Medical institutions, with their clinical practice foundation and abundant human use experience data, have become important carriers for the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and the "cradles" of the preparation of new TCM. To effectively promote the transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and establish an effective evaluation index system for the transformation of new TCM conforming to the characteristics of TCM, consensus experts adopted the literature research, questionnaire survey, Delphi method, etc. By focusing on the policy and technical evaluation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions, a comprehensive evaluation from the dimensions of drug safety, efficacy, feasibility, and characteristic advantages was conducted, thus forming a comprehensive evaluation system with four primary indicators and 37 secondary indicators. The expert consensus reached aims to encourage medical institutions at all levels to continuously improve the high-quality research and development and transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and targeted at clinical needs, so as to provide a decision-making basis for the preparation, selection, cultivation, and transformation of new TCM for medical institutions, improve the development efficiency of new TCM, and precisely respond to the public medication needs.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards* ; Humans ; Consensus ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVE: Varied acupoint selections represent a potential cause of the uncertainty surrounding the efficacy of acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Skin temperature, a guiding factor for acupoint selection, may help to address this issue. This study explored thermal sensitization of acupoints used for the treatment of knee OA. METHODS: This cross-sectional case-control study enrolled cases aged 45-75 years with symptomatic knee OA and age- and gender-matched non-knee OA controls in a 1:1 ratio. All participants underwent infrared thermographic imaging. The primary outcome was the relative skin temperature of acupoint (STA), and the secondary outcome was the absolute STA of 11 acupoints. The Z test was used to compare the relative and absolute STAs between the groups. Principal component analysis was used to extract the common factors (CFs, acupoint cluster) in the STAs. A general linear model was used to identify factors affecting the STA in the knee OA cases. For the group comparisons of relative STA, P < 0.0045 (adjusted for 11 acupoints through Bonferroni correction) was considered to indicate statistical significance. For other analyses, P < 0.05 was used as the threshold for statistical significance. RESULTS: The analysis included 308 participants, consisting of 151 cases (mean age: [64.58 ± 6.67] years; male: 25.83%; mean body mass index: [25.70 ± 3.16] kg/m²) and 157 controls (mean age: [63.37 ± 5.96] years; male: 26.11%; mean body mass index: [24.47 ± 2.84] kg/m²). The relative STAs of ST34 (P = 0.0001), EX-LE2 (P < 0.0001), EX-LE5 (P = 0.0006), SP10 (P < 0.0001), BL40 (P = 0.0012) and GB39 (P = 0.0037) were higher in the knee OA group. No difference was found in the STAs of ST35, ST36, SP9, GB33 and GB34. Four CFs were identified for relative STA in both groups. The acupoints within each CF were consistent between the groups. The mean values of the relative STAs across each CF were higher in the knee OA group. In the knee OA cases, no factors were observed to affect the relative STA, while age and gender were found to affect the absolute STA. CONCLUSION Among patients with knee OA, thermal sensitization occurs in the acupoints of the lower extremity, exhibiting localized and regional thermal consistencies. The thermally sensitized acupoints that we identified in this study, ST34, SP10, EX-LE2, EX-LE5, GB39 and BL40, may be good choices for the acupuncture treatment of knee OA. Please cite this article as: Tu JF, Wang XZ, Yan SY, Wang YR, Yang JW, Shi GX, Zhang WZ, Jing LN, Yang LS, Liu DH, Wang LQ, Mi BH. Thermal sensitization of acupoints in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional case-control study. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 289-296.
Humans ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/physiopathology* ; Male ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Acupuncture Points ; Case-Control Studies ; Aged ; Skin Temperature ; Acupuncture Therapy

OBJECTIVE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major health concern in northwest China; however, the impact of particulate matter (PM) exposure during sand-dust storms (SDS) remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between PM exposure on SDS days and COPD hospitalization risk in arid regions. METHODS: Data on daily COPD hospitalizations were collected from 323 hospitals from 2018 to 2022, along with the corresponding air pollutant and meteorological data for each city in Gansu Province. Employing a space-time-stratified case-crossover design and conditional Poisson regression, we analyzed 265,379 COPD hospitalizations. RESULTS: PM exposure during SDS days significantly increased COPD hospitalization risk [relative risk ( RR) for PM _2.5, lag 3:1.028, 95% confidence interval ( CI): 1.021-1.034], particularly among men and the elderly, and during the cold season. The burden of PM exposure on COPD hospitalization was substantially high in Northwest China, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions. CONCLUSION Our findings revealed a positive correlation between PM exposure during SDS episodes and elevated hospitalization rates for COPD in arid and semi-arid zones in China. This highlights the urgency of developing region-specific public health strategies to address adverse respiratory outcomes associated with SDS-related air quality deterioration.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/chemically induced* ; Particulate Matter/analysis* ; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Air Pollutants/analysis* ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects* ; Spatio-Temporal Analysis ; Adult ; Sand ; Air Pollution

Objective To analyze the risk factors for prolonged length of hospital stay in patients with peritoneal dialysis associated peritonitis(PDAP)and construct a nomogram based on Logistic regression model.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on patients with PDAP who were hospitalized at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University from January 2013 to December 2023.Using the 75th percentile of hospitalization time as the cutoff(>21 days),the patients were divided into prolonged length of hospital stay group and normal length of hospital stay group.Clinical data were compared between the two groups.Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors for prolonged hospital stay in PDAP patients and to construct a nomogram.Results A total of 131 PDAP patients were included in this study,including 40 cases in prolonged length of hospital stay group and 91 cases in normal length of hospital stay group.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that Gram-negative bacteria detected in ascites(OR=6.012,95% CI=1.878-19.248,P=0.003)and elevated platelet count(OR=1.010,95% CI=1.005-1.015,P<0.001)were independent risk factors for prolonged length of hospital stay,while elevated serum chloride(OR=0.885,95% CI=0.802-0.978,P=0.016)was a protective factor.Based on the above three indicators,a nomogram was constructed.The multivariate Logistic regression model showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of 0.755,with an internal validation AUC of 0.727 using the Bootstrap method.The calibration curve indicated that the predicted probability was consistent with the actual probability.The decision curve showed that the model was clinically applicable when the threshold probabilities were 9%-10%,13% and 18%-92%.Conclusion A nomogram,based on the detection of gram-negative bacteria in ascites,platelet count and serum chloride,was helpful for clinical screening PADP patients at risk for prolonged length of hospital stay,and can provide a basis for optimizing clinical decision-making.
Humans ; Nomograms ; Risk Factors ; Peritoneal Dialysis/adverse effects* ; Retrospective Studies ; Length of Stay ; Peritonitis/etiology* ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged

Objective This study investigated the impact of occupational mercury(Hg)exposure on human gene transcription and expression,and its potential biological mechanisms. Methods Differentially expressed genes related to Hg exposure were identified and validated using gene expression microarray analysis and extended validation.Hg-exposed cell models and PTEN low-expression models were established in vitro using 293T cells.PTEN gene expression was assessed using qRT-PCR,and Western blotting was used to measure PTEN,AKT,and PI3K protein levels.IL-6 expression was determined by ELISA. Results Combined findings from gene expression microarray analysis,bioinformatics,and population expansion validation indicated significant downregulation of the PTEN gene in the high-concentration Hg exposure group.In the Hg-exposed cell model(25 and 10 μmol/L),a significant decrease in PTEN expression was observed,accompanied by a significant increase in PI3K,AKT,and IL-6 expression.Similarly,a low-expression cell model demonstrated that PTEN gene knockdown led to a significant decrease in PTEN protein expression and a substantial increase in PI3K,AKT,and IL-6 levels. Conclusion This is the first study to report that Hg exposure downregulates the PTEN gene,activates the PI3K/AKT regulatory pathway,and increases the expression of inflammatory factors,ultimately resulting in kidney inflammation.

Purpose::To explore the clinical characteristics of pediatric pelvic fracturs caused by traffic accidents and to analyze the accompanying injuries and complications.Methods::A total of 222 cases involved traffic accidents was enrolled in this case-control study. The data of children with pelvic fractures caused by traffic accidents who were admitted to our hospital from January 2006 to December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Sex, age, Tile classification, abbreviated injury scale score, injury severity score, mortality, and accompanying injuries were studied. The ANOVA was used for measurement data, and the non-parametric rank sum test was used for non-normally distributed data. The Fisher's exact probability method was used for the count data.Results::Of all enrolled cases, 140 are boys and 82 are girls, including 144 cases aged < 6 years, 65 aged between 6 and 12 years, and 13 aged > 12 years. Depending on the injury mechanism, there are 15 cases involving pedestrians vs. motorcycles (PVM), 91 cases involving pedestrians vs. passenger cars (PVC), 78 cases involving pedestrians vs. commercial vehicles (PVV), and 38 cases involving motor vehicles vs. motor vehicles (MVM). Associated injuries are reported in 198 cases (89.2%), primarily involving the abdomen injury in 144 cases (64.9%), and lower limb injury in 99 cases (44.6%). PVV injury involves longer hospital stay ( p =0.004). Intensive care unit admission rate is significantly higher in the MVM group than in other groups ( p =0.004). Head injury ( p =0.001) and face injury ( p =0.037) are more common in the MVM group, whereas abdominal injury ( p =0.048) and lower limb injury ( p =0.037) are more common in the PVV group. In the MVM group, the brain injury ( p =0.004) and femoral neck injury ( p =0.044) are more common. In the PVM group, the mediastinum ( p =0.004), ear ( p =0.009), lumbar vertebrae ( p =0.008), and spinal cord ( p =0.011) are the most vulnerable regions, while in the PVV group, the perineum ( p < 0.001), urethra ( p =0.001), rectum ( p =0.006), anus ( p =0.004), and lower limb soft tissues ( p =0.024) are the most vulnerable regions. Children aged > 12 years have higher pelvic abbreviated injury scale scores ( p =0.019). There are significant differences in the classification of pelvic fractures among children < 6, 6 -12, and > 12 years of age, with Tile C being more likely to occur in children > 12 years of age ( p =0.033). Children aged > 12 years are more likely to sustain injuries to the spleen ( p =0.022), kidneys ( p =0.019), pancreas ( p < 0.001), lumbar vertebrae ( p =0.013), and sacrum ( p =0.024). The MVM group has the highest complication rate ( p =0.003). Conclusion::PVC is the leading cause of the abdomen and lower extremities injury and has the most concomitant injuries. Different traffic injuries often lead to different associated injuries. Older children are more likely to sustain more severe pelvic fractures and peripelvic organs injuries. The MVM group has the highest extent of injury and complication rates.

The research progress in key technologies for dynamic perception of battlefield casualties was reviewed,including unmanned equipment dynamic mapping,dynamic environment semantic segmentation and casualty detection and identification.The discussion also covered the current state of research on casualty dynamic perception equipment in aerial and ground domains.The development trends of key technologies and equipment for dynamic perception of battlefield casualties were pointed out,and references were provided for enhancing the efficacy of battlefield casualty care and improving medical service support capabilities.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(9):95-108]

Objective To observe the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation(NMES)on interleukin-6(IL-6)/STAT3 signaling pathway in mice after spinal cord injury,and to explore the mechanism of its effect on motor function recovery.Methods Seventy-two SPF grade mice were randomly divided into sham operation group,spinal cord injury(SCI)group and NMES group.BMS score,inclined plane test and neuromuscular electrophysiology(EMG)were used to evaluate the recovery of spinal cord injury in mice.Western blotting and Real-time PCR were used to detect the expression of inflammatory factors,IL-6/STAT3,glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)in spinal cord tissues of three groups of mice.HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of spinal cord injury.Results BMS scores and the inclined plane test of mice in the NMES group were higher than those in SCI group(P＜0.05).The maximum amplitude of motor evoked potential in NMES group was higher than that in SCI group(P＜0.05).The expressions of TNF-α,IL-12A and GFAP in the spinal cord of NMES group were lower than that of SCI group(P＜0.05),while the expressions of TGF-β,IL-10 and BDNF were higher than that of SCI group(P＜0.05).The protein expressions of IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway of NMES group were lower than that of SCI group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Neuromuscular electrical stimulation plays an anti-inflammatory role by inhibiting the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway,thereby promoting the recovery of hind limb motor function in mice after spinal cord injury.

Objective To explore the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous coronary artery shock wave balloon angioplasty(IVL)under the guidance of intravascular ultrasound(IVUS)for the treatment of severe calcification lesions in the left main artery(LM).Methods A total of 26 patients with severe LM(mouth,body,bifurcation)calcification admitted to Jiangnan University Affiliated Hospital from October 2022 to April 2024 were included,with an average age of 72.0(61.8,75.4)years.Under the guidance of IVUS,IVL was used for pre-treatment of calcified lesions,followed by percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)with stent/drug balloon implantation.All patients were evaluated using IVUS before and after the use of IVL and after PCI.And compare the IVUS intracavity related data before and after treatment[plaque burden(PB)、minimum lumen area(MLA)、minimum lumen diameter(MLD)]and calcification fracture number,minimum stent area(MSA),stent expansion coefficient(expansion,EXP),etc.Results There were 26 patients(2 with opening lesions,7 with body lesions,and 17 with bifurcation lesions at the end of the main trunk),including 7 with stable angina pectoris(SAP),10 with unstable angina(UA),4 with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI),and 5 with non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(NSTEMI).The PB at the most severe site of calcification decreased by 79.50(76.00,83.75)％compared to 80.00(76.00,83.75)％after IVL(P=0.001),MLA increased by 3.39(3.14,3.68)mm2 compared to 3.38(3.14,3.67)mm2 after IVL(P=0.039),MLD increased by 3.21(3.07,3.30)mm compared to 3.20(3.07,3.30)mm after IVL(P=0.024),and there was 100％calcification rupture(1/2 cases,2/9 cases,≥3/15 cases).The stent/drug ball was successfully implanted 100％,with EXP of(89.15±4.42)％and an MSA of 7.20(6.46,7.45)mm2.No adverse events such as death,angina or recurrent myocardial infarction occurred during the 3 months follow-up after surgery.Conclusions After evaluation by IVUS and pre-treatment with IVL,PCI was successfully completed for severe calcification lesions in LM,and IVL can be used as an option for the treatment of severe calcification in LM.

Humans ; Aortic Valve/surgery* ; Aortic Valve Stenosis/surgery* ; Calcinosis/surgery* ; Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement ; Heart Valve Prosthesis