1.From Cathartic Colon to Cathartic-dependent Constipation: Diagnostic-therapeutic Strategies from Integrative Medicine Perspective
Youcheng HE ; Fengru JIANG ; Yanru WANG ; Minghan HUANG ; Yue WU ; Chunyu ZHOU ; Lian MO ; Lifeng WEI ; Keyi PAN ; Shuyu CAI ; Jianye YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):162-172
Both cathartic colon (CC) and cathartic-dependent constipation (CDC) are caused by the abuse of stimulant laxatives, while their concepts are not completely the same.Starting from the disease name of CC, this article traced the origin and evolution of the concept of CC, summarizes and compared the similarities and differences between CC, CDC, and slow transit constipation (STC), and called for strict differentiation among the three.Furthermore, this article explored the specific contents of Western medicine clinical subtypes and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation of CDC and delved into the TCM pathogenesis of CDC according to both literature and clinical practice.The relationship between clinical subtypes and TCM syndromes was established, and the syndrome characteristics of CDC of different clinical subtypes and TCM syndromes were summarized.The recommended prescriptions for corresponding syndromes were listed.A systematic CDC diagnosis and treatment approach of "clinical subtypes-syndrome differentiation-syndrome characteristics-recommended prescriptions" was thus formed.Additionally, the paper provides an overview of current research on CDC in both Western medicine and TCM contexts, identifies future research directions, and suggests research pathways for refining and advancing CDC studies.
2.Research progress on imaging examinations of macular hole
Luxuan WANG ; Xiuhua LIU ; Lei GAO ; Lifeng LIU
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):63-66
Macular hole is an age-related disorder defined by a full-thickness defect of the foveal retina and a profound loss of central vision. First described in the mid-19th century, its study has now extended across more than 150 years. Breakthroughs in science and technology—especially the relentless refinement of retinal imaging platforms—have progressively refined our understanding of the disease. Optical coherence tomography(OCT)in particular has revolutionized characterization of the condition. At the same time, the widespread adoption of macular hole surgery has not only driven deeper investigations into pathogenesis and pre-operative assessment but also facilitated the global dissemination of surgical expertise and a marked rise in anatomical success. This review synthesizes the multimodal imaging hallmarks of macular holes and highlights the remaining clinical challenges in the application of OCT technology.
3.Strategies for Building an Artificial Intelligence-Empowered Trusted Federated Evidence-Based Analysis Platform for Spleen-Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Bin WANG ; Huiying ZHUANG ; Zhitao MAN ; Lifeng REN ; Chang HE ; Chen WU ; Xulei HU ; Xiaoxiao WEN ; Chenggong XIE ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):95-102
This paper outlines the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research, and elucidates the roles and advantages of large language models, knowledge graphs, and natural language processing in advancing syndrome identification, prescription generation, and mechanism exploration. Using spleen-stomach diseases as an example, it demonstrates the empowering effects of AI in classical literature mining, precise clinical syndrome differentiation, efficacy and safety prediction, and intelligent education, highlighting an upgraded research paradigm that evolves from data-driven and knowledge-driven approaches to intelligence-driven models. To address challenges related to privacy protection and regulatory compliance in cross-institutional data collaboration, a "trusted federated evidence-based analysis platform for TCM spleen-stomach diseases" is proposed, integrating blockchain-based smart contracts, federated learning, and secure multi-party computation. The deep integration of AI with privacy-preserving computing is reshaping research and clinical practice in TCM spleen-stomach diseases, providing feasible pathways and a technical framework for building a high-quality, trustworthy TCM big-data ecosystem and achieving precision syndrome differentiation.
4.Analyses of the epidemiological characteristics of injury-related deaths among the elderly in Yuyao City of Zhejiang Province from 2013 to 2022
Bibo HU ; Shanshan SHI ; Lifeng WANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(3):235-239
ObjectiveTo analyze the causes and trends of injury-related mortality among elderly residents in Yuyao City, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating prevention and control strategies for injury-related deaths among the elderly. MethodsData on injury-related deaths among elderly residents aged 60 years old and above in Yuyao City from 2013 to 2022 were collected. The epidemiological characteristics were analyzed, including the crude mortality rates, standardized mortality rates, age-specific mortality rates, annual percent change (APC), and average annual percent change (AAPC). ResultsThe crude mortality rate of injury among elderly people aged 60 years old and above in Yuyao City was 263.90/100 000, with a standardized mortality rate of 131.21/100 000. A statistically significant decreasing trend in standardized mortality was observed from 2013 to 2020 (APC=-3.17%, P=0.017). The standardized mortality rates of injury for elderly males and females were 154.74/100 000 and 134.46/100 000, respectively. Among elderly females, the standardized mortality rate of injury initially decreased and then increased (APC2013—2020=-5.14%, APC2021—2022=22.86%, both P<0.05). The top five causes for injury-related deaths among the elderly were accidental falls, traffic injuries from motor vehicles, drowning, accidental asphyxia, and suicide, accounting for 74.78% of all injury-related deaths among the elderly. Among these top five causes, mortality rates due to accidental falls, motor vehicle traffic injuries, and accidental asphyxia all increased significantly with age (χtrend2=8 315.40, 25.12, and 37.26, respectively; all P<0.001). Analyses of the annual trends showed a significant increase in deaths caused by accidental falls (AAPC=4.97%, P=0.013) and a significant decrease in deaths caused by suicide (AAPC=-14.87%, P<0.001). ConclusionFrom 2013 to 2022, the injury-related mortality burden among adults aged 60 years old and above in Yuyao City remained considerable, primarily caused by accidental falls, motor vehicle traffic injuries, drowning, accidental asphyxia, and suicide. There is an urgent need to develop targeted injury prevention strategies and measures to reduce the risk of unintentional injury deaths among the elderly.
5.Treatment Modalities and Long-Term Outcomes in Unruptured Vertebrobasilar Fusiform Aneurysms: A Nationwide Observational Cohort Study
Linggen DONG ; Dachao WEI ; Xiheng CHEN ; Mingtao LI ; Yang ZHAO ; Yong SUN ; Qingbin NIE ; Jun FENG ; Guomin XIAO ; Jinghua ZHOU ; Shengli HU ; Lifei FENG ; Lifeng QI ; Hongen LIU ; Geng GUO ; Yufang LI ; Renfu TIAN ; Jianghua YU ; Dianshi JIN ; Liang HAO ; Tian TIAN ; Shizhong ZHANG ; Yang WANG ; Liping LIU ; Ming LV
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(2):250-262
Background:
and Purpose Vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysms (VBFAs) carry substantial morbidity and mortality, but optimal management for unruptured VBFAs remains unclear. We compared the safety and efficacy of conservative management (CM), stent-assisted coiling (SAC), and flow diverters (FDs) in patients with unruptured VBFAs, focusing on long-term prognosis.
Methods:
This study included data from a nationwide Chinese cohort of patients with vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) balanced confounders across groups. The primary outcome was poor prognosis (modified Rankin Scale score >2). Secondary outcomes included aneurysm rupture, ischemic stroke, compression symptoms, and VBFA-related deaths. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed.
Results:
Among 1,115 patients with unruptured VBFAs, 838 (median age, 54 years; 655 men) were included. After IPTW, baseline characteristics were balanced. Median follow-up was 54 months. FD was associated with a lower risk of poor prognosis than CM (OR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.30 to 0.77]; p=0.002), with no difference between CM and SAC. FD also reduced aneurysm rupture (OR, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.07 to 0.60]; p=0.004) and compression symptoms (OR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.13 to 0.68]; p=0.004) versus CM. Time-to-event analyses further revealed significant differences in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, whereas no significant differences were observed in basilar or vertebrobasilar junction lesions or in Type III–IV VBFAs.
Conclusions
Compared with CM, FD was associated with improved long-term outcomes in unruptured VBFAs, particularly in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, although residual confounding cannot be excluded.
6.UPLC-Q-TOF-MS Reveals Mechanisms of Modified Qing'e Formula in Delaying Skin Photoaging and Regulating Circadian Rhythm
Wanyu YANG ; Xiujun ZHANG ; Yan WANG ; Chunjing SONG ; Haoming MA ; Lifeng WANG ; Nan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):88-97
ObjectiveTo reveal the active substances and mechanisms of modified Qing'e formula (MQEF) in delaying skin photoaging by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS),network pharmacology, and cell experiments. MethodsUPLC-Q-TOF-MS and a literature review were employed to analyze the transdermally absorbed components in mice after the topical application of MQEF. The potential targets of MQEF in treating skin photoaging were retrieved from databases.The compound-potential target network and protein-protein interaction network were constructed to screen the key components and core targets. A photoaging cell model was established by irradiating HaCaT cells with medium-wave ultraviolet B (UVB). The safe doses of bakuchiol (BAK) and salvianolic acid B (SAB) for treating HaCaT cells and the effects of BAK and SAB on the viability of cells exposed to UVB irradiation were determined by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method.The reactive oxygen species (ROS) fluorescent probe was used to measure the ROS production in the cells treated with BAK and SAB.The expression levels of genes related to oxidative stress,inflammation,collagen metabolism,and circadian rhythm clock were measured by Real-time PCR. ResultsA total of 24 transdermally absorbed components of MQEF were identified,which acted on 367 potential targets,and 417 targets related to skin photoaging were screened out,among which 47 common targets were predicted as the targets of MQEF in treating skin photoaging. MQEF exerted the anti-photoaging effect via key components such as BAK and SAB,which acted on core proteins such as serine/threonine kinase 1 (Akt1) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3) and intervened in core pathways such as the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathways.Compared with the model group,the administration of BAK and SAB increased the survival rate of HaCaT cells (P<0.01),down-regulated the mRNA levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),interleukin-6 (IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α),matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1),and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) (P<0.01),and up-regulated the mRNA levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO-1) (P<0.05,P<0.01) in photoaged HaCaT cells.In addition,it eliminated excess ROS production induced by UVB and up-regulated the mRNA levels of brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (BMAL1) and circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (CLOCK) associated with circadian clock (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionMQEF delays skin photoaging through the coordinated effects of various components,multiple targets,and diverse pathways.The key components BAK and SAB in MQEF exhibit anti-photoaging properties,which involve inhibiting oxidative stress,preventing collagen degradation,mitigating inflammation,and maintaining normal skin circadian rhythms by regulating clock gene expression.
7.Underestimated risk of breast ductal carcinoma in situ and risk model construction
Renjie WANG ; Lifeng CHEN ; Zhiping PAN ; Limin SHEN
Journal of Navy Medicine 2025;46(8):793-797
Objective To analyze the underestimated influencing factors of ductal carcinoma in situ(DCIS)detected by ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology(US-FNAC),and to construct and validate the nomogram prediction model.Methods A total of 105 patients with DCIS diagnosed by US-FNAC in Yixing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to June 2023 were retrospectively selected.All patients were female and aged 40-76 years.According to postoperative pathological results,they were assigned to underestimated group(n=27)and non-underestimated group(n=78).The clinical data of the patients were collected to analyze the influencing factors of the underestimation of DCIS,and a nomogram prediction model was constructed.The receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)was drawn,and the area under the curve(AUC)was used to analyze the predictive efficacy of the prediction model for the underestimated risk of DCIS before operation.Results Univariate analysis showed that the proportions of palpable masses,tumor size>2 cm,microcalcification,and breast imaging reporting and data system(BI-RADS)4B-5 in the underestimated group were higher than those in the non-underestimated group(P<0.05).Binary logistic regression analysis showed that tumor size[(odds ratio,OR)=4.453,95%(confidence interval,C I):1.890-10.486],microcalcification(OR=3.079,95%CI:1.650-5.742),BI-RADS classification(OR=5.211,95%CI:2.528-10.740)were the independent risk factors for preoperative underestimation of DCIS(P<0.05).Internal validation of the nomogram prediction model based on the above factors showed that the C-index was 0.865(95%CI:0.785-0.952),and the correction curve for predicting the underestimation of DCIS was close to the ideal curve(P>0.05).ROC curve showed that the nomogram model had a sensitivity of 87.90%,a specificity of 88.60%,and an AUC of 0.895(95%CI:0.823-0.966).Conclusion Tumor size,microcalcification and BI-RADS classification are independent risk factors for preoperative underestimation of DCIS.The nomogram prediction model based on these factors can better evaluate the risk of preoperative underestimation of DCIS.
8.Awakening effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation combined with multi-sensory environmental stimulation in patients with persistent vegetative state
Lili ZHANG ; Suxin WANG ; Lifeng WANG ; Hui WANG
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(1):23-27
Objective To analyze the awakening effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation(taVNS)combined with multi-sensory environmental stimulation in patients with persistent vegetative state(PVS).Methods Sixty PVS patients were selected as study subjects,and randomly divided into control group(n=30)and observation group(n=30).Three patients in the control group shed 3 cases and eventually included 27 cases,and the observation group shed 2 cases and e-ventually included 28 cases.Both groups received basic treatment and routine rehabilitation training.The observation group was treated with multi-sensory environmental stimulation combined with taVNS,while the control group received multi-sensory environmental stimulation combined with sham stimula-tion.Both groups were treated once per day,five times per week,for eight consecutive weeks.The Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS)and the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised(CRS-R)scores were compared between the two groups before treatment,after 4,8 weeks of treatment and during follow-up(12 weeks).The electroencephalogram(EEG)grading was analyzed before and after 8 weeks of treat-ment.The awakening effect during follow-up was compared between the two groups.Results After 4,8 weeks of treatment and during follow-up,the GCS and CRS-R scores of both groups were signifi-cantly higher than before treatment,and the observation group had significantly higher scores than the control group(P<0.05).After 8 weeks of treatment,the EEG grading of both groups was signifi-cantly better than before treatment,and the observation group was significantly better than the control group(P<0.05).During follow-up,the awakening rate in the observation group was 46.43%,which was significantly higher than 29.63%in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion The method of taVNS combined with multi-sensory environmental stimulation has a good awakening effect in PVS patients,and can improve their level of consciousness disorder with high safety.
9.Perceived school climate and the life satisfaction of junior high school students: the mediating role of negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy and the moderating role of family cumulative risk
Ziwen WANG ; Haiqi WANG ; Lifeng ZHANG ; Ting ZHOU ; Xianli GUO
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(7):639-644
Objective:To explore the influence and mechanism of perceived school climate on life satisfaction of junior high school students.Methods:From June to September 2022, students in sixth, seventh and eighth grade of junior high school were surveyed by the perceived school climate scale, the family cumulative risk-related questionnaire, the cognitive emotion regulation strategy questionnaire and the life satisfaction scale.SPSS 25.0 software was used to process data and the macro program PROCESS 4.1 was used for model testing.Results:(1) The total scores of perceived school climate, negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy, life satisfaction and family cumulative risk were 83.00(19.00), 21.00(8.00), 23.00(9.00) and 1.00(2.00), respectively.(2) Perceived school climate was significantly and negatively correlated with negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy and family cumulative risk( r=-0.30, -0.40, both P<0.01), while significantly and positively correlated with life satisfaction ( r=0.51, P<0.01).Negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy was significantly and negatively correlated with life satisfaction ( r=-0.37, P<0.01), while significantly and positively correlated with family cumulative risk ( r=0.29, P<0.01). Family cumulative risk was significantly and negatively correlated with life satisfaction ( r=-0.45, P<0.01). (3) Negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy played a mediating role between perceived school climate and life satisfaction, and the mediating effect accounted for 13.46%(0.07/0.52) of the total effect. (4) Family cumulative risk played a moderating role in the relationship between perceived school climate and life satisfaction, and between perceived school climate and negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy. Specifically, as the level of family cumulative risk decreased, the positive predictive effect of perceived school climate on life satisfaction significantly increased ( βsimple=0.42, P<0.001). Perceived school climate significantly and negatively predicted negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy under the condition of low level family cumulative risk ( βsimple=-0.30, P<0.001). Conclusion:Under the condition of low family cumulative risk in junior high school students, the perceived positive school climate can help reduce negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy, thereby improving life satisfaction.
10.Epidemiology and survival analysis of nasopharynx cancer in Guangdong Province from 2011 to 2019
Yu LIAO ; Xinrui SONG ; Lifeng LIN ; Ye WANG ; Yanjun XU ; Bingfeng HAN ; Minkun LIU ; Danqi CHEN ; Dejian ZHAO ; Xiaojun XU ; Ruilin MENG ; Wenqiang WEI
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(4):322-328
Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and survival rate of nasopharynx cancer (NPC) in Guangdong Province from 2011 to 2019.Methods:Based on the cancer registry data of Guangdong Province from 2011 to 2019, the crude rate, age-standardized rate (the standard population was the fifth Chinese national census of 2000) and age-specific rate of incidence and mortality of NPC were calculated, and the regional distribution characteristics were also explored. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) of the incidence and mortality rates were analyzed by using Joinpoint regression model. The observed survival rate was estimated by period survival method, and the expected survival rate was calculated by Ederer Ⅱ method.Results:The crude incidence rate and age standardized incidence rate of NPC showed a decreasing trend, and the AAPC was -1.9% and -2.1%, respectively ( P<0.05). The crude mortality rate and age standardized mortality rate of NPC also showed a decreasing trend, and the AAPC was -4.8% and -4.6%, respectively ( P<0.05). The incidence and mortality rates are both higher in men than those in women during the nine years. The age-specific incidence rate of NPC reached its peak in the 50-64 years old age group, and the mortality rate reached its peak in the 65-74 years old age group in Guangdong province. In 2019, the age-standardized incidence rate of NPC was 9.49/100 000 (13.89/100 000 in men and 5.19/100 000 in women). The incidence and mortality of NPC varied greatly among different areas, and the areas with highest incidence and mortality rate were both in Zhaoqing. In 2020, the five-year observed survival rate of NPC in Guangdong Province was 67.2%, the 5-year relative survival rate was 75.3% and the 5-year standardized relative survival rate was 68.9%. Conclusions:Both the incidence and mortality rates of NPC in Guangdong province show decreasing trend, and the decreasing level of the mortality rate is higher than that of the incidence rate, but the two rates are still at high levels. The prevention and control work should focus on male, middle-aged and elderly population and Zhaoqing, Zhongshan, Foshan areas.

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