatments, TCM facilitates individualized regimen adjustment and holistic regulation, demonstrating remarkable effects in improving obesity-related metabolic indicators, regulating constitutional imbalance, and promoting healthy behaviors. However, challenges remain, such as inconsistent operational standards, insufficient high-quality clinical evidence, and a gap between basic research and clinical application. Future efforts should focus on accelerating the standardization of TCM diagnosis and treatment, conducting multicenter randomized controlled trials, and fostering interdisciplinary integration, so as to enhance the scientific validity and international recognition of TCM in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
2.Analysis on the practical challenges and paths of “clown doctors” practice from the perspective of narrative medicine
Hui WANG ; Yutong PAN ; Liqun LU ; Can ZHANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(2):215-222
Narrative medicine focuses on empathy, relevance, and emotion, precisely aligning with the elements of “clown doctor” such as compassion, interaction, and pain relief. From the perspective of narrative medicine, the practice of “clown doctors” not only focuses on the emotional changes of patients but also enhances their sense of belonging by recreating their experiences. The key element for the success of “clown doctors” lies in establishing a multi-dimensional trust relationship among medical workers, patients, colleagues, and society, while ensuring their practice adheres to medical ethics norms. “Clown doctors” should concentrate on dimensions such as concept dissemination, clinical application, social recognition, and ethical practice of narrative medicine. They should also constantly optimize narrative techniques, deepen the understanding of patients’ stories, and intervene in the medical process in a more delicate and comprehensive way, thereby fostering in-depth communication and understanding between doctors and patients.
3.Current Status and Reflections on Key Technologies and Methods for Clinical Research Design and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Spleen and Stomach Diseases
Fang LU ; Ping WANG ; Liqun BIAN ; Lin LYU ; Mengli XIAO ; Tai ZHANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):498-503
Clinical trials represent a pivotal stage in the development of pharmaceutical drugs. Nevertheless, given the unique characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the diagnostic and treatment principle of syndrome differentiation and treatment in TCM, the clinical evaluation techniques and methods that can comprehensively reflect the characteristics of TCM and are tailored to its specificities are still in need of refinement and innovation. This paper systematically summarizes the key techniques and methods for designing and evaluating the clinical research on the treatment of the spleen and stomach diseases with TCM from three aspects including clinical research design, evaluation, and platform construction, compares domestic and international research landscapes, and proposes for future directions. It is suggested that a multidimensional evaluation system integrating modern medicine and TCM theory should be established, and further innovation is needed in TCM research design and methodologies, leveraging intelligent devices and technologies powered by next-generation information technology to transform clinical data into high-quality TCM evidence. Moreover, standardized and shared platforms for TCM clinical data should be accelerated, so as to provide references for the design, implementation, and evaluation of future clinical research on the treatment of the spleen and stomach diseases with TCM.
4.Application Value of Scales for Symptom & Syndrome Evaluation in Spleen-Stomach Diseases Related New Drug Research and Development
Fengbin LIU ; Simeng YAO ; Ping WANG ; Liqun BIAN ; Zhengkun HOU ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):504-509
Symptom and syndrome efficacy evaluation scales are indispensable tools for clinical efficacy assessment in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and hold significant value at all stages of new drug research development for spleen and stomach diseases. These scales can provide scientific basis for clinical positioning, efficacy evaluation, and expansion of indications of new drugs. By analyzing the current hotspots and difficulties in research, this study aims to explore the important significance of these scales in the development of new drugs for spleen and stomach diseases, summarize the domestic research progress, and conduct comparative analyses with international studies. Future development trends are also discussed in order to promote the application of symptom and syndrome efficacy evaluation scales in the development of new drugs for spleen and stomach diseases and to advance the moder-nization process of TCM.
5.Evaluation of CARIFS Score and Negative Antigen Conversion Rate of Qingxuan Daozhi Formula in Treatment of Influenza in Children (Heat Accumulation in Lung and Stomach Syndrome):A Multi-center Randomized Controlled Clinical Study
Jing WANG ; Liqun WU ; Tiegang LIU ; Yongning CAO ; Jing QIU ; Jing LI ; Huaqing TAN ; Ying ZHANG ; Xulei GOU ; Jia WANG ; Jing LI ; Haipeng CHEN ; Xueying QIN ; Yuanshuo TIAN ; Yang WANG ; Chen BAI ; Zhendong WANG ; Qianqian LI ; He YU ; Xueyan MA ; Fei DONG ; Lin JIANG ; Yingqi XU ; Jianping LIU ; Xiaohong GU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):188-196
ObjectiveThis paper aims to observe the syndrome improvement and negative antigen conversion rate of Qingxuan Daozhi formula in the treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome). MethodsThrough a multi-center randomized controlled methodology design,confirmed influenza cases were collected from October 2022 to April 2023 in the pediatrics department of eight hospitals,such as Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. A total of 180 children with influenza and heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome conforming to the standard were recruited through the clinic. The sick children meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into groups by a block-randomized method. The children in the experimental group were treated with Qingxuan Daozhi formula for five days,and those in the control group were treated with Oseltamivir Phosphate Granules for five days. The primary efficacy indicator was the negative conversion rate of influenza antigen detection. Secondary efficacy indicators were the Canadian acute respiratory illness and flu scale (CARIFS) and the incidence of complications,severe cases, and critical cases. Follow-up observation was conducted on the day of enrollment,48 hours after medication,72 hours after medication, and (6+1) d after medication. ResultsOne hundred and eighty participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (90 cases) or the control group (90 cases). All participants were followed up during the study. Comparison of influenza antigen detection results in the primary efficacy indicators showed that the average time of negative influenza antigen conversion in the experimental group was (5.29±1.25) d,and that in the control group was (5.40±1.68) d,without a statistically significant difference. After five days of intervention,52 cases in the experimental group and 51 cases in the control group converted to negative,without a statistically significant difference. CARIFS score results in the secondary efficacy indicators showed that during 72 hours after intervention,there were statistically significant differences between the experimental group and the control group in three dimensions, including headache,muscle soreness, and the need for extra care (P<0.05). On the (6+1) days after the intervention,the differences in both the experimental group and the control group were statistically significant in 10 dimensions, including sore throat,bad sleep,uncomfortable feeling,poor spirit and fatigue,crying more than usual,the need for extra care,symptom,function,influence on parents,and total score (P<0.05). The comparison results within the group in the dimensional scores of symptom, function, and influence on parents,as well as the CARIFS total score showed that with the delay of follow-up time,scores of both groups decreased significantly,with a statistically significant difference (P<0.01). Inter-group comparison results showed that the mean score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group at the time of enrollment. With the progress of intervention,the score of the experimental group was significantly decreased compared with that of the control group. At the end of follow-up,the mean score of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group,with no statistically significant difference. In terms of the incidence of complications,severe cases, and critical cases, there were no complications,severe cases, and critical cases in the two groups,without a statistically significant difference. ConclusionThe symptom improvement effect and negative antigen conversion rate of Qingxuan Daozhi formula in the treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome) are not inferior to Oseltamivir Phosphate granules, and children's acceptance is better. It can be more widely used in clinical treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome).
6.Value of demographic factors in early identification of pediatric malignant vasovagal syncope in head-up tilt test
Shuo WANG ; Yuwen WANG ; Hong CAI ; Ping LIU ; Fang LI ; Chuan WEN ; Liqun LIU ; Runmei ZOU ; Cheng WANG
Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics 2026;69(4):353-361
Background:
Malignant vasovagal syncope (VVS) is characterized by cardiac arrest lasting more than 3 seconds during a syncope episode or head-up tilt test (HUTT). We aim to conduct a risk assessment for potential malignant VVS before the HUTT by using economic, simple and convenient demographic data, in order to prevent adverse outcomes for pediatric VVS.Purpose: To explore the correlation between demographic factors and pediatric malignant VVS, and verify the value of these factors in early risk assessment for malignant VVS before HUTT, so as to optimize test safety and reduce adverse events.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 3,734 children who were initially diagnosed with VVS due to unexplained syncope and presyncope. Finally, 122 children who met the diagnostic criteria for malignant VVS were included in the malignant VVS group, and 661 children who did not meet the criteria during the same period were matched as the control group. By analyzing demographic data and other factors, we attempted to clarify the association between these factors and malignant VVS.
Results:
Linear relationship: age and body mass index (BMI) have independent protective effects on malignant VVS. For every 1-year increase in age and every 1 kg/m2 increase in BMI, the risk of malignant VVS decreases by 12% and 9%, respectively. Nonlinear relationship: When the age is <12.9 years old, for every additional year of age, the risk of malignant VVS decreases by 20%. For ages 12.9 years and above, the efficacy is not significant. There is no significant nonlinear relationship between BMI and malignant VVS.
Conclusion
Age and BMI are independent protective factors for pediatric malignant VVS. Before the age of 12.9 years, the incidence of malignant VVS gradually decreases with the increase in age, and thereafter there is no significant impact.
7.Mechanism of Tiaozhong huashi decoction in improving gastroesophageal reflux disease by restoring endoplasmic reticulum autophagy through p62 signaling pathway
Zezhong TENG ; Nan CHEN ; Yuqing WANG ; Zuomei LUO ; Guangwen CHEN ; Liqun LI ; Lijian LIU ; Xueping ZHAO ; Chengning YANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(19):2516-2521
OBJECTIVE To investigate the molecular mechanism of Tiaozhong huashi decoction in improving gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by regulating endoplasmic reticulum autophagy in rat esophageal interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) through p62 signaling pathway.METHODS After establishing a rat GERD model via the weak acid intragastric administration and irregular diet, the rats were randomly divided into model group, western medicine group [1.56 mg/(kg·d) of mosapride, 3.125 mg/(kg·d) of lansoprazole] and low-, medium- and high-dose Tiaozhong huashi decoction [4.713, 9.425, 18.85 g/(kg·d)] groups. A blank group was also set up, with 8 rats in each group. The rats in each group were intragastrically administered with corresponding liquid or normal saline twice a day for 14 days. During the intervention period, the general conditions of rats’ hair, spirit, diet and defecation were observed. After the last gavage, the pathological changes of esophageal tissue and the ultrastructure of ICC were observed. The relative expression and positive expression levels of p62, autophagy-related protein 8 (ATG8), 200 kDa FAK family kinase-interacting protein (FIP200) and Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1) in esophageal tissue were detected.RESULTS Compared with the blank group, rats in the model group exhibited listlessness; thickening of the esophageal basal layer, elongation of lamina propria papillae with inflammatory cell infiltration; markedly dilated endoplasmic reticulum appearing as round vacuolar cisternae with ribosome detachment; and a small number of accumulated autophagosomes. The relative expression and positive expression levels of p62, ATG8, FIP200, and ULK1 were significantly decreased ( P <0.05). Compared with the model group, the above pathological injuries in the medium- and high-dose Tiaozhong huashi decoction groups had all improved to varying degrees; the damaged endoplasmic reticulum structure was repaired, and no autophagosome accumulation was observed. In particular, the relative expression levels and positive expression levels of p62, ATG8, FIP200, and ULK1 in esophageal tissue of rats in the medium-dose Tiaozhong huashi decoction group were significantly increased ( P <0.05).CONCLUSIONS Tiaozhong huashi decoction ameliorated esophageal mucosal injury in GERD rats, and its mechanism was possibly associated with activation of the p62 signaling pathway and restoration of the endoplasmic reticulum structure, morphology, and autophagic capacity of ICC.
8.Xuanbi Xuanfuhua Decoction intervenes in pulmonary source sepsis in rats by regulating PANapoptosis-related proteins
Guangyao WANG ; Sheng XIE ; Liqun LI ; Jinjing TAN ; Yuanyuan LIU ; Jing LIANG ; Xiaohua HONG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(4):479-489
Xuanbi Xuanfuhua Decoction(XBXFHD), as an empirical formula developed by Professor Xie Sheng, a National Qihuang Scholar, for the treatment of critical and severe respiratory diseases, has demonstrated definite efficacy in pulmonary sepsis, but its mechanism of action requires further investigation. This study explores the intervention effect of XBXFHD on pulmonary sepsis in rats from the perspective of regulating PANapoptosis. A rat model of pulmonary sepsis was successfully established by combined intratracheal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, with control and different dosage drug groups established. HE staining, ELISA, Western blot, and flow cytometry were used to evaluate pathological changes in lung tissue, levels of inflammatory factors, cell apoptosis, expression of pan-apoptosis-related proteins (such as Caspase-3, Bcl-2, ZBP1, RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL), and the proportion of CD4+ T cell subsets (Th17 and Treg). The results showed that XBXFHD significantly reduced alveolar inflammatory infiltration, congestion, and lung injury scores (P < 0.05), decreased the wet-to-dry weight ratio of the lungs, and reduced protein exudation in BALF. At the same time, XBXFHD inhibited the expression of Caspase-3, upregulated the expression level of Bcl-2 (P < 0.01), significantly reduced the apoptosis rate (P < 0.01), and downregulated the mRNA and protein levels of pan-apoptosis-related proteins (high-dose drug group P < 0.01). In addition, the formula reduced the proportion of Th17 (P < 0.01), increased the proportion of Treg (P < 0.05), downregulated the levels of pro-inflammatory factors (such as IL-18, IL-1β, TNF-α), and upregulated the levels of anti-inflammatory factors (such as IL-4, IL-10) (P < 0.05). The drug's effects were dose-dependent. These results indicate that XBXFHD improves pulmonary sepsis-related lung injury by inhibiting PANapoptosis-related proteins, regulating the Th17/Treg immune balance, and reducing inflammatory responses, with dose-dependent effects, providing experimental evidence for the clinical application of this formula.
9.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Sepsis by Regulating PI3K/Akt Pathway: A Review
Zhu LIU ; Jiawei WANG ; Jing YAN ; Jinchan PENG ; Mingyao XU ; Liqun LI ; Sheng XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):314-322
Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria. In addition to the manifestations of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and primary infection lesions, critical cases often have manifestations of organ hypoperfusion. The morbidity and mortality of sepsis have remained high in recent years, which seriously affect the quality of life of the patients. The pathogenesis of sepsis is complicated, in which uncontrollable inflammation is a key mechanism. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway plays a key role in mediating inflammation in sepsis. The available therapies of sepsis mainly include resuscitation, anti-infection, vasoactive drugs, intensive insulin therapy, and organ support, which show limited effects of reducing the mortality. Therefore, finding new therapeutic drugs is a key problem to be solved in the clinical treatment of sepsis. In recent years, studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate the PI3K/Akt pathway via multiple pathways, multiple effects, and multiple targets to inhibit inflammation and curb the occurrence and development of sepsis, which has gradually become a hot spot in the prevention and treatment of sepsis. Moreover, studies have suggested that TCM has unique advantages in the treatment of sepsis. TCM can regulate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to inhibit inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, and control apoptosis in the prevention and treatment of sepsis. Despite the research progress, a systematic review remains to be performed regarding the TCM treatment of sepsis by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. After reviewing relevant papers published in recent years, this study systematically summarizes the relationship between PI3K/Akt pathway and sepsis and the role of TCM in the treatment of sepsis, aiming to provide new ideas for the potential treatment of sepsis and the development of new drugs.
10.Differences and related factors of preschool children s evaluation by parents and teachers using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
WANG Lu, LEI Huiqian, CHEN Yanxian, LIU Liqun, XIE Yufang
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(7):985-988
Objective:
To explore differences in the factors influencing parents and teachers assessments of preschool children s mental health using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), so as to provide reference for promoting children s mental health.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the SDQ survey data of 14 763 middle and senior kindergarten children in Nanshan District, Shenzhen, from March to June 2023. Chi square χ 2 tests were used to analyze differences in mental health assessments between parents and teachers. Multivariate Logistic regression was employed to examine the factors influencing parental assessments, and Kappa coefficients were used to evaluate the consistency between parent and teacher evaluations.
Results:
The positive rate of mental health problems reported by parents (7.2%) was significantly higher than that reported by teachers (6.2%) ( χ 2=254.27, P <0.01). Gender differences revealed that parents reported a lower positive rate for boys (7.9%) compared to teachers (8.5%), whereas for girls, the parental positive rate (6.4%) was higher than that reported by teachers (3.8%) ( χ 2=163.59, 81.26, all P <0.01). Age related differences showed that parental positive rates for 4, 5, and 6 year olds (8.5%, 7.4%, 5.8%) were consistently higher than teachers assessments (6.3%, 6.7%, 5.4%) ( χ 2=41.23, 157.53, 63.67, all P <0.05). Univariate analysis of parental assessments indicated higher positive rates among boys (7.9%), 4 year olds (8.5%), mothers aged 20-35 ( 6.6 %), mothers with high school education or below (9.8%), fathers aged 23-40 (6.4%), fathers with high school education or below (10.3%), and children exposed to secondhand smoke (7.9%) ( χ 2=23.56-235.24, all P <0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression identified lower parental education levels and exposure to secondhand smoke as significant risk factors for abnormal SDQ assessments by parents ( χ 2=2.05, 1.62, 3.15, all P <0.05). The Kappa coefficients for parent-teacher agreement across SDQ subscales and total difficulties ranged from 0.04 to 0.12 (all P <0.01).
Conclusions
Parental education level and exposure to secondhand smoke are significant factors influencing preschool children s mental health. Differences exist between parental and teacher assessments of children s mental health, and incorporating teacher evaluations can provide a more comprehensive understanding of preschoolers psychological well being.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail