1.Construction and Application of A Digital System for "Disease-pulse-syndrome-treatment Differentiation" Paradigm
Tiantian FAN ; Ying LYU ; Ru NIU ; Xiaojie KANG ; Fenglan WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):217-225
In the context of the digital-intelligent era of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the lack of clinical thinking is a pressing issue that limits the overall effectiveness of TCM and talent cultivation. The "disease-pulse-syndrome-treatment differentiation" thinking model, originally developed by ZHANG Zhongjing in the Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases (Shang Han Za Bing Lun), has served as a guideline and paradigm followed by generations of medical practitioners. This study aims to construct a digitalized "disease-pulse-syndrome-treatment differentiation" thinking system, develop a digital assessment system, and implement it for practical application. The goal is to recommend a digitalized assessment model for TCM and provide a reference for the integrated innovation of talent cultivation in medicine, education, and research. First, based on the complex diagnostic and treatment framework of the Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases (Shang Han Lun), the research team previously established a "process" + "result" thinking model that included four processes and ten steps. This study integrates knowledge unit theory and digital technology to create a digital system for "disease-pulse-syndrome-treatment differentiation" with a dual-control model of "process control" and "result control". The system consists of 46 items across three categories: knowledge body (W=20%), knowledge element (W=30%), and knowledge element associations (W=50%). Second, a mixed-methods research design was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. The Delphi method was used to establish hierarchical levels and screen items, while the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to assign weights. Expert surveys were conducted to reach a consensus and further validate the rationale and necessity of the system. Finally, based on the system architecture and integrating key computer technologies, a digital assessment system for "disease-pulse-syndrome-treatment differentiation" was developed. The Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases (Shang Han Lun) was used as a case study to validate the system's feasibility. Statistical results showed that the difficulty level of the assessment question bank was moderate (DL ranging from 0.65 to 0.89), with good discrimination (D>0.4), and reasonable reliability and validity (Cronbach's α=0.84, KMO=0.72, Bartlett's test P<0.01). The system can perform process-oriented evaluations of candidates' thinking in "disease-pulse-syndrome-treatment differentiation" and effectively achieve the goal of clinical thinking assessment through a combination of "process control" and "result control". The examination system offers three major advantages. It standardizes, objectifies, and streamlines the assessment of thought processes, facilitates the organic transformation of TCM education from outcome-based education to thinking-based education, and from exam-oriented education to competency-oriented education, and promotes the practical transformation of TCM assessments from qualitative to quantitative evaluation, as well as from theory to practice. In summary, this system not only represents a technological upgrade to traditional examinations but also empowers the cultivation and assessment of clinical talent in the digital-intelligent era, demonstrating broad application prospects.
4.Parameter optimization for ultra-low dose computed tomography of the chest using spectral purification technology
Chengxin KANG ; Wangjia LI ; Binjie FU ; Zhigang CHU ; Fajin LYU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(4):356-361
Objective:To optimize the scan parameters for ultra-low dose computed tomography (ULDCT) of the chest using spectral purification technology, and assess the feasibility of maintaining image quality while reducing radiation dosage.Methods:An anthropomorphic chest phantom embedded with simulated pulmonary nodules was utilized for low-dose computed tomography(LDCT) and ULDCT scans. LDCT was conducted using a reference tube current of 25 mAs and a pitch of 1.0. ULDCT incorporating spectral purification technology was conducted using four reference tube currents, i. e., 50, 100, 150, and 200 mAs (labeled ULDCT1-4), and a pitch of 1.5. Other parameters were consistent. The volume CT dose index and the dose-length product were extracted from the dose reports, and then the effective doses were calculated. The objective image quality was assessed using metrics including image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). The subjective image quality of ULDCT images was assessed on a four-point scale with LDCT images as reference.Results:The ULDCT4 at a reference tube current of 200 mAs showed a lower effective dose compared to LDCT ( t = -17.30, P < 0.001). The objective image quality assessments indicated that noise levels in four ULDCT groups were higher than those in LDCT ( t = 21.96, 10.56, 3.15, 3.14, P < 0.05). Notably, the SNR and CNR for the aortic arch were higher in ULDCT4 compared to LDCT ( t = 3.55, 71.96, P < 0.05). The SNR of pulmonary nodules in ULDCT4 was comparable to that in LDCT ( P > 0.05), but the CNR was higher ( t = 0.79, P < 0.001). Subjective image quality assessments reveal that the image quality of ULDCT4 was higher than that of LDCT, with scores of 3.80±0.46 for noise, 3.70±0.46 for contrast and sharpness, and 3.37±0.66 for pulmonary nodules. Conclusions:ULDCT (200 mAs) using spectral purification technology can yield higher image quality than LDCT while substantially reducing the radiation dose, thus demonstrating substantial clinical potential and the promise of replacing LDCT in early lung cancer screening.
5.Expert consensus on visualized tele-round and quality control management based on the improvement of clinical practice ability
Wanhong YIN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Ran ZHOU ; Dawei LIU ; Yan KANG ; Yaoqing TANG ; Xiaochun MA ; Jianguo LI ; Zhenjie HU ; Haitao ZHANG ; Wei HE ; Lixia LIU ; Wenjin CHEN ; Ran ZHU ; Jun WU ; Hongmin ZHANG ; Lina ZHANG ; Wenzhao CHAI ; Shihong ZHU ; Wangbin XU ; Rongqing SUN ; Xiangyou YU ; Tianjiao SONG ; Ying ZHU ; Hong REN ; Ai SHANMU ; Qing ZHANG ; Wei FANG ; Xiuling SHANG ; Liwen LYU ; Shuhan CAI ; Xin DING ; Heng ZHANG ; Guang FENG ; Lipeng ZHANG ; Bo HU ; Dong ZHANG ; Weidong WU ; Feng SHEN ; Xiaojun YANG ; Zhenguo ZENG ; Qibing HUANG ; Xueying ZENG ; Tongjuan ZOU ; Milin PENG ; Yulong YAO ; Mingming CHEN ; Hui LIAN ; Jingmei WANG ; Yong LI ; Feng QU ; Gang YE ; Rongli YANG ; Xiukai CHEN ; Suwei LI ; Juxiang WANG ; Yangong CHAO
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;64(2):101-109
Turning to critical illness is a common stage of various diseases and injuries before death. Patients usually have complex health conditions, while the treatment process involves a wide range of content, along with high requirements for doctor′s professionalism and multi-specialty teamwork, as well as a great demand for time-sensitive treatments. However, this is not matched with critical care professionals and the current state of medical care in China. Telemedicine, which shortens the distance of medical professionals and the gap of disease diagnosis and treatments in various regions through electronic information, can effectively solve the current problem. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a standardized, high-quality visualization telemedicine round system .Therefore, experts have been organized to search domestic and foreign literature on telemedicine round for critically ill patients and to form this consensus based on clinical experiences so as to further improve the level of critical care treatments in regions.
6.Analysis of novel mutations in the insulin receptor gene of a family with type A insulin resistance syndrome
Yijun LI ; Guoqing YANG ; Li ZANG ; Yu PEI ; Kang CHEN ; Jin DU ; Zhaohui LYU
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;64(3):239-243
This study aimed to identify mutations in the human insulin receptor gene (INSR) and investigate their role in the pathogenesis of severe insulin resistance syndrome. Sanger sequencing of the INSR gene was performed on a patient clinically suspected of having type A insulin resistance syndrome admitted to the Department of Endocrinology, the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital. Upon identifying mutations, relevant exons were sequenced in her first-degree relatives. Additionally, control groups consisting of individuals with type 2 diabetes and those with normal glucose tolerance were screened for the mutation detected in the patient. Functional predictions of the INSR protein were made using MutationTaster, SIFT, and PolyPhen2 software. A previously unreported heterozygous missense mutation, c.3652G/A (Asp1218Asn), in exon 20 was identified in both the proband and her father. This mutation was not present in any of the control individuals. Multiple prediction tools indicate that this mutation likely disrupts gene/protein structure or function. The c.3652G/A (Asp1218Asn) heterozygous mutation in INSR is a novel variant that plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of severe insulin resistance in this Chinese family.
7.Microbial community mediated by microbial agents improves the quality of Epimedium pubescens Maxim.
Lai KUNYANG ; Wan XIUFU ; Xiao JIANCAI ; Wang HONGYANG ; Shi SHANGXUAN ; Yan BINBIN ; Lyu CHAOGENG ; Zhang CHENGCAI ; Zhang YUFEI ; Yuan FENG ; Zhao ZHE ; Zhu SHOUDONG ; Kang CHUANZHI ; Zhang YAN
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(3):270-281
Background:Optimizing cultivation techniques for traditional Chinese medicine has become a crucial means to improve the quality of medicinal materials.Microbial agents,as environmentally friendly and efficient plant growth promoters and soil conditioners,have increasingly attracted attention in eco-agriculture research.Objective:Our understanding remains limited regarding how the application of microbial agents,alone or in combination,affects changes in the rhizosphere microbiome and its association with the bioactive components of medicinal materials.Methods:In this study,Epimedium pubescens Maxim.was employed as a model plant to examine the effects of 2 microbial agents(Paenibacillus mucilaginosus and Bacillus subtilis)applied individually and in combination on plant growth and the accumulation of bioactive components.Additionally,this study explored the relationship between the rhizosphere microbiome and plant development.Results:The application of microbial agents increased the yield of E.pubescens leaves by 20.30%to 33.66%and enhanced the total flavonol glycosides content by 11.40%to 29.94%.Meanwhile,microbial treatments reshaped the rhizosphere microbiome,promoted the enrichment of beneficial microorganisms(e.g.,Frankia and Paenibacillus),suppressed phytopathogenic fungi such as Didymella and Scytalidium,and enhanced the stability of the soil microbial co-occurrence network.The partial least squares path model suggested that microbial agents not only directly impact the quality of medicinal herbs but also indirectly alter the accumula-tion of bioactive components by modulating the soil microbiome.Conclusion:These findings deepen our understanding of the relationship between medicinal plant quality and rhizosphere micro-biomes as mediated by microbial agents.They also provide a basis for designing and manipulating synthetic microbial communities to promote sustainable development in eco-agriculture.
8.Clinical characteristics and risk factors of delayed viral clearance in 562 Chikungunya fever patients in Shunde region, Guangdong Province, 2025
Zuning REN ; Guotao LYU ; Qun LIN ; Zhifeng HONG ; Shuichun WAN ; Feng KANG ; Yanling OUYANG ; Chunhua TU ; Guo RAO ; Hua LIANG ; Yawei LIU ; Yan ZHU ; Jie PENG ; Jie SHEN ; Hong LI
Chinese Journal of Infectious Diseases 2025;43(8):449-456
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of the Chikungunya fever outbreak in Shunde District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province in July 2025 and the risk factors associated with delayed viral RNA clearance.Methods:A total of 562 patients with Chikungunya fever admitted to three designated hospitals in Shunde District from July 10 to 30, 2025 were enrolled. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, and laboratory findings were collected. Patients were categorized into four age groups including minors (<18 years), young adults (18 to 39 years), middle-aged adults (40 to 64 years) and elderly adults (≥65 years). The differences of clinical characteristics among these age groups were analyzed. Intergroup comparisons were performed using chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance, or Kruskal-Wallis H test. Pairwise comparisons between groups were conducted using the Bonferroni or Games-Howell or Dunn method. Binary logistic regression was employed to analyze risk factors associated with delayed viral RNA clearance (>7 days). Results:The mean age of the 562 enrolled Chikungunya fever patients was (44.8±21.3) years. Fever, arthralgia and rash were the three core symptoms, with incidence rates of 87.5% (492/562), 88.4%(497/562) and 69.6%(391/562), respectively. At discharge, only 54.1%(304/562) of patients achieved complete symptom resolution, while 26.5%(149/562) still had arthralgia and 36.1%(203/562) had residual rash. Significant differences were observed among age groups in the incidence of fever ( χ2=9.43, P=0.024), peak body temperature ( F=6.54, P<0.001), incidence of arthralgia ( χ2=26.89, P<0.001), duration of arthralgia ( F=12.68, P=0.001), incidence of rash ( χ2=68.99, P<0.001), rate of residual rash at discharge ( χ2=32.37, P<0.001), lymphocyte count ( F=12.94, P<0.001), platelet count ( F=14.95, P<0.001), and C-reactive protein levels (CRP) ( H=94.18, P<0.001). Further pairwise comparisons revealed that compared to the middle-aged and elderly groups, the minor group had a higher incidence of fever and a lower incidence of arthralgia, and the duration of arthralgia was shorter than the elderly group (all P<0.008 3). Compared with the other three groups, the elderly group had lower incidence and residual rate of rash, and lower platelet counts (all P<0.008 3), and higher levels of CRP (all P<0.05). The elderly group had lower lymphocyte counts compared to the minor and young adult groups (both P<0.05). Significant differences were found among age groups in the time to viral RNA clearance ( F=5.77, P=0.003) and length of hospital stay ( F=11.64, P<0.001), with the elderly group having significantly longer duration for both compared to the other three groups (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that advanced age (odds ratio ( OR)=1.049, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.015 to 1.083), longer duration of fever ( OR=1.529, 95% CI 1.086 to 2.155) and longer duration of arthralgia ( OR=1.927, 95% CI 1.318 to 2.817) were independent risk factors for delayed viral RNA clearance (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Patients with Chikungunya fever in Shunde District primarily present with fever, arthralgia and rash. The incidence and characteristics of these three core symptoms show age-related variations. Elderly patients and those with longer durations of fever or arthralgia are more likely to experience delayed viral clearance.
9.Soil microbial characteristics in sheep sheds based on metagenomic second-generation sequencing
Shaoxin AN ; Yuanke YANG ; Juntang ZHAO ; Zeyu LYU ; Yang GAO ; Xiaokui GUO ; Yongzhang ZHU ; Yuanqing CAO ; Jingyi LU ; Yaoxia KANG
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(4):286-291
Objective:To study the characteristics of soil microbial composition in sheep sheds in agricultural and pastoral areas, and explore potential zoonotic pathogen species.Methods:Using cross-sectional survey method, soil samples from sheep sheds in the agricultural and pastoral areas of Darhan-Muminggan Joint County, Baotou City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region were collected from August to October 2023. Genomic DNA was extracted, and metagenomic second-generation sequencing was conducted. Microbial species annotation was carried out by Kaiju method, and the soil microbial composition and zoonotic pathogen species of sheep sheds in agricultural and pastoral areas were analyzed.Results:A total of 10 and 5 soil samples were collected from sheep sheds in agricultural and pastoral areas, respectively. The results of β diversity analysis showed that there was a significant separation trend in soil samples from sheep sheds in agricultural and pastoral areas, and the interpretation of principal co-ordinates analysis (PCoA) 1 and PCoA2 were 27.8% and 17.4%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the microbial composition of soil samples from sheep sheds in agricultural and pastoral areas ( R = 0.09, P = 0.242). At the phylum level, the dominant bacterial phyla were Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes. At the genus level, the dominant bacterial genera were Corynebacterium, Luteimonas, Atopostipes, and Salinicoccus. A variety of zoonotic pathogens were detected, including Brucella melitensis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Clostridium tetani in 15 soil samples. Conclusion:The soil microorganisms in sheep sheds in agricultural and pastoral areas are diverse, and zoonotic pathogens such as Brucella melitensis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Clostridium tetani are detected.
10.Parameter optimization for ultra-low dose computed tomography of the chest using spectral purification technology
Chengxin KANG ; Wangjia LI ; Binjie FU ; Zhigang CHU ; Fajin LYU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(4):356-361
Objective:To optimize the scan parameters for ultra-low dose computed tomography (ULDCT) of the chest using spectral purification technology, and assess the feasibility of maintaining image quality while reducing radiation dosage.Methods:An anthropomorphic chest phantom embedded with simulated pulmonary nodules was utilized for low-dose computed tomography(LDCT) and ULDCT scans. LDCT was conducted using a reference tube current of 25 mAs and a pitch of 1.0. ULDCT incorporating spectral purification technology was conducted using four reference tube currents, i. e., 50, 100, 150, and 200 mAs (labeled ULDCT1-4), and a pitch of 1.5. Other parameters were consistent. The volume CT dose index and the dose-length product were extracted from the dose reports, and then the effective doses were calculated. The objective image quality was assessed using metrics including image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). The subjective image quality of ULDCT images was assessed on a four-point scale with LDCT images as reference.Results:The ULDCT4 at a reference tube current of 200 mAs showed a lower effective dose compared to LDCT ( t = -17.30, P < 0.001). The objective image quality assessments indicated that noise levels in four ULDCT groups were higher than those in LDCT ( t = 21.96, 10.56, 3.15, 3.14, P < 0.05). Notably, the SNR and CNR for the aortic arch were higher in ULDCT4 compared to LDCT ( t = 3.55, 71.96, P < 0.05). The SNR of pulmonary nodules in ULDCT4 was comparable to that in LDCT ( P > 0.05), but the CNR was higher ( t = 0.79, P < 0.001). Subjective image quality assessments reveal that the image quality of ULDCT4 was higher than that of LDCT, with scores of 3.80±0.46 for noise, 3.70±0.46 for contrast and sharpness, and 3.37±0.66 for pulmonary nodules. Conclusions:ULDCT (200 mAs) using spectral purification technology can yield higher image quality than LDCT while substantially reducing the radiation dose, thus demonstrating substantial clinical potential and the promise of replacing LDCT in early lung cancer screening.

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