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.
2.Ameliorative effects and mechanisms of Buyang huanwu decoction and its active fractions on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Jinbiao YANG ; Xingtong CHEN ; Yunyue ZHOU ; Ruihong YANG ; Qiao WANG ; Shuang XUE ; Yukun ZHANG ; Wenying NIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):299-304
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Buyang huanwu decoction (BYHWD) and its active fractions in ameliorating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. METHODS BYHWD and its effective fractions obtained through ethanol precipitation, as well as 30% ethanol, 50% ethanol, and 75% ethanol fractions (namely, the CC effective fraction, 30YC effective fraction, 50YC effective fraction, and 75YC effective fraction), were prepared. These preparations were administered to rats via intragastric administration to prepare corresponding drug-containing serum (blank serum and simvastatin-containing serum were prepared using the same protocol). Human L02 hepatocytes were divided into control group, model group, simvastatin-containing serum group, BYHWD-containing serum group, CC-containing serum group, 30YC-containing serum group, 50YC-containing serum group, and 75YC-containing serum group. Except for the control group, other groups were given 0.2 mol/L oleic acid for 24 h to induce a lipid accumulation model, and then intervened with 20% drug-containing serum/blank serum for 24 h. The lipid deposition in cells was observed, and the proportion of lipid droplet area was calculated; the levels of triglycerides (TG) and indicators of oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD)] as well as liver function [alanine amino- transferase (ALT), aspartate amino-transferase (AST)] in cells were detected; protein and mRNA expressions of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1)/glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) signaling pathway were also measured. RESULTS Compared with the control group, cells in the model group exhibited severe cellular steatosis, with a significantly increased proportion of lipid droplet area, as well as the elevated levels of TG, ALT, AST, and MDA in cells, along with significantly up-regulated mRNA and protein expression levels of SREBP-1 and GPAT (P<0.05). The level of SOD, mRNA expression of AMPK, as well as the protein phosphorylation level of AMPK were decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, cellular steatosis was alleviated in all drug-containing serum groups, and the levels of most of the aforementioned quantitative indicators were significantly reversed (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS BYHWD and its active fractions can exert a therapeutic effect on improving non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating the AMPK/SREBP-1/GPAT signaling pathway, inhibiting oxidative stress responses, and reducing lipid deposition.
3.Risk prediction models of recurrence after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy:a systematic review and meta-analysis
Weijie YU ; Dongdong CAO ; Tianci GUO ; Puyu NIU ; Jialin YANG ; Simin WANG ; Aifeng LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):749-759
OBJECTIVE:Postoperative recurrence is a common complication of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for lumbar disc herniation,which can significantly increase the risk of reoperation.A well-performing risk prediction model can help identify high-risk groups early and prevent postoperative recurrence.This study systematically evaluated the risk prediction model for postoperative recurrence after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy to provide a reference for surgical decision-making.METHODS:The PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,CNKI,WanFang Data,VIP,and CBM were electronically searched to collect studies on the recurrence risk prediction models after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy from inception to July 1,2024.Two reviewers independently screened the literature and extracted data.The models' risk of bias,applicability,and report quality were assessed using prediction model risk of bias assessment tool(PROBAST)and Transparent Reporting of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis(TRIPOD)tools,respectively.Meta-analysis of postoperative recurrence rate of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy and related predictors was performed using Revman 5.4 software.RESULTS:(1)A total of 15 studies were included,all of which were retrospective studies,including 24 models for predicting the risk of recurrence after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy.(2)The PROBAST evaluation results indicated that all 15 studies exhibited a high risk of bias.Regarding applicability,two studies demonstrated a low risk,while 13 presented a high risk.(3)Regarding the TRIPOD reporting quality,the overall quality across the 15 studies was low.The primary reasons for this low compliance included the failure to report blinding,a lack of explanation for the sample size calculation method,lack of detailed description of missing data processing methods,and lack of information such as introduction to the model used.(4)Furthermore,the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the model ranged from 0.684 to 0.972,with the number of potential predictor variables varying from 15 to 28.(5)The results of meta-analysis showed that the postoperative recurrence rate of lumbar disc herniation patients treated with percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy was 12%(95%CI=9.0%-15.0%),Modic changes(OR=6.72,95%CI=3.90-11.59),body mass index(OR=1.28,95%CI=1.10-1.49),work intensity(OR=3.22,95%CI=1.85-5.59),age(OR=2.28,95%CI=1.50-3.48),and smoking history(OR=2.65,95%CI=1.75-4.00)were independent influencing factors for postoperative recurrence of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The overall predictive performance of the recurrence risk prediction models after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy is satisfactory;however,the model exhibits a high overall risk of bias and applicability,coupled with low reporting quality.Additionally,there is a lack of prospective research and external validation.Future,risk prediction models should consider factors such as Modic changes,body mass index,work intensity,age,and smoking history as potential predictors.
4.Analysis of the incidence and mortality trends of type 2 diabetic nephropathy in China from 1990 to 2021
Xuewei DOU ; Wenfei CUI ; Ling NIU ; Binglei YIN ; Jinjin WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):176-182
ObjectiveTo analyze the long-term trend of incidence and mortality of type 2 diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in China from 1990 to 2021. MethodsThe Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the average annual percentage change (AAPC) of standardized incidence rate and standardized mortality rate, and the age-period-cohort (APC) model was constructed to analyze the longitudinal age change, period and cohort effect risk ratio (RR). ResultsFrom 1990 to 2021, the standardized incidence rate of type 2 DKD in males and females showed an overall upward trend, with AAPC of 0.08% and 0.36%, respectively. The age-standardized mortality rate of the total population and female showed a downward trend, with AAPC of -0.61% and -1.03%, respectively. However, there was no significant difference in males. APC model showed that the age effect existed: the peak age was 75-79 years old, the mortality rate of females increased, and the mortality rate of males decreased after 80-84 years old. For the effect of time period, the risk of type 2 DKD incidence in females in 2017—2021 was 1.05 times that in 2002—2006, and the risk of death in males and females in 2017—2021 was 0.84 and 0.71 times that in 2002—2006, respectively. For cohort effects, the highest risk of disease was seen in men and women born in 1967—1971, and the highest risk of death was seen in men born in 1952—1956 and women born in 1912—1916. ConclusionFrom 1990 to 2021, the standardized incidence rate of type 2 DKD in China shows an upward trend, and the standardized mortality rate shows a downward trend. It is necessary to strengthen the health behavior publicity and education of type 2 DKD, and actively carry out early screening to reduce the disease burden.
5.Key Information Research and Modern Clinical Application of Xiaofengsan
Weilu NIU ; Mengjie YANG ; Chengqi LYU ; Cuicui SHEN ; Ningli WANG ; Huangchao JIA ; Liyun WANG ; Xuewei LIU ; Mingsan MIAO ; Xiaomeng WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):238-249
Employing bibliometric methods and adhering to principles of textual research, this study systematically investigated prescription source, formula name, composition evolution, dose evolution, origin, processing, ancient and modern applications of Xiaofengsan. Xiaofengsan, also known as Renshen Xiaofengsan and Chantui Xiaofengsan, was first recorded in the Taiping Huimin Hejijufang(hereafter referred to as Jufang) of the Southern Song dynasty. The formula composition included Schizonepetae Spica, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Notoptery Rhizoma et Radix, Bombyx Batryticatus, Saposhnikoviae Radix, Poria, Cicadae Periostracum, Pogostemonis Herba, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, a total of 12 medicinal materials. In terms of the evolution of formula composition, formulas across dynasties largely aligned with those recorded in Jufang, with only minor variations in application. The results of the formula dosage research indicated that one dose of medication in Jufang corresponded to the following modern dosages:Schizonepetae Spica of 82.6 g, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma of 82.6 g, Chuanxiong Rhizoma of 82.6 g, Notoptery Rhizoma et Radix of 82.6 g, Bombyx Batryticatus of 82.6 g, Saposhnikoviae Radix of 82.6 g, Poria of 82.6 g, Cicadae Periostracum of 82.6 g, Pogostemonis Herba of 82.6 g, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma of 82.6 g, Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex of 20.65 g and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium of 20.65 g, the origins of all the constituent drugs were consistent with the 2020 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. The results of the investigation into the decoction method indicated that the aforementioned drugs should be finely ground into powder(pass through the No.5 sieve), and 8.26 g was taken for each dose, which was taken with the clear liquid obtained by steeping tea leaves in boiling water for several minutes. This mixture was administered three times daily, 30 min after meals. The ancient functional indications of this formula mainly involved dispelling wind-heat, eliminating pathogenic factors and regulating the middle Jiao. It primarily treated all wind-heat syndromes manifesting as skin diseases, predominantly affecting the upper body, especially the head and face. The diseases involved in modern applications were mostly dermatological diseases, including urticaria, eczema, atopic dermatitis and others. In this paper, by combing the relevant ancient literature, the key information of Xiaofengsan was textual researched, in order to provide reference for the modern application and development of this formula.
6.Analysis of data from the survey of radiotherapy resources in Gansu Province, China, 2024
Jialong WU ; Yun WANG ; Hanyu ZHANG ; Jie WANG ; Yanjun WANG ; Fang WANG ; Qian WANG ; Ruiying WANG ; Xiangru QU ; Limei NIU ; Qin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):1-5
Objective To investigate the current distribution of radiotherapy resources in Gansu Province, evaluate the equity of resource allocation, and provide a scientific basis for optimizing regional resource allocation. Methods A questionnaire survey was carried out to assess radiotherapy resources in medical institutions across Gansu Province, China. The equity of radiotherapy resource distribution and associated disparities were assessed using the Gini coefficient, Lorenz curve, and Theil index. Results A total of 23 medical institutions in Gansu Province provided radiotherapy services, comprising 39 radiotherapy devices and 438 professionals, of whom medical physicists accounted for 16.9%. The radiotherapy frequency was 0.47 cases per thousand population. The Gini coefficients for radiotherapy resource distribution ranged from 0.38 to 0.56 by population and from 0.52 to 0.70 by geography. The Theil index for radiotherapy resources ranged from 1.36 to 3.67. Conclusion Radiotherapy resources in Gansu Province were insufficient, and the capacity of radiotherapy service was suboptimal. The equity of radiotherapy resource allocation by geography was worse than that by population. Therefore, it is imperative to address the shortage of radiotherapy resources, strengthen the professional workforce, enhance the capacity radiotherapy service and resource utilization, optimize resource allocation, and promote regional equity in radiotherapy provision in Gansu Province.
7.Optimization of drug dispensing and pickup process in traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy based on data-intelligence-driven
Qi WANG ; Panke ZENG ; Haoxin SONG ; Yonggang FENG ; Lili SUN ; Jingting FENG ; Weiqing NIU ; Haiyan DONG ; Feng WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):660-664
OBJECTIVE To explore the transformation of the dispensing and drug pickup process in traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy (TCM Pharmacy) in our hospital based on data-intelligence-driven, aiming to improve pharmacists’ work efficiency and patients’ drug pickup experience. METHODS Value stream mapping and journey mapping were used to systematically identify non-value-added links in pharmacists’ dispensing process and key pain points in patients’ drug pickup under the traditional process. An intelligent dispensing and drug pickup system for the TCM Pharmacy was developed based on the C# and Android television platforms, and a machine-learning model was adopted to predict patients’ drug pickup waiting time. A comprehensive evaluation was performed from three perspectives: system performance, prediction accuracy, and satisfaction of pharmacists and patients. RESULTS The system successfully streamlined non-value-added links such as “waiting for writing on the board” and “searching for drugs”, and realized multimodal dynamic prompts of dispensing status through auditory (number calling) and visual (television terminal) channels. The constructed model for predicting drug pickup waiting time exhibited good fitting degree and generalization ability (mean absolute error=4.28 min, R 2 =0.882). The comprehensive satisfaction scores of pharmacists and patients in the traditional mode were significantly increased from (70.99±1.74) and (73.58±1.98) to (90.02±1.30) and (88.61±2.08) in the new system, respectively ( P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS The transformation of the intelligent drug dispensing and pickup system for TCM pharmacy based on data-intelligence-driven effectively improves the efficiency of pharmacists’ dispensing work, realizes process transparency and waiting time predictability, and significantly enhances patients’ drug pickup experience.
8.Efficacy and safety of Babaodan Capsule in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection comorbid with gallbladder polyps
Qianqian NIU ; Huan CHEN ; Ying ZHENG ; Chunyan GOU ; Chen XU ; Li LI ; Xinxin WANG ; Jianping LIU ; Zhaolan LIU ; Xiuhui LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):304-311
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of Babaodan Capsule (BBD) in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder comorbid with gallbladder polyps. MethodsA randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled single-center trial was conducted among 120 patients with chronic HBV infection who were admitted to Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, from August 2020 to April 2023, and they were divided into treatment group (BBD) and control group (placebo), with 60 patients in each group. The course of treatment was 24 weeks, and follow-up assessments were conducted every 4 weeks. The primary outcome measures were the number and maximum diameter of gallbladder polyps (assessed by ultrasound), and the secondary outcome measures included traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, blood lipid levels, and liver function parameters. The independent-samples t test or the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups; the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of ranked data between two groups; the generalized estimating equation was used to analyze repeated measures data. ResultsAfter 8 weeks of treatment, the treatment group had a significantly smaller diameter of polyps and a significantly lower number of polyps than the control group (Z=-1.76 and -1.80, both P<0.05), and after 24 weeks of treatment, the treatment group had a significantly higher polyp reduction rate than the control group (30.51% vs 10.91%, P<0.05). The subgroup analysis showed that patients receiving combined antiviral therapy, male patients, patients with a diameter of polyps of <5 mm, and patients with multiple polyps tended to achieve significantly greater benefits. At week 8 of treatment, the treatment group had a significantly better TCM syndrome score than the control group (Z=-2.35, P<0.05); after treatment, compared with the control group, the treatment group had a significantly greater increase in high-density lipoprotein (Z=-1.85, P<0.05) and significantly lower levels of alanine aminotransferase (Z=-2.06, P <0.05), aspartate aminotransferase (Z=-2.13, P<0.05), total bilirubin (Z=-2.12, P<0.05), and direct bilirubin (Z=-3.09, P<0.05). No serious adverse events were reported in either group. ConclusionBBD can effectively reduce the size of gallbladder polyps, improve TCM syndrome score, and reduce the level of bilirubin in patients with chronic HBV infection with damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, with a favorable safety profile, and it may be more suitable for patients receiving combined antiviral therapy and specific subgroups (male patients, patients with a diameter of polyps of <5 mm, and patients with multiple polyps.
9.Quality evaluation of Heat-clearing and symptom-relieving formula based on multi-component quantification and screening of marker components
Jiahui CHEN ; Qiong LUO ; Lijun WEI ; Yuewu WANG ; Jun LI ; Chengdong LIU ; Jiajia HAO ; Liwen NIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):740-745
OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate the quality of the Heat-clearing and symptom-relieving formula and screen potential marker components that influence the quality of the formula. METHODS The contents of 11 components (calycosin-7- O - β -D-glucoside, ononin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, baicalin, baicalein, cryptotanshinone, tanshinone Ⅱ A , tanshinone Ⅰ, senkyunolide A, ferulic acid) in the Heat-clearing and symptom-relieving formula were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Using the contents of the aforementioned components as variables, cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were conducted using OriginPro 2024 software and SIMCA 14.1 software; marker components affecting the quality of the Heat-clearing and symptom-relieving formula were then screened based on the criteria of variable importance in the projection (VIP) value>1 and P <0.05. The comprehensive evaluation of 20 batches of samples was carried out using the entropy weight-technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution(TOPSIS) and grey correlation analysis (GCA) methods. RESULTS The contents of the above 11 components were 7.993-72.866, 4.542-31.228, 727.666-1 901.884, 496.846-1 293.279, 1 995.501-6 779.150, 54.500-241.280, 150.302-304.339, 79.698-189.206, 257.118-682.418, 5.498-21.687, 7.524-26.935 μg/g. CA, PCA and OPLS-DA results showed that 20 batches of samples were grouped into 2 categories. Q1, Q3, Q4, Q7-Q9, Q12, Q15, Q16 were grouped into one category, and the rest were grouped into another category; VIP values of ferulic acid, tanshinone Ⅱ A , baicalin, cryptotanshinone, calycosin-7- O - β -D-glucoside and ononin were all greater than 1 ( P <0.05). Both the entropy weight-TOPSIS and GCA methods showed that the samples ranked in the top 11 according to the euclidean distance and relative correlation degree were Q2, Q5, Q6, Q10, Q11, Q13, Q14, Q17-Q20. CONCLUSIONS The established HPLC-MS/MS method is rapid, accurate and highly sens itive. Combined with chemical pattern recognition analysis, entropy weight-TOPSIS and GCA methods, this method can be used to evaluate the quality of the Heat-clearing and symptom-relieving formula. Ferulic acid, tanshinone Ⅱ A , baicalin, cryptotanshinone, calycosin-7- O - β -D-glucoside and ononin may be the marker components that affect the quality of this formula. The overall quality of 11 batches of the Heat-clearing and symptom-relieving formula, including Q17, is relatively superior.
10.Prevalence and associated factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among workers in a manganese enterprise
Tianzi SHAN ; Junxiang MA ; Tian CHEN ; Kang NONG ; Yucheng SUN ; Xueting WANG ; Gaoman ZHANG ; Teng MA ; Zhuoran XIA ; Fengtao CUI ; Li CHEN ; Yanyan ZHENG ; Piye NIU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(3):333-340
Background Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major occupational health concern, particularly among workers exposed to adverse ergonomic conditions. Manganese production involves heavy physical demands, yet research on WMSDs among manganese workers remains limited. Objective To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of WMSDs among manganese workers in a manganese enterprise in Guangxi. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to June 2024 on workers at a manganese factory in Guangxi. The Chinese Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire was used to collect information on demographic characteristics, distribution of musculoskeletal symptoms, and work-related exposures. χ2 test was applied to compare differences in positive WMSDs rates across groups, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associated factors. Results A total of 1476 workers were enrolled in the study after pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of WMSDs was 34.15%. The most commonly affected body regions were the lower back (17.28%), neck (16.67%), and shoulders (13.82%). The results of logistic regression analysis indicated that female, older age, and education level of college or above were associated with a higher risk of WMSDs (P<0.05). Awkward working postures were significantly associated with WMSDs in corresponding body regions; in particular, awkward postures of the neck, upper limbs, trunk, and lower limbs were related to an increased risk of WMSDs in multiple body sites (P<0.05). In addition, poor lighting conditions, high workplace temperature, frequent or sustained arm support during work, and high job demands were associated with an increased risk of overall or site-specific WMSDs (P<0.05). Conclusion The high prevalence of WMSDs among manganese workers is closely associated with demographic characteristics, working postures, and work environment and organizational factors. Targeted ergonomic interventions focusing on high-risk body regions and key ergonomic exposures are warranted to reduce the risk of WMSDs among manganese workers.

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