1.Evolution and interpretation of diagnostic criteria for infective endocarditis
Hongkun QING ; Weiteng WANG ; Xuhua JIAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):30-36
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a life-threatening infectious disease. Although histopathological examination remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis, it is performed in only a minority of patients; thus, the diagnosis of IE continues to rely predominantly on clinical manifestations. However, IE presents with highly variable systemic symptoms that often lack cardiac-specific features, posing significant diagnostic challenges. To address this complexity, multiple diagnostic criteria have been developed, integrating clinical presentation, imaging findings, and microbiological evidence. Over the past three decades, substantial shifts in the microbiological and epidemiological profiles of IE, coupled with advances in imaging modalities and laboratory diagnostics, have profoundly influenced diagnostic approaches, driving continuous refinement of diagnostic criteria. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the major diagnostic criteria for IE, traces their historical evolution, evaluates recent updates and diagnostic performance, and offers theoretical insights and practical implications to guide future research.
2.Global and China-US epidemiology and treatment status of valvular heart disease
Mei LIU ; Qing WANG ; Shiwen XIONG ; Changdong ZHANG ; Xiaoke SHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):105-114
Objective To systematically analyze the disease burden, long-term trends, and age-sex distribution of major valvular heart disease (VHD) subtypes—rheumatic heart disease (RHD), non-rheumatic valvular disease (NRVD), and non-rheumatic calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD)—in global, Chinese, and US populations from 1990 to 2021, providing evidence for public health strategies and clinical resource allocation. Methods Based on publicly available data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021, we extracted incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for VHD from 1990 to 2021. Age-standardized rates (ASRs) were calculated using the GBD 2021 global standard population, and the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) with its 95% uncertainty interval (UI) was computed for the period. Data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/Eurostat surveys, and Chinese national registries were used for trend triangulation and contextual background. Results From 1990 to 2021, the ASR and disease burden of RHD significantly decreased globally and in China (EAPC for DALYs in China: −4.8%, 95%UI: −5.0% to −4.6%). In contrast, the burden of NRVD and CAVD steadily increased in aging populations like those in China and the US, with a higher burden observed in older adults and males. In 2021, the incidence of NRVD and CAVD peaked in individuals aged ≥65 years, with rates being significantly higher in men than in women. RHD burden was concentrated in low socio-demographic index (SDI) regions, whereas NRVD/CAVD burden was strongly associated with high-SDI regions. Conclusion The global VHD epidemiological landscape is transitioning from an RHD-dominant to an NRVD/CAVD-dominant pattern. China faces a dual challenge of a residual RHD burden and a rapidly growing burden of degenerative valvular diseases. Developing tailored screening, prevention, and treatment strategies for different disease subtypes and populations is crucial.
3.Guidelines for endoscopic and robotic breast surgery in China (2026 edition): Part one
Zhenggui DU ; Qing LÜ ; ; Pengwei LÜ ; ; Dajiang SONG ; Zihan WANG ; Benlong YANG ; Shicheng SU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):167-203
Recent research from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that breast cancer is the most prevalent malignant tumor among women, posing a significant threat to women's health. Surgery remains the primary therapeutic modality for breast cancer. Recently, endoscopic and robotic breast surgical techniques have gained acceptance among both surgeons and patients. However, considerable variation exists in surgical approaches and outcomes. To standardize these techniques, facilitate their broader clinical adoption, and ultimately improve patient care, the Endoscopic-robotic Breast Surgery Clinical Trials Consortium (ErBSCTC) of China has developed this guideline. This document encompasses the technologies and instrumentation utilized in endoscopic and robotic breast surgery, surgical techniques, perioperative management, complication handling, long-term follow-up, and oncologic outcomes, aiming to provide evidence-based guidance for healthcare professionals involved in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of breast diseases.
4.Protocol for China endoscopic and robotic breast surgery guidelines (2026 edition)
Zhenggui DU ; Qing LÜ ; ; Pengwei LÜ ; ; Dajiang SONG ; Zihan WANG ; Benlong YANG ; Shicheng SU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(03):333-338
Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor among women in China, with surgery being one of the primary treatment modalities. Endoscopic/robotic breast surgery (ErBS) is gaining widespread acceptance among patients and surgeons alike due to its advantages of minimal invasiveness, superior cosmetic outcomes, and accelerated recovery. However, substantial heterogeneity currently exists across China regarding patient selection, standardized operative techniques, perioperative management, and complication handling, underscoring the urgent need for evidence-based consensus guidelines. To promote standardization and ensure consistent quality of ErBS, the Chinese Endoscopic-Robotic Breast Surgery Clinical Trials Consortium (CErBSCTC) has systematically reviewed the latest high-quality evidence and formulated the "Protocol for China Endoscopic and Robotic Breast Surgery Guidelines (2026 edition)", which outlines a comprehensive methodology for guideline development.
5.Guidelines for endoscopic and robotic breast surgery in China (2026 edition): Part two
Zhenggui DU ; Qing LÜ ; ; Pengwei LÜ ; ; Dajiang SONG ; Zihan WANG ; Benlong YANG ; Shicheng SU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(04):487-521
This guideline, presented in three parts, details the core aspects of endoscopic/robotic breast surgery, including its techniques, equipment, surgical procedures, perioperative management, complication treatment, long-term follow-up, and outcomes. Part one offered a comprehensive overview of indications for endoscopic and robotic breast surgery, intraoperative techniques, surgical instrument choices, and common endoscopic and robotic breast reconstruction procedures. This part will cover other endoscopic breast procedures beyond immediate breast reconstruction and include perioperative management strategies, to provide healthcare professionals involved in endoscopic and robotic breast surgery with systematic operational guidelines and clinical decision-making references.
6.Management models for myopia as a chronic disease
Xindan MENG ; Qing WANG ; Yixia ZHANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):746-752
This article examines a comprehensive model for managing refractive errors, with a specific focus on myopia. It investigates the epidemiological context of refractive errors and their socio-economic implications. It underscores the importance of early detection and management, especially for severe ocular conditions like retinal lesions and glaucoma. The article critiques existing refractive error management models' limitations and highlights challenges in managing asymptomatic myopic patients. It proposes a “Myopia Chronic Disease Management(MCDM)” model as an innovative comprehensive management approach. The model establishes a data-driven closed-loop management pathway that encompasses screening, diagnosis, intervention, follow-up, and feedback. Through a comparative analysis with the chronic care model(CCM)and the World Health Organization's(WHO)Integrated Patient-Centered Eye Care(IPCEC), it highlights its innovative strengths in integrating digital technologies with multi-tiered healthcare networks. This model encompasses the entire refractive correction process and incorporates strategies for public education via the internet and new media. In terms of strategy implementation, the article discusses the necessity of establishing eye health records and long-term follow-up plans, as well as the potential applications of medical consortium models and family contract-based services in management. Moreover, the article emphasizes the importance of intelligent software systems in chronic ocular condition health management. It provides an overview of the benefits and challenges associated with this novel management model and proposes directions for future research and potential enhancements. Through this thorough examination and analysis, the article highlights the critical importance and effectiveness of implementing comprehensive, multifaceted, and sustained strategies in the management of refractive errors.
7.Current status and associated factors of sleep problems among preschool children in Hainan Province
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):517-521
Objective:
To understand the current status and associated factors of sleep problems among preschool children in Hainan Province, so as to provide scientific evidence for improving sleep health in this population.
Methods:
From January 2021 to June 2022, a total of 4 105 preschool children aged 3-6 years from 62 kindergartens in Hainan Province were selected using stratified cluster random sampling method. Demographic information and lifestyle habits were collected through the Hainan Province Child Growth and Development Survey Questionnaire. The Children s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) was employed to assess sleep status. Unconditional binary Logistic regression model was applied to investigate the associated factors of sleep problems among preschool children.
Results:
The overall CSHQ score for children was 58.03±18.84, with 80.95% of preschool children exhibiting sleep related issues. The top three most prevalent sleep problem domains were bedtime resistance (72.42%), sleep anxiety ( 54.88 %), and parasomnias (38.86%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher family annual income ( OR=0.60, 95%CI = 0.45-0.79), higher maternal education level ( OR=0.53, 95%CI =0.32-0.89), regular or daily vitamin D supplementation ( OR=0.77, 95%CI =0.60-0.99), and fully self initiated eating behavior ( OR=0.71, 95%CI =0.59-0.85) were negatively related with children s sleep problems; in addition, screen exposure ( OR=1.27, 95%CI =1.06-1.51) and picky eating ( OR= 1.47 , 95%CI =1.21-1.78) were positively related to children s sleep problems (all P <0.05).
Conclusion
The high detection rate of sleep problems among preschool children in Hainan Province is multifactorially associated with family environment, dietary habits, and lifestyle behaviors.
8.Data analysis of resolution discrepancies in minipool nucleic acid testing: A 2024 national study of Chinese blood stations
Ying YAN ; Qing HE ; Wei ZHENG ; Jie MA ; Le CHANG ; Huimin JI ; Huizhen SUN ; Lunan WANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(4):423-429
Objective: To investigate the incidence, characteristics, and influencing factors of resolution discrepancies within the minipool (MP) testing model across Chinese blood station laboratories in 2024. Methods: A nationwide, multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted, including 334 blood station laboratories that reported nucleic acid reactive data among enzyme immunoassay non-reactive samples. Of these, 296 laboratories adopted the pool resolution model, with a total of 12 536 273 samples tested. Systematic analysis was performed on resolution data, focusing on the MP-NAT reactivity rate, the pool resolution concordance rate, and the resolution discrepancy rate. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on reagent types, viral targets, and Ct values. Potential causes were further explored through laboratory surveys and re-examination of raw amplification curves. Results: In 2024, the national average MP-NAT reactivity rate was 0.15%. The overall pool resolution concordance rate was 57.86%, which showed a gradual decline as Ct values increased across all reagents. The national average resolution discrepancy rate was 0.081‱(102/12 536 273), with 17.91%(53/296) of laboratories reporting at least one discrepancy. Nine reagent types were associated with these events, exhibiting reagent-specific patterns. For Reagent A2, the predominant discrepancy was HBV reactive pools resolving as HIV (36.36%); for Reagent D1, HBV pools frequently resolved as HCV (38.89%); and for Reagent E, the most common pattern was HIV pools resolving as HBV (48.00%). These resolution discrepancies were strongly associated with high Ct values: the median pool Ct for HBV exceeded 38, while those for HCV and HIV both exceeded 40. Investigations across 16 laboratories revealed that most discrepant samples exhibited “tailing” amplification curves, with some cases linked to cross-contamination or reagent batch-specific issues. Conclusion: While the incidence of resolution discrepancies in the MP-NAT model remains low in China, variations exist across different reagents and laboratories. These discrepancies are closely associated with low viral load, reagent performance, and laboratory operational practices.
9.Study on the effect and mechanism of processed Oxytropis falcata in improving renal fibrosis in rats
Qing ZHANG ; Xinhuan MA ; Mingjing YANG ; Zhiwei XU ; Wenjing WANG ; Hui SONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1167-1172
OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effect and mechanism of processed Oxytropis falcata on renal fibrosis (RF) in rats. METHODS RF model was induced by adenine. After modeling, the rats were divided into the model group, positive control group (colchicine, 0.45 mg/kg), and processed O. falcata low-, medium- and high-dose groups (0.5, 1, 2 g/kg), respectively. Additionally, a blank group without modeling was set up, with 8 rats in each group. The positive control group and the various dosage groups of processed O. falcata were given the corresponding medicinal solutions intragastrically, while the blank group and model group were given equal volume of normal saline intragastrically, once daily for 28 consecutive days. The appearance and histopathological morphology of the rats’ kidneys were observed. Serum levels of renal function indexes [bl ood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr) ] and inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) ] in rats were detected. Protein expressions of fibronectin (FN), α -smooth muscle actin ( α -SMA) and collagen type Ⅰ (Col-Ⅰ) in renal tissue of rats were determined. mRNA expressions of transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β 1 ), Smad3 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in renal tissues were measured. Protein expression of TGF-β 1 and phosphorylation levels of Smad3 and ERK1/2 in renal tissues were detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank group, the rats in the model group exhibited enlarged kidneys with pale color, rough and uneven surface. There was a significant infiltration of inflammatory cells and vacuolated cells in the renal tubules, along with marked proliferation of collagen fibers. Serum levels of BUN, Cr, IL-6 and TNF-α, protein expressions of α -SMA, Col-Ⅰ and FN in renal tissues, mRNA expressions of TGF-β 1 , Smad3, ERK1 and ERK2 and protein expression of TGF-β 1 as well as phosphorylation levels of Smad3 and ERK1/2 in renal tissues were increased significantly ( P <0.05). Compared with the model group, renal pathological changes of rats were alleviated in processed O. falcata groups, with reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells and proliferation of collagen fibers. The levels of the aforementioned quantitative indicators were all significantly reversed ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Processed O. falcata can improve renal function in RF rats, alleviate inflammatory responses, and reduce abnormal collagen fiber deposition. Its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of the activity of the TGF-β 1 /Smad signaling pathway.
10.Construction and Evaluation of Mouse Model of Qi Deficiency and Phlegm Dampness Syndrome
Qichun ZHOU ; Gangxing ZHU ; Yongchun ZOU ; Baoyi LAN ; Zhanyu CUI ; Xi WANG ; Mengfei XU ; Qing TANG ; Sumei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):138-146
ObjectiveQi deficiency and phlegm dampness syndrome is a common type of clinical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndrome. However, there is no standard, scientific, and accurate report on the construction of animal models of Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness syndrome. This study aims to construct a mouse model of Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness syndrome by using a multi-factor composite modeling method and to evaluate the model. MethodsTwenty-one C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups with seven mice in each group, which were the normal group, model group, and Shenling Baizhusan (SLBZ) group. The control group was fed with ordinary diet and kept in a normal environment. The model group and SLBZ group were fed with a high-fat diet in a high-humidity environment. Swimming with heavy weights until exhaustion and gavage with cold water or lard were used to establish the mouse model of Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness syndrome. In order to test the syndrome by prescription, mice in the SLBZ group were treated with SLBZ for 14 days after model construction. The exhaustive swimming time, body weight, serum lipid levels, tongue changes, "Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness" assessment scale score, and cecal index of mice in each group were measured. The feces of each group of mice were sent for metagenomics and metabolome sequencing, and the changes in intestinal flora and metabolites were analyzed. ResultsAfter the modeling of Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness syndrome, the exhaustive swimming time of mice was obviously shortened (P<0.01). The serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol of mice were significantly increased (all P<0.01). The tongue of mice was significantly different from that of the normal group, and the score of the assessment scale was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.01). Cecal index decreased significantly (P<0.01). The serum lipid level, tongue image, assessment scale score, and cecal index were reversed in the SLBZ group. Metagenomic and metabolome sequencing results showed that intestinal flora and fecal metabolites were significantly changed in mice with Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness syndrome. Akkermansia_muciniphila, Faecalibaculum_rodentium, Eubacterium_plexicaudatum, Eubacterium sp 14_2, Candida glabrata, Romboutsia_ilealis, Turicibacter sp TS3, and other bacteria had significant changes, and the expressions of intestinal metabolites such as chenodeoxycholic acid, choline, L-phenylalanine betaine, and 2-phenylbutyric acid were significantly changed. Related metabolic pathways such as linoleic acid metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, lysine degradation, arginine biosynthesis, and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism were affected. ConclusionThe Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness model of mice can be constructed by the multi-factor composite modeling method of high-fat diet feeding, high-humidity environment feeding, exhaustive swimming with heavy weight, and intragastric administration with cold water or lard. The blood lipid level, tongue change, score of "Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness assessment scale", cecal index, and changes in related intestinal flora and metabolites of mice can be used as key indicators for model evaluation.


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