1.Association of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes with blood lipid profiles and cardiovascular prognosis in post-percutaneous coronary intervention atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease patients: a prospective cohort study
Huangyu XU ; Qian LI ; Haozhe XIONG ; Weidong HONG ; Xinyi ZHOU ; Xiaoyan LU ; Xiaoli LIU ; Xinrong FAN
Digital Chinese Medicine 2026;9(1):91-102
Objective:
Patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are classified as very-high-risk individuals in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk stratification. The distribution pattern of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in this patient population, as well as its association with blood lipid profiles and clinical prognosis, remains unclear. The present prospective cohort study aims to investigate these correlations, thereby providing insights to enrich the research fields.
Methods:
We enrolled consecutive patients with ASCVD who underwent PCI at the Integrated Cardiology Unit of China-Japan Friendship Hospital between September 1, 2020 and December 31, 2022. Demographics and clinical characteristics, signs and symptoms defining each TCM syndrome, and fasting venous blood samples were collected at baseline and follow up or upon major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). We analyzed the correlation between TCM syndromes, blood lipid profiles, and MACEs, and developed a new joint prognostic model incorporating both TCM syndromes and blood lipids using logistic regression. The analyses were based on detailed baseline and one-year follow-up data.
Results:
A per-protocol analysis was performed on 586 patients with complete data ultimately. During the one-year follow-up, 174 patients (29.69%) experienced a MACE. We performed statistical analyses on comorbidities, medication, and biochemical indicators across groups defined by TCM syndrome differentiation. When comparing different TCM syndromes, no significant differences were found in age, body mass index (BMI), history of revascularization, comorbidities, family history of CVD, smoking or drinking, or statin intensity (P > 0.05). Patients with intertwined phlegm and blood stasis syndrome exhibited significantly higher levels of total cholesterol (TC, 5.27 ± 1.18 mmol/L, P < 0.001), triglyceride (TG, 1.96 ± 1.33 mmol/L, P = 0.008), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, 3.35 ± 0.79 mmol/L, P < 0.001), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, 1.24 ± 0.81 mmol/L, P < 0.001) compared with those with other TCM syndromes combined. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to predict MACEs. The model included TCM syndrome type [with intertwined phlegm and blood stasis as a predictor, adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.413, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.517 – 3.864, P = 0.501], age (adjusted OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.955 – 1.001, P = 0.057), male gender (adjusted OR = 0.698, 95% CI: 0.416 – 1.170, P = 0.173), TC (adjusted OR = 1.004, 95% CI: 0.513 – 1.965, P = 0.990), and LDL-C (adjusted OR = 5.825, 95% CI: 2.214 – 15.326, P < 0.001). This model demonstrated good discriminatory ability for MACEs in post-PCI ASCVD patients [the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) = 0.865, 95% CI: 0.816 – 0.914].
Conclusion
The intertwined phlegm and blood stasis TCM syndrome is associated with a distinct atherogenic lipid profile characterized by elevated levels of TC and LDL-C. The prognostic model that incorporates this TCM syndrome type along with conventional lipid parameters (TC and LDL-C) shows good discriminatory ability for predicting MACEs in ASCVD patients after PCI, underscoring the potential clinical utility of integrating TCM syndrome differentiation into CVD risk assessment.
2.Methodological Issues in the Design,Evaluation,and Reporting of Randomized Controlled Trials with "Pattern Dominating Disease"
Lu WANG ; Jiajia WANG ; Yingying ZHANG ; Xufei LUO ; Yaolong CHEN ; Jiansheng LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1497-1502
This study explores methodological issues in the design, evaluation, and reporting of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) under the concept of "syndrome dominating disease". The discussion focuses on key aspects including the adaptability of trial design, the screening of research participants, the standardization of syndrome differentiation, the balance between intervention individualization and standardization, the integration of multi-dimensional outcome measures, and the limitations of existing evaluation and reporting tools when applied to this type of research, along with corresponding recommendations and future perspectives. Regarding research design, it is recommended to select or draw upon innovative design concepts such as basket trials and subgroup-based dynamic/static parallel-group designs, in order to innovate the design format of RCTs. Meanwhile, criteria for participant screening, TCM syndrome differentiation, and disease classification should be standardized. The balance should be appropriately achieved between intervention individualization and standardization, and a multidimensional assessment system encompassing TCM syndromes, disease-specific outcomes, and patient-reported outcomes should be established. For risk of bias assessment and research reporting, it is recommended,to develop specialized assessment and reporting tools based on existing instruments, in order to standardize the assessment and reporting of study findings. Future research may further explore the potential applications of artificial intelligence in the study design, risk-of-bias assessment, and reporting quality assessment of RCTs based on the "syndrome dominating disease" model, with a particular focus on methodological optimization, data integration, and enhancement of research quality.
3.Methodological Issues in the Design,Evaluation,and Reporting of Randomized Controlled Trials with "Pattern Dominating Disease"
Lu WANG ; Jiajia WANG ; Yingying ZHANG ; Xufei LUO ; Yaolong CHEN ; Jiansheng LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1497-1502
This study explores methodological issues in the design, evaluation, and reporting of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) under the concept of "syndrome dominating disease". The discussion focuses on key aspects including the adaptability of trial design, the screening of research participants, the standardization of syndrome differentiation, the balance between intervention individualization and standardization, the integration of multi-dimensional outcome measures, and the limitations of existing evaluation and reporting tools when applied to this type of research, along with corresponding recommendations and future perspectives. Regarding research design, it is recommended to select or draw upon innovative design concepts such as basket trials and subgroup-based dynamic/static parallel-group designs, in order to innovate the design format of RCTs. Meanwhile, criteria for participant screening, TCM syndrome differentiation, and disease classification should be standardized. The balance should be appropriately achieved between intervention individualization and standardization, and a multidimensional assessment system encompassing TCM syndromes, disease-specific outcomes, and patient-reported outcomes should be established. For risk of bias assessment and research reporting, it is recommended,to develop specialized assessment and reporting tools based on existing instruments, in order to standardize the assessment and reporting of study findings. Future research may further explore the potential applications of artificial intelligence in the study design, risk-of-bias assessment, and reporting quality assessment of RCTs based on the "syndrome dominating disease" model, with a particular focus on methodological optimization, data integration, and enhancement of research quality.
4.Efficacy and safety of proximal gastrectomy versus total gastrectomy for Siewert type Ⅱ and Ⅲ adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Yingjie LU ; Ziqiang HONG ; Hongchao LI ; Gang JIN ; Wenhao WANG ; Yi YANG ; Bin LIU ; Zijiang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(05):693-699
Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of proximal gastrectomy (PG) versus total gastrectomy (TG) for the treatment of Siewert type Ⅱ/Ⅲ adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG). Methods PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMbase, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases were searched for literature comparing the efficacy and safety of PG and TG for the treatment of Siewert type Ⅱ/Ⅲ AEG. The search period was from database inception to March 2023. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software. Results A total of 23 articles were included, including 16 retrospective cohort studies, 5 prospective cohort studies, and 2 randomized controlled trials. The total sample size was 2 826 patients, with 1 389 patients undergoing PG and 1 437 patients undergoing TG. Meta-analysis results showed that compared with TG, PG had less intraoperative blood loss [MD=−19.85, 95%CI (−37.20, −2.51), P=0.02] and shorter postoperative hospital stay [MD=−1.23, 95%CI (−2.38, −0.08), P=0.04]. TG had a greater number of lymph nodes dissected [MD=−6.20, 95%CI (−7.68, −4.71), P<0.001] and a lower incidence of reflux esophagitis [MD=3.02, 95%CI (1.24, 7.34), P=0.01]. There were no statistically significant differences between the two surgical approaches in terms of operative time, postoperative survival rate (1-year, 3-year, 5-year), and postoperative overall complications (P>0.05). Conclusion PG has advantages in terms of intraoperative blood loss and postoperative hospital stay, while TG has advantages in terms of the number of lymph nodes dissected and the incidence of reflux esophagitis. There is no significant difference in long-term survival between the two surgical approaches.
5.Application of a pre-intelligent precision dosing and verification system in automatic single-dose packaging
Runzan ZHANG ; Junyu LU ; Lei HONG ; Liucheng LI ; Jie YING
China Pharmacy 2025;36(17):2170-2175
OBJECTIVE To innovatively apply the pre-intelligent precision dosing and verification system (hereinafter referred to as “the system”), and to provide a reference for the high-level “intelligent” transformation of inpatient pharmacy. METHODS The limitations of the triple-serial dispensing mode, which comprised the automatic medicine packaging machine (ATC), intelligent tablet dispensing table (ITDT) and medication detection machine (MDM), were analyzed. The application of the system and the adoption of the barcode scanning verification method optimized the pre-dosing management, whole-tablet drug dispensing process and ATC temporary dosing management. The comparative analysis was conducted to assess dosing time, labor cost and packaging error of the eight-month period, before and after the system application. RESULTS The triple-serial dispensing mode had a weak ability to avoid error risks in the manual dosing stage, and also had errors in the verification stage. Through the innovative application system, the pre-dosing management had been upgraded, the whole-tablet drug dispensing process had been optimized, and the ATC temporary dosing management had been improved. The average time required for each drug for pre-dosing, whole-tablet drug dispensing and ATC temporary dosing was significantly shortened after the application of the system, compared with before the application of the system (P<0.001). The number of pharmacists was reduced from two to one. The error rate of ATC decreased significantly from 0.220‰ to 0.029‰ (P<0.001). Specifically, the rate of pharmacist-related errors (pre-dosing error, ITDT dosing error, and ATC temporary dosing error) decreased from 0.116‰ to 0.001‰ (P<0.001), and machine-related errors decreased from 0.096‰ to 0.023‰ (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS This innovative integration mode greatly improves the working efficiency and quality of inpatient pharmacy. It enhances refined management of drug expiration and inventory, saves time and labor costs, improves the accuracy of drug dispensing, and ensures patient medication safety.
6.The Application of Spatial Resolved Metabolomics in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Lu-Tao XU ; Qian LI ; Shu-Lei HAN ; Huan CHEN ; Hong-Wei HOU ; Qing-Yuan HU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2346-2359
The pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) is fundamentally linked to complex and profound alterations in metabolic networks within the brain, which exhibit marked spatial heterogeneity. While conventional bulk metabolomics is powerful for detecting global metabolic shifts, it inherently lacks spatial resolution. This methodological limitation hampers the ability to interrogate critical metabolic dysregulation within discrete anatomical brain regions and specific cellular microenvironments, thereby constraining a deeper understanding of the core pathological mechanisms that initiate and drive NDDs. To address this critical gap, spatial metabolomics, with mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) at its core, has emerged as a transformative approach. It uniquely overcomes the limitations of bulk methods by enabling high-resolution, simultaneous detection and precise localization of hundreds to thousands of endogenous molecules—including primary metabolites, complex lipids, neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and essential metal ions—directly in situ from tissue sections. This powerful capability offers an unprecedented spatial perspective for investigating the intricate and heterogeneous chemical landscape of NDD pathology, opening new avenues for discovery. Accordingly, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the field, beginning with a discussion of the technical features, optimal application scenarios, and current limitations of major MSI platforms. These include the widely adopted matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-MSI, the ultra-high-resolution technique of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)-MSI, and the ambient ionization method of desorption electrospray ionization (DESI)-MSI, along with other emerging technologies. We then highlight the pivotal applications of spatial metabolomics in NDD research, particularly its role in elucidating the profound chemical heterogeneity within distinct pathological microenvironments. These applications include mapping unique molecular signatures around amyloid β‑protein (Aβ) plaques, uncovering the metabolic consequences of neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, and characterizing the lipid and metabolite composition of Lewy bodies. Moreover, we examine how spatial metabolomics contributes to constructing detailed metabolic vulnerability maps across the brain, shedding light on the biochemical factors that render certain neuronal populations and anatomical regions selectively susceptible to degeneration while others remain resilient. Looking beyond current applications, we explore the immense potential of integrating spatial metabolomics with other advanced research methodologies. This includes its combination with three-dimensional brain organoid models to recapitulate disease-relevant metabolic processes, its linkage with multi-organ axis studies to investigate how systemic metabolic health influences neurodegeneration, and its convergence with single-cell and subcellular analyses to achieve unprecedented molecular resolution. In conclusion, this review not only summarizes the current state and critical role of spatial metabolomics in NDD research but also offers a forward-looking perspective on its transformative potential. We envision its continued impact in advancing our fundamental understanding of NDDs and accelerating translation into clinical practice—from the discovery of novel biomarkers for early diagnosis to the development of high-throughput drug screening platforms and the realization of precision medicine for individuals affected by these devastating disorders.
7.Investigation of an outbreak of group A human G9P [8] rotavirus infectious diarrhea among adults in Chongqing
Yang WANG ; Yuan KONG ; Ning CHEN ; Lundi YANG ; Jiang LONG ; Qin LI ; Xiaoyang XU ; Wei ZHENG ; Hong WEI ; Jie LU ; Quanjie XIAO ; Yingying BA ; Wenxi WU ; Qian XU ; Ju YAN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):663-668
ObjectiveTo investigate and analyze an outbreak of rotavirus infectious diarrhea in a prison in Chongqing Municipality, to provide a basis for adult rotavirus surveillance and prevention, and to explore the public health problems in special settings. MethodsA retrospective survey was conducted to collect and analyze data on individual cases with diarrheal disease on-site. The clinical characteristics, as well as the temporal, spatial and geographical distribution patterns of the epidemic were described. Multi-pathogen detection tests were conducted both on diarrhea cases and environmental samples, with viral genotyping performed on positive samples. A case-control analysis was performed to identify the causes of the outbreak, and an SEIR model was adopted to predict the outbreak trend and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. ResultsA total of 65 cases were found among the inmates, with an attack rate of 2.03%. The predominant clinical manifestations included diarrhea (89.23%), watery stool (73.85%), and dehydration (18.46%). The epidemic curve indicated a “human-to-human” transmission pattern, with an average incubation period of 5‒6 days. The attack rates among chefs in the main canteen (80.00%, 8/10) and caterers (28.33%, 17/60) were significantly higher than those of other inmates (P<0.05). Multi-pathogen polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing detected positive for group A rotavirus, with the viral genotyping identified as G9P [8] strain. Factors such as unprotected "bare-handed" food distribution among cases with diarrhea (OR=9.512, 95%CI: 4.261‒21.234) and close contact with diarrhea cases (OR=3.656, 95%CI: 1.719‒7.778) were the possible cause of the outbreak. The SEIR model (r0=5, α=0.3, β1=0.08, β2=0.04) was constructed using prison inmates as susceptible population, aiming at fitting the initial transmission trend of the outbreak, and the epidemic rate declined rapidly after intervention measures were implemented (rt≈0). ConclusionThis rare rotavirus infection diarrhea outbreak among adults in confined settings suggests that the construction of public health prevention and control systems in prison may be overlooked. Cross infection during meal processing and distribution in the canteens of such settings is likely to be the cause of the outbreak. Given the potential neglect of public heath system construction in special settings, it is imperative to enhance the surveillance and monitoring of rotavirus and other intestinal multi-pathogens among adults, as well as the construction of public health prevention and control systems in these special settings.
8.Primary splenic lymphoma misdiagnosed as Sjögren’s syndrome with liver cirrhosis: A case report
Chengcheng LI ; Yuhong LIU ; Lu WANG ; Hong PENG ; Xinhua LUO ; Hong LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(9):1883-1887
Primary splenic lymphoma is a rare malignant neoplasm, with similar clinical manifestations to Sjogren’s syndrome and liver cirrhosis, which often leads to misdiagnosis. This article reports a case of primary splenic lymphoma misdiagnosed as Sjogren’s syndrome with liver cirrhosis, in order to improve the understanding of primary splenic lymphoma, Sjogren’s syndrome, and liver cirrhosis and avoid misdiagnosis and treatment delay.
9.Predictive value of toe-to-room temperature gradient for 28 d mortality in sepsis patients:a single center prospective observational clinical study
Lu-Lan LI ; Yi-Lin LIU ; Yong LIU ; Shao-Wu CHEN ; Hong-Bin HU ; Zhen-Hua ZENG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(5):536-544
Objective To investigate the predictive value of temperature gradients on the mortality of sepsis patients and their correlation with fluid input.Methods By means of a prospective observational method,154 patients with sepsis or septic shock admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine at Nanfang Hospital,Southern Medical University from November 2019 to November 2021 were included as research subjects.They were divided into a survivor group(n=118)and a non-survivor group(n=36)according to whether they survived within 28 days.The core-to-toe temperature gradient(CTTG)and toe-to-room temperature gradient(TRTG)were monitored and calculated immediately upon admission to the intensive care unit(ICU)and 6 hours after admission.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to explore the predictive value of temperature gradients on mortality,and multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to explore the risk factors of 28-day mortality in sepsis patients.The results were verified through survival analysis.Correlation analysis and multivariate analysis of variance were used to explore the correlation between temperature gradients and fluid input,as well as noradrenaline doses.Results Among the 154 patients,118 survived within 28 days(survivor group),and 36 died(non-survivor group).ROC curve and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that a toe-to-room temperature gradient of≤5.35℃within 6 hours after admission was a risk factor for 28-day mortality.Compared with patients with a high toe-to-room temperature gradient(>5.35℃),patients with a low toe-to-room temperature gradient(≤5.35℃)had a 2.74-fold increase in the risk of 28-day mortality(P=0.004,95%CI 1.54,9.12).The CTTG and TRTG upon admission to the ICU and 6 hours after admission were not significantly associated with fluid input or noradrenaline doses(P>0.05).Conclusions A toe-to-room temperature gradient of less than or equal to 5.35℃within 6 hours after ICU admission is a risk factor for 28-day mortality in sepsis patients.The improvement of temperature gradients at different time points is not associated with fluid input.
10.Regulatory effect of oral probiotics adjuvant therapy on imbalance of helper T cell 1/helper T cell 2,intestinal flora and pulmonary function in children with allergic asthma
Weihuan KONG ; Min LU ; Xiang LI ; Ling QIU ; Hong XU
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(14):68-74
Objective To explore the regulatory effect of oral probiotics as adjuvant therapy on the imbalance of helper T cell 1(Th1)/helper T cell 2(Th2),intestinal flora and lung function in children with allergic asthma and its clinical efficacy.Methods A retrospective analysis was con-ducted in the clinical data of 122 children with allergic asthma.According to different treatment regi-mens,the children were divided into control group(n=60)and observation group(n=62).The control group received conventional treatment combined with budesonide,while the observation group received oral probiotics as adjunctive therapy in addition to the treatment in the control group.The asthma control effects[Childhood Asthma Control Test(C-ACT)score],intestinal flora(Escherichia co-li,Bifidobacterium,Lactobacillus),relevant lung function indicators[peak expiratory flow as a percentage of predicted value(PEF%pred),fractional exhaled nitric oxide(FeNO),forced expiratory volume in one second as a percentage of predicted value(FEV1%pred)],respiratory mechanics parameters[work of breathing(WOB),airway resistance(Raw),peak inspiratory pressure(PIP),dynamic lung compliance(Cdyn)],levels of sputum adhesion molecules[integrin α4β1,vascular cell ad-hesion molecule-1(VCAM-1),intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1)],levels of Th1/Th2 cytokine-related indicators[interleukin-4(IL-4),interferon--y(IFN-γ),the ratio of IFN-γ to IL-4(IFN-γ/IL-4),the ratio of Th1 to Th2(Th1/Th2)],symptom disappearance time,clinical effica-cy,and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results After treatment,the observation group demonstrated significantly higher C-ACT scores,overall clinical re-sponse rates,IFN-γ/IL-4 and Th1/Th2 ratios,along with elevated levels of Lactobacillus,Bifidobacterium,PEF%pred,FEV1%pred,Cdyn and IFN-γ compared to the control group(P<0.05).Conversely,adverse reaction rates,and levels of Escherichia coli,FeNO,Raw,WOB,PIP,integrin α4β1,VCAM-1,ICAM-1 and IL-4 were significantly lower in the observation group(P<0.05).Symptom resolution time was also shorter in the observation group(P<0.05).The total Naranjo scale score was 3,indicating a"possible"causal relationship between adverse drug re-actions and probiotic use.Conclusion Oral probiotics as adjunctive therapy can effectively regulate Th1/Th2 imbalance induced by allergic asthma in children,improve clinical outcomes,pulmonary function,respiratory mechanics,intestinal microbiota composition,and sputum adhesion molecule levels.

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