1.Traditional Chinese medicine for recurrent pregnancy loss: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Zilin LONG ; Houyu ZHAO ; Fengqi LIU ; Meng ZHANG ; Junchang LIU ; Siyan ZHAN ; Feng SUN
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):87-95
Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss undermines the physical and mental health of women. Recent randomized controlled trials have reported some effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM); however, whether various TCM methods have different effectiveness remains unclear. Objective: To comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and adverse events of TCM for patients with RPL and to explore whether various TCM methods have different effectiveness. Methods: Ten databases were searched up to May 27, 2024. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB2 tool. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool. Pairwise and network analyses were conducted using Stata 18.0. Results: A total of 47 randomized controlled trials enrolling 6678 women with RPL were included. Pairwise analysis showed that use of TCM had a significantly lower miscarriage rate (RR 0.50 [95% CI 0.45, 0.55]), lower preterm birth rate (RR 0.81 [95% CI 0.67, 0.98), and lower adverse event rate (RR 0.46 [95% CI 0.37, 0.58]). Moreover, use of TCM was associated with a higher alive-fetus rate (RR 1.21 [95% CI 1.15, 1.26]), live-birth rate (RR 1.20 [95% CI 1.15, 1.25]), and full-term rate (RR 1.37 [95% CI 1.23, 1.53]) compared with nonuse of TCM. Network analysis demonstrated that Bushenshugan combined with conventional Western medicine was ranked the best for the reduction of miscarriage rate. Discussion: Use of TCM is more likely to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce adverse events compared with nonuse of TCM in patients with RPL. Different TCM methods have differences in reducing the miscarriage rate. The Bushenshugan method might be a potential optimal TCM therapy, but more high-quality evidence is needed to further validate and evaluate the efficacy and safety.
2.Integrated evidence chain (Eff-iEC) based effectiveness evaluation of a multifunctional traditional Chinese medicine formula: Taking Xiaoyao San as an example
Caiping HE ; Ye LUO ; Zhiqi LI ; Haocheng YANG ; Lu LIU ; Yingjie XU ; Xiaoyan CHEN ; Siqi HUANG ; Jincai WEN ; Xiaoyan ZHAN ; Zhaofang BAI ; Xu ZHAO ; Xiaohe XIAO
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):96-103
The study focuses on the concept of multifunctional traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas and aims to evaluate the efficacy of the classical formula Xiaoyao San (逍遥散). Study employs the integrated evidence chain (Eff-iEC) method to organize, integrate, and evaluate its therapeutic efficacy in treating different diseases with the same therapy, and to investigate the feasibility of using Eff-iEC to evaluate the multifunctionality of TCM formulas. The evaluation covered Xiaoyao San's therapeutic effects on depression, premenstrual syndrome, chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, and menopausal syndrome. Concurrently, the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used for evaluation, and authoritative medical documents were incorporated to corroborate the recognition of Xiaoyao San within the medical community. Depression and menopausal syndrome received higher ratings than other conditions in the Eff-iEC, GRADE, and Medical Community Recognition assessments. The Eff-iEC evidence grade for Xiaoyao San was rated as "High" or above for chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, and menopausal syndrome. Premenstrual syndrome received a "Moderate +" rating. The GRADE evidence level was "Low-〇〇⨁⨁" for depression, premenstrual syndrome, and chronic hepatitis; "Moderate-〇⨁⨁⨁" for dyspepsia and menopausal syndrome; and "Very Low-〇〇〇⨁" for irritable bowel syndrome. Depression and menopausal syndrome had the highest inclusion frequency, appearing in all 4 categories. Premenstrual syndrome, chronic hepatitis, and dyspepsia are not recommended in Western medical guidelines, but they are included in TCM guidelines, the China National Basic Medical Insurance Drug List, and the China National Essential Drug List. Irritable bowel syndrome appears only in the China National Basic Medical Insurance Drug List and China National Essential Drug List. The evaluation results obtained using the Eff-iEC method align with Medical Community Recognition, providing an objective and comprehensive assessment of Xiaoyao San's efficacy. The findings suggest that Xiaoyao San has strong evidence for treating depression and menopausal syndrome. However, further experimental and clinical trials are needed to assess its efficacy in treating premenstrual syndrome, chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and dyspepsia. These results support the clinical efficacy and rational use of Xiaoyao San, expand the application scope of the Eff-iEC method, and offer valuable insights and methodological references for the comparative evaluation of multifunctional TCM formulas.
3.Characteristics and trends of pneumoconiosis incidence in Hebei Province from 1949 to 2024
Junqin ZHAO ; Guangyi BAI ; Zhenyu GONG ; Lixin YANG ; Junqing GAO ; Ye ZHAN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(5):597-603
Background Pneumoconiosis remains a critical occupational disease in China. As a major industrial province, Hebei historically faced severe challenges regarding this condition. The 1986 national epidemiological survey ranked Hebei sixth in reported pneumoconiosis cases nationwide. Objective To analyze 76 years of pneumoconiosis data (1949–2024) in Hebei Province to provide evidence-based support for prevention and control strategies. Methods Occupational pneumoconiosis cases diagnosed in Hebei from 1949 to 2024 were included. Five-year intervals were used to analyze incidence composition, dust exposure duration, age at first diagnosis, and age at death. A hybrid model, integrating autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) with generalized regression neural network (GRNN), was employed to predict case numbers for the 2025−2030 period. Results A total of 36107 cases of pneumoconiosis were recorded (2.10% female) in Hebei from 1949 to 2024. Stages I, II, and III accounted for 77.35%, 16.45%, and 6.20%, respectively. Silicosis (55.60%), coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (27.24%), and pottery workers’ pneumoconiosis (8.88%) were the predominant types. Observed trends included a shortened dust exposure duration [silicosis: (12.78±7.063) years in 2020–2024] and an increasing age at first diagnosis [(54.01±7.499) years in 2020–2024]. The case-fatality rate was 14.84%, with a rising age at death [(82.26±9.632) years in 2015–2019]. Three incidence peaks (1963, 1984, and 2014) correlated with national policies and industrialization phases. The number of pneumoconiosis cases showed a decreasing trend from 2015 to 2024. Chengde and Tangshan were identified as current high-risk areas. The ARIMA-GRNN model projected annual cases between 416 and 429 during 2025–2030. Conclusion In the past decade,the number of pneumoconiosis cases in Hebei Province had shown a decreasing trend, it is projected to plateau with no significant decline over the next five years. Furthermore, challenges such as the proportion of silicosis remaining high and shortened dust exposure duration remain severe. It is recommended to focus on key regions like Chengde (ore mining) and Tangshan (ceramics industry). A comprehensive strategy integrating stricter regulation, technological controls, model innovation, and targeted interventions should be implemented to achieve a further substantial reduction in pneumoconiosis incidence.
4.Characteristics and trends of pneumoconiosis incidence in Hebei Province from 1949 to 2024
Junqin ZHAO ; Guangyi BAI ; Zhenyu GONG ; Lixin YANG ; Junqing GAO ; Ye ZHAN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(5):597-603
Background Pneumoconiosis remains a critical occupational disease in China. As a major industrial province, Hebei historically faced severe challenges regarding this condition. The 1986 national epidemiological survey ranked Hebei sixth in reported pneumoconiosis cases nationwide. Objective To analyze 76 years of pneumoconiosis data (1949–2024) in Hebei Province to provide evidence-based support for prevention and control strategies. Methods Occupational pneumoconiosis cases diagnosed in Hebei from 1949 to 2024 were included. Five-year intervals were used to analyze incidence composition, dust exposure duration, age at first diagnosis, and age at death. A hybrid model, integrating autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) with generalized regression neural network (GRNN), was employed to predict case numbers for the 2025−2030 period. Results A total of 36107 cases of pneumoconiosis were recorded (2.10% female) in Hebei from 1949 to 2024. Stages I, II, and III accounted for 77.35%, 16.45%, and 6.20%, respectively. Silicosis (55.60%), coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (27.24%), and pottery workers’ pneumoconiosis (8.88%) were the predominant types. Observed trends included a shortened dust exposure duration [silicosis: (12.78±7.063) years in 2020–2024] and an increasing age at first diagnosis [(54.01±7.499) years in 2020–2024]. The case-fatality rate was 14.84%, with a rising age at death [(82.26±9.632) years in 2015–2019]. Three incidence peaks (1963, 1984, and 2014) correlated with national policies and industrialization phases. The number of pneumoconiosis cases showed a decreasing trend from 2015 to 2024. Chengde and Tangshan were identified as current high-risk areas. The ARIMA-GRNN model projected annual cases between 416 and 429 during 2025–2030. Conclusion In the past decade,the number of pneumoconiosis cases in Hebei Province had shown a decreasing trend, it is projected to plateau with no significant decline over the next five years. Furthermore, challenges such as the proportion of silicosis remaining high and shortened dust exposure duration remain severe. It is recommended to focus on key regions like Chengde (ore mining) and Tangshan (ceramics industry). A comprehensive strategy integrating stricter regulation, technological controls, model innovation, and targeted interventions should be implemented to achieve a further substantial reduction in pneumoconiosis incidence.
5.Whole-genome sequencing analysis of co-existing bacteria in platelet products: genomic features and biological implications
Qiqi WANG ; Yuwei ZHAO ; Xue CHEN ; Zhan GAO ; Miao HE
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(3):305-316
Objective: To establish a rapid, accurate, and decentralized workflow for bacterial whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and risk profiling within the shelf-life of platelet concentrates, and to characterize the species, virulence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and immune evasion mechanisms of co-existing bacteria in qualified platelet products, thereby providing a scientific basis for transfusion safety assessment. Methods: Three units of platelet concentrates, which tested negative by routine bacterial screening, were collected from the Chengdu Blood Center between May and June 2025. Samples were enriched at 37℃under six aerobic and nine anaerobic conditions for 7 days. Using a culturomics strategy, aliquots were plated for isolation on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 to obtain cultivable isolates, with negative culture controls included to exclude contamination. High-molecular-weight genomic DNA was extracted via mechanical grinding, purified, and size-selected. Sequencing libraries were constructed and sequenced on the G-seq500 single-molecule nanopore sequencing platform. Genomes were assembled using Flye and polished with NextPolish, with quality evaluated by BUSCO and CheckM. Taxonomic identification was performed using GTDB-Tk. Functional annotation and database comparisons were conducted to analyze virulence factors, AMR genes, and genes related to immune evasion and environmental adaptation. Results: Viable bacteria were successfully isolated from all three qualified platelet units within their shelf life. The isolates were identified as Bacillus albus, Niallia taxi, and Staphylococcus warneri. Nanopore sequencing generated 92 227-109 813 reads (totaling 680-758 Mb) with an N50 of 7 625-8 584 bp and Q20/Q30 scores of 97%/93%, respectively. All three genomes were assembled into complete circular chromosomes with 1-3 plasmids, achieving >93% completeness. Functional analysis revealed that B. albus carried multiple hemolysins, metalloproteases, and multidrug resistance genes, indicating the highest potential pathogenicity and AMR risk. S. warneri exhibited a typical multidrug resistance profile and regulatory network characteristic of coagulase-negative staphylococci, suggesting intermediate virulence. N. taxi harbored few canonical virulence factors and lacked functional AMR determinants, presenting a "low-virulence, low-resistance" profile. Notably, all three strains were enriched in genes encoding antimicrobial peptide resistance systems (e.g., dltABCD, mprF, GraRS, BceAB) and antioxidant enzymes, suggesting a strong capacity to withstand immune stress in the blood environment. Conclusion: Viable bacteria can be recovered from qualified platelet concentrates that test negative by routine screening. Nanopore WGS enables rapid strain-level identification and comprehensive risk profiling of virulence, resistance, and immune adaptation traits. The functional repertoires of these "co-existing" isolates range from environmental adaptation to potential pathogenicity, representing an underappreciated risk for transfusion-transmitted infections in susceptible recipients.
6.Research Tackling Paradigm and Technological Layout Strategies Based on Erectile Dysfunction, A Clinical Dominant Disease of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Qi ZHAO ; Yun CHEN ; Baoxing LIU ; Xuejun SHANG ; Fei SUN ; Xiaozhi ZHAO ; Zhigang WU ; Chao SUN ; Peihai ZHANG ; Wanjun CHENG ; Xing ZHOU ; Zhan QIN ; Yufeng PAN ; Weiwei TAO ; Jianhuai CHEN ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Xing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):291-299
To thoroughly implement the strategic deployment outlined in the Opinions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Promoting the Inheritance and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine regarding research on dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine and to uphold the development philosophy of equal emphasis on traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine,the China Association of Chinese Medicine has fully played a leading academic role by systematically organizing and conducting a series of academic youth salons on clinical dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine. On September 13,2024,the 36th Youth Salon on Clinical Dominant Diseases was successfully held in Nanjing,focusing on the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine and the integrative traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The conference brought together leading experts from traditional Chinese medicine,western medicine,and interdisciplinary fields,facilitating in-depth multidisciplinary discussions that led to key consensus on optimizing traditional Chinese medicine treatment protocols for ED,researching and developing new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,and advancing interdisciplinary development in traditional Chinese medicine. This salon systematically sorted out the clinical strengths and distinctive features of traditional Chinese medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of ED. Based on current research foundations and clinical needs,it identified key directions for future scientific layout and scientific research tackling: (1) Standardization of syndrome differentiation system of traditional Chinese medicine for ED. (2) Optimization and standardization of intervention methods of integrated traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine. (3) High-quality clinical research guided by evidence-based medicine. (4) In-depth analysis of the pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of ED. (5) Clinical translation and application promotion of new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine. (6) Interdisciplinary integration and innovation in traditional Chinese medicine. For each research direction,key focus areas,expected objectives,and clinical value were further refined,along with the establishment of a scientifically sound priority funding level evaluation system. Therefore,building on the series of salons on the ED-focused dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine,this paper provides standardized guidance for clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine in ED management,effectively contributing to the high-quality development of traditional Chinese medicine. It serves as a valuable reference for national scientific and technological strategic layout, research and development decision-making in new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,research topic planning,and clinical guideline formulation.
7.Analysis of scientific and technological outputs of Chinese enterprises manufacturing medical equipment based on bibliometrics:as a case UIH uPMR 790 PET/MRI
Zhiyong LI ; Xiaorui ZHAO ; Kai ZENG ; Zixin KANG ; Han XUE ; Zhan SUN ; Peng NING ; Zeshi CUI ; Xiongjun PENG
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(11):149-163
Objective:To apply data mining and bibliometric methods to collect and analyze literatures related to the uPMR 790 integrated positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging(PET/MRI)of the United Imaging Healthcare(UIH)and assess its output effects in clinical research and application,continued research and development,performance improvement,technology assessment,healthcare technology management,and other aspects.Methods:To conduct literature searches on data platforms such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),WanFang Data Knowledge Service Platform(WANFANG DATA),Wanfang Medical Network(WANFANG MED ONLINE),Chinese Medical Association Journal Database(Yiigle),NIH/PubMed,etc.Based on literature review,to implement bibliometric analysis and evaluate from several technological output dimensions.Results:134 sample literatures were obtained.Among them,there are 121 journal articles,10 dissertations(1 doctoral dissertation and 9 master's theses),3 case reports from the Chinese Medical Case Repository,59 of foreign language journals,and 101 articles sourced from uPMR 790 users as the first author affiliation.Engineering and technical personnel from UIH participated in 58 journal articles;89 clinical research articles,accounting for 66.42%of the sample literatures,15 engineering research and artificial intelligence(AI)research articles,accounting for 11.19%,15 technology assessment articles,accounting for 11.19%,4 healthcare technology management articles,1 experimental research article,and 10 reviews.In addition,33 related patent technologies were retrieved from UIH and its cooperative institutions,as well as UIH PET/MRI equipment users,including 20 invention patents,13 utility model patents.Conclusion:The research results show that the innovative medical equipment,the uPMR 790 PET/MRI,has definite technological outputs in clinical research and application,providing important and widely data of evidence-based medicine for clinical application promotion.It also map out the effective support of this innovative medical equipment for multidisciplinary clinical research such as medical imaging,neurology,cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases,geriatrics,pediatrics,etc.Driven by the model of medical-engineering integration and synergy mechanism,display multidimensional output effects such as continuous research and development,quality improvement,technology assessment,configuration management,and healthcare technology management.UIH actively participates in researchs and follows up on innovative practices in medical-engineering integration,demonstrating a positive attitude as a leading medical equipment enterprise.Real world research will provide evidence support for the application demonstration and promotion for equipment manufactured by Chinese medical equipment enterprises.
8.Construction of a Competency Evaluation Model for Forensic Practitioners
Jing-Chun BAO ; Jing-Jing ZHAO ; Jiao-Yong LI ; Jing-Hua MENG ; Xiao-Long WANG ; Xiao-Ni ZHAN ; Jun YAO ; Xu WU
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(4):371-379
Objective To construct a competency evaluation model for forensic practitioners,providing a reference for their training and assessment.Methods Based on the iceberg and onion models of com-petency,and with reference to Spencer's Competency Dictionary,literature research was conducted and focus group interviews were employed to preliminarily construct core indices and measurement items for evaluating the competency of forensic practitioners.The Delphi method was applied for two rounds of expert consultation to further refine the competency evaluation index system.The analytic hierarchy process(AHP)was used to calculate the weights of the indices.Results A competency evaluation model for forensic practitioners was constructed,consisting of 7 core indices,encompassing forensic skills,identification service capabilities,and the ability to apply relevant legal knowledge and 49 mea-surement items.The weights of the core indices and measurement items were determined.Conclusion The constructed competency evaluation model for forensic practitioners is scientifically sound and inno-vative,and has unique characteristics of forensic medicine compared with other medical models.
9.The effect of"Tongdu Tiaoshen"acupuncture combined with hand function training in treatment of hand dysfunction after cerebral infarction
Tuo ZHU ; Yideng ZHAO ; Hailan ZHAN ; Quan ZHOU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(15):2418-2425
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of"Tongdu Tiaoshen"acupuncture combined with hand function rehabilitation training in patients with hand dysfunction following cerebral infarction.Methods A total of 104 patients were randomly assigned to either the observation group(receiving"Tongdu Tiaoshen"acupunc-ture combined with hand function rehabilitation training)or the control group(undergoing hand function rehabilita-tion training alone),with 52 patients in each group.Both groups underwent a 4-week treatment regimen.The following outcome measures were assessed pre-and post-treatment:Modified Ashworth Scale(MAS),Modified Lindmark Scale(MLS),Brunnstrom Motor Function Score(BMS)for upper limbs,Fugl-Meyer Assessment(FMA)of upper limb motor function,Modified Barthel Index(MBI),and grip strength(GS).Adverse events were docu-mented,and the clinical efficacy in each group was evaluated by calculating the effective rate.Results After excluding dropouts,a total of 94 cases were included in the final statistical analysis,with 48 cases assigned to the observation group and 46 to the control group.Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in MLS,MAS,BMS,FMA,MBI,and GS scores compared to pre-treatment levels,with all differences being statistically significant(P<0.05).Following treatment,intergroup comparisons also revealed statistically significant differences in all mea-sured indicators(P<0.05).The total effective rate was higher in the observation group(91.7%)than in the control group(82.6%),and the difference in efficacy grades between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusions"Tongdu Tiaoshen"acupuncture,when combined with hand function training,demonstrates signifi-cantly greater efficacy than hand function rehabilitation training alone in improving post-cerebral infarction hand dysfunction.It enhances grip strength and fine motor coordination of the affected limb,alleviates hand muscle spasticity and joint stiffness,and promotes recovery of upper limb motor function,thereby improving patients'activities of daily living.This integrated therapeutic approach warrants further clinical validation and in-depth research for broader implementation.
10.The Acceleration of Spatial Navigation Aging Process by Liver Failing to Convey and Disperse and Its Neuroelectrophysiological Mechanisms
Yan ZHANG ; Yong LIU ; Lan ZHAO ; Jinchai DENG ; Lei HUO ; Zhongpeng QIN ; Wenju ZHANG ; Xianghong ZHAN
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(7):1934-1945
Objective To investigate the influence of the liver failing to convey and disperse on space navigation aging.Methods High and low neuroticism subjects screened by Eysenck personality questionnaire were included in liver failing to convey and disperse group and liver controlling conveyance and dispersion group,respectively.The two groups were then divided into youth and elderly groups based on age.Finally,spatial navigation task was conducted to record and analyze behavioral(reaction time and accuracy)and EEG data(amplitude and latency of P2 and N2 components)of all the four groups(30 subjects each group).Results Compared with liver controlling conveyance and dispersion group,the accuracy in subjects with liver failing to convey and disperse decreased significantly(P<0.001)and reaction time was prolonged significantly(P<0.05).The interaction effect between age and liver regulation status showed a marginal significant difference(P=0.078).The accuracy of elderly people was lower than that of youth people(P=0.002)for liver failing to convey and disperse subjects,while there was no significant difference between the two groups for subjects with liver controlling conveyance and dispersion.The P2 amplitude in the elderly group was significantly smaller than that in the youth group(P=0.027).The amplitude of P2 in group of liver failing to convey and disperse was significantly smaller than that in group of liver controlling conveyance and dispersion(P=0.042).The interaction effect of P2 amplitude between age and liver regulation status showed a marginal significance(P=0.073).For youth subjects,the P2 amplitude in group of liver controlling conveyance and dispersion was significantly larger than that in group of liver failing to convey and disperse(P=0.007),while there was no significant difference in P2 amplitude between the two groups for the elderly subjects.The N2 amplitude for tasks of allocentric frames of reference was significantly greater than that of egocentric frames of reference(P=0.024).Conclusion Liver failing to convey and disperse caused by long-term emotional disturbance accelerates spatial navigation aging,and selective attention feature inhibition disorder may be the underlying ERPs neuroelectrophysiological mechanism.

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