1.Clinical Efficacy and Economic Evaluation of 1293 Non-Severe Adult Patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia Treated by the Jiangsu Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Dominant Diseases:A Multicenter,Retrospective Real-World Cohort Study
Ye MA ; Yeqing JI ; Zhichao WANG ; Fanchao FENG ; Mingzhi PU ; Hong LYU ; Xiaodong HU ; Gaohua FENG ; Xiaoqian FANG ; Guicai ZHANG ; Yanfen TANG ; Yeqing ZHANG ; Yao ZHUFU ; Wenpan PENG ; Hao WANG ; Cheng GU ; Zhichao ZHANG ; Shuang YANG ; Xinyu SUN ; Qi ZHAO ; Aojie GUO ; Xin TONG ; Zhuoyue WU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Jia LIU ; Hailang HE ; Xianmei ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):966-974
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and economic value of the Jiangsu Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Dominant Diseases (abbreviated as the Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol) in adult patients with non-severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) based on real-world clinical data. MethodsA retrospective real-world cohort study was conducted using electronic medical records of adult patients hospitalized for non-severe CAP from September 1st, 2023 to December 31st, 2024 across 10 TCM hospitals in Jiangsu province. Patients were classified into an exposure group and a non-exposure group based on whether they received Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) according to the Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol. The non-exposure group received only conventional western medicine, while the exposure group additionally received differentiated CHM for at least five consecutive days. Outcomes were compared between two patient groups, including cough resolution rate, sputum resolution rate (assessed by volume, color, and consistency), incidence of abnormal C-reactive protein (CRP), incidence of abnormal white blood cell (WBC) count, and radiographic resolution rate of pulmonary infiltrates on chest imaging. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors influencing clinical efficacy. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to age, gender, smoking status, history of hypertension, and pneumonia severity score (CURB-65), and the efficacy of treatment for cough and sputum was analyzed within each subgroup. Cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted using cough resolution rate as the outcome measure, evaluating the pharmacoeconomics of the two groups. ResultsA total of 1688 patients were included with 1293 in the exposure group and 395 in the non-exposure group. Compared to the non-exposure group, the exposure group demonstrated significantly higher resolution rates of cough, sputum volume, color, and consistency, as well as a significantly lower incidence of abnormal CRP (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of abnormal WBC count and radiographic resolution rate of pulmonary infiltrates (P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the cough resolution rate in the exposure group was 1.83 times that of the non-exposure group, while the probabilities of resolution in sputum volume, color, and consistency were 1.37, 2.09, and 1.56 times those of the non-exposure group, respectively (P<0.05). Subgroup analyses showed that the exposure group achieved significantly higher cough resolution rates across most subgroups except for populations with a CURB-65 score ≥2 or those with a history of hypertension (P<0.05). Specifically, among females, patients aged ≥18 and <65 years, non-smokers, those without hypertension, and those with a CURB-65 score of 0, the exposure group showed a higher cough resolution rate than the non-exposure group (P<0.05). From an economic perspective, total hospitalization cost, length of stay, antibiotic cost, and CHM cost all differed significantly between groups (P<0.05). The cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) was 10,788.80 CNY/case in the exposure group, while 22,513.80 CNY/case in the non-exposure group. This implies that, compared with the exposure group, the non-exposure group incurred an additional 17,302.27 CNY to achieve one case of cough resolution. When the willingness-to-pay threshold ranged from 0 to 50,000 CNY, the probability of economic advantage was consistently higher in the exposure group than in the non-exposure group. ConclusionOn the basis of conventional western medicine, the addition of CHM in accordance with the Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol can effectively improve clinical symptoms, reduce inflammatory markers, promote clinical recovery, and is more cost-effective in treating adults with non-severe CAP.
2.Efficacy and Economic Evaluation of Weishi Qingjin Formula (苇石清金方)in the Treatment of Adult Community-Acquired Pneumonia with Phlegm-Heat Obstructing the Lung Syndrome:A Multicenter Retrospective Real-World Cohort Study
Yeqing JI ; Ye MA ; Zhichao WANG ; Fanchao FENG ; Mingzhi PU ; Hong LYU ; Xiaodong HU ; Gaohua FENG ; Xiaoqian FANG ; Guicai ZHANG ; Yanfen TANG ; Yeqing ZHANG ; Yao ZHUFU ; Wenpan PENG ; Hao WANG ; Cheng GU ; Zhichao ZHANG ; Shuang YANG ; Xinyu SUN ; Qi ZHAO ; Aojie GUO ; Xin TONG ; Zhuoyue WU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Jia LIU ; Hailang HE ; Xianmei ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):975-984
ObjectiveTo observe the real‑world effectiveness and economic outcomes of Weishi Qingjin Formula (苇石清金方, WQF) in the treatment of adult community‑acquired pneumonia (CAP) with phlegm‑heat obstructing the lung syndrome. MethodsBased on a multicenter, real-world retrospective cohort study, clinical data were collected from hospitalized adult patients diagnosed with non‑severe CAP and phlegm‑heat obstructing the lung syndrome in 10 traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospitals in Jiangsu province. Patients were divided into an exposure group (those who received oral WQF) and a non‑exposure group (those who did not). The following outcomes were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, which were remission rates of clinical symptoms including cough, expectoration (sputum volume, color, consistency), and chest pain, levels of inflammatory markers including C‑reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC), and the rate of pulmonary inflammatory absorption on chest CT. Subgroup analyses were performed based on age, gender, smoking status, presence of hypertension, and the severity of community-acquired pneumonia (CURB‑65) score, comparing the two groups in terms of cough remission rate, chest pain remission rate, and chest CT absorption rate. For health economic evaluation, cost‑effectiveness analysis was used to calculate the cost‑effectiveness ratio (CER) and incremental cost‑effectiveness ratio (ICER). Univariate sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed to test the robustness of the results. ResultsA total of 647 patients in the exposure group and 1491 patients in the non-exposure group were included in the final statistical analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in length of hospital stay, gender, marital status, smoking history, bronchoscopy history, and comorbidities between the groups (P>0.05), but age, CURB-65 score, and antibiotic use. The exposure group had significantly higher remission rates of cough and sputum consistency than the non-exposure group (P<0.05). After adjusting for confounders using propensity score matching and logistic regression, the cough remission rate in the exposure group was 1.49 times that of the non-exposure group (P<0.01). No significant difference was observed between groups in the reduction rates of CRP and WBC, and in the rate of pulmonary inflammatory absorption on chest CT (P>0.05). Subgroup analyses revealed that the cough remission rate in the exposure group was significantly better than that in the non-exposure group except for patients aged ≥65 years, smokers, hypertensive patients, those using other type antibiotics or not using antibiotics, and those with a CURB-65 score ≥1 (P<0.05). Among smokers, the chest pain remission rate in the exposure group was 4.38 times that of the non-exposure group (P<0.01). No significant difference in chest CT absorption rate was found between groups across subgroups of gender, age, hypertension status, or antibiotic type (P>0.05). In terms of economic evaluation, CER was 10,877.60 CNY/case in the exposure group and 16,773.10 CNY/case in the non-exposure group. Compared to the exposure group, the non-exposure group incurred an additional 15,034.26 CNY to achieve one case of cough resolution, indicating a more favorable cost-effectiveness profile. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis yielded results consistent with the cost-effectiveness analysis, confirming the robustness of the findings. ConclusionWQF demonstrates significant efficacy in improving cough symptoms in the treatment of adult CAP with phlegm-heat obstructing the lung syndrome, and also exhibits favorable economic benefits.
3.Clinical Efficacy and Economic Evaluation of 1293 Non-Severe Adult Patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia Treated by the Jiangsu Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Dominant Diseases:A Multicenter,Retrospective Real-World Cohort Study
Ye MA ; Yeqing JI ; Zhichao WANG ; Fanchao FENG ; Mingzhi PU ; Hong LYU ; Xiaodong HU ; Gaohua FENG ; Xiaoqian FANG ; Guicai ZHANG ; Yanfen TANG ; Yeqing ZHANG ; Yao ZHUFU ; Wenpan PENG ; Hao WANG ; Cheng GU ; Zhichao ZHANG ; Shuang YANG ; Xinyu SUN ; Qi ZHAO ; Aojie GUO ; Xin TONG ; Zhuoyue WU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Jia LIU ; Hailang HE ; Xianmei ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):966-974
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and economic value of the Jiangsu Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Dominant Diseases (abbreviated as the Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol) in adult patients with non-severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) based on real-world clinical data. MethodsA retrospective real-world cohort study was conducted using electronic medical records of adult patients hospitalized for non-severe CAP from September 1st, 2023 to December 31st, 2024 across 10 TCM hospitals in Jiangsu province. Patients were classified into an exposure group and a non-exposure group based on whether they received Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) according to the Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol. The non-exposure group received only conventional western medicine, while the exposure group additionally received differentiated CHM for at least five consecutive days. Outcomes were compared between two patient groups, including cough resolution rate, sputum resolution rate (assessed by volume, color, and consistency), incidence of abnormal C-reactive protein (CRP), incidence of abnormal white blood cell (WBC) count, and radiographic resolution rate of pulmonary infiltrates on chest imaging. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors influencing clinical efficacy. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to age, gender, smoking status, history of hypertension, and pneumonia severity score (CURB-65), and the efficacy of treatment for cough and sputum was analyzed within each subgroup. Cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted using cough resolution rate as the outcome measure, evaluating the pharmacoeconomics of the two groups. ResultsA total of 1688 patients were included with 1293 in the exposure group and 395 in the non-exposure group. Compared to the non-exposure group, the exposure group demonstrated significantly higher resolution rates of cough, sputum volume, color, and consistency, as well as a significantly lower incidence of abnormal CRP (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of abnormal WBC count and radiographic resolution rate of pulmonary infiltrates (P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the cough resolution rate in the exposure group was 1.83 times that of the non-exposure group, while the probabilities of resolution in sputum volume, color, and consistency were 1.37, 2.09, and 1.56 times those of the non-exposure group, respectively (P<0.05). Subgroup analyses showed that the exposure group achieved significantly higher cough resolution rates across most subgroups except for populations with a CURB-65 score ≥2 or those with a history of hypertension (P<0.05). Specifically, among females, patients aged ≥18 and <65 years, non-smokers, those without hypertension, and those with a CURB-65 score of 0, the exposure group showed a higher cough resolution rate than the non-exposure group (P<0.05). From an economic perspective, total hospitalization cost, length of stay, antibiotic cost, and CHM cost all differed significantly between groups (P<0.05). The cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) was 10,788.80 CNY/case in the exposure group, while 22,513.80 CNY/case in the non-exposure group. This implies that, compared with the exposure group, the non-exposure group incurred an additional 17,302.27 CNY to achieve one case of cough resolution. When the willingness-to-pay threshold ranged from 0 to 50,000 CNY, the probability of economic advantage was consistently higher in the exposure group than in the non-exposure group. ConclusionOn the basis of conventional western medicine, the addition of CHM in accordance with the Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol can effectively improve clinical symptoms, reduce inflammatory markers, promote clinical recovery, and is more cost-effective in treating adults with non-severe CAP.
4.Efficacy and Economic Evaluation of Weishi Qingjin Formula (苇石清金方)in the Treatment of Adult Community-Acquired Pneumonia with Phlegm-Heat Obstructing the Lung Syndrome:A Multicenter Retrospective Real-World Cohort Study
Yeqing JI ; Ye MA ; Zhichao WANG ; Fanchao FENG ; Mingzhi PU ; Hong LYU ; Xiaodong HU ; Gaohua FENG ; Xiaoqian FANG ; Guicai ZHANG ; Yanfen TANG ; Yeqing ZHANG ; Yao ZHUFU ; Wenpan PENG ; Hao WANG ; Cheng GU ; Zhichao ZHANG ; Shuang YANG ; Xinyu SUN ; Qi ZHAO ; Aojie GUO ; Xin TONG ; Zhuoyue WU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Jia LIU ; Hailang HE ; Xianmei ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):975-984
ObjectiveTo observe the real‑world effectiveness and economic outcomes of Weishi Qingjin Formula (苇石清金方, WQF) in the treatment of adult community‑acquired pneumonia (CAP) with phlegm‑heat obstructing the lung syndrome. MethodsBased on a multicenter, real-world retrospective cohort study, clinical data were collected from hospitalized adult patients diagnosed with non‑severe CAP and phlegm‑heat obstructing the lung syndrome in 10 traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospitals in Jiangsu province. Patients were divided into an exposure group (those who received oral WQF) and a non‑exposure group (those who did not). The following outcomes were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, which were remission rates of clinical symptoms including cough, expectoration (sputum volume, color, consistency), and chest pain, levels of inflammatory markers including C‑reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC), and the rate of pulmonary inflammatory absorption on chest CT. Subgroup analyses were performed based on age, gender, smoking status, presence of hypertension, and the severity of community-acquired pneumonia (CURB‑65) score, comparing the two groups in terms of cough remission rate, chest pain remission rate, and chest CT absorption rate. For health economic evaluation, cost‑effectiveness analysis was used to calculate the cost‑effectiveness ratio (CER) and incremental cost‑effectiveness ratio (ICER). Univariate sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed to test the robustness of the results. ResultsA total of 647 patients in the exposure group and 1491 patients in the non-exposure group were included in the final statistical analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in length of hospital stay, gender, marital status, smoking history, bronchoscopy history, and comorbidities between the groups (P>0.05), but age, CURB-65 score, and antibiotic use. The exposure group had significantly higher remission rates of cough and sputum consistency than the non-exposure group (P<0.05). After adjusting for confounders using propensity score matching and logistic regression, the cough remission rate in the exposure group was 1.49 times that of the non-exposure group (P<0.01). No significant difference was observed between groups in the reduction rates of CRP and WBC, and in the rate of pulmonary inflammatory absorption on chest CT (P>0.05). Subgroup analyses revealed that the cough remission rate in the exposure group was significantly better than that in the non-exposure group except for patients aged ≥65 years, smokers, hypertensive patients, those using other type antibiotics or not using antibiotics, and those with a CURB-65 score ≥1 (P<0.05). Among smokers, the chest pain remission rate in the exposure group was 4.38 times that of the non-exposure group (P<0.01). No significant difference in chest CT absorption rate was found between groups across subgroups of gender, age, hypertension status, or antibiotic type (P>0.05). In terms of economic evaluation, CER was 10,877.60 CNY/case in the exposure group and 16,773.10 CNY/case in the non-exposure group. Compared to the exposure group, the non-exposure group incurred an additional 15,034.26 CNY to achieve one case of cough resolution, indicating a more favorable cost-effectiveness profile. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis yielded results consistent with the cost-effectiveness analysis, confirming the robustness of the findings. ConclusionWQF demonstrates significant efficacy in improving cough symptoms in the treatment of adult CAP with phlegm-heat obstructing the lung syndrome, and also exhibits favorable economic benefits.
5.Assessment of ochratoxin A exposure in the diets of pregnant women in Shanghai
Kailin LI ; Renjie QI ; Hua CAI ; Xia SONG ; Jingjin YANG ; Danping QIU ; Zhenni ZHU ; Yi HE ; Baozhang LUO ; Hong LIU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(3):181-186
ObjectiveTo investigate the contamination status of ochratoxin A (OTA) in commercially available food products in Shanghai, and to assess OTA exposure levels and the associated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks among pregnant women by integrating dietary consumption data of this population. MethodsThe levels of OTA contamination in 1 520 food samples collected in Shanghai from 2022 to 2023 were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. An exposure assessment model was developed based on the dietary consumption levels of pregnant women from the 2016‒2017 Shanghai Pregnant Women Dietary Monitoring Survey to calculate the estimated daily intake (EDI) of OTA, the margin of exposure for non-carcinogenic toxicity (MOE1), and the margin of exposure for carcinogenic toxicity (MOE2). An MOE1 greater than 200 and an MOE2 greater than 10 000 indicate that the non-carcinogenic toxicity and carcinogenic toxicity resulting from exposure are negligible, respectively. For samples with OTA contamination levels below the limit of detection (LOD), which accounted for more than 80% of the samples, the OTA levels were assigned values of 0 and LOD, respectively, for subsequent calculations. ResultsThe detection rates of OTA in cereals, nuts, dried fruits, and alcohol samples collected in 2022 were 2.03%, 0, 0, and 0, respectively. The OTA detection rates in cereals, nuts, dried fruits, beans, and alcohol samples collected in 2023 were 2.50%, 0.39%, 2.47%, 1.67%, and 13.33%, respectively. For pregnant women in Shanghai in 2022, simulation results indicated that when assigning a value of 0 and the LOD, theP50 values of EDI for dietary OTA exposure were 0.05 and 0.72 ng·(kg·d)-1, respectively, and the P95 values of EDI for dietary OTA exposure were 0.25 and 2.40 ng·(kg·d)-1, respectively. For pregnant women in Shanghai in 2023, the P50 values of EDI for dietary OTA exposure were 0.04 and 1.00 ng·(kg·d)-1, respectively, and the P95 values of EDI for dietary OTA exposure were 0.23 and 2.67 ng·(kg·d)-1, respectively, both substantially below the tolerable daily intake (TDI) for OTA [17 ng·(kg·d)-1]. The EDI for dietary OTA exposure in 100.0% of Shanghai pregnant women was lower than the TDI, indicating an overall low level of dietary OTA exposure among this population. For 100.0% of pregnant women, the MOE₁ for dietary OTA exposure exceeded 200. When assigned a value of 0, the MOE₂ for 100.0% of pregnant women in both 2022 and 2023 exceeded10 000. When assigned the LOD value, 72.3% and 81.8% of pregnant women in 2022 and 2023, respectively, had an MOE₂ exceeding 10 000. ConclusionFrom 2022 to 2023, samples of cereals, nuts, dried fruits, beans, and alcohol sold in Shanghai exhibited varying degrees of OTA contamination. The overall EDI of OTA exposure among pregnant women in Shanghai remained at a low level. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with OTA exposure were generally low and at controllable levels.
6.Clinical application of transperineal four-hole prostate puncture
Xudong JIA ; Haoxuan YANG ; Xin WANG ; Lei DU ; Ziyue MA ; Yan HE ; Mingxuan YANG ; Jinchun QI
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(3):268-271
Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of the transperineal four-hole prostate puncture with conventional transperineal prostate puncture. Methods A total of 91 patients undergoing transperineal prostate puncture at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University during Jan. 2024 and Jan. 2025 were enrolled. Based on the puncture methods, the patients were divided into the four-hole group(n=46)and conventional group(n=45). The four-hole group underwent four-hole puncture, while the conventional group received standardized parallel needle insertion. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, pain score, positive biopsy rate, and complications were compared between the two groups. Results The intraoperative blood loss [(7.05±2.48)mL vs.(9.15±3.49)mL] and pain score [(2.33±1.55)vs.(3.02± 1.54)] of the four-hole group were significantly lower than those of the conventional group(P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the positive biopsy rate [47.8%(22/46)vs. 46.7%(21/45)] or operation time [(18.83±2.49)min vs.(18.07±1.66)min](P>0.05). The total complication rate in the four-hole group was significantly lower than that in the conventional group [21.7%(10/46)vs. 42.2%(19/45), P<0.05]. Conclusion Compared with the conventional parallel needle insertion method, the four-hole puncture technique reduces the intraoperative blood loss, alleviates trauma severity and pain response, and reduces the complication rate.
7.Clinical Efficacy of Yishen Jiangtang Decoction Combined with Conventional Western Medicine Treatment for Diabetic Kidney Disease with Pattern of Qi-Yin Deficiency Combined with Dampness-heat and Blood Stasis
Yunjie YANG ; Yasheng DENG ; Kaiying HE ; Qi ZHANG ; Yongxin YU ; Yaqing RUAN ; Zhuang HAN ; Qiwei CHEN ; Yi WEI ; Qiu CHEN ; Jing WU ; Mingqian JIANG ; Shiwei RUAN ; Jianting WANG ; Yuliang QIU ; Lixiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):157-167
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Yishen Jiangtang decoction combined with conventional Western medicine treatment in managing stage G3A3 diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in the patients with the pattern of Qi-Yin deficiency combined with dampness-heat and blood stasis, and to explore its mechanism of inhibiting the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-apoptosis axis and delaying renal fibrosis (RF). MethodsA single-center, randomized, parallel-controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 78 patients diagnosed with stage G3A3 DKD and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pattern of Qi-Yin deficiency combined with dampness-heat and blood stasis and treated in the Department of Nephrology and the Department of Endocrinology of the People's Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 2025 to February 2026 were enrolled. They were randomly assigned at a 1∶1 ratio into a control group (conventional Western medicine treatment) and an experimental group (Yishen Jiangtang decoction combined with conventional Western medicine treatment), with 39 patients in each group. The treatment lasted for 12 weeks. Basic demographic data and medical history were collected before and after treatment. The two groups before and after treatment were compared in terms of the following parameters: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to measure serum glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), serum cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-3 (Caspase-3), and serum and urinary transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels before and after treatment. TCM symptom scores, TCM syndrome efficacy, and overall clinical efficacy were evaluated before and after treatment. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to explore the correlations of serum levels of GRP78 and Caspase-3, as well as serum and urinary levels of TGF-β1, with renal function, proteinuria, and glucose and lipid metabolism indicators in patients with DKD. In addition, safety indicators were also monitored. ResultsA total of 75 patients completed the study (38 in the control group and 37 in the experimental group). ① Baseline data: The two groups were comparable in terms of sex and age, with no statistically significant difference. ② Efficacy outcomes: Compared with baseline levels, both groups showed reductions in BUN, SCr, UACR, FBG, TG, TC, LDL-C, and TCM symptom scores (P<0.01) and increases in eGFR level (P<0.01). Moreover, the experimental group outperformed the control group in altering the indicators above (P<0.05). Regarding TCM syndrome efficacy, the total response rate in the experimental group was 83.78%, which was higher than that (57.89%) in the control group (P<0.05). Regarding overall clinical efficacy, the total response rate in the experimental group was 78.38%, which was higher than that (50.00%) in the control group (P<0.05). ③ Mechanism outcomes: Compared with baseline levels, both groups showed declined serum levels of GRP78, Caspase-3, and TGF-β1 and urinary level of TGF-β1 after treatment (P<0.01). Moreover, the experimental group showed greater declines than the control group (P<0.05). The serum levels of GRP78, Caspase-3,and TGF-β1 and the urinary level of TGF-β1 in DKD patients showed positive correlations with BUN, SCr, UACR, and FBG and negative correlations with eGFR (P<0.05). ④ Safety outcomes: Neither group showed drug-related adverse reactions, and laboratory safety parameters remained within normal ranges. ConclusionYishen Jiangtang decoction combined with conventional Western medicine treatment may safely and effectively alleviate clinical symptoms, correct glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, and protect the renal function in patients with stage G3A3 DKD and the pattern of Qi-Yin deficiency combined with dampness-heat and blood stasis. The mechanism may be associated with inhibition of the ERS-apoptosis axis and delay of the RF process.
8.Clinical Efficacy of Yishen Jiangtang Decoction Combined with Conventional Western Medicine Treatment for Diabetic Kidney Disease with Pattern of Qi-Yin Deficiency Combined with Dampness-heat and Blood Stasis
Yunjie YANG ; Yasheng DENG ; Kaiying HE ; Qi ZHANG ; Yongxin YU ; Yaqing RUAN ; Zhuang HAN ; Qiwei CHEN ; Yi WEI ; Qiu CHEN ; Jing WU ; Mingqian JIANG ; Shiwei RUAN ; Jianting WANG ; Yuliang QIU ; Lixiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):157-167
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Yishen Jiangtang decoction combined with conventional Western medicine treatment in managing stage G3A3 diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in the patients with the pattern of Qi-Yin deficiency combined with dampness-heat and blood stasis, and to explore its mechanism of inhibiting the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-apoptosis axis and delaying renal fibrosis (RF). MethodsA single-center, randomized, parallel-controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 78 patients diagnosed with stage G3A3 DKD and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pattern of Qi-Yin deficiency combined with dampness-heat and blood stasis and treated in the Department of Nephrology and the Department of Endocrinology of the People's Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 2025 to February 2026 were enrolled. They were randomly assigned at a 1∶1 ratio into a control group (conventional Western medicine treatment) and an experimental group (Yishen Jiangtang decoction combined with conventional Western medicine treatment), with 39 patients in each group. The treatment lasted for 12 weeks. Basic demographic data and medical history were collected before and after treatment. The two groups before and after treatment were compared in terms of the following parameters: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to measure serum glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), serum cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-3 (Caspase-3), and serum and urinary transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels before and after treatment. TCM symptom scores, TCM syndrome efficacy, and overall clinical efficacy were evaluated before and after treatment. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to explore the correlations of serum levels of GRP78 and Caspase-3, as well as serum and urinary levels of TGF-β1, with renal function, proteinuria, and glucose and lipid metabolism indicators in patients with DKD. In addition, safety indicators were also monitored. ResultsA total of 75 patients completed the study (38 in the control group and 37 in the experimental group). ① Baseline data: The two groups were comparable in terms of sex and age, with no statistically significant difference. ② Efficacy outcomes: Compared with baseline levels, both groups showed reductions in BUN, SCr, UACR, FBG, TG, TC, LDL-C, and TCM symptom scores (P<0.01) and increases in eGFR level (P<0.01). Moreover, the experimental group outperformed the control group in altering the indicators above (P<0.05). Regarding TCM syndrome efficacy, the total response rate in the experimental group was 83.78%, which was higher than that (57.89%) in the control group (P<0.05). Regarding overall clinical efficacy, the total response rate in the experimental group was 78.38%, which was higher than that (50.00%) in the control group (P<0.05). ③ Mechanism outcomes: Compared with baseline levels, both groups showed declined serum levels of GRP78, Caspase-3, and TGF-β1 and urinary level of TGF-β1 after treatment (P<0.01). Moreover, the experimental group showed greater declines than the control group (P<0.05). The serum levels of GRP78, Caspase-3,and TGF-β1 and the urinary level of TGF-β1 in DKD patients showed positive correlations with BUN, SCr, UACR, and FBG and negative correlations with eGFR (P<0.05). ④ Safety outcomes: Neither group showed drug-related adverse reactions, and laboratory safety parameters remained within normal ranges. ConclusionYishen Jiangtang decoction combined with conventional Western medicine treatment may safely and effectively alleviate clinical symptoms, correct glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, and protect the renal function in patients with stage G3A3 DKD and the pattern of Qi-Yin deficiency combined with dampness-heat and blood stasis. The mechanism may be associated with inhibition of the ERS-apoptosis axis and delay of the RF process.
9.Association of outdoor activity level and myopia among children and adolescents in Shanghai
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):18-23
Objective:
To analyze the status of outdoor activities on weekends among children and adolescents of different educational stages in Shanghai and their impact on myopia, so as to provide a basis for formulating more specific prevention and control protocol of myopia.
Methods:
From September to October 2022, a stratified cluster random sampling method was employed to select 84 schools (27 kindergartens, 21 primary schools, 15 junior high schools and 21 high schools) across Shanghai, enrolling a total of 28 654 children and adolescents aged 4 to 18 for the study. Ophthalmic examinations were conducted to ascertain the prevalence of myopia among children and adolescents. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was administered to collect data on outdoor activity duration and associated factors. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was utilized to investigate the associated factors of outdoor activity levels on weekends.
Results:
The overall myopia detection rate among children and adolescents was 58.4%, with a higher rate observed in girls (59.2%) compared to boys (57.6%). The myopia detection rates for children and adolescents with an average daily outdoor activity duration of ≥2 h and <2 h on weekends were 54.6% and 68.8%, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ 2=8.12,460.89, P <0.01). Multivariable Logistic regression analysis revealed that girls ( OR =0.80), those with a myopic parent ( OR =0.68), schools from urban districts ( OR =0.72), higher education stages (primary school: OR =0.65, junior high school: OR =0.24, high school: OR =0.14) and spending≥2 h/d on homework during weekends ( OR =0.57) among children and adolescents were less likely to engage in outdoor activities for ≥2 h on weekends ( P <0.01). After incorporating gender, parental myopia status, educational stage, school location, average daily duration on weekends for spending on homework, electronic product usage and outdoor activities as dependent variables in a multivariate Logistic regression analysis, the results showed that children and adolescents with an average outdoor activity duration for ≥2 h on weekends had a lower risk of myopia ( OR =0.86, P < 0.01).
Conclusions
The level of outdoor activity among children and adolescents on weekends needs to be improved. Outdoor activities on weekends is an associated factor for myopia among children and adolescents. Particularly, girls, those with myopic parents, schools from urban districts, and spending long hours on homework during weekends among children and adolescents require increased attention.
10.Visual acuity and corrected visual acuity of children and adolescents in Shanghai City
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):24-28
Objective:
To investigate the visual acuity and correction conditions of children and adolescents in Shanghai, so as to provide a scientific basis for developing intervention measures to prevent myopia and protect vision among children and adolescents.
Methods:
From October to December 2022, a stratified cluster random sampling survey was conducted, involving 47 034 students from 16 municipal districts in Shanghai, covering kindergartens (≥5 years), primary schools, middle schools, general high schools and vocational high schools. According to the Guidelines for Screening Refractive Errors in Primary and Secondary School Students, the Standard Logarithmic Visual acuity Chart was used to examine naked vision and corrected vision of students, and general information was collected. The distribution and severity of visual impairment in different age groups were analyzed, and χ 2 tests and multivariate Logistic regression were used to explore factors associated with visual impairment.
Results:
The detection rate of visual impairment among children and adolescents was 76.2%, with a higher rate among females (78.8%) than males ( 73.8 %), higher among Han ethic students ( 76.2 %) than minority students (71.2%), and higher among urban students (76.7%) than suburban students (75.8%), all with statistically significant differences ( χ 2=162.6, 10.4, 5.5, P <0.05). The rate of visual impairment initially decreased and then increased with age, reaching its lowest at age 7 (53.8%) and peaking at age 17 (89.6%) ( χ 2 trend = 3 467.0 , P <0.05). Severe visual impairment accounted for the majority, at 56.6%, and there was a positive correlation between the severity of visual impairment and age among children and adolescents ( r =0.45, P <0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression showed that age, BMI, gender, ethnicity and urban suburban status were associated with visual impairment ( OR =1.18, 1.01, 1.38 , 0.79, 0.88, P <0.05). Among those with moderate to severe visual impairment, the rate of spectacle lens usage was 62.8%, yet only 44.8 % of those who used spectacle lens had fully corrected visual acuity. Females (64.9%) had higher spectacle lens usage rates than males (60.6%), and general high school students had the highest spectacle lens usage (83.9%), and there were statistically significant differences in gender and academic stages ( χ 2=57.7, 4 592.8, P <0.05).
Conclusions
The rate of spectacle lens usage among students with moderate to severe visual impairment is relatively low, and even after using spectacle lens, some students still do not achieve adequate corrected visual acuity. Efforts should focus on enhancing public awareness of eye health and refractive correction and improving the accessibility of related health services.


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