1.Effect and Mechanisms of Ermiao Formula Analogs and Their Active Components in Treating Dampness-heat Type Gouty Arthritis: A Review
Xueping ZHAO ; Xinya ZHANG ; Le YANG ; Ye SUN ; Xin SUN ; Hui SUN ; Qimeng ZHANG ; Guangli YAN ; Xijun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):276-285
Gouty arthritis (GA) is caused by monosodium urate(MSU) deposition due to purine metabolism disorders. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it falls under the category of "dampness-heat Bi syndrome", with core pathogenesis involving dampness-heat accumulation and dysfunction of the spleen and kidney. The dampness-heat syndrome is the most common and the primary syndrome type during acute attacks. In Western medicine, GA is associated with purine metabolism imbalance and inflammation triggered by MSU crystals, involving pathways such as NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and Toll-like receptor 2/4 (TLR2/4) signaling. Clinically, colchicine and similar drugs are commonly used to treat GA, although long-term use carries potential side effects. Ermiao Formula analogs originate from ancient prescriptions, including Ermiao, Sanmiao, and Simiao compound formulas. All contain Atractylodis Rhizoma and Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex. Ermiaowan follow a 1∶1 formulation ratio. Sanmiaowan add Cyathulae Radix. Simiaowan further incorporate Coicis Semen. These formulas are rich in active ingredients, including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and sterols, and treat GA through multi-component, multi-pathway, and multi-target mechanisms. Ermiaosan primarily exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting pathways such as TLR4/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) or regulating immune responses to reduce the release of inflammatory mediators, while also suppressing xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and xanthine oxidase (XO) activity to decrease uric acid production. Sanmiaowan enhance uric acid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects through the guiding herb Cyathulae Radix, while also protecting cartilage from damage. Simiaowan utilizes Coicis Semen to regulate intestinal flora, alleviate dampness-heat symptoms, and exert multi-pathway anti-inflammatory and uric acid-lowering effects. The active ingredients contribute differently to uric acid metabolism regulation, anti-inflammation, antioxidant activity, and bone repair, resulting in varying therapeutic effects due to differences in formula composition. In summary, formulas derived from Ermiaosan demonstrate significant efficacy in treating dampness-heat type GA. This review summarizes their research progress and mechanisms, providing a reference for clinical application, new drug development, and further studies.
2.Perioperative safety of thymectomy in myasthenia gravis patients with oral high-dose glucocorticoids
Jinjin YAN ; Dazhi PANG ; Jitian ZHANG ; Guangqiang SHAO ; Zhihai LIU ; Rutaiyang LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(04):565-569
Objective To investigate the perioperative safety of patients with myasthenia gravis who take high doses of oral glucocorticoids. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with myasthenia gravis who received oral glucocorticoids and underwent thoracoscopic thymectomy at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital from April 2013 to October 2019. Patients were divided into a high-dose steroid group and a medium-to-low dose steroid group based on the dosage of oral steroids, and the clinical data of the two groups were compared. Results A total of 102 patients were included, including 19 (18.62%) males and 83 (81.37%) females, with an average age of (32.25±9.83) years. There were 75 patients in the medium-to-low dose steroid group and 27 patients in the high-dose steroid group. All patients in both groups successfully completed the surgery without major intraoperative bleeding, conversion to open chest surgery, delayed extubation, severe infection, or perioperative death. The daily oral steroid dose for the high-dose steroid group was (35.81±4.29) mg, and for the medium-to-low dose steroid group it was (15.29±2.17) mg. There was no statistical difference in the operation time [(124.69±23.51) min vs. (117.89±21.46) min, P=0.172] and intraoperative blood loss [(21.19±3.48) mL vs. (20.56±3.41) mL, P=0.419] between the two groups. Postoperatively, 12 (11.76%) patients developed complications: one patient of myasthenic crisis (the medium-to-low dose steroid group), which was improved after short-term respiratory support and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment; 11 patients of respiratory/swallowing difficulties (9 in the medium-to-low dose steroid group and 2 in the high-dose steroid group), which were improved after anticholinergic treatment to reduce oral secretions and sputum suction, and the patients were discharged smoothly. There was no statistical difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups (P=0.637). Conclusion On the basis of good perioperative management, it is safe and feasible for patients with myasthenia gravis who take high dose of oral steroids to undergo thymectomy, and they have the same perioperative safety as patients with medium-to-low dose steroids.
3.Value of bedside ultrasound monitoring of quadriceps muscle changes in mechanically ventilated children in the early treatment of ICU-acquired muscle weakness
Zhijun LAI ; Wenhai YANG ; Yan LI ; Lifen GU ; Keze MA
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):103-107
Objective To investigate the application value of bedside ultrasound monitoring of quadriceps muscle changes in mechanically ventilated children in the early treatment of ICU-acquired muscle weakness (ICU-AW). Methods Eighty-two pediatric ICU patients with mechanical ventilation for>48 hours were selected. On the day of admission (D0) and on day 7 (D7), bedside ultrasound was performed to measure the thickness and cross-sectional area of the rectus femoris and vastus intermedius muscles. Patients were classified using Medical Research Council scores into control group (n = 63) and muscle weakness group (n = 19). Muscle parameters and atrophy rates were compared between groups. Diagnostic performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves. Results The incidence of ICU-AW was 23.17%. At both D0 and D7, the average thickness of the rectus femoris, the average thickness of the vastus intermedius, the average area of the rectus femoris, and the average area of the vastus intermedius were significantly different between the two groups (P<0.05). The atrophy rates of the thickness of the rectus femoris and the area of the vastus intermedius were lower in the control group than in the muscle weakness group at both D0 and D7 (P<0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for quadriceps parameters in diagnosing ICU-AW was 0.871, with a sensitivity of 89.47% and a specificity of 79.37%. Conclusion Bedside ultrasound dynamic monitoring of quadriceps changes enables early identification of ICU-AW and provides a basis for clinical intervention.
4.Expert consensus on the application of artificial intelligence in lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment (2026 edition)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Haibo WANG ; Yi HU ; Hao ZHANG ; Jigang DAI ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Zihao CHEN ; Hongxia TIAN ; Lunxu LIU ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Zongyang YU ; Zhenbin QIU ; Yihua SUN ; Jing HU ; Yuhang SHI ; Zhifei GUO ; Peng ZHANG ; Kezhong CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(06):848-856
With the continuous deepening of the concept of precision diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer, how to achieve higher efficiency and accuracy in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment pathways in clinical practice has become an important issue that urgently needs to be overcome. The current clinical difficulty lies in the fact that despite continuous advancements in imaging and molecular diagnostic technologies, there are still limitations in manual efficiency and subjective experience when it comes to massive data analysis and multi-scale feature extraction. Artificial intelligence (AI), especially algorithm systems based on deep learning, is an innovative technology capable of deeply empowering medical big data. This method utilizes algorithms such as convolutional neural networks, combined with radiomics, pathomics, and multi-modal data fusion analysis, demonstrating immense potential in early precise detection and benign-malignant differentiation of pulmonary nodules, digital pathological subtype recognition and non-invasive prediction of driver genes, precise 3D surgical planning and automatic delineation of radiotherapy target volumes, as well as dynamic risk warning during follow-up. This innovative technology provides a brand-new solution for realizing intelligent and individualized lung cancer diagnosis and treatment models. This consensus, based on the latest evidence from evidence-based medicine and combined with the development trends in the AI field and real-world clinical needs, was ultimately formed by gathering the consensus opinions of multidisciplinary experts in radiology, pathology, thoracic surgery, and other fields. The main content covers the application specifications of AI in the three core scenarios of lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, the technical standards for data collection and algorithm validation, as well as the ethical and regulatory challenges faced at the current stage. It aims to clarify the applicable boundaries of AI as a clinical auxiliary decision support tool, providing scientific guidance and standardized exploration directions for peers currently engaged in or planning to carry out AI-assisted clinical diagnosis, treatment, and translation of lung cancer.
5.Integrating hospital information systems into foodborne disease surveillance: retrospective assessment, Shenzhen, China, 2024–2025
Yuchen Xie ; Yan Zhou ; Zhou Wang
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response 2026;17(2):05-08
Digital transformation is reshaping disease monitoring. We assessed the real-world utility of linking hospital information systems with the foodborne disease surveillance network in Shenzhen. Analysing data from 53 sentinel hospitals (2024–2025) and surveying 263 staff members, we found that integration triggered a 125% surge in case reports. However, regional performance varied sharply (Nanshan +161% vs Pingshan -44%), and personnel training frequency remained low (3.08/5). While automation solves the volume problem, it exposes a technology capacity gap that requires urgent human-centric intervention.
6.Quantification of Excellent Shape and High Quality Indicators of Sarcandrae Herba and Development of Evaluation System
Yini WU ; Zhihao LIU ; Fan LI ; Bocheng WANG ; Qiuling WANG ; Yan JIN ; Yuan YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):36-43
ObjectiveTo identify and quantify the excellent shape and high quality indicators of Sarcandrae Herba and establish an evaluation method for Sarcandrae Herba based on appearance traits and active components according to the theory of excellent shape, high quality, and superior effect of authentic medicinal materials. MethodsSarcandrae Herba samples from various producing areas were systematically collected. Through classical herbal textual research and modern literature analysis, colorimetric values of leaves and stems were selected as shape indicators. According to compound preparation data and literature reports, total flavonoids, total phenolic acids, and coumarins were selected as component indicators. Cluster analysis and correlation analysis were performed to identify core objective indicators and their threshold ranges for the excellent shape and high quality of Sarcandrae Herba. ResultsGreener Sarcandrae Herba exhibited higher levels of phenolic acids, total flavonoids, and coumarins. Core quantitative indicators characterizing the excellent shape and high quality of Sarcandrae Herba were Leaf a* value<0.99, stem a* value<4, phenolic acid content≥2.49%, total flavonoid content≥5.32%, and coumarin content≥1.98%. By calculating the compliance rate of each batch against this indicator system, the quality stability of different batches can be quantitatively evaluated. ConclusionThis study validates the traditional empirical principle that greener stems and leaves indicate high quality. It establishes a quality evaluation method for Sarcandrae Herba based on the correlation between color and bioactive components, providing a scientific basis for the quality control and grading of this herbal medicine.
7.Effects of ultra-high-frequency radiation exposure on mental arithmetic ability in workers
Jiachun JIN ; Shen XIE ; Guoyong XU ; Maosheng YAN ; Bikun YU
China Occupational Medicine 2026;53(1):65-68
Objective To investigate the impact of ultra-high-frequency radiation(UHFR) on the mental arithmetic ability in exposed workers. Methods A total of 79 workers engaged in high-frequency heat-sealing operations in a shoe factory were selected as the exposure group, and 121 workers from the same factory without such exposure were selected as the control group using the judgment sampling method. The intensity of UHFR from the high-frequency heat-sealing machines at the workplaces was measured on-site. Mental arithmetic performance of the participants of the two groups was assessed using the neurobehavioral ability index (NAI) from Neurobehavioral Evaluation System Chinese 3rd Generation. Results The NAI of the participants was lower in the exposure group than that in the control group [(1.17 ± 0.48) vs (1.39 ± 0.59), P<0.01], as was the NAI of the high-exposure subgroup within the exposure group [ (1.10 ± 0.43) vs (1.39 ± 0.59), P<0.01]. Females in the exposed group had lower NAI than that in the control group [(1.14 ± 0.49) vs (1.39 ± 0.60), P<0.01]. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that exposure to high intensity electric field was a risk factor for abnormal NAI (odds ratio=2.04, 95% confidence interval was 1.00-4.19, P<0.05). Conclusion Occupational exposure to UHFR from high-frequency heat-sealing machines may negatively affect the mental arithmetic ability of workers. Occupational health protection measures, such as reducing UHFR exposure levels, enhancing individual protection, and strengthening occupational health surveillance, should be implemented.
8.Research progress on the relationship between gut microbiota, their metabolites, and aortic diseases
Xiaokang LUO ; Dantong SHAO ; Tucheng SUN ; Xinjian YAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(08):1330-1336
The pathogenesis of aortic disease is not fully understood. Gut dysbiosis may play a role in the occurrence and development of aortic diseases. Several studies showed that the diversity of microbiota in abdominal aortic aneurysms significantly decreases and is correlated with the diameter of the aneurysm. Characteristic microbial communities associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm, such as Roseburia, Bifidobacterium, Ruminococcus, Akkermansia have been found in human and animal studies. The gut microbiota of patients with aortic dissection varies greatly. Characteristic microbial communities like Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcus present a potential impact on the pathogenesis of aortic dissection. Bifidobacteriaceae may be associated with Takayasu arteritis and thoracic aortic aneurysm. The gut microbiota affects the physiological functions of the host by synthesizing bioactive metabolites, which causes aortic diseases, mainly involving metabolites such as trimethylamine N-oxide, lipopolysaccharides, tryptophan, and short chain fatty acids. More and more evidence supports the causal relationship between gut microbiota dysbiosis and aortic disease. Clarifying abnormal changes in gut microbiota may provide clues for finding potential therapeutic targets.
9.Guidelines for the perioperative diagnosis and treatment of oncogene-driven non-small cell lung cancer (2026)
Weidong WANG ; Yongbin LIN ; Hui TIAN ; Gaofeng LI ; Shun XU ; Yongde LIAO ; Haitao MA ; Junfeng LIU ; Chundong GU ; Xiaolong YAN ; Shumin WANG ; Daqiang SUN ; Jianyang LIU ; Tao XUE ; Shaohua MA ; Zhigang LI ; Shuanghu YUAN ; Gen LIN ; Ling CAI ; Jianping ZHOU ; Wenzhao ZHONG ; Naixin LIANG ; Yi HAN ; Junfeng WANG ; Weidong ZHANG ; Xin WANG ; Lianjuan CHEN ; Lunxu LIU ; Xiuyi ZHI ; Lanjun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(09):1337-1353
Lung cancer constitutes the most prevalent and lethal malignant tumor in China. Approximately 85% of lung cancer diagnoses correspond to the non-small cell histological subtype [non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)]. Despite surgery being the mainstay for early-stage disease, postoperative recurrence remains high and adjuvant chemotherapy offers limited benefit. In recent years, targeted therapy has demonstrated substantial advantages in driver mutation-positive NSCLC. To this end, the Lung Cancer Medical Education Committee of the Chinese Medical Education Association developed guidelines based on a systematic review of evidence through November 2025, using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach and a modified Delphi method. Focusing on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), and addressing ROS proto-oncogene 1 (ROS1), B-Raf proto-oncogene serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) V600E mutation, and mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) exon 14 (METex14) skipping, the guideline covers molecular testing, neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapy, perioperative strategies, minimal residual disease monitoring, and postoperative surveillance. It defines testing requirements, specifies stage-directed and subtype-specific treatments, and standardizes minimal residual disease monitoring. These recommendations emphasize precision and feasibility to improve survival and quality of life.
10.Value connotation, development dilemmas, and realization paths of digital healthcare
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(9):1135-1143
Digital healthcare covers a wide range of fields such as health information systems, online medical diagnosis and treatment, telemedicine, and robotic health applications. With its unique technical advantages, it plays an important role in promoting health equity. It can not only reform the traditional medical service model and greatly improve the quality and efficiency of medical services, but also deliver more equitable and accessible medical services, enabling value-based healthcare to run through the construction of Healthy China. From the perspective of Amartya Sen’s capability approach, health represents a fundamental capability with both intrinsic and instrumental values, and its improvement can undoubtedly promote the all-around development of human beings. Achieving health equity constitutes the essence of expanding humans’ capabilities and strengthening individuals’ ability to participate in life. Therefore, it is necessary to actively use digital healthcare to facilitate the realization of value-based healthcare. However, the development of digital healthcare in China remains in the initial stage, facing multiple development dilemmas such as inadequate legal systems for digital healthcare, unclear legal issues regarding diagnosis and treatment scope, irregular division of responsibilities, and the medical digital divide problem. To address the above challenges, targeted and effective strategies and plans should be adopted. First, it is vital to improve the legal system for digital healthcare. Second, it is pivotal to clarify the scope of diagnosis and treatment in digital healthcare. Third, it is critical to reasonably categorize scenarios of liability. Fourth, it is essential to bridge the digital divide through multi-stakeholder collaboration. Such measures will comprehensively protect patients’ rights and interests and enable digital healthcare to truly realize the value connotation of health equity.


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