1.Exploration of an Intelligent Evidence Achieve Mode of Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine:Take Systematic Review of Coronary Heart Disease Syndrome Research as an Example
Qianzi CHE ; Qingyang ZENG ; Tian SONG ; Lin CHEN ; Jing WAN ; Nannan SHI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(15):1597-1603
ObjectiveTo construct an intelligent model for literature screening, retrieval, and data extraction with a systematic review of coronary heart disease syndromes as an example, so as to improve the efficiency of evidence-based Chinese medicine research. MethodsBased on China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP and Wanfang Data Resource System, the articles related to coronary heart disease syndrome research published from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2023 were retrieved. Automated tools were used to batch retrieve paper metadata. Using text similarity algorithms, papers were merged, deduplicated, and subjected to preliminary screening based on titles and abstracts. Further screening was performed using object detection and image processing technologies on the full texts and statistical tables. Natural language processing (NLP) techniques and pre-trained models were applied to extract information. ResultsThe initial search retrieved 56 255 coronary heart disease syndrome-related articles. By artificial intelligence-assisted preliminary and secondary screening, the manual verification scope was narrowed to 1075 articles. Ultimately, 646 coronary heart disease syndrome related studies were included manually. With accuracy verification showing over 90% consistency in semantic recognition and element decomposition processes, we achieved data extraction and standardization processing for both basic literature information and 38 syndrome element statistics. ConclusionBy incorporating natural language processing, pre-trained models, artificial intelligence image processing and other technologies, this study enabled efficient retrieval, screening and standardized data extraction of Chinese medicine research literature.
2.Exploratory Study on the Theory of the Spatiotemporal Structure of Visceral Manifestation
Houfang MA ; Xiaoying XU ; Linghao MENG ; Haili ZHANG ; Nannan SHI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(16):1629-1634
The "integrated time-space" perspective of life in traditional Chinese medicine holds that structure and function respectively belong to the realms of space and time. The orderly integration of time and space not only supports the existence and development of life, but also serves as the foundation for biological evolution. Based on this standpoint, this paper proposes the spatiotemporal structural theory of visceral manifestation, characterized by the fusion of time and space, the integration of internal and external dimensions, and the absence of primary or secondary distinctions. Using the individual human body as the boundary, it delineates the man and nature spatiotemporal structure, based on the theory of the "correspondence between man and nature", and the internal spatiotemporal structure of the living body. The man and nature spatiotemporal structure, with yin-yang and the five phases as its core, reveals the correspondence and connectivity between the external environment and the internal zang-fu organs within the spatiotemporal dimension. The internal temporal structure of the body refers to the collective physiological rhythms related to the zang-fu organs, while the spatial structure refers to the tangible forms, spatial positions, and connective structures of the zang-fu organs. The proposal of the spatiotemporal structural theory of visceral manifestation represents a rational reconstruction and practical exploration of the essential connotations of visceral manifestation, aiming to provide new perspectives for subsequent theoretical research and clinical applications.
3.Preliminary Construction of Comprehensive Evaluation System for TCM Clinical Practice Guidelines Based on Bibliometric Analysis and Core Element Extraction
Xue CHEN ; Gezhi ZHANG ; Danping ZHENG ; Fangqi LIU ; An LI ; Junjie JIANG ; Nannan SHI ; Wei YANG ; Xinghua XIANG ; Mengyu LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):209-219
ObjectiveTo construct a comprehensive evaluation indicator system for clinical practice guidelines of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that is scientific, systematic, and reflects the characteristics of TCM. MethodsA systematic search was conducted in Chinese and English databases, including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, to include literature on domestic and international guideline evaluation tools and TCM-related research. Document analysis and CiteSpace were utilized for keyword co-occurrence and clustering analysis. ResultsA total of 65 relevant studies were included, from which seven core thematic domains were identified. Based on the research objectives, a two-step construction strategy was adopted: first, an external evaluation framework was established by referencing international tools to cover methodological rigor and procedural standardization; second, an internal evaluation framework was developed to reflect the distinctive features of TCM clinical practice, including syndrome differentiation and efficacy feedback. Through expert consensus, the indicator system was refined, resulting in a dual-layered structure comprising 8 primary indicators, 22 secondary indicators, and 62 evaluation criteria. ConclusionThe comprehensive evaluation system for TCM clinical practice guidelines, based on bibliometric analysis and core element extraction, integrates both theoretical integrity and practical applicability. This study provides a preliminary research foundation for further optimization, validation, and development of a refined comprehensive evaluation system.
4.Experience and thinking of international standardization of TCM in "the Belt and Road Initiative"
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(5):562-566
The International Organization for Standardization/Technical Committee of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ISO/TC249) is an exclusive ISO platform for international standardization of TCM, and also the important platform for the "the Belt and Road Initiative". Its scope of work includes the development of international standards for Chinese Medicine, medical devices and equipments, terminology and information. This study sorted out the background, countries, fields, modes and achievements of ISO/TC249 international cooperation, and summarized its innovation mechanism and work experience, and proposed that under the new development situation of traditional medicine, international standardization cooperation of TCM needs to be inclusive and promote the development of traditional medicine together; comprehensive development should be performed, strengthening cooperation with ethnic medicines; internal skills should be strengthened and a stable and refined team of experts should be established; confidence should be strengthened to protect the intellectual property rights of TCM.
5.Exploration of Value Variable Selection and Measurement for Chinese Patent Medicine Based on Hedonic Price Theory
Yijiu YANG ; Haili ZHANG ; He ZHU ; Wei LI ; Zhao CHEN ; Bin LIU ; Ning LIANG ; Huizhen LI ; Tian SONG ; Wenjie CAO ; Weili WANG ; Ziteng HU ; Yanping WANG ; Sheng HAN ; Nannan SHI
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(5):68-71,78
To reduce the subjectivity and uncertainty present in the current international methods of drug value pricing when converting value into monetary prices,based on the hedonic pricing theory,it considers the post-negotiation price between manufacturers and payers as a reasonable price reference in the value pricing of Chinese patent medicine.By constructing an indicator system for the characteristics of Chinese patent medicine,it selects and measures the value characteristic variables that affect the price of Chinese patent medicine.It serves as the theoretical foundation and research basis for establishing a Hedonic price model between characteristic price variables and negotiation prices,thereby promoting the enhancement of rationality and objectivity in value-guided pricing of Chinese patent medicine.
6.Evaluation of the Key Steps and Core Indicators of Priority Setting of Health Technology Assessment
Wenjie CAO ; Haili ZHANG ; Bin LIU ; Ning LIANG ; Yijiu YANG ; Weili WANG ; Ziteng HU ; Yanping WANG ; Nannan SHI
Chinese Hospital Management 2024;44(10):43-48
Objective The purpose is to sort out the key steps and core indicators of priority setting for health technology assessment,and provide references for the research of priority setting for health technology assessment in China.Methods To search information from the official website of the World Health Organization,the websites of international health technology assessment agencies/organizations,and CNKI,Wanfang,Pubmed,Embase and other databases related for the setting of health technology assessment priority topics,and the key steps and core indicators of the setting of priority topics were analyzed by descriptive statistical analysis.Results 21 priority setting schemes for health technology assessment were finally incorporated,and the key steps were extracted to set indicators for collecting evaluations.Ratings and rankings and review decisions.The core indicators are disease burden,economic impact and clinical/health impact.Conclusion The key steps and core indicators of international priority setting provide rich practical experience for China's health technology assessment priority setting,which should be actively used for reference to promote evidence-based and scientific decision-making of health technology assessment in China.
7.Exploration of Value Variable Selection and Measurement for Chinese Patent Medicine Based on Hedonic Price Theory
Yijiu YANG ; Haili ZHANG ; He ZHU ; Wei LI ; Zhao CHEN ; Bin LIU ; Ning LIANG ; Huizhen LI ; Tian SONG ; Wenjie CAO ; Weili WANG ; Ziteng HU ; Yanping WANG ; Sheng HAN ; Nannan SHI
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(5):68-71,78
To reduce the subjectivity and uncertainty present in the current international methods of drug value pricing when converting value into monetary prices,based on the hedonic pricing theory,it considers the post-negotiation price between manufacturers and payers as a reasonable price reference in the value pricing of Chinese patent medicine.By constructing an indicator system for the characteristics of Chinese patent medicine,it selects and measures the value characteristic variables that affect the price of Chinese patent medicine.It serves as the theoretical foundation and research basis for establishing a Hedonic price model between characteristic price variables and negotiation prices,thereby promoting the enhancement of rationality and objectivity in value-guided pricing of Chinese patent medicine.
8.Evaluation of the Key Steps and Core Indicators of Priority Setting of Health Technology Assessment
Wenjie CAO ; Haili ZHANG ; Bin LIU ; Ning LIANG ; Yijiu YANG ; Weili WANG ; Ziteng HU ; Yanping WANG ; Nannan SHI
Chinese Hospital Management 2024;44(10):43-48
Objective The purpose is to sort out the key steps and core indicators of priority setting for health technology assessment,and provide references for the research of priority setting for health technology assessment in China.Methods To search information from the official website of the World Health Organization,the websites of international health technology assessment agencies/organizations,and CNKI,Wanfang,Pubmed,Embase and other databases related for the setting of health technology assessment priority topics,and the key steps and core indicators of the setting of priority topics were analyzed by descriptive statistical analysis.Results 21 priority setting schemes for health technology assessment were finally incorporated,and the key steps were extracted to set indicators for collecting evaluations.Ratings and rankings and review decisions.The core indicators are disease burden,economic impact and clinical/health impact.Conclusion The key steps and core indicators of international priority setting provide rich practical experience for China's health technology assessment priority setting,which should be actively used for reference to promote evidence-based and scientific decision-making of health technology assessment in China.
9.Methodological Consideration on Combination Model of TCM Clinical Practice Guidelines and Real-world Study
Guozhen ZHAO ; Huizhen LI ; Ning LIANG ; Haili ZHANG ; Bin LIU ; Qianzi CHE ; Feng ZHOU ; He LI ; Xiaowen CHEN ; Long YE ; Jiahao LIN ; Xingyu ZONG ; Dingyi WANG ; Nannan SHI ; Yanping WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):87-93
The clinical practice guidelines of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have problems such as limited clinical application and unclear implementation effects, which may be related to the lack of clinical practice evidence. To provide reliable and precise evidence for clinical practice, this article proposes a model of combining TCM guidelines with real-world study, which includes 4 steps. Firstly, during the implementation process of the guidelines, a high-quality research database is established. Secondly, the recommendations in the guidelines are evaluated based on the established database in multiple dimensions, including applicability, effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness, and thus their effectiveness in practical applications can be determined. Thirdly, based on the established database, core prescriptions are identified, and the targeted populations and medication plans are determined. That is, the best treatment regimen is established based on the analysis of abundant clinical data regarding the effects of different medication frequencies, dosages, and duration on efficacy. Fourthly, the guidelines are updated according to the real-world evidence. The research based on this model can provide real-world evidence for ancient and empirical prescriptions, improving their application in clinical practice. Moreover, this model can reduce research costs and improve research efficiency. When applying this model, researchers need to pay attention to the quality of real-world evidence, ensuring that it can truly reflect the situation in clinical practice. In addition, importance should be attached to the clinical application of guideline recommendations, ensuring that doctors can conduct standardized diagnosis and treatment according to the guidelines. Finally, full-process participation of multidisciplinary experts is encouraged to ensure the comprehensiveness and scientificity of the study. In conclusion, the application of this model will contribute to the development of TCM guidelines responsive to the needs of clinical practice and achieve the goal of promoting the homogenization of TCM clinical diagnosis and treatment.
10.Methods and Challenges for Identifying and Controlling Confounding Factors in Traditional Chinese Medicine Observational Studies
Guozhen ZHAO ; Ziheng GAO ; Chen ZHAO ; Huizhen LI ; Ning LIANG ; Bin LIU ; Qianzi CHE ; Haili ZHANG ; Yixiang LI ; Feng ZHOU ; He LI ; Bo LI ; Nannan SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):120-126
As a supplement to randomized controlled trials, observational studies can provide evidence for the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment measures. They can also study influencing factors of diseases, etiology, and prognosis. However, there is a confounding effect due to the lack of randomization, which seriously affects the causal inference between the study factors and the outcome, resulting in confounding bias. Therefore, identifying and controlling confounding factors are key issues to be addressed in TCM observational studies. According to the causal network and the characteristics of TCM theory, confounding factors can be categorized into measured and unmeasured confounding factors. In addition, attention must be paid to identifying confounding factors and intermediate variables, as well as the interaction between confounding factors and study factors. For methods of controlling confounding factors, measured confounding factors can be controlled by stratification, multifactor analysis, propensity scores, and disease risk scores. Unmeasured and unknown confounding factors can be corrected using instrumental variable methods, difference-in-difference methods, and correction for underlying event rate ratios. Correcting and controlling confounding factors can ensure a balance between groups, and confounding bias can be reduced. In addition, methods such as sensitivity analysis and determination of interactions make the control of confounding factors more comprehensive. Due to the unique characteristics of TCM, observational studies of TCM face unique challenges in identifying and controlling confounding factors, including the ever-changing TCM treatment measures received by patients, the often-overlooked confounding effects in the four diagnostic information of TCM, and the lack of objective criteria for TCM evidence-based diagnosis. Some scholars have already conducted innovative explorations to address these issues, providing a methodological basis for conducting higher-quality TCM observational studies, so as to obtain more rigorous real-world evidence of TCM and gradually develop quality evaluation criteria for OS that are consistent with the characteristics of TCM.

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