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.Overview of the Research on Mechanisms and Application of Essential Oil of Aromatic Chinese Medicinals in Prevention of Respiratory Infectious Disease
Wan Ling LI ; Xinxin WU ; Xiaolei LI ; Mingzhao HAO ; Fang ZHANG ; Yue ZHANG ; Haoyue LI ; Jing ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):638-644
Aromatic Chinese medicinal essential oils are volatile oils extracted from aromatic Chinese herbs, which can prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases through multiple synergistic mechanisms including pathogen inhibition, immune regulation, and inflammatory response regulation. Essential oils are primarily used externally on the body to prevent infections and alleviate symptoms through methods like inhalation, smearing, topical application, bathing, gargling or as a suppository. They can also be utilized in the environment for disinfection and air purification, through methods like diffusion, vaporization, or spraying. The external application of essential oils extracted from Chinese aromatic herbs has the advantages of convenience, quick absorption, and simultaneous influence on both the body and mind. However, there are still challenges and deficiencies in aspects such as the positioning of functions, indications, safety, and the research on the mechanism of action. It has been proposed to combine the theory of aromatic Chinese medicinals with the characteristics of essential oils, and formulate prescriptions of Chinese medicinal essential oils under the principles of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation, and prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases efficiently, accurately, and safely, thereby expanding the clinical application of aromatic Chinese medicinals and the preventive theory of traditional Chinese medicine.
6.Network meta-analysis of non-surgical treatments for foot and ankle ability and dynamic balance in patients with chronic ankle instability
Xinxin ZHANG ; Ke GAO ; Shidong XIE ; Haowen TUO ; Feiyue JING ; Weiguo LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1931-1944
OBJECTIVE:The optimal non-surgical therapy for chronic ankle instability remains unclear due to the continuous introduction of novel treatment methods despite the availability of several non-surgical options for improving foot and ankle function and dynamic balance in chronic ankle instability patients.This study aims to investigate the most effective non-surgical therapy options to improve foot and ankle function and dynamic balance for patients with chronic ankle instability using a network meta-analysis. METHODS:Using"CAI,exercise,and randomized controlled trial"as search terms,a literature search of PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,and Web of Science databases was conducted through a computer network to collect information from the databases from their inception to March 2024 on non-surgical therapies for the treatment of chronic ankle instability randomized controlled trials on foot and ankle function or dynamic balance in patients.EndNote software was utilized for literature management.RevMan 5.4 software and Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool were used to evaluate the risk of bias of the included literature.Paired meta-analysis and network meta-analysis of the outcomes such as the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure in daily living subscale score,Foot and Ankle Ability Measure in sports activities subscale score,Star Excursion Balance Test-Anterior score,Star Excursion Balance Test-Posteromedial score,Star Excursion Balance Test-Posterolateral score and Cumberland ankle instability tool score were performed using the network commands of Stata 14.0 software.The strength of evidence rating of the outcome metrics was evaluated according to the GRADE Level of Evidence and Strength of Recommendation Grading Criteria. RESULTS:Of the 22 randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria,1 study was rated as low risk,8 studies were rated as medium risk,and 13 studies were rated as high risk,enrolling a total of 952 patients and 25 treatments.(1)Network meta-analysis showed that compared with the control group,Isokinetic Strength Training,Balance Training,Balance+Stroboscopic Glasses Training,Strength Training,Joint Mobilizations Training,CrossFit Training,CrossFit Training+Self-Mobilization,Wobble Board Training,National Academy of Sport Medicine corrective exercise program,Trigger Point Dry Needling,and Neuromuscular Training had different significant enhancement effects on improving foot and ankle function and dynamic balance in patients with chronic ankle instability(P<0.05).(2)Cumulative probability ranking results showed that the three treatments with the highest ranked Cumberland ankle instability tool score were Joint Mobilizations Training(88.6%)>Visual Feedback Balance Training(83.1%)>CrossFit Training+Self-Mobilization(74.8%);the three treatments with the highest ranked Star Excursion Balance Test-Anterior score were Joint Mobilizations Training(88.4%)>Isokinetic Strength Training(86.9%)>National Academy of Sport Medicine corrective exercise program(65.0%);the three treatments with the highest ranked Star Excursion Balance Test-Posteromedial score were Balance+Stroboscopic Glasses Training(87.4%)>Neuromuscular Training(74.6%)>Strength Training(68.9%);the three treatments with the highest ranked Star Excursion Balance Test-Posterolateral score were CrossFit Training+Self-Mobilization(74.6%)>Balance+Stroboscopic Glasses Training(70.0%)>Neuromuscular Training(63.7%);the three treatments with the highest ranked Foot and Ankle Ability Measure in daily living subscale score were National Academy of Sport Medicine corrective exercise program(91.9%)>Balance+Stroboscopic Glasses Training(85.6%)>Wobble Board Training(82.2%);the three treatments with the highest ranked Foot and Ankle Ability Measure in sports activities subscale score were Balance+Stroboscopic Glasses Training(93.5%)>Balance Training(86.7%)>National Academy of Sport Medicine corrective exercise program(86.4%). CONCLUSION:Non-surgical therapies can significantly improve foot and ankle function and dynamic balance in patients with chronic ankle instability.National Academy of Sport Medicine corrective exercise program had the best efficacy in improving foot and ankle daily activity function in chronic ankle instability patients;Balance+Stroboscopic Glasses Training had the best efficacy in improving foot and ankle sports function and posterior medial dynamic balance;Joint Mobilizations Training had the best efficacy in improving anterolateral dynamic balance and ankle instability condition;and CrossFit Training+Self-Mobilization had the best efficacy in improving posterior lateral dynamic balance.The strength of evidence for each outcome was low,influenced by the risk of methodological bias and risk of publication bias of the included studies.Therefore,the above conclusions need to be validated by more high-quality pilot studies.
7.Mechanism of Action of Kaixinsan in Ameliorating Alzheimer's Disease
Xiaoming HE ; Xiaotong WANG ; Dongyu MIN ; Xinxin WANG ; Meijia CHENG ; Yongming LIU ; Yetao JU ; Yali YANG ; Changbin YUAN ; Changyang YU ; Li ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):20-29
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Kaixinsan in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experimental validation. MethodsThe Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP) and the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine(ETCM) databases were used to obtain the active ingredients and targets of Kaixinsan. GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM), TTD, PharmGKB, and DrugBank databases were used to obtain the relevant targets of AD. The intersection (common targets) of the active ingredient targets of Kaixinsan and the relevant targets of AD was taken, and the network interaction analysis of the common targets was carried out in the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction(PPI) network. The CytoNCA plugin within Cytoscape was used to screen out the core targets, and the Metascape platform was used to perform gene ontology(GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. The “drug-active ingredient-target” interaction network was constructed with the help of Cytoscape 3.8.2, and AutoDock Vina was used for molecular docking. Scopolamine (SCOP) was utilized for modeling and injected intraperitoneally once daily. Thirty-two male C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into blank control (CON) group (0.9% NaCl, n=8), model (SCOP) group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1, n=8), positive control group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of SCOP+3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of Donepezil, n=8), and Kaixinsan group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of SCOP+6.5 g·kg-1·d-1 of Kaixinsan, n=8). Mice in each group were administered with 0.9% NaCl, Kaixinsan, or Donepezil by gavage twice a day for 14 days. Morris water maze experiment was used to observe the learning memory ability of mice. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining method was used to observe the pathological changes in the CA1 area of the mouse hippocampus. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to determine the serum acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) contents of mice. Western blot method was used to detect the protein expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) and nuclear transcription factor(NF)-κB p65 in the hippocampus of mice. ResultsA total of 73 active ingredients of Kaixinsan were obtained, and 578 potential targets (common targets) of Kaixinsan for the treatment of AD were screened out. Key active ingredients included kaempferol, gijugliflozin, etc.. Potential core targets were STAT3, NF-κB p65, et al. GO functional enrichment analysis obtained 3 124 biological functions, 254 cellular building blocks, and 461 molecular functions. KEGG pathway enrichment obtained 248 pathways, mainly involving cancer-related pathways, TRP pathway, cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) pathway, and NF-κB pathway. Molecular docking showed that the binding of the key active ingredients to the target targets was more stable. Morris water maze experiment indicated that Kaixinsan could improve the learning memory ability of SCOP-induced mice. HE staining and ELISA results showed that Kaixinsan had an ameliorating effect on central nerve injury in mice. Western blot test indicated that Kaixinsan had a down-regulating effect on the levels of NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and STAT3 phosphorylation in the hippocampal tissue of mice in the SCOP model. ConclusionKaixinsan can improve the cognitive impairment function in SCOP model mice and may reduce hippocampal neuronal damage and thus play a therapeutic role in the treatment of AD by regulating NF-κB p65, STAT3, and other targets involved in the NF-κB signaling pathway.
8.Epidemiological characteristics of animal plague in Erenhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 2013-2023
Yilan FENG ; Fang LIU ; Zhongbing ZHANG ; Wenrui WANG ; Xinxin YU ; Jianyun LI ; Dayu ZHANG ; Shuyi WANG
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(6):472-476
Objective:To analyze the population structure, quantity of rodents, fleas and epidemiological characteristics of animal plague in the plague foci of Erenhot in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and to provide a basis for scientific prevention and control of plague.Methods:The descriptive epidemiological method was used to analyze the surveillance and epidemic data of plague in Erenhot from 2013 to 2023 (from the plague prevention and control management information system of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the summary of plague surveillance data in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2013 to 2023), including rat density, nocturnal rat capture, flea infection of rodents, bacteriological and serological detection, etc.Results:From 2013 to 2023, a total of 418 hm 2 of plague foci were investigated in Erenhot, 1 054 rats were caught, and the density of rats was 2.52/hm 2, among which Meriones unguiculatus was the dominant species ( n = 480), and the density was 1.15/hm 2. The capture rate of nocturnal rodents was 6.38% (1 291/20 250). The flea infestation rate of rodents was 35.53% (1 491/4 197), with a flea index of 1.25. Xenopsylla conformity is the dominant flea species ( n = 1 886). Animal plague outbreaks occurred in 7 years, with 11 positive rodents and 10 groups of positive fleas identified by the bacteriology tests, and a total of 21 strains of Yersinia pestis isolated. Eleven positive sera samples were detected by serology. Conclusion:The rodent density in the plague foci of Erenhot is relatively low, but the flea index is high, the animal epidemic is active, facing a significant risk of imported human and animal plague epidemics.
9.Epidemic characteristics and temporal-spatial trends of human anthrax in Shaanxi Province from 1955 to 2024
Guojing YANG ; Shu WANG ; Xinxin LI ; Mengyan ZHANG ; Yunpeng NIAN
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(10):809-814
Objective:To learn about the epidemic characteristics and temporal-spatial trends of human anthrax in Shaanxi Province, and to provide a theoretical basis for prevention and control of anthrax.Methods:The epidemic data of human anthrax in Shaanxi Province from 1955 to 2024 were collected for descriptive epidemiological analysis. Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the trend of anthrax incidence rate. The trend at all times and different intervals were estimated by average annual percent change (AAPC) and annual percent change (APC), respectively. Based on the number of human anthrax cases in each county (district) of Shaanxi Province from 1980 to 2024, datasets were constructed in segments every five years for global and local spatial autocorrelation analysis.Results:From 1955 to 2024, a total of 3 900 cases of human anthrax were reported in Shaanxi Province, with 124 deaths. The average annual incidence rate was 0.18/100 000 and the fatality rate was 3.18%. The incidence rate of human anthrax generally showed a downward trend (AAPC = - 3.21, t = - 1.99, P = 0.044), with the fastest decline rate from 1977 to 1993 (APC = - 15.24, t = - 4.08, P < 0.001). A temporal and regional distribution analysis was conducted on 484 human anthrax cases in Shaanxi Province from 1980 to 2024. The peak period of incidence was from July to September, accounting for 52.27% (253/484). The cities with a relatively high number of reported cases were Weinan City (201 cases), Xianyang City (161 cases), and Xi'an City (77 cases), accounting for a total of 90.70% (439/484). A population distribution analysis was conducted on 93 human anthrax cases in Shaanxi Province from 2005 to 2024, with 73 males (78.49%) and 20 females (21.51%), resulting in a male to female ratio of 3.65 ∶ 1.00. The age range was 13 to 79 years old, with a median of 44 years old. The age group of 35 to 59 years old had a higher case of the disease, accounting for 65.59% (61/93). Farmers were the main occupation, accounting for 87.10% (81/93). The shortest time interval between onset and diagnosis of 93 human anthrax cases was 0 days, the longest was 47 days, and the median was 5 days. The results of global spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that there was spatial positive correlation in human anthrax cases from 1980 to 1984, 1985 to 1989, 2000 to 2004, and 2020 to 2024 (global Moran's I > 0, Z > 1.96, P < 0.05). The results of local spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that the high-high aggregation area of human anthrax cases was concentrated in the Guanzhong region. Conclusions:From 1955 to 2024, the incidence rate of human anthrax in Shaanxi Province generally shows a downward trend. The peak period of incidence is from July to September, and the affected populations are mainly middle-aged male farmers. Human anthrax cases from 1980 to 1984, 1985 to 1989, 2000 to 2004 and 2020 to 2024 show spatial clustering, with high-high clustering areas concentrated in the Guanzhong region.
10.Establishment and optimization of combined model of influenza and wind-heat syndrome in mice
Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Miao XIE ; Qishuai HU ; Xinxin FENG ; Yutao WANG ; Xin ZHAO ; Yanli LIANG ; Linyang CHEN ; Zifeng YANG
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(8):1105-1115
Objective To establish a mouse model of H1N1 influenza wind-heat syndrome by combining climate intervention with influenza virus nasal drops.Methods Seventy-two BALB/c mice were divided randomly into nine groups:a Control group,wind-heat(FR)groups(FR-3Day,FR-5Day),and Model groups(1LD-3Day,2LD-3Day,3LD-3Day,1LD-5Day,2LD-5Day,2LD-5Day,3LD-5Day)(n=8 mice per group).Mice in the Control group were housed in a normal environment,while mice in the FR and Model groups were kept in wind-heat conditions for 7 d.Mice in the Model groups received nasal PR8 influenza virus infection on the 8th day,and mice in the Control and FR heat groups received equal amounts of physiological saline nasal drops.After virus challenge,each group was housed in a normal environment and samples were taken on days 3 and 5.The appearance of the mice was observed and recorded and the lung index,routine blood parameters,lung tissue pathology,serum interleukin(IL)-6 levels,and virus titers were detected in each group based on their behavioral status,stools,and body temperature.Results After 7 d of wind-heat intervention,mice in the FR groups showed no significant abnormalities in terms of appearance,stools,body temperature,routine blood parameters,or lung tissue pathology compared with the Control group.The appearance,lung index,red blood cell count,hemoglobin,hematocrit,pathological result,and body temperature in the Model groups worsened progressively with increasing time and toxin dosage,while the neutrophil percentage,lymphocyte percentage,virus titer,and serum IL-6 levels peaked on day 3 after viral attack,for the same viral dose,and then decreased slightly on day 5.Conclusions PR8 nasal drops and 7 d of wind-heat climate intervention can be used to establish a mouse model of influenza wind-heat syndrome.

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