1.Exploration on the Connotation and Application of the Three Aspects of "Dietary Inquiry" for "Appetite" "Eating Capacity" "Food Preference"
Chengxiang WANG ; Chen YANG ; Xueping ZHANG ; Xinxin HU ; Wei WEI ; Xiaolan SU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):1017-1022
"Dietary inquiry" is a core component of the diagnostic system in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which can be divided into three aspects including appetite, eating capacity, and food preference. Abnormalities in appetite are mainly attributed to dysfunction of the mind and impaired regulatory mechanisms. Clinical inquiry should focus on hunger sensation and the willingness to eat voluntarily. Treatment should aim to soothe the liver, regulate the spleen, nourish and calm the mind. Abnormalities in eating capacity are related to disorders of qi movement and structural dysfunction, for which inquiry should focus on whether food descends smoothly and on postprandial reactions, and the corresponding treatment is descending qi, relieving fullness, and promoting bowel movement and digestion. Abnormalities in food preference arise from damage caused by the five flavors and imbalance of visceral qi, for which inquiry should focus on dietary preferences and whether eating brings comfort. It is important to distinguish between "stomach preference" and "oral preference", and treatment should carefully differentiate flavor tendencies and correct imbalances through appropriate dietary flavors. By refining the content of dietary inquiry, this study explores how different dimensions of eating status reflect the holistic concept and syndrome differentiation-based treatment in TCM, providing a reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of spleen and stomach diseases and related disorders.
2.Exploration on the Connotation and Application of the Three Aspects of "Dietary Inquiry" for "Appetite" "Eating Capacity" "Food Preference"
Chengxiang WANG ; Chen YANG ; Xueping ZHANG ; Xinxin HU ; Wei WEI ; Xiaolan SU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):1017-1022
"Dietary inquiry" is a core component of the diagnostic system in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which can be divided into three aspects including appetite, eating capacity, and food preference. Abnormalities in appetite are mainly attributed to dysfunction of the mind and impaired regulatory mechanisms. Clinical inquiry should focus on hunger sensation and the willingness to eat voluntarily. Treatment should aim to soothe the liver, regulate the spleen, nourish and calm the mind. Abnormalities in eating capacity are related to disorders of qi movement and structural dysfunction, for which inquiry should focus on whether food descends smoothly and on postprandial reactions, and the corresponding treatment is descending qi, relieving fullness, and promoting bowel movement and digestion. Abnormalities in food preference arise from damage caused by the five flavors and imbalance of visceral qi, for which inquiry should focus on dietary preferences and whether eating brings comfort. It is important to distinguish between "stomach preference" and "oral preference", and treatment should carefully differentiate flavor tendencies and correct imbalances through appropriate dietary flavors. By refining the content of dietary inquiry, this study explores how different dimensions of eating status reflect the holistic concept and syndrome differentiation-based treatment in TCM, providing a reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of spleen and stomach diseases and related disorders.
3.Current Status,Challenges,and Strategies of Basic Research on the Brain-Gut Interaction Theory for Spleen and Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Ting CHEN ; Jinxia ZHU ; Xiaohua HOU ; Xiaoli ZHANG ; Lifei ZHENG ; Lei ZHANG ; Xinxin WANG ; Xuan LI ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):517-522
The brain-gut interaction theory is a multidimensional integrative concept based on the brain-gut axis, involving neural, endocrine, and immune regulatory networks as well as the gut microbiota. Zang-fu organs (脏腑) theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shows a high degree of consistency with the brain-gut interaction theory, and the core functions such as the spleen and stomach governing the ascending of the clear and descending of the turbid, the liver governing the free flow of qi, and the heart governing mental and emotional activities are closely associated with the multi-level regulatory mechanisms of the brain-gut axis. TCM therapy can modulate brain-gut interactions through multiple pathways in the treatment of spleen and stomach diseases, including the regulation of gastrointestinal hormone secretion, neurotransmitter levels, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, immune homeostasis and inflammatory responses, as well as the gut microecology. However, current basic research on the brain-gut interaction theory in TCM for spleen and stomach diseases still faces several challenges, such as difficulties in integrating TCM spleen-stomach theory with modern pathophysiology, lack of innovation in research concepts, and limitations in research methodologies. It is therefore proposed that multidisciplinary collaboration, multi-omics technologies, and targeted research approaches should be adopted to provide more comprehensive methods for basic research on TCM spleen and stomach diseases, thereby promoting the in-depth development of brain-gut interaction theory.
4.Application of red blood cell apheresis in a case of juvenile polycythemia vera
Jie YANG ; Chengxin ZHANG ; Xinxin HAO ; Simeng WU ; Qiushi WANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(5):673-676
Objective: To retrospectively investigate the clinical efficacy, safety, and management experience of a patient diagnosed with polycythemia vera (PV) at the age of 3 who underwent regular erythrocytapheresis for 7 years starting at the age of 10. Methods: Treatment was initiated when the patient's hematocrit was≥50%. The goal was to reduce the hematocrit to below 40%; the removal volume was calculated as 10%-15% of the total red blood cell mass, and an equal volume of normal saline was supplemented during the procedure. Pre-treatment precautions included avoiding fasting and high-fat diets. Post-treatment measures included lying flat for 30 minutes, reducing strenuous exercise for 2–3 days, and rechecking complete blood count 2–5 days after the procedure. During the procedure, adverse reactions such as palpitations, dyspnea, hypotension, and convulsions were monitored. Follow-up was conducted after 3 days to assess any delayed adverse effects. Results: As of August 2025, the patient had undergone a total of 16 erythrocytapheresis sessions. The average volume ranged from 212 to 500 mL. The frequency was 1 to 4 times annually. Post-procedure, hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) were effectively controlled. Conclusion: Continuous erythrocytapheresis can effectively control Hb and Hct levels in PV patients, preventing adverse effects from the primary disease. Erythrocytapheresis demonstrates efficacy with minimal adverse reactions and can be used as a routine therapeutic technique for PV patients.
5.Targeting ER lipid raft-associated 1 reveals a coordinated cholesterol-dependent vulnerability in hepatocellular carcinoma
Yiming ZHANG ; Yushan HOU ; Xinxin WANG ; Kaikun XU ; Pei JIANG ; Siqi WANG ; Huimin KANG ; Hu ZHANG ; Jingzhuo JIN ; Xiaofen HUANG ; Zifeng LIU ; Songpeng YANG ; Jiaqi LIU ; Lingqiang ZHANG ; Fuchu HE ; Chunyan TIAN ; Aihua SUN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):866-883
Background/Aims:
Dysregulated cholesterol metabolism is a hallmark of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that drives tumor initiation and progression. However, clinical targeting of cholesterol metabolism has yielded limited benefits due to stringent feedback in tumor cells. Identifying a central mediator capable of restoring cholesterol homeostasis within the cell’s intrinsically fine-tuned regulatory framework is urgently needed.
Methods:
We integrated a proteomic dataset from patients with cholesterol-dysregulated HCC into a global cholesterol metabolic regulatory network to identify potential therapeutic targets for disrupted cholesterol homeostasis. The prognostic significance of the candidate targets was further validated in an independent cohort through immunohistochemistry. Functional and mechanistic studies were conducted in vitro using HCC cell lines and in vivo using mouse models. The pharmacological efficacy of the candidate agent was evaluated in both subcutaneous and orthotopic HCC mouse models.
Results:
ER lipid raft-associated 1 (ERLIN1), a pivotal regulator of cholesterol metabolism reprogramming, was identified as an independent favorable prognostic indicator in HCC. ERLIN1 constrains HCC progression both in vitro and in vivo by stabilizing the INSIG1–SCAP–SREBP2 axis and maintaining the metabolic balance of intracellular cholesterol. Under hypoxia, impaired factor-inhibiting hypoxia-1-dependent hydroxylation of ASB11 at asparagine residues 90 and 92 enhances ASB11-mediated ERLIN1 degradation. Pharmacological targeting of this axis using zoledronic acid (ZoA) attenuated HCC progression by weakening the ASB11–ERLIN1 interaction and restoring cholesterol homeostasis.
Conclusions
ERLIN1 represents a druggable metabolic vulnerability in cholesterol-dysregulated HCC. Targeting the ASB11–ERLIN1 axis with the clinically approved ZoA reestablishes cholesterol homeostasis and offers a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome the current limitations of cholesterol-targeted HCC therapies.
6.Expert Consensus on Treatment of Simple Obesity in Children with Chinese Herbal Medicine
; Yingke LIU ; Xinxin REN ; Tiefeng ZHANG ; Yuqing LIU ; Junhong WANG ; Juan YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(17):175-183
Childhood obesity is a chronic nutritional disorder caused by multiple factors that result in excessive total body fat and/or increased local fat content and abnormal fat distribution,sometimes accompanied by complications such as metabolic syndrome. The obesity caused by other factors excluding the secondary factors like genetics or metabolism is referred to as simple obesity. The incidence of childhood obesity in China is showing a trend toward younger ages and rapid growth,posing a serious threat to people's health and creating a heavy economic burden. Therefore,it is urgent to control and effectively intervene in childhood obesity. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine has long been a representative of internal treatment and shows effectiveness and advantages in the clinical treatment of childhood obesity. However,there is currently a lack of a comprehensive set of diagnostic and treatment standards,as well as evidence-based clinical practice. In order to improve clinical physicians' understanding of this disease and to promote the standardization and rationalization of herbal treatment,experts in clinical Chinese and Western medicine,nutrition,and methodology from across China were invited. On the basis of expert experience and current evidence,the Grading of Recommendations Assessment,Development,and Evaluation (GRADE) method was used to grade the evidence and recommendations. After two rounds of Delphi expert consultations,the guideline secretariat revised and refined the materials based on expert opinions. Ultimately,14 entries of expert consensus and recommendations were formulated,highlighting the advantages and characteristics of herbal treatment for childhood obesity,clarifying syndrome differentiation,medication,treatment cycles,and combination therapy plans for common clinical syndromes,thereby providing more treatment ideas in clinical practice and better leveraging therapeutic advantages.
7.Construction of a COPD risk prediction model based on machine learning and the COPD-SQ questionnaire
Lin CHEN ; Luna ZHAO ; Yue ZHOU ; Panpan WANG ; Jingkun LI ; Wenwen ZHANG ; Xinxin ZHANG ; Chao WU ; Dong LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(7):1261-1268
ObjectiveTo construct and evaluate various machine learning models for predicting the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in individuals, thereby providing data support for early screening and intervention. MethodsA total of 823 subjects were selected for this study, comprising 142 individuals in the high-risk group for COPD and 681 individuals in the low-risk group. Data collected included demographic characteristics, smoking history, symptoms (such as cough and shortness of breath), and scores from the Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease screening questionnaire. Four machine learning algorithms—Logistic regression, random forest, support vector machine, and XGBoost—were utilized to construct risk prediction models. The performance of these models was assessed using 5-fold cross-validation, with evaluation metrics including accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and average precision (AP). Furthermore, a feature importance analysis was performed. ResultsThe Logistic Regression model exhibited superior performance, achieving an AUC of 0.982 and an AP of 0.939. This was closely followed by the Random Forest model, which recorded an AUC of 0.975 and an AP of 0.890. Feature importance analysis revealed that smoking history, symptoms of shortness of breath, and body weight were significant predictors. All models demonstrated robust performance in identifying low-risk populations; however, variations were observed in their efficacy in identifying high-risk populations. ConclusionMachine learning models have proven effective in identifying individuals at high risk for COPD. Among these, the Logistic regression model exhibits the best overall performance, efficiently identifying high-risk populations and serving as a valuable clinical auxiliary screening tool. Various models, each with distinct performance characteristics, are suited to different clinical screening scenarios, thereby offering targeted decision-making support for the establishment of a hierarchical and intelligent COPD screening pathway.
8.Role and mechanism of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in acetaminophen-induced liver injury
Lu PENG ; Qi ZHANG ; Xinxin ZHU ; Aijuan QU ; Yan WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(8):1985-1989
Liver injury due to acetaminophen overdose is one of the main causes of acute liver failure, with a complex pathogenesis. In this process, liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) injury is a key early event jointly mediated by factors such as oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and imbalance between fibrinolysis and coagulation. Subsequent LSEC dysfunction further induces sinusoidal microcirculatory disturbances, amplifies the inflammatory response, impairs the regeneration and repair abilities of the liver, and finally causes hepatocyte necrosis. This article systematically elaborates on the critical role and molecular mechanism of LSEC in acetaminophen-induced liver injury, in order to provide a theoretical basis for novel therapeutic strategies and research directions.
9.The mechanism and practical path of red doctor spirit in nurturing medical students’ professional identity
Yanqiu CHEN ; Aogang KONG ; Xinxin ZHANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(7):885-889
The red doctor spirit is a precious spiritual wealth formed in the great practice of the Chinese Communist Party leading the Chinese revolution and creating and developing people’s health undertakings. It is also an important cultural resource for nurturing medical students’ professional identity. The red doctor spirit provides cognitive resources and spiritual guidance for the formation of medical students’ professional identity, prompting medical students to form emotional identity, value identity, and behavioral identity with the profession of doctor, there by enabling medical students to more clearly understand their own missions and development goals, enhance their confidence in engaging in medical and health work, and strengthen their beliefs in working hard for the construction of a healthy China. In practice, to further enhance the leading power of the red doctor spirit in the formation of medical students’ professional identity, it is essential to deepen classroom teaching of the red doctor spirit to provide theoretical guidance; to strengthen the clinical practice of the red doctor spirit to provide practical guidance; and to foster a campus cultural atmosphere infused with the red doctor spirit , enabling medical students to naturally develop a sense of identification with the medical profession through immersive cultural influence.
10.Correlation study on influenza epidemic in representative 5 cities in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River based on detection of oseltamivir metabolite in wastewater
Chen SHI ; Manlei ZHANG ; Xinxin ZHOU ; Mengyi CHEN ; Chenzhi HOU ; Bin DI
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(2):155-159
By selecting stable and detectable drug prototypes or metabolites in sewage samples, near real-time detection of disease conditions can be achieved. This study selected oseltamivir carboxylate, the primary metabolite of first-line antiviral oseltamivir, as a biomarker. Based on the concentration of oseltamivir carboxylate in wastewater, the consumption and usage rate of oseltamivir were calculated by reverse engineering. Quarterly sampling was conducted at 46 urban sewage treatment plants in representative 5 cities in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, from November 2022 to December 2023. The concentration range of oseltamivir acid in sewage samples is 1.270−1 279 ng/L, the daily mass load of oseltamivir per 1 000 inhabitants in the surveyed cities ranged from 9.560 to 544.7 mg/d, and the average utilization rate is 0.06‰−3.63‰. The research results indicate that in March 2023, Wuxi City experienced a spring influenza peak, while Bengbu, Tongling, Suzhou, and Changzhou City experienced a small summer influenza peak in May. In November and December 2023, Wuxi, Changzhou, and Bengbu City experienced a winter influenza peak, the results are consistent with the official statistics of the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Influenza Center, which reflect the influenza epidemic situation in southern cities. The integration of this methodology with clinical diagnostic rates could provide near real-time data support for future influenza prevention and control strategies.

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