1.Exploring on Quality Evaluation Methods of Clinical Case Reports in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Kaige ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Bo ZHOU ; Haimin CHEN ; Yong ZHU ; Changcheng HOU ; Liangzhen YOU ; Weijun HUANG ; Jie YANG ; Guoshuang ZHU ; Shukun GONG ; Jianwen HE ; Yang YE ; Yuqiu AN ; Chunquan SUN ; Qingjie YUAN ; Buman LI ; Xingzhong FENG ; Kegang CAO ; Hongcai SHANG ; Jihua GUO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zhining TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):271-276
As the core vehicle for preserving and transmitting traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) academic thought and clinical experience, the establishment of a robust quality evaluation system for TCM clinical case reports is a crucial component in the current standardization and modernization of TCM. Based on the practical experience of constructing the China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of critical challenges, including insufficient authenticity and unfocused evaluation criteria. It proposed a three-dimensional evaluation framework grounded in the structure-process-outcome logic, encompassing three dimensions of authenticity and standardization, characteristics and advantages, application and translational impact. This framework integrated 12 key evaluation indicators in a systematic manner. The model preserved the academic characteristics of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, while aligning with modern scientific research standards, achieving a balance between individualized TCM experience and standardized evaluation. Concurrently, this study provided theoretical foundations and methodological guidance for evaluating the quality of TCM clinical cases, contributing significantly to the inheritance of TCM knowledge, evidence-based practice, and the reform of talent evaluation mechanisms.
2.Prognostic value of carcinoembryonic antigen kinetics in predicting distant metastatic recurrence of breast cancer:a multicenter cohort study
Bong Kyun KIM ; Dooreh KIM ; Jong Min BAEK ; Yong Hwa EOM ; Young-Joon KANG ; Jiyoung RHU ; Juneyoung AHN ; Ye Won JEON ; Woo Young SUN
Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research 2026;110(5):299-310
Purpose:
Distant metastasis of breast cancer significantly affects the prognosis. Serum markers such as CEA and cancer antigen (CA) 15-3 are used for surveillance. However, the nonspecificity and nonmalignant elevation of CEA limit its absolute value in predicting metastatic recurrence. We reevaluated the clinical value of CEA kinetics in predicting metastatic recurrence in breast cancer.
Methods:
In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, we utilized electronic medical record data from eight institutions (2008–2023), including 4,872 surgically treated patients with invasive breast cancer. Novel CEA kinetic indices were defined.Predictive capabilities were assessed using logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and Cox proportional hazards models.
Results:
CEA velocity (vCEA) and last-interval vCEA (vCEA-L) showed higher accuracy and sensitivity in predicting distant metastasis than absolute CEA indices. All tumor marker indices were independent predictors; vCEA, vCEA-L, and maximum vCEA (vCEAmax) showed the highest association. In the 5-year distant disease-free survival analysis of patients, vCEA showed the most significant difference based on whether its cutoff value was exceeded (84.1% vs. 47.2%) (P < 0.001).Cox analysis showed that vCEA was the strongest predictor (hazard ratio, 4.509; P < 0.001). vCEAmax remained prognostic even when CEAmax was below its cutoff value.
Conclusion
Analysis of dynamic CEA changes, particularly velocity-based indices, offers superior predictive power than the static-based CEA indices for metastatic recurrence in breast cancer. These kinetic markers enhance prognostic accuracy when combined with CA 15-3. Future research should integrate these markers with imaging, liquid biopsy, and artificial intelligence for personalized follow-up.
3.The Neural Circuit Characteristics of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Over The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex for The Treatment of Migraine
Chen-Xia JIN ; Bo-Lin TAN ; Yang YE ; Ji-Qing HE ; Ling-Yan WANG ; Zhong-Ming GAO ; Yu-Jun WANG ; Hui-Li LIU ; Yong-Xing YAN ; Xian-Wei CHE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1953-1968
ObjectiveMigraine is a leading neurological disorder and the fourth most common cause of years lived with disability worldwide, affecting nearly 116 million individuals. Although pharmacological treatments are available, their efficacy is often limited by side effects and variable response rates. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) offers a safe, non-invasive alternative for migraine management. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly how rTMS modulates local cortical excitability and distributed pain-related circuits, remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment protocols and improving clinical outcomes. MethodsThis study employed concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to investigate neuroplastic and neurocircuitry mechanisms of DLPFC-rTMS in migraine. Study 1 compared 30 migraineurs and 28 healthy controls to identify abnormalities in TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and significant current density (SCD) within sensory-discriminative regions including the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and posterior insula (pINS), cognitive-affective regions including the anterior insula (aINS) and midcingulate cortex (MCC), and a descending modulatory region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Study 2 used a single-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design in 34 healthy participants. Each participant received both active (10 Hz, 80% RMT, 1 500 pulses) and sham DLPFC-rTMS in counterbalanced order. TMS-EEG and cold pain tolerance were assessed before and after each session. ResultsIn Study 1, migraineurs showed a significantly less negative N120 amplitude compared to healthy controls (P=0.027, Cohen’s d=0.60), indicating local intracortical disinhibition. No group differences were observed for N40, P60, or P180 components. At the source level, migraineurs exhibited significantly higher SCD in the S1, pINS, aINS, and MCC (allQ<0.05), but not in the ventroposterior thalamus (vpTHAL), mediodorsal thalamus (mdTHAL), or PAG. In Study 2, active rTMS significantly reduced SCD from pre- to post-stimulation in the S1, aINS, and MCC (all Q<0.05). Sham stimulation also reduced SCD in the S1 (Q<0.05) but not in the aINS or MCC. Although no significant group-level analgesic effect was observed between active and sham conditions (P=0.107), correlation analyses revealed that greater SCD reductions in the S1 and MCC were significantly associated with higher post-rTMS pain tolerance (R=-0.487 and -0.495, both Q<0.01) and larger improvements in pain tolerance(R=-0.487 and -0.451, both Q<0.05). No such correlations were found following sham stimulation, suggesting that the behavioural relevance of neural changes is specific to active rTMS. ConclusionThis study provides novel evidence that migraineurs exhibit both local neuroplastic abnormalities (reduced N120 amplitude) and hyperactivity in key pain-processing regions (S1, pINS, aINS, MCC). A single session of DLPFC-rTMS reduced hyperactivity in the aINS, MCC, and S1. Notably, greater reductions in the S1 and MCC were associated with improved pain tolerance. These findings identify distinct cortical circuitries, particularly within the cognitive-affective pain network, that may serve as potential biomarkers for optimizing rTMS treatment in migraine and other chronic pain conditions. Future studies should validate these results in patient populations experiencing spontaneous migraine attacks and explore multi-session or accelerated rTMS protocols.
4.Effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on prolonged disorders of consciousness after stroke
Yaohui HUANG ; Xiangming YE ; Yong LIU ; Pei TANG ; Yishu LU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(7):752-759
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on prolonged disorders of consciousness (pDoC) after stroke. MethodsSixty patients with pDoC admitted to Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital from January to July, 2024 were randomly assigned into control group (n = 30) and observation group (n = 30). Both groups received conventional rehabilitation therapy combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, while the observation group received rTMS in addition, for four weeks. Before and after treatment, they were assessed with Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and bilateral N20 amplitude and latency of somatosensory-evoked potential (SEP), while consciousness status classification and Judson classification were recorded. ResultsOne case in the control group and two in the observation group dropped out. Significant time main effects and interaction effects were observed in CRS-R score (F = 118.420, P < 0.001; F = 23.980, P < 0.001, respectively) and NIHSS score (F = 103.376, P < 0.001; F = 14.241, P < 0.001, respectively). Significant group main effects, time main effects and interaction effects were observed in N20 amplitude (F > 4.303, P < 0.05) and N20 latency (F > 7.569, P < 0.05). Simple effects analysis showed CRS-R score, N20 amplitude, NIHSS score and N20 latency were better in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05) after the intervention, while the consciousness status classification and Judson classification were also better (|Z| > 2.160, P < 0.05). ConclusionrTMS can further promote recovery of consciousness, improve neurological function, and enhance the integrity of central conduction pathways in patients with pDoC after stroke.
5.Association between red cell distribution width/albumin ratio and risk for non-valvular atrial fibrillation in hyperuricemia population
Shuai ZHANG ; Hao LIANG ; Zhengyu BAO ; Yong XIE ; Ye ZHU
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(6):727-731
Objective To explore the association between the ratio of red blood cell distribution width to albumin level(RAR)and the risk of non-valvular atrial fibrillation(NVAF)in patients with hyperuricemia.Methods A total of 8 277 patients with hyperuricemia who underwent physi-cal examinations at the Physical Examination Center of Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital from January 2021 to June 2024 were enrolled.From them,185 patients with AF were assigned into a case group,and 740 patients without AF were into a control group in a ratio of 1∶4 with propen-sity score matching(PSM).Logistic regression analysis,restricted cubic spline analysis,and sub-group analysis were employed to investigate the association between RAR and the risk of NVAF in hyperuricemic patients.Results The case group had significantly larger ratio of smoking,high-er levels of red blood cell distribution width,total bilirubin,hematocrit,and RAR index,but lower albumin,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and triglyceride(TG)levels,and smaller ra-tio of fatty liver than the control group(P<0.01).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the patients at Q2,Q3,and Q4 quartiles of RAR index have higher risk for AF than those at Q1 quartile(OR=2.843,OR=4.263,OR=7.801,P<0.01).The effect of RAR index was significant when below the breakpoint of 2.85(OR=1.492,95%CI:1.151-1.993,P=0.004).Subgroup analysis indicated significant interactions between RAR index and age as well as smok-ing(P interaction<0.05).The area under curve value of RAR index in predicting NVAF occurrence in male hyperuricemic patients was 0.679(95%CI:0.632-0.725).Conclusion In patients with hyperuricemia,a higher RAR index is associated with an increased risk of NVAF.RAR index has guiding significance for diagnosing male hyperuricemic patients complicated with AF.
6.Deep learning model based on fundus images for detection of coronary artery disease with mild cognitive impairment
Yi YE ; Wei FENG ; Yao-dong DING ; Qing CHEN ; Yang ZHANG ; Li LIN ; Tong MA ; Bin WANG ; Xian-gang CHANG ; Zong-yuan GE ; Xiao-yi WANG ; Long-jun CAI ; Yong ZENG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(6):303-311
Objective To develop a deep learning model based on fundus retinal images to improve the detection rate of mild cognitive impairment(MCI)in patients with coronary heart disease,achieve early intervention and improve prognosis.Methods The study was a single-center cross-sectional study that retrospectively included patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease(CHD)by coronary angiography(≥50% stenosis of at least one coronary vessel)from Beijing Anzhen Hospital between November 2021 and December 2022.The whole data set was randomly divided into the training set and the testing set according to the ratio of 8∶2 for model development.After that,the patient data of the same center from January 2023 to April 2023 were included in the time verification method to verify the model.The diagnostic criteria for MCI were MMSE<27 or MoCA<26.Four kinds of convolutional neural network(CNN)architectures were used to train fundus images,and a comprehensive vision model of MCI detection was established through model integration.The area under the curve(AUC),sensitivity and specificity of the receiver operating curve(ROC)were used to evaluate the performance of the AI model.Results We collected 5 880 eligible fundus images from 3 368 CHD patients.Based on the results of the MMSE scale,the algorithm was labeled,including 2 898 males and 527 MCI patients.The AUC of the deep learning model in the test group is 0.733(95%CI 0.688-0.778),and the sensitivity of the algorithm in the test group is 0.577(95%CI 0.528-0.625)by using the operating point with the maximum sum of sensitivity and specificity.With a specificity of 0.758(95%CI 0.714-0.802),corresponding to a validated AUC of 0.710(95%CI 0.601-0.818).Based on the results of the MoCA scale,the algorithm labels 2 437 males and 1 626 MCI patients.The AUC of the deep learning model in the test group was 0.702(95%CI 0.671-0.733).The operating point with the maximum sum of sensitivity and specificity was selected,and the sensitivity of the algorithm was 0.749(95%CI 0.719-0.778)and the specificity was 0.561(95%CI 0.527-0.595),corresponding to the AUC value of the verification group was 0.674(95%CI 0.622-0.726).Conclusions The deep learning algorithm model based on fundus images has good diagnostic performance,and may be used as a new non-invasive,convenient and rapid screening method for MCI in CHD population.
7.Analysis of postoperative effect of different concentrations of ropivacaine for shoulder arthroscopic surgery
Ye ZHANG ; Manhua ZHU ; Yong QI
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(4):69-72,81
Objective To evaluate the analgesic effect and diaphragmatic paralysis of different concentrations of ropivacaine on brachial plexus superior trunk block(STB)in shoulder arthroscopic surgery under general anesthesia.Methods Fifty-seven patients with right rotator cuff injury who underwent shoulder arthroscopic surgery in Lihuili Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University were selected.According to the random number table method,the patients were divided into three Groups:group L(0.25%ropivacaine,19 cases),group M(0.375%ropivacaine,18 cases)and group H(0.5%ropivacaine,20 cases).The duration of nerve block,diaphragmatic paralysis,handgrip strength and visual analogue scale(VAS)score were compared among three groups.Results There were no significant differences in hemodynamics,postoperative extubation time,dosage of propofol and remifentanil among three groups(P>0.05).The duration of nerve block in group L was significantly shorter than that in group M and group H(P<0.001).At 12 hours after operation,the VAS score of group L was significantly higher than that of group M and group H(P<0.01).At 30 minutes after operation,the resting state and forced breathing diaphragm mobility in group L and group M were significantly better than those in group H(P<0.05),and the incidence of partial diaphragm paralysis in group L and group M was significantly lower than that in group H(P<0.05).At 30 minutes after operation,the handgrip strength of group H was significantly lower than that of group L and group M(P<0.05).Conclusion 10ml 0.375%ropivacaine not only has a good analgesic effect,but also reduces the probability of partial diaphragm paralysis and muscle weakness,which is a safe and comfortable administration regimen.
8.Application of flipped classroom combined with teaching film-reading model in the teaching of filamentous fungal morphology for refresher doctors
Kaixuan YUAN ; Xiaoxiao LIU ; Long YE ; Xiaoli CHEN ; Zhuoxi CHEN ; Yong LING ; Aiwei HUANG ; Bing GU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science 2025;43(3):233-237
Objective To investigate the application of flipped classroom combined with teaching film-reading model in the teaching of filamentous fungal morphology for refresher doctors and evaluate its effect.Methods Fifteen refresher doctors taking microbiology from the 2022 batch of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital were selected as the control group,and fifteen from the 2023 batch were se-lected as the experimental group.The"Morphological identification of Aspergillus and Mucor" was selected as the teaching content.The experimental group adopted flipped classroom combined with teaching film-reading model for teaching and the control group adopted tra-ditional teaching mode.The theoretical scores,operational scores,film-reading scores,and total scores of the two groups before and af-ter the implementation of teaching were compared and the teaching effect of the experimental group was evaluated using the Question-naire Star.Results The median scores of operational,film-reading,and total scores in the experimental group and control group were 40,30,and 95.5 and 36,27,and 85.5,respectively,and all the three scores in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion The flipped classroom combined with teaching film-reading model helps to improve the teaching effect of filamentous fungal morphology for refresher doctors,with high satisfaction,and can provide reference for subse-quent filamentous fungal morphology teaching.
9.Association between red cell distribution width/albumin ratio and risk for non-valvular atrial fibrillation in hyperuricemia population
Shuai ZHANG ; Hao LIANG ; Zhengyu BAO ; Yong XIE ; Ye ZHU
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(6):727-731
Objective To explore the association between the ratio of red blood cell distribution width to albumin level(RAR)and the risk of non-valvular atrial fibrillation(NVAF)in patients with hyperuricemia.Methods A total of 8 277 patients with hyperuricemia who underwent physi-cal examinations at the Physical Examination Center of Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital from January 2021 to June 2024 were enrolled.From them,185 patients with AF were assigned into a case group,and 740 patients without AF were into a control group in a ratio of 1∶4 with propen-sity score matching(PSM).Logistic regression analysis,restricted cubic spline analysis,and sub-group analysis were employed to investigate the association between RAR and the risk of NVAF in hyperuricemic patients.Results The case group had significantly larger ratio of smoking,high-er levels of red blood cell distribution width,total bilirubin,hematocrit,and RAR index,but lower albumin,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and triglyceride(TG)levels,and smaller ra-tio of fatty liver than the control group(P<0.01).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the patients at Q2,Q3,and Q4 quartiles of RAR index have higher risk for AF than those at Q1 quartile(OR=2.843,OR=4.263,OR=7.801,P<0.01).The effect of RAR index was significant when below the breakpoint of 2.85(OR=1.492,95%CI:1.151-1.993,P=0.004).Subgroup analysis indicated significant interactions between RAR index and age as well as smok-ing(P interaction<0.05).The area under curve value of RAR index in predicting NVAF occurrence in male hyperuricemic patients was 0.679(95%CI:0.632-0.725).Conclusion In patients with hyperuricemia,a higher RAR index is associated with an increased risk of NVAF.RAR index has guiding significance for diagnosing male hyperuricemic patients complicated with AF.
10.Mechanism of baicalin combined with heat stimulation in treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia based on network pharmacology and in vitro experimental verification
Zi-ru LIU ; Zhu-yun SUN ; Ping-liang GE ; Ran SHI ; Xiao-yun LIU ; Dong-xue YE ; Guo-ying ZHANG ; Rong RONG ; Yong YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1167-1176
Aim To explore the mechanism of baicalin combined with heat stimulation in treating acute lym-phoblastic leukemia(ALL)based on network pharma-cology and in vitro experiments.Methods The CCK-8 assay was used to screen the suitable conditions for heat stimulation to interfere ALL cell lines Jurkat,CCRF-CEM,Hut-78 and a normal lymphocyte HMy2.CIR,and the effects of baicalin combined with heat stimulation on the proliferation of three ALL cell lines and a normal lymphocyte were tested.The key targets of baicalin combined with fever stimulation for the treatment of ALL were obtained based on network phar-macological analysis,and the potential mechanisms were predicted by gene ontology(GO)annotation and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)en-richment.The expression levels of TNF-α,AKT1,TYMS and CASP3 mRNA in ALL cell lines Jurkat and CCRF-CEM were examined by RT-qPCR with baicalin alone and baicalin combined with heat stimulation.Results The optimal conditions for heat stimulation to intervene ALL cells were 41 ℃ for 24 h,and heat stimulation combined with baicalin synergistically inhibited the growth of ALL cell lines and effectively reduced the cy-totoxicity of baicalin.Based on the network pharmaco-logical analysis,55 intersecting targets of baicalin with ALL diseases and 77 intersecting targets of baicalin with fever were obtained.The results of GO annotation and KEGG enrichment suggested that baicalin com-bined with fever stimulation to intervene ALL might be associated with influencing intracellular reactive oxygen species metabolism,DNA transcription and apoptotic processes involved in cysteine enzymes.Apoptosis,TNF and IL-17 signaling pathways were the key pathways for baicalin combined with heat stimulation in treating ALL.Under heat stimulation at 41 ℃ using SDHA gene as housekeeping gene,in vitro experiments showed that baicalin significantly up-regulated the expression of TNF-α and CASP3,and down-regulated the expression of TYMS in ALL cells.Conclusions Based on net-work pharmacologic analyses and in vitro experiments,baicalin combined with heat stimulation can regulate TNF-α and CASP3 gene levels in ALL cells and de-stroy cellular structure to promote cell apoptosis,thus synergistically treating ALL.

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