1.Analysis on the practical challenges and paths of “clown doctors” practice from the perspective of narrative medicine
Hui WANG ; Yutong PAN ; Liqun LU ; Can ZHANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(2):215-222
Narrative medicine focuses on empathy, relevance, and emotion, precisely aligning with the elements of “clown doctor” such as compassion, interaction, and pain relief. From the perspective of narrative medicine, the practice of “clown doctors” not only focuses on the emotional changes of patients but also enhances their sense of belonging by recreating their experiences. The key element for the success of “clown doctors” lies in establishing a multi-dimensional trust relationship among medical workers, patients, colleagues, and society, while ensuring their practice adheres to medical ethics norms. “Clown doctors” should concentrate on dimensions such as concept dissemination, clinical application, social recognition, and ethical practice of narrative medicine. They should also constantly optimize narrative techniques, deepen the understanding of patients’ stories, and intervene in the medical process in a more delicate and comprehensive way, thereby fostering in-depth communication and understanding between doctors and patients.
2.Potential Toxicity of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Its Scientific Regulation
Ting WANG ; Can TU ; Lin ZHANG ; Zhaojuan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):1-9
In recent years, with the extensive application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) both domestically and internationally, safety concerns associated with TCM have been frequently reported. Notably, some TCM substances traditionally regarded as ''non-toxic'' have exhibited significant adverse reactions during clinical use, drawing substantial attention to TCM safety. This study first analyzed the risk factors contributing to the potential toxicity of TCM from perspectives such as drug properties, individual constitution, and clinical medication practices. Subsequently, it proposed research strategies and methodologies for investigating potential TCM toxicity: ① conduct studies under the guidance of TCM theory, adhering to the principle of diversity and unity. ② adopt an integrated research paradigm of ''originating from clinical practice-syndrome-based foundation-returning to clinical practice-serving supervision''. ③ implement a three-tier technical system of ''Mathematical modeling-high-throughput screening via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-systems biology'' to systematically elucidate the causes, material basis, and mechanisms of toxicity. Finally, scientific regulatory recommendations for potential TCM toxicity are proposed: ① establish a multidimensional prevention and control system addressing drug properties, physical constitution factors, and clinical medication practices. ② address the impact of modern processing techniques on the safety of new TCM drugs. ③ strengthen the revision of standards for Chinese medicinal materials to ensure their safety. ④ account for disease-syndrome combination animal models and interspecies differences in safety assessment outcomes. This study aims to overcome critical challenges in TCM regulation by advancing evaluation through research and driving research through evaluation. By establishing a high-level scientific regulatory framework, it seeks to not only safeguard clinical medication safety but also propel the high-quality development of the TCM industry, thereby providing scientific support for the inheritance and innovative evolution of TCM.
3.Potential Toxicity of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Its Scientific Regulation
Ting WANG ; Can TU ; Lin ZHANG ; Zhaojuan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):1-9
In recent years, with the extensive application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) both domestically and internationally, safety concerns associated with TCM have been frequently reported. Notably, some TCM substances traditionally regarded as ''non-toxic'' have exhibited significant adverse reactions during clinical use, drawing substantial attention to TCM safety. This study first analyzed the risk factors contributing to the potential toxicity of TCM from perspectives such as drug properties, individual constitution, and clinical medication practices. Subsequently, it proposed research strategies and methodologies for investigating potential TCM toxicity: ① conduct studies under the guidance of TCM theory, adhering to the principle of diversity and unity. ② adopt an integrated research paradigm of ''originating from clinical practice-syndrome-based foundation-returning to clinical practice-serving supervision''. ③ implement a three-tier technical system of ''Mathematical modeling-high-throughput screening via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-systems biology'' to systematically elucidate the causes, material basis, and mechanisms of toxicity. Finally, scientific regulatory recommendations for potential TCM toxicity are proposed: ① establish a multidimensional prevention and control system addressing drug properties, physical constitution factors, and clinical medication practices. ② address the impact of modern processing techniques on the safety of new TCM drugs. ③ strengthen the revision of standards for Chinese medicinal materials to ensure their safety. ④ account for disease-syndrome combination animal models and interspecies differences in safety assessment outcomes. This study aims to overcome critical challenges in TCM regulation by advancing evaluation through research and driving research through evaluation. By establishing a high-level scientific regulatory framework, it seeks to not only safeguard clinical medication safety but also propel the high-quality development of the TCM industry, thereby providing scientific support for the inheritance and innovative evolution of TCM.
4.Epidemiological characteristics of postoperative pneumonia and distribution of pathogens in a three-A general hospital from 2015 to 2024
Li ZHANG ; Lin ZHANG ; Can CHENG ; Yan YAN ; Yi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(18):2775-2779
OBJECTIVE To collect the data regarding postoperative pneumonia(POP)in recent ten years,analyze the epidemiological rules and understand the distribution of major pathogens causing the POP so as to lay solid foundation for fully implementing' Infection Control in Surgery' initiative.METHODS The clinical data were col-lected from the patients who received surgical procedures in Chongqing University Fuling Hospital from 2015 to 2024.The difference in the incidence of POP between the sexes and among the departments and incidence trends a-mong the age groups and the years as well as the distribution of major pathogens were retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS The total incidence of POP was 1.41%in 2015-2024,2.82%in 2015,showing a year by year downward trend from 2021 to 2024(x2=284 906,P<0.001).The incidence of POP of the male was 2.42%,higher than 0.70%of the female(P<0.001).The incidence of POP was 0.29%in the 1 day to 19-year-old age group,2.84%in the 60-year-old age group,and the incidence showed an upward trend with the increase of age(x2=451.053,P<0.001).The incidence of POP varied in the departments(P<0.001),with the highest(20.24%)in the neurosurgery department,the lower(0.05%and 0.06%)in the gynecology department and oph-thalmology department.Of the isolated pathogens causing POP,Acinetobacter baumannii accounted for 25.48%,Klebsiella pneumoniae 22.82%,Pseudomonas aeruginosa 14.35%.The percentage of the A.baumannii strains was highest in all the years except for the percentage of K.pneumoniae in 2015 and 2018.CONCLUSIONS The in-cidence of hospital-associated POP is relatively low.The population of advanced age and male is at high risk of POP.POP is highly prevalent in neurosurgery department.The gram-negative bacteria are dominant among the pathogens causing the POP.
5.Reflections on the value basis and focus points of implementing the action plan for the improvement of medical humanistic care: based on the Action Plan for the Improvement of Medical Humanistic Care (2024-2027)
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(4):522-530
On September 29, 2024, the issuance of the Action Plan for the Improvement of Medical Humanistic Care (2024-2027) provided policy support for medical colleges to carry out medical humanistic education, medical institutions to improve medical humanistic care, and society to promote professionalism. The series of actions related to the core and soul of medical services, the harmony and stability of the doctor-patient relationship, and the essence and original intention of doctor-patient services, are the fundamental strategies, practical needs, and development requirements for the development of medical and health industry in the new era. Through the interpretation and value reflections of the current action plan, a series of suggestions were proposed to strengthen the effective implementation of actions and promote the construction of medical humanities, providing references for the detailed implementation and execution by provincial and municipal administrative departments, medical institutions, and medical colleges, with a view to contributing to building a harmonious doctor-patient relationship.
6.Association between placental cortisol and neurodevelopment in 3-month-old infants
Shuangjie YU ; Jinfang ZHANG ; Ye LI ; Jing FAN ; Can LIU ; Suzhen GUAN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(4):420-426
Background During pregnancy, negative emotions such as anxiety and depression may induce cortisol disruption. Cortisol can be transmitted to the fetus through the placental barrier, thereby affecting the neurodevelopment of the offspring. Objective To investigate the relationship between placental cortisol, maternal depression during pregnancy, and neurodevelopment of 3-month-old infants. Methods From September 2022 to September 2023, 171 pregnant women ordered routine prenatal checks at the obstetrics outpatient department of a tertiary hospital in Ningxia were selected using a prospective cohort design. After providing informed consent, these women participated in a questionnaire survey that covered general individual characteristics, prenatal depression, and sleep quality. At birth, placental samples were collected to measure cortisol levels using ELISA kits. Follow-up assessments on the neurodevelopmental of 3-month-old infants were conducted using the Warning Sign for Children Mental and Behavioral Development. LASSO regression analysis was conducted to screen the influencing factors of depression during pregnancy. Huber regression analysis was then applied to assess potential linear relationship between depression during pregnancy and placental cortisol levels. Log-binomial regression was used to analyze the linear relationships between cortisol levels and neurodevelopmental delay in 3-month-old infants. Additionally, a mediation effect model was fitted using R 4.3.3 to assess possible mediating role of cortisol in the association between prenatal depression and neurodevelopmental delay in 3-month-old infants. Results The positive rate of prenatal depression was 33.33%. Nine factors affecting prenatal depression were identified by LASSO regression, including rural residence, high school education or above, extroverted personality characteristics, moderate early pregnancy reactions, baby sex expectation, prenatal anxiety, family dysfunction, exposure to stressful life events during pregnancy, and moderate prenatal sleep quality. The Huber regression model showed a positive linear correlation between prenatal depression and placental cortisol (P<0.05). With or without controlling confounding factors, the results of log-binomial regression modeling showed that cortisol levels were associated with a reduced risk of neurodevelopmental delay in 3-month-old infants (crude model: RR=0.988, 95%CI:
7.Toxic Components, Toxicity Mechanisms, Toxicity Attenuation Measures, and Evaluation Methods of Renal Injury-inducing Chinese Medicine
Xin HUANG ; Lujin ZHANG ; Mingsan MIAO ; Can WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):295-304
ObjectiveWe reviewed the existing experimental studies about renal injury-inducing Chinese medicine and systematically analyzed the toxicity mechanisms, toxic components, toxicity attenuation measures, and modern evaluation methods of renal injury-inducing Chinese medicine. The results are expected to provide new ideas for the modern research on kidney injury-inducing Chinese medicine, offer new breakthrough points for the toxicity attenuation of Chinese medicine by compatibility and processing, and give insights into the future research of Chinese medicine toxicology on the basis of ensuring the safety and scientific application of Chinese medicine. MethodsThe animal, cell, and clinical studies of kidney injury-inducing Chinese medicine were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed, and Web of Science. The names and toxic components of renal injury-inducing Chinese medicine, renal injury sites, toxicity mechanisms, toxicity attenuation measures, and related evaluation methods were summarized. ResultsThe toxicity mechanisms of kidney injury-inducing Chinese medicine mainly involved oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammatory cell infiltration, and organic anion transporters. Processing and compatibility were the main toxicity attenuation measures. The evaluation methods encompassed animal experiments, cell models, network pharmacology, metabolomics, toxicology genomics, and fluorescent probe technology. ConclusionAt present, the toxicological verification of kidney injury-inducing Chinese medicine starts from toxic components and combines various experimental methods, which is more comprehensive and systematic than the previous studies based on only animal experiments. According to the classical theories of traditional Chinese medicine, the toxicity of kidney injury-inducing Chinese medicine is mainly attenuated by decocting in water, steaming, and frying. With the progress of science and technology, new processing methods for toxicity attenuation are emerging, and structural transformation, fermentation, and microwave methods are the key research directions of toxicity attenuation of Chinese medicine in recent years.
8.Literature Based Analysis on Adverse Reactions in Simultaneously Clinical Use of Banxia (Rhizoma Pinelliae)- Wutou (Aconitum)
Can CAO ; Wenyong LIAO ; Jiwen ZHANG ; Yinghao WU ; Xiangnan XU ; Meijing WU ; Xiaoqing LIU ; Shaohong CHEN ; Haiyan LIU ; Linlin XIU ; Xiangqing CUI ; Gaoyang LI ; Ying ZHANG ; Gansheng ZHONG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(9):955-962
ObjectiveTo analyze the adverse reactions associated with the clinical use of Banxia (Rhizoma Pinelliae)- Wutou (Aconitum) in the same formula, with the aim of providing a reference for the safety of their clinical application. MethodsLiterature on the clinical application of antagonistic herbs "Banxia-Wutou" used in the same formula, published from January 1st, 2014, to June 30th, 2023, was retrieved from databases including CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, SinoMed, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase. A database was established, and information related to adverse reactions was extracted, including descriptions, classifications, specific manifestations, management and outcomes, patients' primary diseases (western medicine diseases and traditional Chinese medicine diagnoses and syndromes), and medication information (dosage, ratio, administration routes, and dosage forms). ResultsA total of 79 researches simultaneously used antagonistic herbs Banxia-Wutou in the same formula and reported associated advers reactions. Gastrointestinal adverse reactions were the most common, with 8 studies reporting management of adverse reactions and 3 studies reporting improvement with no intervention. Among the 11 researches, the adverse reaction relieved to extant, while other 69 researches didn't report the managment of adverse reaction and its prognosis. For the primary disease in western medicine system, chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were most common, while gastric pain was the most common symptom in traditional Chinese medicine with spleen and kidney deficiency and spleen stomach cold deficiency being the most frequent syndromes. The most common Banxia dosage was 10 g, while for the Wutou, Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata) was predominant with the highest dose at 15 g. The most frequent herbal combination was Banxia-fuzi, with a 1∶1 ratio. The main administration route was oral, and the primary dosage form was decoction. ConclusionGastrointestinal adverse reactions are the most common in the clinical use of Banxia-Wutou antagonistic herb combinations. Research on the safety of "Banxia-Wutou" combinations should focus on respiratory system diseases and spleen-stomach related conditions.
9.Toxic Components, Toxicity Mechanisms, Toxicity Attenuation Measures, and Evaluation Methods of Renal Injury-inducing Chinese Medicine
Xin HUANG ; Lujin ZHANG ; Mingsan MIAO ; Can WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):295-304
ObjectiveWe reviewed the existing experimental studies about renal injury-inducing Chinese medicine and systematically analyzed the toxicity mechanisms, toxic components, toxicity attenuation measures, and modern evaluation methods of renal injury-inducing Chinese medicine. The results are expected to provide new ideas for the modern research on kidney injury-inducing Chinese medicine, offer new breakthrough points for the toxicity attenuation of Chinese medicine by compatibility and processing, and give insights into the future research of Chinese medicine toxicology on the basis of ensuring the safety and scientific application of Chinese medicine. MethodsThe animal, cell, and clinical studies of kidney injury-inducing Chinese medicine were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed, and Web of Science. The names and toxic components of renal injury-inducing Chinese medicine, renal injury sites, toxicity mechanisms, toxicity attenuation measures, and related evaluation methods were summarized. ResultsThe toxicity mechanisms of kidney injury-inducing Chinese medicine mainly involved oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammatory cell infiltration, and organic anion transporters. Processing and compatibility were the main toxicity attenuation measures. The evaluation methods encompassed animal experiments, cell models, network pharmacology, metabolomics, toxicology genomics, and fluorescent probe technology. ConclusionAt present, the toxicological verification of kidney injury-inducing Chinese medicine starts from toxic components and combines various experimental methods, which is more comprehensive and systematic than the previous studies based on only animal experiments. According to the classical theories of traditional Chinese medicine, the toxicity of kidney injury-inducing Chinese medicine is mainly attenuated by decocting in water, steaming, and frying. With the progress of science and technology, new processing methods for toxicity attenuation are emerging, and structural transformation, fermentation, and microwave methods are the key research directions of toxicity attenuation of Chinese medicine in recent years.
10.Mechanism of core acupoints of acupuncture for polycystic ovary syndrome based on data mining and network acupuncture medicine.
Xinye GAO ; Qianhan LIU ; Yifei WANG ; Tingyuan YANG ; Wenci ZHANG ; Can LIU ; Shuxiu ZHU ; Lei ZHANG
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(12):1846-1858
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the acupoint selection patterns and core prescriptions of acupuncture for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using data mining, and to explore the molecular mechanisms of core acupoints through network acupuncture medicine.
METHODS:
The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on acupuncture for PCOS published from January 1, 2004 to July 21, 2024 were retrieved from CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. R software (version 4.4.0) was used for acupoint frequency and association rule analysis to identify core acupoint prescriptions. Potential targets were predicted via the STITCH and Swiss Target Prediction databases, and a "core prescription-active compounds-targets- PCOS" network was constructed. Cytoscape 3.7.1 was applied to build protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks of potential targets of core acupoint prescriptions. Key therapeutic targets were subjected to gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses using the DAVID and Microbioinformatics platforms.
RESULTS:
A total of 176 RCTs were included, covering 208 prescriptions and 89 acupoints. The five most frequently used acupoints were Guanyuan (CV4), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Zigong (EX-CA1), Zusanli (ST36) and Zhongji (CV3). Association rule analysis yielded 13 core acupoint combinations, with Guanyuan (CV4), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Zigong (EX-CA1) and Zusanli (ST36) as the core prescription. Twenty-seven active compounds were involved, with 852 potential therapeutic targets, among which 208 targets overlapped with PCOS-related targets. Network acupuncture medicine analysis suggested that the core prescription may act through targets such as estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src (SRC), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), and RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT1). GO and KEGG analyses indicated that the main pathways included the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-AKT) signaling pathway, and advanced glycation end products-receptor for advanced glycation end products (AGE-RAGE) signaling pathway, involving processes such as signal transduction, receptor complex formation, and cytokine activity.
CONCLUSION
The core acupoint prescription for PCOS might exert therapeutic effects through multiple targets and pathways, providing a theoretical basis for mechanistic research on acupoint prescriptions.
Humans
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Data Mining
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/metabolism*
;
Female
;
Protein Interaction Maps
;
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail