1.LU Fang's Clinical Experience in Differentiation and Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus from the Perspective of Heat-Toxin and Blood-Stasis in the Collaterals
Yingchao NIU ; Yongzhu PIAO ; Xiang GENG ; Zhihui GAO ; Yan ZHANG ; Huibin WU ; Zhilong WANG ; Shuangshuang GE ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):16-20
This paper summarizes Professor LU Fang's clinical experience in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) based on the differentiation and treatment of heat-toxin and blood-stasis in the collaterals. SLE is generally characterized by deficiency in origin with excess in manifestation. The core pathogenesis is heat-toxin obstructing the collaterals. During the acute active stage, the predominant pattern is blazing heat-toxin causing blood stasis, while in the chronic remitting stage, the main pattern is toxic stasis blocking the collaterals with qi and yin deficiency. Clinical treatment follows the basic principle that treat with salty-cold herbs, when heat invades internally and that assist with acrid-dispersing herbs when stasis obstructs the collaterals. The self-formulated Yimian Decoction (抑免汤) serves as the base formula and is applied in stages. During the acute active stage, it is often combined with herbs for clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood and resolving stasis, and unblocking the collaterals. In the chronic remitting stage, it is often combined with herbs for activating blood circulation and unblocking the collaterals, as well as tonifying qi and nourishing yin.
2.Fabrication and evaluation of an inositol hexaphosphate-zinc hydrogel with dual capabilities of self-mineralization and osteoinduction
LIU Mingyi ; MIAO Xiaoyu ; CAI Yunfan ; WANG Yan ; SUN Xiaotang ; KANG Jingrui ; ZHAO Yao ; NIU Lina
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(1):29-40
Objective:
To fabricate a hydrogel loaded with inositol hexaphosphate-zinc and preliminarily evaluate its performance in self-mineralization and osteoinduction, thereby providing a theoretical basis for the development of bone regeneration materials.
Methods:
The hydrogel framework (designated DF0) was formed by copolymerizing methacryloyloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride and four-armed poly(ethylene glycol) acrylate, followed by sequentially loading inositol hexaphosphate anions via electrostatic interaction and zinc ions via chelation. The hydrogel loaded only with inositol hexaphosphate anions was named DF1, while the co-loaded hydrogel was named DF2. The self-mineralization efficacy of the DF0 , DF1 and DF2 hydrogels was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The biocompatibility was assessed via live/dead cell staining and a CCK-8 assay. The osteoinductive capacity of the DF0 , DF1 and DF2 hydrogels on MC3T3-E1 cells was assessed via alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining. In the aforementioned cell experiments, cells cultured in standard medium served as the control group
Results:
The DF0, DF1, and DF2 hydrogels were successfully synthesized. Notably, DF1 and DF2 exhibited distinct self-mineralization within 6 days. Results from TEM, EDS, and SAED confirmed that the mineralization products were amorphous calcium phosphate in group DF1, and amorphous calciumzinc phosphate in group DF2. Biocompatibility tests revealed that none of the hydrogels (DF0, DF1, and DF2) adversely affected cell viability or proliferation. In osteogenic induction experiments, both ALP and ARS staining were intensified in the DF1 and DF2 groups, with the most profound staining observed in the DF2 group.
Conclusion
The developed inositol hexaphosphate-zinc hydrogel (DF2) demonstrates the dual capacity to generate calcium-phosphate compounds through self-mineralization while exhibiting excellent osteoinductive properties. This biocompatible, dual-promoting osteogenic hydrogel presents a novel strategy for bone regeneration.
3.Body image disturbance status in AS patients and analysis of its influencing factors
Min NIU ; Jingman YUAN ; Liya MA ; Hao XU ; Jun LI ; Meixi YAN ; Xinru DU ; Hanhui MA ; Xichao YANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):158-162
Objective To understand the status of body image disturbance and its influencing factors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), so as to provide a scientific basis for the clinical management of AS. Methods A total of 353 AS patients admitted from January 2022 to December 2024 were selected as research subjects. Chinese version of Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire (BIDQ) was used to investigate the body image disturbance in AS patients. Single factor analysis was performed by t test and analysis of variance, and multiple factors were analyzed by multivariate linear regression. Results The total score of BIDQ in 342 AS patients was (25.01±4.22). Multivariate linear regression analysis results showed that self-paid medical expense, nighttime VAS score and negative emotion PANAS score could positively predict body image disturbance in AS patients (standardized regression coefficient=0.413, 0.413, 0.460, P<0.05), and PSSS score, positive emotion PANAS score and exercise management CDSSM score could negatively predict body image disturbance (standardized regression coefficient=-0.245, -0.134, -0.247, P<0.05). Conclusion The body image disturbance in AS patients is worthy of clinical attention. Nighttime pain, negative emotion and self-paid medical treatment can increase the risk of body image disturbance. Positive emotion, social support and high self-management level of exercise behavior can reduce the formation of body image disturbance, which can provide new ideas for clinical management of AS patients.
4.Research progress of tertiary lymphoid structure in prognosis and immunotherapy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Zhenyi NIU ; Runsen JIN ; Kepeng YAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Hecheng LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(03):468-474
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is the main histological type of esophageal cancer in China, which seriously threatens the health of people. The application of immunotherapy, mainly immune checkpoint inhibitors, has greatly improved the prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, but the efficacy of treatment is still limited. Tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) is an ectopic organized lymphoid structure that accumulates in non-lymphoid organs. Previous studies have found that TLS in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is associated with better patient outcomes and enhanced immunotherapy efficacy. Based on current researches about TLS in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, this paper reviews the relationship between TLS and the prognosis and immunotherapy of patients. We hope to provide reference for the precise immunotherapy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
5.Neck-related work-related musculoskeletal disorders: Prevalence and associated factors among occupational workers from 8 industries in Shanghai
Yan LIU ; Feng YANG ; Weiwei GUO ; Niu DI ; Yan YIN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(4):443-450
Background Neck-related work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major type of musculoskeletal disorders with a relatively high proportion. Shanghai has a large number of occupational populations; however, the occurrence of WMSDs at neck among the occupational populations across industries in this city has not been reported, and needs to be addressed. Objective To understand the occurrence of neck-related WMSDs and their influencing factors among occupational populations in 8 industries in Shanghai, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of WMSDs in this population. Methods From February 2024 to February 2025, a cross-sectional survey employed stratified cluster sampling to select
6.A Mechanistic Framework of Exercise-induced Amelioration of Autism Spectrum Disorder via miR-132, miR-34a, and miR-146a
Xiao YANG ; Ya-Qi XUE ; Xin-Jian SHU ; Yan-Yan WANG ; Niu LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(8):2210-2219
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with a steadily rising global prevalence, yet effective pharmacological interventions remain notably limited, highlighting an urgent need for safe, accessible, and mechanism-based therapeutic strategies. Physical exercise has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention that ameliorates both core symptoms—social communication deficits and restricted repetitive behaviors—and associated features including cognitive dysfunction and motor impairments, in children and adolescents with ASD. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating these beneficial effects remain incompletely defined, impeding the development of evidence-based exercise prescriptions and biomarker-driven rehabilitation protocols. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved small non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate approximately 60% of protein-coding genes. Within the central nervous system, miRNAs orchestrate diverse neurobiological processes including neural progenitor proliferation, neuronal differentiation, dendritic spine morphogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and neuroinflammatory homeostasis. Notably, miRNAs are remarkably stable in biological fluids and can be packaged into extracellular vesicles, rendering them attractive candidates as both mechanistic mediators and non-invasive peripheral biomarkers. Among the hundreds of miRNAs expressed in the brain, three—miR-132, miR-34a, and miR-146a—have emerged as particularly relevant to ASD pathophysiology. This review focuses on these three miRNAs for the following reasons: miR-132 is a master regulator of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity through its modulation of BDNF/MeCP2/PTEN signaling and has been consistently downregulated in ASD prefrontal cortex; miR-34a functions as a pro-apoptotic factor that suppresses Bcl-2-mediated neuronal survival pathways and is upregulated in ASD cerebellum; and miR-146a serves as a key brake on neuroinflammation via TLR7/IRAK1 signaling and shows region-specific dysregulation in ASD temporal lobe. We first summarize evidence from human post-mortem brain tissues and ASD animal models demonstrating the consistent dysregulation of these three miRNAs. Notably, the pathological consequences of these miRNA alterations—impaired synaptic plasticity, excessive neuronal apoptosis, and sustained neuroinflammation—are interconnected and collectively contribute to the heterogeneous symptomatology of ASD. We then present a synthesis of emerging evidence demonstrating that various exercise modalities, including swimming, treadmill running, and voluntary wheel running, can concurrently reverse these ASD-like behavioral phenotypes and normalize the expression of the three key miRNAs. These data provide the first direct experimental evidence linking exercise-induced miRNA modulation to ASD symptom improvement. On the basis of these findings, we propose an integrative “exercise-miRNA-ASD” framework wherein exercise functions as a multi-targeted modulator—simultaneously enhancing synaptic plasticity, promoting neuronal survival, and attenuating neuroinflammation—through coordinated regulation of the three miRNAs. Importantly, this framework is not merely descriptive but offers testable predictions: exercise-induced miRNA changes should be dose-dependent, show temporal correlation with behavioral improvements, and be blunted by miRNA-specific antagonists or CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout. Beyond its specific application to ASD, this framework has broader implications. The miR-132/BDNF, miR-34a/Bcl-2, and miR-146a/TLR7 pathways are not ASD-specific but represent fundamental neural stress and repair mechanisms that are dysregulated across Alzheimer’s disease (AD), traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease (PD), and major depressive disorder. Exercise has been shown to modulate these same miRNAs in several of these conditions, suggesting that the “exercise-miRNA-neural function” axis may represent a conserved neuroprotective mechanism that transcends diagnostic boundaries. Thus, we propose that ASD serves as an ideal model disease for elucidating this universal mechanism, with findings potentially generalizable to other neurological disorders. We also critically evaluate current translational barriers: the near-absence of human clinical trials with serial miRNA profiling; the undefined dose-response relationships between exercise parameters and miRNA expression; the unresolved causality issue (current evidence demonstrates association, not causation); and the uncertain correlation between peripheral exosomal miRNA levels and brain miRNA dynamics. We argue that future research must prioritize CRISPR/Cas9-based miRNA manipulation in animal models combined with longitudinal exercise interventions to establish causality, and that cross-disease validation studies are essential to determine whether exercise-induced miRNA changes represent a shared neuroprotective signature or disease-specific responses. Ultimately, we envision a paradigm where a simple blood test measuring exosomal miR-132, miR-34a, and miR-146a levels could guide personalized exercise prescriptions, enabling precision rehabilitation for individuals with ASD and potentially other neurological conditions.
7.Key Information Research and Modern Clinical Application of Famous Classical Formula Yanghetang
Weilu NIU ; Mengjie YANG ; Chengqi LYU ; Shunxi WANG ; Ziwen WANG ; Huangchao JIA ; Liyun WANG ; Xuewei LIU ; Mingsan MIAO ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Yawei YAN ; Chunyong LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):238-246
Through data collection and collation combined with bibliometrics, this study conducted a series of textual research on Yanghetang, such as the name and origin, the evolution of prescription composition and modern clinical application. Yanghetang was first recorded in Bencao Yidu of WANG Ang in the Qing dynasty. In addition to Yanghetang, there were 3 bynames of Jiawei Yanghetang, Quanshengji Yanghetang and Zhenjun Yanghetang. Regarding the composition of the formula, a total of 4 versions of Yanghetang were collected. The first version is the 5 medicines version of Cervi Cornus Colla, Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, Cinnamomi Cortex, Zingiberis Rhizoma and Ephedrae Herba in Bencao Yidu. The second version is the 7 medicines version of Waike Zhengzhi Quanshengji, changing Zingiberis Rhizoma to Zingiberis Rhizoma Praeparatum Carbonisata(ZRPC) and adding Sinapis Semen and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma(GRR) on the basis of Bencao Yidu, and most of the Yanghetang is of this version. The third version is the 6 medicines version of Wushi Yifang Huibian, that is, on the basis of Bencao Yidu, Zingiberis Rhizoma is changed into ZRPC, and Sinapis Semen is added. The fourth version is the 6 medicines version in Yifang Jiedu, that is, on the basis of Bencao Yidu, Zingiberis Rhizoma is changed into Zingiberis Rhizoma Praeparatum, and GRR Praeparata cum Melle is added. Regarding the dose of Yanghetang, the doses of the medicines in Waike Zhengzhi Quanshengji was converted into the modern doses as follows:37.3 g of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, 1.87 g of Ephedrae Herba, 11.19 g of Cervi Cornus Colla, 7.46 g of Sinapis Semen, 3.73 g of Cinnamomi Cortex, 3.73 g of GRR, and 1.87 g of ZRPC. The origins of the above medicines are consistent with the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The processing specification of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata is steaming method, ZRPC is ginger charcoal, Sinapis Semen is the fried products, and the rest of the medicines are raw products. The decoction method was verified by the decoction method in Chonglou Yuyao, which is similar in the time, and it is recommended that the above medicines should be added with 600 mL of water, decocted to 100 mL, and taken warmly 30 min after meal. For each dose, it is recommended to use 1-3 doses per day according to the doctor's advice in combination with clinical practice. The diseases involved in the ancient applications involved 42 diseases in 11 departments, including orthopedics, dermatology and gynecology, which were dominated by Yin-cold syndrome. However, the diseases involved in modern research also include 148 related diseases in 10 departments, such as orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology, which is consistent with the ancient books. In recent years, the research hotspots of Yanghetang have focused on more than 10 fields, including osteoblasts, malignant tumors, wound healing, traditional Chinese medicine fumigation and so on, which are widely used. It is suitable for comprehensive research and development because of its rational formula composition, clear origin, processing and decoction method, and wide clinical application.
8.Research on cardiometabolic risk factors of workers in new forms of employment
Siyuan WANG ; Xiaoshun WANG ; Rui GUAN ; Hong YU ; Xin SONG ; Binshuo HU ; Zhihui WANG ; Xiaowen DING ; Dongsheng NIU ; Tenglong YAN ; Huadong XU
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(2):150-154
Objective To analyze the prevalence status of cardiometabolic risk factor (CMRF) and its aggregation among workers engaged in new forms of employment. Methods A total of 5 429 new employment workers (including couriers, online food delivery workers, and ride hailing drivers) who underwent health medical examinations at a tertiary hospital in Beijing City were selected as the research subjects using the judgment sampling method. Data on waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose, and blood lipid levels were collected to analyze their CMRF [central obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, elevated triglycerides, and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)] and their aggregation (with ≥ 2 of the above 5 risk factors) status. Results The detection rates of central obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, elevated triglycerides, and reduced HDL-C were 61.2%, 38.2%, 29.5%, 40.9% and 22.6%, respectively. The detection rates of CMRF aggregation was 57.8%. The result of multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that male, age ≥45 years, smoking, overweight, and obesity were risk factors for CMRF aggregation (all P<0.05). Conclusion The detection rate of CMRF and its aggregation among workers with new forms of employment in Beijing City is relatively high. Targeted prevention and control efforts should be strengthened for high-risk populations, especially males, workers aged ≥45 years, smokers, and those who are overweight or obese.
9.Prevalence of chronic diarrhea and its association with obesity in a Chinese community-based population.
Ke HAN ; Xiangyao WANG ; Yan WANG ; Xiaotong NIU ; Jingyuan XIANG ; Nan RU ; Chunxu JIA ; Hongyi SUN ; Zhengting HE ; Yujie FENG ; Enqiang LINGHU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(13):1587-1594
BACKGROUND:
Epidemiological data on chronic diarrhea in the Chinese population are lacking, and the association between obesity and chronic diarrhea in East Asian populations remains inconclusive. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of chronic diarrhea and its association with obesity in a representative community-dwelling Chinese population.
METHODS:
This cross-sectional study was based on a multistage, randomized cluster sampling involving 3503 residents aged 20-69 years from representative urban and rural communities in Beijing. Chronic diarrhea was assessed using the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), and obesity was determined based on body mass index (BMI). Logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic splines were used to evaluate the relationship between obesity and chronic diarrhea.
RESULTS:
The standardized prevalence of chronic diarrhea in the study population was 12.88%. The average BMI was 24.67 kg/m 2 . Of all the participants, 35.17% (1232/3503) of participants were classified as overweight and 16.13% (565/3503) as obese. After adjustment for potential confounders, individuals with obesity had an increased risk of chronic diarrhea as compared to normal weight individuals (odds ratio = 1.58, 95% confidence interval: 1.20-2.06). A nonlinear association between BMI and the risk of chronic diarrhea was observed in community residents of males and the overall participant group ( P = 0.026 and 0.017, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
This study presents initial findings on the prevalence of chronic diarrhea among residents of Chinese communities while offering substantiated evidence regarding the significant association between obesity and chronic diarrhea. These findings offer a novel perspective on gastrointestinal health management.
Adult
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Aged
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Young Adult
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Body Mass Index
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China/epidemiology*
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Chronic Disease/epidemiology*
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Cross-Sectional Studies
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Diarrhea/epidemiology*
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Obesity/complications*
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Prevalence
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East Asian People/statistics & numerical data*
10.Differential expression of plasma extracellular vesicle miRNAs as biomarkers for distinguishing psoriatic arthritis from psoriasis.
Kexiang YAN ; Jie ZHU ; Mengmeng ZHANG ; Fuxin ZHANG ; Bing WANG ; Ling HAN ; Qiong HUANG ; Yulong TANG ; Yuan LI ; Nikhil YAWALKAR ; Zhenghua ZHANG ; Zhenmin NIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(2):219-221


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