1.Inheritance and Current Research Status of Major Spleen-Stomach Theories in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Ling HU ; Fengyun WANG ; Xudong TANG ; Beihua ZHANG ; Yunkai DAI ; Xu CHEN ; Shiqi LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):87-94
This paper systematically reviews the core concepts and lines of theoretical inheritance of major spleen-stomach theories in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including spleen deficiency theory, spleen-stomach damp-heat theory, and liver-spleen disharmony theory. It is found that these theories have all undergone a developmental trajectory characterized by classical foundation, refinement of therapeutic methods, systematization of pathogenesis, and modern innovation. The evolution of spleen-stomach theory has achieved a shift from a singular focus on tonifying the spleen to regulating dynamic middle-jiao (焦) balance, and from localized spleen-stomach regulation to the circular movement of qi involving all five zang organs. In terms of modern disease-syndrome integrative research, spleen deficiency syndrome is shown to be closely associated with impairment of the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier, metabolic disorders, and gene polymorphisms related to Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric diseases. Spleen-stomach damp-heat syndrome is closely linked to hyperactive energy metabolism, inflammatory cytokines, and abnormal expression of aquaporins. Liver-spleen disharmony syndrome is mainly associated with dysregulation of the brain-gut axis and microbiota-related metabolic disorders. It is proposed that future research on spleen-stomach diseases and syndromes should further elucidate their potential multidimensional differential biological characteristics, thereby promoting the modernization of the TCM discipline of spleen-stomach studies.
2.Exploration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Characteristics in A Heart Failure Model Induced by Coronary Artery Ligation Based on Method of Syndrome Identification by Prescription Efficacy
Xiaoqian LIAO ; Peiyao LI ; Xingyu FAN ; Zhenyu ZHAO ; Junyu ZHANG ; Yuehang XU ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):169-177
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a major global public health problem, and myocardial infarction is one of its main causes. The mouse model of heart failure induced by coronary artery ligation is widely used in the study of CHF, while the TCM syndrome attributes of this model have not yet been clarified. According to the theory of correspondence between prescriptions and syndromes, the method of syndrome identification by prescription efficacy is an important means of current syndrome research of animal models. This method deduces the syndrome characteristics of animal models through prescription efficacy. Taking the four basic syndrome elements of Qi, blood, Yin and Yang as the classification reference, this study used coronary artery ligation to construct a mouse model of CHF and treated the model with four representative TCM injections with the effects of replenishing Qi, warming Yang, nourishing Yin, and activating blood and enalapril. Echocardiography, tongue color parameters, histopathology, serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and cardiac troponin Ⅰ (cTnⅠ) levels, and systematically explored the TCM syndrome attributes of this model. The results showed that the coronary ligation model presented an obvious cardiac function decline, myocardial fibrosis, infarct size expansion, and purple dark tongue, which were consistent with the basic syndrome characteristics of blood stasis in CHF. Danhong injection had significant effects of improving the cardiac function, alleviating myocardial fibrosis, and reducing serum NT-proBNP and cTnⅠ levels. Huangqi Injection and Shenfu injection can improve the cardiac function and tongue color parameters, with limited effects. The effect of Shenmai injection group was not obvious. This study verifies that the established model conforms to blood stasis syndrome through the method of syndrome identification by prescription efficacy, which provides an experimental basis for the study of TCM syndrome mechanism of CHF.
3.Expert recommendations on vision friendly built environments for myopia prevention and control in children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):1-5
Abstract
The prevention and control of myopia in Chinese children and adolescents has become a major public health issue. While maintaining increased outdoor activity as a cornerstone intervention, there is an urgent need to explore new complementary approaches that can be effectively implemented in both indoor and outdoor settings. In recent years, environmental spatial frequency has gained increasing attention as one of the key environmental factors influencing the development and progression of myopia. Both animal studies and human research have confirmed that indoor environments lacking mid to high spatial frequency components, often characterized as "visually impoverished", can promote axial elongation and myopia through mechanisms such as disruption of retinal neural signaling, impaired accommodative function, and altered expression of related molecules. Based on the scientific consensus, it is recommended that "enriching of environmental spatial frequency" should be integrated into the myopia prevention and control framework. Following the principles of schoolled organization, family cooperation, community involvement, and student participation, specific measures are put forward in three areas:optimizing school visual settings, improving home spatial environments, and promoting healthy visual behavior. The aim is to create "visually friendly" indoor environments as an important supplement to outdoor activity, thereby providing a novel perspective and strategy for comprehensively advancing myopia prevention and control among children and adolescents.
4.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.
5.Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis from Impediment
Siyu CHEN ; Zhenghua CAO ; Rong XU ; Qingrong LI ; Yanze BI ; Boyi SHANG ; Shaodan HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):254-264
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and fibrotic lethal interstitial lung disease with poor prognosis. It is mainly treated by organ transplantation and administration of chemical drugs, which have poor efficacy and induce side effects, failing to meet the clinical needs. Therefore, it is urgent to develop more safe and effective drugs to treat IPF. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has garnered increasing attention in recent years in the treatment of IPF due to its unique advantages. Increasing studies have shown that TCM has remarkable therapeutic effects on IPF and thus demonstrate broad application prospects. Modern medical research shows that the pathogenesis of IPF can be discussed from inflammation (macrophage polarization), oxidative stress, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), autophagy inhibition and other related signaling pathways, while few studies systematically explain the relationship between the signaling pathways and TCM theory. According to the theory of TCM, lung collateral obstruction is the basic pathogenesis of IPF. Therefore, according to the principle of dredging and replenishing lung collaterals, IPF can be treated with the methods of reinforcing healthy qi and eliminating pathogen, replenishing qi and activating blood, and detoxifying and dredging collaterals, which demonstrate definite curative effect and can effectively relieve clinical symptoms, restore the lung function and blood oxygen partial pressure, improve the quality of life of patients, and reduce adverse reactions. Experimental studies have found that dredging and replenishing lung collaterals have significant effects on IPF inflammation (macrophage polarization), oxidative stress, EMT, autophagy inhibition and other signaling pathways. Therefore, from the perspective of impediment, this article reviews pathogenesis of IPF, the research progress in TCM treatment of IPF, and the treatment of IPF from active components, single herbs, and compound prescriptions of TCM, with the aim of revealing the scientific connotation of the treatment of IPF from impediment and providing a new theoretical basis for enriching the TCM methods of treating IPF.
6.The prognostic value and immune regulatory role of BRF1 in pan-cancer, and its function in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Jianxin XU ; Zihao LI ; Wang LÜ ; ; Zhiyang XU ; Yunfeng YI ; Songlin CHEN ; Jian HU ; Luming WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):122-131
Objective To investigate the expression profile, prognostic value, gene co-expression network, and immunomodulatory role of BRF1 in a pan-cancer context, and to explore its biological functions and molecular regulatory mechanisms in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods The pan-cancer dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was utilized to analyze the differential expression of BRF1 in tumor versus normal tissues, its association with patient survival, pathway enrichment for co-expressed genes, and immune features (including immune checkpoints, cytokines, and immune cell infiltration). The expression profile of BRF1 in ESCC was validated using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. In vitro, BRF1 was knocked down in ESCC cells using siRNA. Cell proliferation and migration were assessed by MTT and Transwell assays, respectively. The expression levels of proliferation- and migration-related proteins were detected by Western blotting. The correlation between BRF1 and ferroptosis was analyzed using TCGA data. Results BRF1 was significantly upregulated in over 20 types of cancer, and its high expression was associated with poor prognosis in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma and prostate adenocarcinoma. BRF1 was found to positively regulate the T-cell-mediated cell death pathway in esophageal adenocarcinoma and was associated with the circadian rhythm regulation pathway in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The correlation of BRF1 with immune checkpoints, cytokine networks, and immune cell infiltration was found to be cancer type-specific. In vitro experiments demonstrated that knocking down BRF1 significantly inhibited the proliferation of ESCC cells, accompanied by the downregulation of the proliferation marker PCNA. Cell migration was also significantly impaired, with decreased expression of Vimentin and MMPs and increased expression of E-cadherin. Furthermore, the expression of BRF1 was positively correlated with that of ferroptosis-antagonizing genes, such as GPX4, HSPA5, and SLC7A11. Conclusion BRF1 plays complex roles in pan-cancer, participating in the regulation of tumorigenesis, progression, and immune infiltration. BRF1 promotes the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells, a mechanism potentially associated with the regulation of ferroptosis resistance. These findings suggest that BRF1 could be a potential therapeutic target for ESCC.
7.Role of insomnia symptoms in the association between drinking behaviors and anxiety symptoms in college freshmen
YANG Jieru, LI Xiaoxiao,HUANG Yan, HU Dongyue, YANG Jiaxing, BAO Jinying, CHANG Litao, LEI Yuanting, XU Honglü ;
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):250-255
Objective:
To analyze the association between drinking behaviors and anxiety symptoms, with the mediating role of insomnia symptoms among college freshmen, so as to provide a reference basis for reducing the occurrence of anxiety symptoms in college freshmen.
Methods:
From October to December 2021, 31 856 freshmen were selected by the purposive sampling method in 22 colleges across 11 provinces (Fujian, Jiangsu, Guangdong, Henan, Anhui, Hubei, Shanxi, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Yunnan, Chongqing) in China. The Semi quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to investigate college freshmen drinking behaviors. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 and the Insomnia Severity Index were used to assess anxiety symptoms and insomnia symptoms in college freshmen. The generalized linear model was employed to analyze the association between drinking behaviors and anxiety symptoms in college freshmen, and the structural equation modeling was used to assess the mediating effect of insomnia symptoms on the association.
Results:
The detection rate of anxiety symptoms among college freshmen was 28.2%, the detection rates of the mild, moderate, severe and extremely severe were 6.6%, 15.9%, 3.2% and 2.6%, respectively. While 23.6% of college freshmen reported drinking in the past month, the rates were 39.8% among boys and 15.9% among girls. After adjusting for demographic variables (ethnicity, education, major, etc.) and confounding variables (self evaluation of learning burden, number of close friends, screen time, etc.), the results of generalized linear model analysis showed that beer consumption was associated with anxiety symptoms in college freshmen( β =0.09, 95% CI =0.04-0.14), girls( β =0.14, 95% CI =0.07-0.21) and those aged 19-20 years ( β =0.12, 95% CI =0.05-0.19)(all P <0.05). Red wine consumption was associated with anxiety symptoms in male students ( β =0.13, 95% CI =0.02-0.24, P <0.05). Alcohol and beer consumption were associated with insomnia in college freshmen[ β (95% CI ) =0.22(0.08-0.36),0.31(0.23-0.39),both P <0.01]. Insomnia symptoms partially mediated the association between drinking behaviors and anxiety symptoms among college freshmen with a mediating effect value of 0.05, accounting for 50.49% of the total effect.
Conclusions
Insomnia symptoms partially mediates the association between drinking behaviors and anxiety symptoms in college freshmen. Measures should be taken to simultaneously intervene in the drinking behaviors and insomnia symptoms of college freshmen to prevent the occurrence of their anxiety symptoms.
8.Evaluation of the public health governance capacity in Jiangsu Province
Peiyu FENG ; Anning MA ; Peiwu SHI ; Qunhong SHEN ; Chaoyang ZHANG ; Zheng CHEN ; Chuan PU ; Lingzhong XU ; Zhaohui GONG ; Tianqiang XU ; Panshi WANG ; Chao HAO ; Zhi HU ; Mo HAO ; Hua WANG ; Chengyue LI
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):146-152
ObjectiveTo evaluate the public health governance capacity in Jiangsu Province and provide an optimized pathway for the construction of a “strong, rich, beautiful, and high-quality” new Jiangsu. MethodsA total of 806 policy documents, 658 public information reports, and 148 research literatures related to public health governance capacity in Jiangsu Province from January 1995 to December 2023 were collected. The status of current public health goverance was assessed based on the evaluation criteria suitable for public health systems, and the strengths and the weaknesses of the system were identified. ResultsThe public health governance capability of Jiangsu Province was scored at 738.3 points, ranking 3rd nationally. Maternal health care and emergency response capacities achieved leading positions nationwide, both ranking 2nd. Jiangsu had exhibited a standardized guidance in the strategic level, a well-established management mechanism, an extensive coverage in information collection, and a scientifically established health targets setting. However, bottlenecks remained, including an unclear division of responsibilities across organizational departments, an insufficient public-health workforce, the absence of a stable growth mechanism for government funding investment, and difficulties in promptly identifying public needs. ConclusionJiangsu’s public-health system demonstrates leading nationally, yet several components remain underdeveloped. Future efforts should consolidate advantages while addressing weaknesses, further diversify content and forms, establish a stable funding increase mechanism, and clarify departmental functions, thereby providing solid health support for realizing the developmental goals of a “strong, rich, beautiful and high-quality” new Jiangsu.
9.Evaluation of public health governance capacity in Zhejiang Province
Haiyan LI ; Ting CHEN ; Chengyue LI ; Huihui HUANGFU ; Wei WANG ; Qunhong SHEN ; Chaoyang ZHANG ; Zheng CHEN ; Chuan PU ; Lingzhong XU ; Anning MA ; Zhaohui GONG ; Tianqiang XU ; Panshi WANG ; Hua WANG ; Chao HAO ; Zhi HU ; Peiwu SHI ; Mo HAO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):153-158
ObjectiveTo systematically assess the public health governance capacity in Zhejiang Province, to conduct an in-depth analysis of its strengths and weaknesses, so as to provide scientific basis and strategic recommendations for further enhancement. MethodsA systematic collection of policy documents, public information reports, and research literature related to public health governance capacity in Zhejiang Province from 2002 to 2023 was conducted (encompassing a total of 1 263 policy documents, 138 pieces of information reports and 631 research articles). Based on the evaluation criteria suitable for public health systems previously developed by the research team, the basic status and magnitude of change in public health governance capacity in Zhejiang Province was evaluated. Additionally, normative gap analyses were employed to identify the strengths and weaknesses. ResultsZhejiang Province ranked 4th nationwide in terms of public health governance capacity with a score of 733.4 points (1 000.0-point maximum). The province has effectively implemented the principle of health first (scoring 698.5 points in the assessment of health-first strategy implementation) and attached sufficient importance to health-related goals (scoring 658.2 points in the scientific rationality of goal setting). However, the implementation of inter-departmental coordination and incentive mechanisms only scored 178.7 points, the feasibility of management and monitoring mechanisms scored even lower at only 144.0 points, and the coverage of incentive mechanisms scored 286.0 points. ConclusionZhejiang Province has effectively implemented its health first strategy and attached great importance to health targets, but still needs to strengthen cross-departmental coordination mechanisms and health-oriented incentives.
10.A Case of Multidisciplinary Treatment for a Patient with Gorham-Stout Disease
Jing HU ; Ying JIN ; Yan ZHANG ; Ji LI ; Wenhui WANG ; Yue CHI ; Chunxu LI ; Zhenjie ZHANG ; Yaping LIU ; Xiaotian CHU ; Jin XU ; Min SHEN
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(1):52-59
Gorham-Stout disease(GSD) is a rare osteolytic disorder characterized by spontaneous and progressive osteolysis, along with abnormal angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, with no new bone formation. We present a case of a 15-year-old female admitted due to " recurrent right leg pain for 5 years, 11 months after undergoing right femoral fracture surgery". Through comprehensive integration of the patient's clinical phenotype, laboratory tests, imaging findings, pathological examinations, and molecular biological test results, GSD was considered highly likely. A multidisciplinary treatment approach was conducted, including a combination of zoledronic acid and sirolimus to inhibit osteolysis, along with rehabilitation training and orthopedic intervention, providing a personalized and comprehensive treatment strategy.


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