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.Construction and Evaluation of "Constitution-disease-syndrome" Trinity Model for Rodents with Qi Deficiency
Yasheng DENG ; Jiang LIN ; Yujiang XI ; Qian ZHOU ; Yanping FAN ; Wenyue LI ; Yonghui LIU ; Zhaobing NI ; Qiu CHEN ; Xi MING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):274-284
The theory of constitution in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has emerged as a new discipline in recent years. Constitution plays a vital role in the onset,progression,transformation,and prognosis of diseases. At present,some clinical scholars have adopted a novel diagnostic and treatment model of "constitution differentiation-disease identification-syndrome differentiation",in which constitution is regarded as a core element throughout the diagnostic and therapeutic process. Constitution is closely associated with etiology,onset,pathogenesis,syndrome differentiation,and treatment. Against this background,the construction of animal models based on constitution holds far-reaching significance for advancing clinical research. This paper focuses on the construction and evaluation of rodent models with Qi-deficiency constitution,aiming to explore how to further induce Qi-deficiency syndromes and related disease states on the basis of Qi-deficiency constitution models,thereby developing an integrated animal model that embodies the trinity of "constitution-disease-syndrome". The establishment of this model not only provides a solid experimental foundation for the development of new therapies and drugs in TCM targeting specific constitutions,diseases,and syndromes,but also greatly promotes the modernization and scientific advancement of TCM theory. By comprehensively applying multidisciplinary technologies and methods,the study evaluates the model's validity,reliability,and practicality,with the aim of opening new avenues for future research in TCM and promoting the development of the field.
3.Construction and Evaluation of "Constitution-disease-syndrome" Trinity Model for Rodents with Qi Deficiency
Yasheng DENG ; Jiang LIN ; Yujiang XI ; Qian ZHOU ; Yanping FAN ; Wenyue LI ; Yonghui LIU ; Zhaobing NI ; Qiu CHEN ; Xi MING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):274-284
The theory of constitution in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has emerged as a new discipline in recent years. Constitution plays a vital role in the onset,progression,transformation,and prognosis of diseases. At present,some clinical scholars have adopted a novel diagnostic and treatment model of "constitution differentiation-disease identification-syndrome differentiation",in which constitution is regarded as a core element throughout the diagnostic and therapeutic process. Constitution is closely associated with etiology,onset,pathogenesis,syndrome differentiation,and treatment. Against this background,the construction of animal models based on constitution holds far-reaching significance for advancing clinical research. This paper focuses on the construction and evaluation of rodent models with Qi-deficiency constitution,aiming to explore how to further induce Qi-deficiency syndromes and related disease states on the basis of Qi-deficiency constitution models,thereby developing an integrated animal model that embodies the trinity of "constitution-disease-syndrome". The establishment of this model not only provides a solid experimental foundation for the development of new therapies and drugs in TCM targeting specific constitutions,diseases,and syndromes,but also greatly promotes the modernization and scientific advancement of TCM theory. By comprehensively applying multidisciplinary technologies and methods,the study evaluates the model's validity,reliability,and practicality,with the aim of opening new avenues for future research in TCM and promoting the development of the field.
4.Influencing factors on the prevalence of depressive symptoms among middle school students in Yunnan Province in 2023
Xiaodong MU ; Hong LIU ; Fan YANG ; Tunan LI ; Junyu NI ; Yunjuan YANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):108-115
ObjectiveTo investigate the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of depressive symptoms among middle school (junior, senior, and vocational high school) students in Yunnan Province, China, and to inform evidence-based intervention strategies for adolescent mental health. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted between October and November 2023 using stratified random cluster sampling. Students from eight counties (districts) across four prefectures (cities) in Yunnan Province were included. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine factors associated with depressive symptoms, with stratified analyses conducted by gender, educational stage, and ethnicity. ResultsA total of 4 672 questionnaires were distributed, with 4 670 valid questionnaires retrieved, yielding a valid response rate of 99.96%. The surveyed participants were predominantly female students (50.81%), junior high school students (49.13%), ethnic minorities (52.78%), and urban residents (79.29%). The mean CES-D score for middle school students in Yunnan Province was (15.31±10.83). Female students had a significantly higher mean score (16.63±11.41) than male students (13.95±10.02) (P<0.001). Senior high school students had a significantly higher mean score (16.61±10.61) compared to both junior high school students (14.74±11.45) and vocational high school students (13.10±7.71) (all pairwise comparisons P<0.001). The prevalence of depressive symptoms among middle school students in Yunnan Province was 28.18%. The prevalence was significantly higher in females (34.09%) than in males (22.07%). By school type, the detection rate was highest among senior high school students (33.39%), followed by junior high school students (26.29%) and vocational high school students (17.27%) (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that female gender (OR=2.16, 95%CI: 1.86‒2.50), being in junior high school (OR=2.43, 95%CI: 1.84‒3.20) or senior high school (OR=2.27, 95%CI: 1.73‒2.98), not living with parents (OR=1.24, 95%CI: 1.07‒1.44), irregular breakfast consumption (OR=1.52, 95%CI: 1.33‒1.75), lack of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (OR=1.69, 95%CI: 1.37‒2.09), sleep duration ≤5 h per night (OR=2.52, 95%CI: 2.02‒3.14) or 6‒7 h per night (OR=1.47, 95%CI: 1.25‒1.73), smoking (OR=1.86, 95%CI: 1.56‒2.23), and alcohol consumption (OR=1.81, 95%CI: 1.54‒2.13) were positively associated with depressive symptoms. In contrast, screen time ≤1 h (OR=0.71, 95%CI: 0.59‒0.86) was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Stratified analyses showed that female students not living with parents (OR=1.29, 95%CI: 1.06‒1.58), senior high school students (OR=1.51, 95%CI: 1.21‒1.88), and Han Chinese students (OR=1.37, 95%CI: 1.11‒1.69) were more likely to experience depressive symptoms. Han Chinese students who smoked were also more likely to have depressive symptoms (OR=1.72, 95%CI: 1.34‒2.21). In contrast, male students with screen time ≤1 h (OR=0.71, 95%CI: 0.53‒0.95) and ethnic minority students (OR=0.74, 95%CI: 0.58‒0.95) were less likely to experience depressive symptoms. Regardless of gender, irregular breakfast consumption, lack of MVPA, sleep duration less than 8 h per night, smoking, and alcohol consumption were all positively associated with depressive symptoms (P<0.05). Among both junior and senior high school students, irregular breakfast consumption, lack of MVPA, smoking, and alcohol consumption were positively associated with depressive symptoms (all P<0.05), while screen time ≤1 h was negatively associated with depressive symptoms (all P<0.05). For junior high school students, engaging in 1‒2 days of MVPA per week, screen time more than 2 h per day, and sleep duration 6‒7 h per night were all positively associated with depressive symptoms (all P<0.05). Among junior high, senior high, and vocational high school students, sleep duration ≤5 h per night was positively associated with depressive symptoms (P<0.05). For both Han Chinese and ethnic minority students, irregular breakfast consumption, lack of MVPA, sleep duration less than 8 h per night, and alcohol consumption were all positively associated with depressive symptoms (all P<0.05). ConclusionThe prevalence of depressive symptoms among middle school students in Yunnan Province is comparable to that in central China and higher than that in northern regions. Prevention and control efforts should prioritize female students and those in junior and senior high school stages. Universal improvements in lifestyle behaviors among middle school students, such as regular breakfast consumption, MVPA, sufficient sleep (≥8 h), and abstinence from smoking and alcohol. Particular attention should be given to limiting excessive screen time among junior high school students and addressing the mental health needs of females not living with their parents, senior high school students, and Han Chinese students.
5.Distribution characteristics of bacterial communities in central air-conditioning ventilation systems of a Grade 3A hospital in Shanghai based on 16S rRNA sequencing
Jun NI ; Haiyun ZHANG ; Jian CHEN ; Lijun ZHANG ; Yongping LIU ; Xiaojing LI ; Yiming ZHENG ; Liping ZHANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(6):732-739
Background A diverse cohort of patients and susceptible individuals congregate in healthcare facilities, where exposure to pathogenic microorganisms associated with respiratory infectious diseases constitutes a significant risk factor for cross-infection. Central air-conditioning ventilation systems improve some indoor environment indicators while exacerbating the risk of transmission of respiratory infectious diseases. Objective To investigate the distribution characteristics of microbial communities in the central air-conditioning ventilation systems of hospitals, providing a scientific basis for the selection of microbial indicators in hygiene standards for hospital central air-conditioning ventilation systems and for hospital risk early warning systems. Methods In October 2023, two central air-conditioning ventilation systems were selected from a Grade 3A hospital in Shanghai: one was an all-air air-conditioning system serving the waiting area on the ground floor, and the other was a fan coil plus fresh air system serving the outpatient area on the third floor. Samples from four different components of the ventilation systems—air outlets, filters, surface coolers, and condensate trays—were collected for high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to analyze bacterial communities. Alpha-diversity and beta-diversity analyses were performed to investigate the microbial community composition and diversity characteristics of the hospital central air-conditioning ventilation systems. Functional analysis was conducted to determine the relative abundance of bacterial functions in these systems.Results A total of 528 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified, encompassing 20 bacterial phyla, 37 classes, 79 orders, 123 families, and 240 genera. The analysis revealed that the bacterial community was predominantly composed of Proteobacteria, Gemmatimonadates, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria. The diversity analysis indicated that bacterial community richness and diversity were highest in the condensate trays, while no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in the bacterial community composition among the air outlets, filters, and surface coolers. The functional analysis showed that the bacterial communities in the central air-conditioning ventilation systems primarily exhibited chemoheterotrophic, oxidative energy-dependent heterotrophic, and ureolytic functional characteristics. Conclusion The dominance of Proteobacteria suggests that this phylum exhibits strong adaptability in the central air-conditioning ventilation systems, possibly related to its ability to survive and reproduce under varying environmental conditions. The diversity analysis indicates that the condensate tray is a critical area for bacterial proliferation in the central air-conditioning ventilation systems. The similarity in environmental conditions among the air outlets, filters, and surface coolers result in similar bacterial community structures. The functional analysis reveals that the bacterial communities possess robust energy conversion and metabolic capabilities, potentially contributing to processes such as organic matter decomposition and nitrogen cycling within the central air-conditioning ventilation systems.
6.ZIP4 promotes glycolysis in cholangiocarcinoma cells by enhancing H3K4me3 modification and activating MYCN transcription
Jiwen WANG ; Cheng ZHANG ; Dexiang ZHANG ; Xiaoling NI ; Kun FAN ; Houbao LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(3):410-420
Objective To explore the mechanism by which zinc-regulated transporters, iron-regulated transporter-likeprotein 4 (ZIP4) regulates glycolysis and its impact on tumor progression in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), providing a theoretical basis for targeted therapy of CCA. Methods ZIP4 expression in CCA was analyzed using the GEPIA database. Immuno-histochemistry (IHC) was used to detect ZIP4 expression in 20 paired CCA and adjacent non-tumor tissues. Stable ZIP4-overexpressing CCA cell lines (ZIP4-OE) were established. Gene set enrichment analysis was used to screen differentially expressed genes and pathways in ZIP-OE CCA cells. ZIP4, N-myc proto-oncogene protein (MYCN), and histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2E (KMT2E) were knocked down using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). The expression of glycolysis-related gene (glucose transporter 1 [Glut1], hexokinase 2 [HK2], and lactate dehydrogenase A [LDHA]) was measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Glycolytic activity was assessed by measuring the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR). Cell proliferation was evaluated using colony formation assays, and cell migration was assessed using Transwell assays. A xenograft mouse model was constructed to examine CCA tumor growth. Protein levels of ZIP4, KMT2E, H3K4me3 (tri-methylation of lysine 4 on histone H3), and MYCN were detected by Western blotting. Results GEPIA database analysis and IHC results confirmed significantly higher ZIP4 expression levels in CCA tissues compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the ZIP4-OE group exhibited a significantly increased ECAR, along with significantly enhanced proliferation and migration abilities (P<0.01). Conversely, knockdown of ZIP4 suppressed CCA cells proliferation and migration. GEPIA analysis indicated that ZIP4 upregulates the transcription of oncogene MYCN, as well as glycolysis-related genes. Knockdown of MYCN abolished the ZIP4 overexpression-induced upregulation of Glut1, HK2, and LDHA gene transcription, reduced glycolysis, and significantly inhibited CCA cell proliferation and migration (P<0.05). Mechanistic studies demonstrated that ZIP4 increases H3K4me3 level via KMT2E, leading to MYCN transcription. Knockdown of KMT2E in CCA cells suppressed the ZIP4 overexpression-induced enhancement in H3K4me3 modification, resulting in MYCN downregulation and significantly reduced CCA cells proliferation and migration (P<0.05). Conclusions ZIP4 upregulates H3K4me3 modification through KMT2E, which recruits transcription factors to activate the transcription of MYCN. This subsequently enhances cellular glycolysis and promotes the proliferation and migration of CCA cells.
8.Network structure characteristics of trait aggression in children and adolescents based on psychometric network analysis
WANG Xu, LIU Yanling, WEI Mingchen, ZHU Ni, GENG Yibo, LIU Weijun, CHEN Shuai
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(7):975-979
Objective:
To explore the core features of trait aggression in children and adolescents, so as to provide a theoretical basis for behavioral interventions targeting the central psychological characteristics of aggression in children and adolescents.
Methods:
From March to May 2020, a simple random convenience sampling method was employed to recruit 39 165 students from grades 4 to 12 in Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, and Shandong. Data were collected via online questionnaires, with all participants completing the Chinese Version of the Aggression Questionnaire. Psychometric network analysis was utilized for data processing.
Results:
Trait aggression among Chinese children and adolescents was at a moderately low level. The core nodes of the network structure included physical aggression [if someone intentionally causes trouble for me, I will hit them severely (AGG6); if someone hits me, I will retaliate (AGG11)] and self aggression [When I am very irritable, I think of hurting myself (AGG5); when I am in a bad mood, I engage in behaviors that harm my health, such as overeating (AGG25)]. Across grade levels, core nodes primarily originated from the anger dimension [When I m angry, I feel like a powder magazine that could explode at any moment (AGG13); I can t control my temper (AGG18); I am prone to getting angry when I see things that are not pleasing to the eye (AGG23); I will get angry for no reason (AGG27)]. Except for grades 7 and 9, core nodes in other grades included the verbal aggression dimension [I am prone to arguments with people (AGG22)]. Before grade 8, core nodes incorporated the self aggression dimension (AGG 5, AGG 25); after grade 8, core nodes included the physical aggression dimension [AGG 6, AGG 11, I fight slightly more than others (AGG16), and if people around me make things difficult for me to a certain extent, I will fight with them (AGG26)]. No statistically significant differences were found in the trait aggression network structures across grades, genders, or within gender comparisons of different grades.
Conclusion
These findings broaden our understanding of aggression in children and adolescents, suggesting that behavioral interventions can effectively reduce aggressive behaviors in this population.
9.Prevention and Treatment of Asthma by Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Yasheng DENG ; Yanping FAN ; Wenyue LI ; Yonghui LIU ; Zhaobing NI ; Jinjiang XU ; Haobin CHEN ; Qiuye WU ; Jiang LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):262-275
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disease involving multiple cells and cellular components, characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway, as a crucial hub in intracellular signaling, is widely involved in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation, survival, metabolism, and a series of pathophysiological processes. Its regulatory role in the pathological progression of asthma is particularly significant, specifically in promoting airway inflammation, mediating epithelial mesenchymal transition, accelerating airway remodeling, regulating cell autophagy, inducing mucus hypersecretion, and influencing immune response balance. This study analyzed potential molecular targets of the PI3K/Akt pathway, including activators such as cysteine proteinase inhibitor 1(CST1), found in inflammatory zone 1(FIZZ1) and free fatty acid receptor 1(FFAR1), and inhibitors such as human β-defensin-3(hBD-3), disintegrins, metalloproteinase 33(ADAM33) and interleukin-27(IL-27), and initially revealed the potential molecular mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) in asthma intervention. Based on this, the authors systematically summarized the efficacy and specific mechanisms of TCM monomers, compounds, and external treatments for asthma by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway through literature review and analysis, aiming at establishing a robust foundation for the wide application and advanced development of TCM in asthma treatment, offering innovative insights for clinical research and drug development of asthma.
10.Prevention and Treatment of Asthma by Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Yasheng DENG ; Yanping FAN ; Wenyue LI ; Yonghui LIU ; Zhaobing NI ; Jinjiang XU ; Haobin CHEN ; Qiuye WU ; Jiang LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):262-275
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disease involving multiple cells and cellular components, characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway, as a crucial hub in intracellular signaling, is widely involved in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation, survival, metabolism, and a series of pathophysiological processes. Its regulatory role in the pathological progression of asthma is particularly significant, specifically in promoting airway inflammation, mediating epithelial mesenchymal transition, accelerating airway remodeling, regulating cell autophagy, inducing mucus hypersecretion, and influencing immune response balance. This study analyzed potential molecular targets of the PI3K/Akt pathway, including activators such as cysteine proteinase inhibitor 1(CST1), found in inflammatory zone 1(FIZZ1) and free fatty acid receptor 1(FFAR1), and inhibitors such as human β-defensin-3(hBD-3), disintegrins, metalloproteinase 33(ADAM33) and interleukin-27(IL-27), and initially revealed the potential molecular mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) in asthma intervention. Based on this, the authors systematically summarized the efficacy and specific mechanisms of TCM monomers, compounds, and external treatments for asthma by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway through literature review and analysis, aiming at establishing a robust foundation for the wide application and advanced development of TCM in asthma treatment, offering innovative insights for clinical research and drug development of asthma.


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