1.Clinical decision and prescription generation for diarrhea in traditional Chinese medicine based on large language model
Jiaze WU ; Hao LIANG ; Haoran DAI ; Hongliang RUI ; Baoli LIU
Digital Chinese Medicine 2026;9(1):13-30
Objective:
To develop a clinical decision and prescription generation system (CDPGS) specifically for diarrhea in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), utilizing a specialized large language model (LLM), Qwen-TCM-Dia, to standardize diagnostic processes and prescription generation.
Methods:
Two primary datasets were constructed: an evaluation benchmark and a fine-tuning dataset consisting of fundamental diarrhea knowledge, medical records, and chain-of-thought (CoT) reasoning datasets. After an initial evaluation of 16 open-source LLMs across inference time, accuracy, and output quality, Qwen2.5 was selected as the base model due to its superior overall performance. We then employed a two-stage low-rank adaptation (LoRA) fine-tuning strategy, integrating continued pre-training on domain-specific knowledge with instruction fine-tuning using CoT-enriched medical records. This approach was designed to embed the clinical logic (symptoms → pathogenesis → therapeutic principles → prescriptions) into the model’s reasoning capabilities. The resulting fine-tuned model, specialized for TCM diarrhea, was designated as Qwen-TCM-Dia. Model performance was evaluated for disease diagnosis and syndrome type differentiation using accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. Furthermore, the quality of the generated prescriptions was compared with that of established open-source TCM LLMs.
Results:
Qwen-TCM-Dia achieved peak performance compared to both the base Qwen2.5 model and five other open-source TCM LLMs. It achieved 97.05% accuracy and 91.48% F1-score in disease diagnosis, and 74.54% accuracy and 74.21% F1-score in syndrome type differentiation. Compared with existing open-source TCM LLMs (BianCang, HuangDi, LingDan, TCMLLM-PR, and ZhongJing), Qwen-TCM-Dia exhibited higher fidelity in reconstructing the “symptoms → pathogenesis → therapeutic principles → prescriptions” logic chain. It provided complete prescriptions, whereas other models often omitted dosages or generated mismatched prescriptions.
Conclusion
By integrating continued pre-training, CoT reasoning, and a two-stage fine-tuning strategy, this study establishes a CDPGS for diarrhea in TCM. The results demonstrate the synergistic effect of strengthening domain representation through pre-training and activating logical reasoning via CoT. This research not only provides critical technical support for the standardized diagnosis and treatment of diarrhea but also offers a scalable paradigm for the digital inheritance of expert TCM experience and the intelligent transformation of TCM.
2.Analysis of undernutrition and associated factors among left behind and nonleftbehind primary and secondary school students in the Nutrition Improvement Program areas in central and western China
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):327-331
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among left behind and non left behind primary and secondary school students in the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students (NIPRCES) areas of central and western China, so as to provide evidence for improving the nutritional status of children and adolescents.
Methods:
A survey was conducted among 123 782 students selected by random cluster sampling method in grades 3-9 from NIPRCES in central (Hebei, Shanxi, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Anhui, Jiangxi, Henan, Hunan, Hubei, and Hainan) and western (Gansu, Guangxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Tibet, Shaanxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, Xinjiang, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Yunnan, Qinghai, and Chongqing) China in 2023. Anthropometric measurements and questionnaires were used to assess nutritional and dietary status. The prevalence of undernutrition was compared between left behind and non left behind students by Chi square test, and associated factors were analyzed by three level Logistic mixed effects model.
Results:
The prevalence of undernutrition was 8.5% (4 326) in left behind students and 8.1% (5 905) in non left behind students. Three level Logistic mixed effect model analysis showed that whether left behind or non left behind, the undernutrition rates of primary and secondary students in western regions were higher than those of students in central regions [ OR (95% CI )=1.72(1.57-1.87),2.25(2.07- 2.43 )]; the undernutrition risk was lower for those whose fathers had a cultural level of high school or above [ OR (95% CI )=0.69(0.62-0.77),0.90(0.82-0.98)] or junior high school [ OR (95% CI )=0.72(0.66-0.79),0.92(0.85-0.99)] compared to those with primary school or below; picky eating or selective eating increased the risk of undernutrition [ OR (95% CI )=2.36(2.07-2.68),2.28(2.04-2.55)], and primary and secondary school students without nutritional content in health education classes had higher rates of undernutrition [ OR (95% CI )=1.12(1.03-1.23),1.09(1.01-1.17)](all P <0.05).
Conclusion
The prevalence of undernutrition is slightly higher in left behind primary and secondary students than in non left behind primary and secondary students in central and western NIPRCES areas, with variations across different characteristics.
3.Epidemiological characteristics, outcome analysis, and management strategies for DAT-positive blood donors
Shiyu YIN ; Zhihua XU ; Xueqin GENG ; Zhuan LIU ; Hongliang HUANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(3):360-366
Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics, outcome patterns, and management strategies for blood donors with a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on donation data from 808 386 donors from 2013 to 2023, focusing on those whose blood was discarded due to DAT positivity. Follow-up was performed on 125 DAT-positive donors, and 98 blood samples were collected. The samples were re-tested for DAT, DAT typing (IgG/C3d), and unexpected antibody screening using both the tube method and the microcolumn gel method. Results: Epidemiological characteristics: Retrospective data revealed 147 DAT-positive blood donors, yielding a positivity rate of 1/5 500. The DAT positivity rate using the tube method was 0.118‰ (49/416 893), lower than that of the microcolumn gel method at 0.25‰ (98/391 493). Among DAT-positive individuals, 44.2% (65/147) exhibited agglutination intensity<2+. Outcome analysis: The proportion of donors with positive DAT test results that converted to negative was 54.1% (53/98), with a conversion interval ranging from 8 to 117 months (mean 49.9 months). All donors in the negative conversion group had a previous DAT intensity<2+, whereas 95.6% (43/45) of the non-negative conversion group had intensity ≥2+ (P<0.001). Unexpected antibodies (anti-E, anti-M, etc.) were detected in 18 cases. Methodological differences: Review of results revealed 35 cases positive by both the DAT tube assay and microcolumn gel method. An additional 10 cases were positive by only one method: 5 were positive only by the tube assay, and 5 were positive only by the microcolumn gel method. Clinical validation: Among 14 DAT-positive donors who became negative and donated blood again, the clinical infusion efficacy of red blood cell products could be assessed in 10 cases, with 9 cases demonstrating effective infusion. Conclusion: Some DAT-positive blood donors may naturally convert to negative status, with the intensity of previous test results potentially serving as a key predictive factor for conversion. It is recommended to employ a combined approach of tube-based and microcolumn gel-based methods for retesting, concurrently screening for irregular antibodies. A tentative tiered management strategy is proposed: individuals with DAT intensity <2+ should be deferred for 12 months before retesting, while those with ≥2+ intensity should be permanently deferred.
4.Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of hypertriglyceridemia acute pancreatitis
Yuanyuan LIU ; Zhuo DIAO ; Gang LI ; Hongliang SHANG ; Zhuo ZHANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(2):104-107
Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and related prognostic factors of hypertriglyceridemia acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 350 patients with HTG-AP admitted to HanZhong Central Hospital from March 2019 to March 2024. All patients received conventional treatment. They were followed up for one year after treatment. The prognosis of the patients was statistically analyzed, and logistic regression was used to analyze the related factors of prognosis. Results HTG-AP patients had an acute onset, with clinical symptoms of sudden upper abdominal pain (329/350), nausea and vomiting (275/350), acidosis (101/350), and multiple organ failure (38/350). All patients had elevated serum TG. During the follow-up period, 123 cases had a poor prognosis (poor prognosis group), and 227 cases had a good prognosis (good prognosis group). Compared with the good prognosis group, the patients in the poor prognosis group had higher levels of TG, creatinine and C-reactive protein at admission, lower levels of serum calcium and albumin, and higher proportions of diabetes mellitus history and severe conditions (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis found that the factors related to the prognosis of patients with HTG-AP were TG level, C-reactive protein level, albumin level, history of diabetes mellitus, and moderate to severe condition (P<0.05). Conclusion HTG-AP patients have an acute onset and have main clinical symptoms of sudden upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Some patients experience systemic inflammatory reactions such as acidosis and multiple organ failure, and they may also have significantly increased serum TG. TG, C-reactive protein, albumin, history of diabetes mellitus, and severe disease conditions are associated with the prognosis of HTG-AP patients.
5.Guidelines for standardized implementation of pharmacist-managed clinics (2026 edition)
Pengxiang ZHOU ; Maobai LIU ; Xiaoli DU ; Xiaoyang LU ; Mei DONG ; Rong DUAN ; Ruigang HOU ; Xiaoyu LI ; Qi CHEN ; Yanxiao XIANG ; Weiyi FENG ; Rong CHEN ; Deshi DONG ; Yong YANG ; Li LI ; Xiaocong ZUO ; Jinfang HU ; Hongliang ZHANG ; Qingchun ZHAO ; Qi LIN ; Yang HU ; Jiaying WU ; Rongsheng ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1105-1112
OBJECTIVE To formulate Guidelines for the standardized implementation of pharmacist-managed clinics ( 2026 edition ) in response to the challenges faced by such clinics in China, including uneven development, large discrepancies in service specifications, insufficient patient awareness, and limited medical insurance coverage. METHODS Led by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Professional Committee of the Chinese Hospital Association, the Evidence-based Pharmacy Professional Committee of the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association, and the Hospital Pharmacy Professional Committee of the Cross-strait Medical and Health Exchange Association, a total of 19 domestic hospital pharmacy experts were organized. Through a systematic review of national policies and literature research, current practical experience was summarized. Consensus on the contents of the guidelines was reached after in-depth discussions. RESULTS &CONCLUSIONS The guidelines covered five sections: definition and connotation of pharmacist-managed clinics, establishment requirements, implementation and management, post competency, and practical research. Firstly, the definition and connotation included three operational forms of pharmacist-managed clinics (independent mode, physician-pharmacist joint mode, and online pharmacist-managed clinic mode) and classified service modes (specialty-specific, drug-specific, and disease-specific pharmacist-managed clinics). The establishment requirements were further refined, covering system construction (pharmaceutical service management system, quality control and assessment mechanism), personnel qualifications (professional credentials, continuing education and professional training, etc), service recipients, as well as service venues and facilities. Subsequently, the implementation and management of pharmacist-managed clinics were proposed, involving service procedures, intervention measures, documentation and records, patient education and follow-up, humanistic care, as well as risk management and quality control. Finally, post competency encompassed the competency requirements for pharmacists providing services in pharmacist-managed clinics, as well as the suggestions on teaching methods; practical research encouraged the conduct of high-quality pharmaceutical practice in the setting of pharmacist-managed clinics. The guidelines provide valuable guidance for the standardized implementation of pharmacist-managed clinics in China in terms of establishment, management, teaching, and research, fill the guideline gap in this field, and can promote the high-quality development of pharmacist-managed clinics.
6.An in vitro experimental study on the efficiency of dissolving pediatric ammonium urate stones in solutions with different pH values
Ningkang ZOU ; Dong LIU ; Bide LIU ; Jiuzhi LI ; Yukui NAN ; Yusufu AINIWAER ; Peixin ZHANG ; Weili DU ; Chi YUAN ; Hongliang JIA
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(3):240-243
Objective To evaluate the dissolution effects of pediatric ammonium urate stones in solutions with different pH values, so as to provide reference for the clinical treatment of this type of stones. Methods Eight pure ammonium urate stones(ammonium urate content ≥90%)of similar size and mass(median mass 4.6 g)were obtained from 8 children(<14 years)undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy at the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The stones were placed in sodium chloride solutions with pH values of 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, and 8.5 and artificial urine with pH values of 4. 6, 5.0, 7.0, and 8.5 at a constant temperature of 37 ℃. The mass of the stones was recorded before placement and at 24, 48, and 72 h after placement. The dissolution rates of the stones were calculated. Results The pediatric ammonium urate stones could be dissolved in sodium chloride solution, and the total dissolution rate was the highest(94.6%)after 72 hours when the pH value was 6.0. The total dissolution rate of ammonium urate stones in artificial urine after 72 hours were all over 50%, and the total dissolution rate was the highest(79.7%)when the pH value was 4.6. Conclusion Pediatric ammonium urate stones are soluble in sodium chloride solution and artificial urine, and the total dissolution rate is higher in acidic environment.
7.Application of Pivot-Regulating and Orifices-Unblocking Acupuncture in Post-Stroke Dysphagia:from the Perspective of the Relationship among the Brain,Shaoyang (少阳) and Pharynx
Yingquan LIU ; Hongjie JI ; Yu YE ; Junhao CHU ; Lin BAI ; Xingxing SU ; Hongliang CHENG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(17):1830-1834
Based on the close structural and functional associations of the Shaoyang (少阳) channel and related zang-fu (脏腑) organs with the brain and the pharynx, this paper proposes that the pathogenesis of post-stroke dysphagia involves constraint and stagnation of the pivot mechanism, binding of phlegm and stasis, frenetic stirring of ministerial fire, and incoordination of the spirit mechanism, ultimately leading to loss of pharyngeal function. An acupuncture therapy centered on regulating the pivot and unblocking the orifice is established. Acupoints of the Shaoyang channel, including Fengchi (GB 20), Wangu (GB 12), Yifeng (SJ 17), and Waiguan (SJ 5), are selected to regulate the pivot and treat the root; acupoints of the Du (督) and Ren (任) channels, including Fengfu (GV 16), Lianquan (CV 23), and Tiantu (CV 22), are used to unblock the orifice and treat the branch. In addition, staged treatment can be applied according to syndrome differentiation. In the acute stage with predominant phlegm turbidity, Fenglong (ST 40), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Jinjin (EX-HN 12), and Yuye (EX-HN 13) are added to resolve phlegm and facilitate orifice function. During the recovery stage with excess ministerial fire scorching the pharynx, Zulinqi (GB 41) and Zhaohai (KI 6) are added to drain fire and nourish yin; when ministerial fire disturbs the spirit, Tongli (HT 5) and Neiguan (PC 6) are added to calm the spirit and the heart. During the chronic stage with blood deficiency and collateral stasis, Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) are added to nourish blood and unblock collaterals. In clinical practice, the angle and depth of needling are adjusted based on the stage of dysphagia, with the combination of elongated needles and medicinal moxibustion are used to enhance the therapeutic effect.
8.Analysis of depressive symptoms and associated factors among primary and secondary school students in the in depth monitoring counties Rural Nutrition Improvement Program
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(2):219-222
Objective:
To understand the prevalence and related factors of depressive symptoms among primary and secondary school students in the in depth monitoring counties of China s Rural Compulsory Education Nutrition Improvement Program, so as to provide a basis for prevention and psychological intervention of depressive symptoms among children and adolescents in rural areas.
Methods:
In November 2022, a stratified random sampling method was adopted to collect height and weight data, basic personal and family information of 7 949 primary and secondary school students from grade three to grade nine through physical measurements and questionnaires in 56 key monitoring schools implementing the Student Nutrition Improvement Program in 7 in depth monitoring counties (Jalaid Banner in Inner Mongolia, Jinzhai County in Anhui, Mao Xian in Sichuan, Tiandeng County in Guangxi, Mian County in Shaanxi, Zhaozhou County in Heilongjiang and Youxi County in Fujian), and to obtain the information related to their depressive symptoms through the self assessment questionnaire on depression. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the prevalence of depressive symptoms among primary and secondary school students, as well as their related factors.
Results:
The detection rate of depressive symptoms among primary and secondary school students in the in depth monitored counties was 23.5%. Logistic regression analysis showed that the probability of detecting depressive symptoms was higher among female students, middle school students, students whose video screen duration per day was >2 h, and students whose parents marital status was divorced or widowed ( OR =1.40, 1.64, 1.60, 1.24), and students whose sleep duration reached the recommended standard, whose parents usually accompanied them daily for time was 60-<120 min and ≥120 min, and students whose mothers literacy level was middle school graduation had lower probability of detecting depressive symptoms ( OR =0.85, 0.84, 0.71, 0.76) ( P < 0.05 ).
Conclusion
The detection rate of depressive symptoms among students in the in depth monitoring area is high, and targeted interventions need to be developed for students to reduce the risk of mental health problems.
9.Research progress on protein lactylation in ophthalmic diseases
Hongliang CHEN ; Long SUO ; Qiankun WANG ; Shuang LIU
International Eye Science 2025;25(5):797-801
Lactylation, a recently identified post-translational modification of proteins, is induced by lactic acid and can occur at multiple lysine residues in both histone and non-histone proteins. This modification plays a role in disease pathogenesis by affecting transcriptional regulation, mitochondrial metabolism, and immune inflammation. Significant advancements have been made in understanding the mechanisms of lactylation in various ophthalmic diseases, including retinal neovascularization, uveitis, melanoma, and myopia. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the relationship between lactic acid and lactylation, the regulatory mechanisms of lactylation, and the role of lactylation in different ocular diseases. Additionally, it addresses current research limitations and future directions, which is of great significance to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of lactylation in eye diseases and improving the diagnosis and targeted treatment of these conditions.
10.Hot issues and application prospects of small molecule drugs in treatment of osteoarthritis
Shuai YU ; Jiawei LIU ; Bin ZHU ; Tan PAN ; Xinglong LI ; Guangfeng SUN ; Haiyang YU ; Ya DING ; Hongliang WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1913-1922
BACKGROUND:Various proteins,signaling pathways,and inflammatory mediators are involved in the pathophysiological process of osteoarthritis.The development of small molecule drugs targeting these proteins,signaling pathways,and inflammatory mediators can effectively delay the progression of osteoarthritis and ameliorate its clinical manifestations. OBJECTIVE:To review the research progress of small molecule drugs in the treatment of osteoarthritis based on the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. METHODS:PubMed,CNKI,and WanFang databases were searched with English search terms"osteoarthritis,arthritis,osteoarthrosis,degenerative,arthritides,deformans,small molecule drugs,small molecule inhibitors,small molecule agents"and Chinese search terms"osteoarthritis,small molecule drugs,small molecule inhibitors."A total of 68 articles were included for review according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Currently,studies concerning the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis remain unclear.The occurrence and development of osteoarthritis are strongly associated with proteins,cytokines,and signal transduction pathways,so its therapeutic mechanism is relatively complex.Currently,targeting proteins,cytokines,and signal transduction pathways related to osteoarthritis with small molecule drugs has become a major research focus.(2)Small molecule drugs frequently possess visible intracellular or extracellular targets and efficacy,containing enhancing cartilage repair,resisting joint degradation,attenuating inflammation,and relieving pain.Other anti-osteoarthritis small molecule drugs have shown promise in promoting stem cell chondrogenic differentiation and cartilage matrix reconstruction.(3)At present,small molecule drugs targeting the pathophysiological process of osteoarthritis to delay the progression of osteoarthritis are still in the experimental stage,but most of these small molecule drugs have shown the expected results in the experimental process,and there are no relevant studies to illustrate the efficacy of small molecule drugs in the treatment of osteoarthritis.(4)Small molecule drugs for the treatment of osteoarthritis have reached the expected experimental results in the basic experimental stage.Numerous studies have exhibited that small molecule drugs can target the suppression of specific proteins,cytokines,and signal transduction pathways that cause osteoarthritis,so as to treat osteoarthritis.Nevertheless,its safety and effectiveness still need to be identified by further basic and clinical studies.This process needs to be investigated and studied by more scholars.(5)At present,many scholars in and outside China have made contributions to the treatment of osteoarthritis.Compared with traditional treatment methods,small molecule drugs reveal better efficacy and safety in the basic experimental stage,and it is expected to become an emerging method for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the future to rid patients of pain.


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