1.Herbal Textual Research on Inulae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Caixia LIU ; Yue HAN ; Yanzhu MA ; Lei GAO ; Sheng WANG ; Yan YANG ; Wenchuan LUO ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):210-221
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Inulae Flos has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it could be verified that the medicinal use of Inulae Flos was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. In successive dynasties, Xuanfuhua has been taken as the official name, and it also has other alternative names such as Jinfeicao, Daogeng and Jinqianhua. The period before the Song and Yuan dynasties, the main origin of Inulae Flos was the Asteraceae plant Inula japonica, and from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, I. japonica and I. britannica are the primary source. In addition to the dominant basal species, there are also regional species such as I. linariifolia, I. helianthus-aquatili, and I. hupehensis. The earliest recorded production areas in ancient times were Henan, Hubei and other places, and the literature records that it has been distributed throughout the country since modern times. The medicinal part is its flower, the harvesting and processing method recorded in the past dynasties is mainly harvested in the fifth and ninth lunar months, and dried in the sun, and the modern harvesting is mostly harvested in summer and autumn when the flowers bloom, in order to remove impurities, dry in the shade or dry in the sun. In addition, the roots, whole herbs and aerial parts are used as medicinal materials. In ancient times, there were no records about the quality of Inulae Flos, and in modern times, it is generally believed that the quality of complete flower structure, small receptacles, large blooms, yellow petals, long filaments, many fluffs, no fragments, and no branches is better. Ancient processing methods primarily involved cleaning, steaming, and sun-drying, supplemented by techniques such as boiling, roasting, burning, simmering, stir-frying, and honey-processing. Modern processing focuses mainly on cleaning the stems and leaves before use. Regarding the medicinal properties, ancient texts describe it as salty and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and mildly toxic. Modern studies characterize it as bitter, pungent, and salty in taste, with a slightly warm nature. Its therapeutic effects remain consistent across eras, including descending Qi, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and stopping vomiting. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Inulae Flos, either I. japonica or I. britannica should be used as the medicinal source. Processing methods should follow formula requirements, where no processing instructions are specified, the raw products may be used after cleaning.
2.Herbal Textual Research on Inulae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Caixia LIU ; Yue HAN ; Yanzhu MA ; Lei GAO ; Sheng WANG ; Yan YANG ; Wenchuan LUO ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):210-221
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Inulae Flos has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it could be verified that the medicinal use of Inulae Flos was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. In successive dynasties, Xuanfuhua has been taken as the official name, and it also has other alternative names such as Jinfeicao, Daogeng and Jinqianhua. The period before the Song and Yuan dynasties, the main origin of Inulae Flos was the Asteraceae plant Inula japonica, and from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, I. japonica and I. britannica are the primary source. In addition to the dominant basal species, there are also regional species such as I. linariifolia, I. helianthus-aquatili, and I. hupehensis. The earliest recorded production areas in ancient times were Henan, Hubei and other places, and the literature records that it has been distributed throughout the country since modern times. The medicinal part is its flower, the harvesting and processing method recorded in the past dynasties is mainly harvested in the fifth and ninth lunar months, and dried in the sun, and the modern harvesting is mostly harvested in summer and autumn when the flowers bloom, in order to remove impurities, dry in the shade or dry in the sun. In addition, the roots, whole herbs and aerial parts are used as medicinal materials. In ancient times, there were no records about the quality of Inulae Flos, and in modern times, it is generally believed that the quality of complete flower structure, small receptacles, large blooms, yellow petals, long filaments, many fluffs, no fragments, and no branches is better. Ancient processing methods primarily involved cleaning, steaming, and sun-drying, supplemented by techniques such as boiling, roasting, burning, simmering, stir-frying, and honey-processing. Modern processing focuses mainly on cleaning the stems and leaves before use. Regarding the medicinal properties, ancient texts describe it as salty and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and mildly toxic. Modern studies characterize it as bitter, pungent, and salty in taste, with a slightly warm nature. Its therapeutic effects remain consistent across eras, including descending Qi, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and stopping vomiting. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Inulae Flos, either I. japonica or I. britannica should be used as the medicinal source. Processing methods should follow formula requirements, where no processing instructions are specified, the raw products may be used after cleaning.
3.Meta analysis of the efficacy of digital psychological therapies on depressive symptoms among adolescents
YANG Xuan, YANG Dong, CAI Rui, TANG Yuping, YE Sheng, LUO Yaoyue
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):531-537
Objective:
To systematically evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and maintenance effects of digital psychological therapies on depressive symptoms among adolescents, so as to provide a reference for clinical practice.
Methods:
Randomized controlled trial(RCT) investigating digital psychological therapies to improve depressive symptoms among adolescents were searched across databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang database, VIP database, and SinoMed, from database inception to November 20, 2025. Following literature screening, quality assessment, and data extraction, a Meta analysis was performed using Stata 18.0 software.
Results:
A total of 20 studies involving 2 042 adolescents aged 11-19 were included. The Meta analysis revealed that digital psychological therapies significantly alleviated depressive symptoms in adolescents ( SMD =-0.59, 95% CI =-0.85 to -0.32, P <0.01). The therapeutic effect was sustained at long term follow up ( SMD =-0.21, 95% CI =-0.34 to -0.09, P <0.01). Furthermore, depression scores in the intervention group showed a continued decrease from post intervention to long term follow up ( SMD =-0.28, 95% CI =-0.41 to -0.14, P <0.01). Egger s linear regression test indicated possible publication bias (Kendall s tall=0.28, P <0.01).
Conclusions
Digital psychological therapies can effectively improve depressive symptoms among adolescents, with stable long term efficacy. However, current evidence remains limited and exhibits substantial heterogeneity. Therefore, further large sample, high quality RCTs are warranted to validate the effectiveness of this intervention.
4.Diagnostic value of serum Mac-2 binding protein for the severity of schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis
Jun WU ; Meiqun LUO ; Shuying XIE ; Ronghua ZHU ; Hui XU ; Long TANG ; Fei HU ; Sheng DING
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(1):38-43
Objective To evaluate the value of serum Mac-2 binding protein (M2BP) for assessment of the severity of schisto somiasis-induced liver fibrosis, so as to provide insights into non-invasive diagnosis and disease surveillance of liver fibrosis caused by schistosomiasis. Methods A total of 234 individuals with a history of Schistosoma japonicum infection were sampled from Xinhua Village, Lushan City, Jiangxi Province from 2019 to 2020, and 234 serum samples were collected from all participants. All participants received B-ultrasound examinations of the liver. Serum samples were categorized into four groups (grades 0, Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis groups) according to B-ultrasound examination results, and then, each group was randomly divided into a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve group and an efficacy assessment group at a ratio of 7∶3. Serum M2BP concentration was measured in four groups using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and differences in serum M2BP concentrations were compared with analysis of variance and Spearman correlation analysis. Serum M2BP concentration was subjected to ROC curve analysis among individuals with different grades of schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis in the ROC curve group to determine the optimal diagnostic threshold of M2BP concentration at different fibrosis grades, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the diagnostic performance. The diagnostic accuracy was verified by comparing the accordance rate and Kappa consistency test in the efficacy assessment group. Results Among 234 serum samples, there were 79 samples with grade 0 schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis, 87 samples with Grade Ⅰ, 46 samples with Grade Ⅱ and 22 samples with Grade Ⅲ according to the B-ultrasound examinations. The mean serum M2BP concentrations were (0.40 ± 0.31) [95% confidence interval (CI): (0.33, 0.47)], (0.64 ± 0.48) [95% CI: (0.53, 0.74)], (1.76 ± 0.58) [95% CI: (1.59, 1.93)] μg/mL and (2.56 ± 0.93) [95% CI: (2.14, 2.97)] μg/mL in the four groups, respectively (F = 150.796, P < 0.001), and the severity of schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis significantly positively correlated with serum M2BP concentration (rs = 0.715, P < 0. 001). The sample sizes of grades 0, Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis sera were randomly allocated as follows: 55 versus 24, 61 versus 26, 32 versus 14, and 15 versus 7 in the ROC curve and efficacy assessment groups, respectively, and the serum M2BP concentrations were (0.39 ± 0.29) μg/mL and (0.42 ± 0.36) μg/mL (F = 0.196, P > 0.05), (0.59 ± 0.47) μg/mL and (0.75 ± 0.51) μg/mL (F = 1.967, P > 0.05), (1.73 ± 0.59) μg/mL and (1.85 ± 0.57) μg/mL (F = 0.417, P > 0.05), and (2.46 ± 0.64) μg/mL and (2.76 ± 1.41) μg/mL (F = 0.491, P > 0.05), respectively. ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal diagnostic thresholds of serum M2BP concentration were 0.347 86 μg/mL (AUC = 0.635, P < 0.05), 1.188 83 μg/mL (AUC = 0.938, P < 0.000 1) and 2.021 21 μg/mL (AUC = 0.821, P < 0.000 1) for grade Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis. In addition, the accordance rates between the optimal diagnostic threshold of serum M2BP and B-ultrasound examinations for predicting grade Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ schistosomiasis-induceed liver fibrosis were 69.23%, 85.71% and 71.43% (χ2 = 1.340, P > 0.05), and the overall Kappa consistency test showed moderate consistency [Kappa = 0.608, 95% CI: (0.428, 0.788); Z = 6.609, P < 0.000 1]. Conclusions Serum M2BP may serve as a potential biomarker for assessing moderate to advanced schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis; however, its diagnostic value for early-stage schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis remains limited.
5.Establishment and related factors analysis of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma organoids
Zijun GONG ; Jiaying LIU ; Kun FAN ; Sheng SHEN ; Wenqing QIU ; Xuanming LUO ; Houbao LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(4):604-609
Objective To establish a cell bank of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC)-derived organoids and investigate the key factors influencing the organoids generation. Methods The tumor samples from patients with portal cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) and distal cholangiocarcinoma (dCCA) were used to isolate cells, and these cells were cultured using three-dimensional (3D) technique to establish ECC organoids. Histological characteristics of the organoids were evaluated and identified through hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and immunohistochemistry stainings. The success rates of organoids generation from different tumor types were compared. And clinical characteristics of patients between successful and failure culture groups were compared. Results The success rates of organoids establishment from pCCA and dCCA were all low, with 42.4% (14/33), 51.9% (14/27), respectively. The tumor was larger in successful group than that in failure group (P<0.001); there was no statistical difference in tumor differentiation status, microvascular invasion, and perineural invasion between the two groups. Conclusions The successful rate of ECC-derived organoids establishment is low, and larger tumor has higher successful culture rate.
6.Relationship of physical fitness index with depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms among college students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(11):1615-1620
Objective:
To investigate the association between the physical fitness index (PFI) and symptoms of depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms among college students, providing a reference for mental health interventions.
Methods:
From June to September 2025, combined convenience and cluster random sampling approach was used to administer questionnaire surveys and perform physical fitness tests on 2 712 college students from Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 Items (DASS-21) was used to assess mental health status. Chi square test and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to determine the associations between the PFI and the PFI component indicators with depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms.
Results:
The prevalence of depressive, anxiety and stress among college students were 24.26%, 33.22% and 13.68%, respectively. Statistically significant differences in the prevalence of these symptoms were detected across groups differing in sleep quality, physical activity, weekly breakfast frequency, and history of low back or neck pain ( χ 2=9.33-151.83, all P <0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, Logistic regression revealed that the moderate and high PFI groups had significantly reduced risks of depressive and anxiety compared to the low PFI group ( OR =0.73, 0.63; 0.61, 0.72, all P <0.05). Poor speed (50 m run) and lower body strength (standing long jump) emerged as common risk factors affecting anxiety and depressive symptoms in both male and female college students (all P <0.05). Increased muscle strength (sit up for 1 min) in female students reduced the risk of depressive ( OR =0.81), anxiety ( OR =0.85), and stress symptoms ( OR =0.79) (all P <0.05). Enhanced lung capacity in male students decreased the risk of depressive ( OR =0.84) and anxiety symptoms ( OR =0.85) (both P <0.05).
Conclusions
The PFI is negatively correlated with depressive and anxiety symptoms among college students with notable gender differences. Insufficient speed and lower body explosive power represent common risk factors for mental health among male and female college students.
7.Risk and protective factors associated with adolescent depression in Singapore: a systematic review.
Wei Sheng GOH ; Jun Hao Norman TAN ; Yang LUO ; Sok Hui NG ; Mohamed Sufyan Bin Mohamed SULAIMAN ; John Chee Meng WONG ; Victor Weng Keong LOH
Singapore medical journal 2025;66(1):2-14
INTRODUCTION:
Adolescent depression is prevalent, and teen suicide rates are on the rise locally. A systemic review to understand associated risk and protective factors is important to strengthen measures for the prevention and early detection of adolescent depression and suicide in Singapore. This systematic review aims to identify the factors associated with adolescent depression in Singapore.
METHODS:
A systematic search on the following databases was performed on 21 May 2020: PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO. Full texts were reviewed for eligibility, and the included studies were appraised for quality using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Narrative synthesis of the finalised articles was performed through thematic analysis.
RESULTS:
In total, eight studies were included in this review. The four factors associated with adolescent depression identified were: (1) sociodemographic factors (gender, ethnicity); (2) psychological factors, including childhood maltreatment exposure and psychological constructs (hope, optimism); (3) coexisting chronic medical conditions (asthma); and (4) lifestyle factors (sleep inadequacy, excessive internet use and pathological gaming).
CONCLUSION
The identified factors were largely similar to those reported in the global literature, except for sleep inadequacy along with conspicuously absent factors such as academic stress and strict parenting, which should prompt further research in these areas. Further research should focus on current and prospective interventions to improve mental health literacy, targeting sleep duration, internet use and gaming, and mitigating the risk of depression in patients with chronic disease in the primary care and community setting.
Humans
;
Singapore/epidemiology*
;
Adolescent
;
Risk Factors
;
Depression/etiology*
;
Protective Factors
;
Male
;
Female
;
Life Style
;
Suicide
8.Application of mechanical circulatory support devices in heart failure
Ya-lan LEI ; Mei LIU ; Han-luo LI ; Sheng-hua LI ; Xiao-ke SHANG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(5):288-294
Following extensive interdisciplinary research and development over several years,mechanical circulatory support devices(MCSD),including ventricular assist device(VAD)and total artificial heart(TAH),are now established as vital treatment options for patients with advanced heart failure.These devices have proven to be crucial in assisting or replacing a failing heart,offering patients a new lease of life and improving their quality of life.Currently,mechanical circulatory support(MCS)has become a well-recognised,long-term treatment option for patients who are unable to undergo heart transplantation due to donor organ shortages or contraindications.Given their continuous availability independent of donor organ limitations,these devices are poised to play an increasingly vital role in the future of medicine.This article aims to summarize the evolution,clinical applications,categorization,and potential complications of MCSD.
9.The therapeutic effect and mechanism exploration of polydatin on acute spinal cord injury in mice
Dan LUO ; Sheng LUO ; Yonghui HOU
Chinese Journal of Spine and Spinal Cord 2025;35(9):930-938
Objectives:To investigate the mechanism underlying the protective effects of polydatin(PD)a-gainst oxygen-glucose deprivation(OGD)-induced neuronal injury and acute spinal cord injury(SCI).Methods:The mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line HT22 was used in in vitro experiments.The cytotoxicity of PD was assessed using the CCK-8 assay:cells were treated with 0,1,3,10,30 and 100μM PD for 24h to de-termine the safe concentration range.After OGD modeling(24h),cells were treated with different concentrations of PD(0,3,10,and 30μM),and cell viability was measured via CCK-8 to identify the optimal protective concentration.Autophagy markers(LC3 and P62)were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot(WB);Autophagosome formation was observed using transmission electron microscopy;And the apoptosis rate was e valuated by TUNEL staining.For in vivo studies,an acute SCI model was established in C57BL/6 mice using Allen's impact method.Animals were divided into sham,SCI model,and PD treatment(20mg/kg)groups,with n=10 per group.Tissues were collected on 7d and 14d post-injury.Spinal cord pathology was examined by HE staining on 7d and 14d.Immunofluorescence was performed on 14d to evaluate glial scar formation(GFAP+),neuronal survival(MAP2+),cell proliferation(BrdU+),and autophagy level(LC3 Ⅱ).Results:In vitro results showed that 1-100μM PD did not exhibit significant cytotoxicity toward HT22 cells.The optimal concentration of PD was determined to be 10μ M after OGD induction.Compared with the OGD group,10μM PD significantly enhanced cell viability after OGD[OGD group:(54.63±3.90)%vs OGD+PD(1 0μ M)group:(84.35±1.38)%,P<0.05]and effectively attenuated autophagy activation,as evidenced by a decreased LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰratio(OGD group:11.0±0.57 vs OGD+PD group:3.50±0.28,P<0.05),increased P62 accumulation(OGD group:0.55±0.04 vs OGD+PD group:0.93±0.06,P<0.05),reduced number of autolysosomes,and significantly lower apoptosis rate[OGD group:(35.33±2.6)%vs OGD+PD group:(19.67±1.76)%,P<0.05].In vivo,HE staining confirmed that pathological damage in spinal cord tissue was markedly alleviated in the PD-treated group compared with the SCI model group.Immunofluorescence results indicated that PD treatment inhibited fibrous scar formation(SCI group:2.32±0.19mm2 vs PD group:1.07±0.24mm2,P<0.05),reduced neuronal damage(SCI group:1.72±0.28mm vs PD group:0.93±0.12mm,P<0.05)and promoted cell proliferation[SCI group:(16.14±2.24)%vs PD group:(39.09±3.16)%,P<0.05],and downregulated LC3 Ⅱ expression(SCI group:62.81±5.25 vs PD group:34.09±3.98,P<0.05).Conclusions:PD ameliorates neural damage by concurrently suppressing autophagy and apoptosis,providing a dual-pathway therapeutic strategy for SCI.
10.The disability levels and characteristics of the elderly population in China:Assessment and prediction based on Multiple Data Sources
Hang-kong ZHANG ; Hui-min XU ; Ye-sheng LUO
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(8):1-9
Objective:Accurately grasping the disability levels and characteristics of the elderly population in China is of significant importance for responding effectively to the care service needs of this demographic.Methods:Based on multi-wave data(2011-2023)from three nationally representative aging-related surveys CLHLS,CHARLS and CALSS,this study assessed,compared,and predicted the disability levels and characteristics of China's elderly population.Results:Direct estimates from existing survey data showed low reliability.Integrated multi-source projections indicate that the disability rate among China's population aged 65 and older will follow a phased upward trend,ranging approximately between 12.27%and 15.05%from 2025 to 2050,with the disabled elderly population growing continuously from 25.9 million to 58.64 million.Bathing,toileting,and dressing were the three activities with the highest disability rates.Discussion and Suggestions:Future efforts should focus on improving the construction of an elderly capacity assessment system and addressing the shortage of high-quality disability data.Research should emphasize the evaluation process of item-specific disability among older adults.It is essential to grasp the phased characteristics of changes in disability levels and identify critical windows of opportunity for response.Based on the item-specific disability characteristics of older adults,the focus of elderly care services,facilities,and product supply should be accurately targeted.


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