The method of decocting and taking medicine can directly influence the efficacy of the Chinese herbal medicine,and is the key to enhancing efficacy and reducing toxicity.As the originator of classic books for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)prescriptions,Treatise on Exogenous Febrile Diseases has recorded various specific methods of decocting and taking medicine in details.This paper summarized and sorted out various methods of decocting the same Chinese herbal medicine,re-decocting method with the removal of dregs(for concentrating medicinal solution),method of decocting pills,dosage of medicine,time for taking medicine,and notices and healthcare after medication recorded in Treatise on Exogenous Febrile Diseases.Moreover,the dialectical view in the method of decocting medicine recorded in Treatise on Exogenous Febrile Diseases.was explored.The special method of decocting and taking medicine in Treatise on Exogenous Febrile Diseases included the TCM dialectical view of using the same Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of different diseases,consideration of both Chinese herbal medicine and syndromes,drastic purgatives for chasing long-term efficacy.The method of taking medicine contained the TCM dialectical view of modification of the medicine dosage according to syndrome differentiation,adapting to the general trend,and suspension after medicine starting an effect.It is believed that the method of decocting and taking medicine for the prescriptions in Treatise on Exogenous Febrile Diseases is established according to syndrome differentiation,and the utilization of various methods of decocting and taking medicine as well as notices and healthcare after medication in accordance with the characteristics of diseases and syndromes ensures the prescriptions meeting the pathogenesis,and then enhance the clinical efficacy.

Liposomes serve as critical carriers for drugs and vaccines,with their biological effects influenced by their size.The microfluidic method,renowned for its precise control,reproducibility,and scalability,has been widely employed for liposome preparation.Although some studies have explored factors affecting liposomal size in microfluidic processes,most focus on small-sized liposomes,predominantly through experimental data analysis.However,the production of larger liposomes,which are equally significant,remains underexplored.In this work,we thoroughly investigate multiple variables influencing liposome size during microfluidic preparation and develop a machine learning(ML)model capable of accurately predicting liposomal size.Experimental validation was conducted using a staggered herringbone micromixer(SHM)chip.Our findings reveal that most investigated variables significantly influence liposomal size,often interrelating in complex ways.We evaluated the predictive performance of several widely-used ML algorithms,including ensemble methods,through cross-validation(CV)for both lipo-some size and polydispersity index(PDI).A standalone dataset was experimentally validated to assess the accuracy of the ML predictions,with results indicating that ensemble algorithms provided the most reliable predictions.Specifically,gradient boosting was selected for size prediction,while random forest was employed for PDI prediction.We successfully produced uniform large(600 nm)and small(100 nm)liposomes using the optimised experimental conditions derived from the ML models.In conclusion,this study presents a robust methodology that enables precise control over liposome size distribution,of-fering valuable insights for medicinal research applications.

Objective To investigate the correlation between the Balkwill angle and occlusal plane angles and temporomandibular joint(TMJ)morphology in adults with skeletal Class Ⅱ division 2 malocclusion.Methods Thirty-five adult patients with skeletal Class Ⅱ division 2 low angle(study group)and 35 adult patients with skeletal Class Ⅰ average angle(control group)were included.The Invivo Dental 5 software was employed to acquire the data of Balkwill angle,occlusal plane angle(FH-OP),posterior occlusal plane angle(FH-POP),mandibular occlusal plane angle(FH-MOP),DPO(vertical distance from condylar center to the MOP)and the TMJ measurement items.Results The mean values of FH-OP,FH-POP and FH-MOP were lower in the study group than control group(P＜0.05).The average value of Balkwill angle and DPO were higher in the study group than the control group(P＜0.05).Sig-nificant differences were found in the measurement results of the mediolateral diameters of the condyle,width of condylar head,the ar-ticular eminence inclination and height,superior joint space between two groups.DPO had a medium correlation with mediolateral di-ameters of the condyle,glenoid fossa depth and articular eminence height.And FH-MOP angle had a medium correlation with mediolat-eral diameters of the condyle and articular eminence height.There was a medium correlation between the Balkwill angle and articular eminence height,a weak correlation with mediolateral diameters of the condyle,articular eminence inclination,condylar length and glenoid fossa depth.Conclusion The results indicated that the DPO had a significant impact on TMJ morphology,followed by FH-MOP,and finally Balkwill angle in skeletal Class Ⅱ division 2 low angle malocclusion.

BACKGROUND: There is a gap in understanding the effects of different acupoints and treatment methods (acupuncture and moxibustion) on microcirculatory changes in the lumbar region. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the thermal effects of acupuncture at Weizhong (BL40), with acupuncture at Chize (LU5) and moxibustion at both acupoints as control interventions. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: In this randomized controlled trial, 140 healthy participants were equally divided into four groups: acupuncture at BL40 (Acu-BL40), acupuncture at LU5 (Acu-LU5), moxibustion at BL40 (Mox-BL40) and moxibustion at LU5 (Mox-LU5). Participants underwent a 30-minute session of their assigned treatment. Infrared thermal imaging was used to collect temperature data on the areas of interest for analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary measure was the change in average temperature of the observed area after the intervention. The secondary measures included periodic temperature changes every 5 min and the temperature changes of the Governor Vessel and Bladder Meridian in the observed area after the intervention. RESULTS: Significant interactions were observed between treatments and acupoints affecting temperature (P < 0.001). The Acu-BL40 group showed a notably higher increase in mean temperature after 30 min compared to the Acu-LU5 and Mox-BL40 groups, with increases of 0.29 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.17 to 0.41) and 0.24 (95% CI = 0.08 to 0.41) °C, respectively. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at BL40 acupoint can significantly increase the mean temperature in the observed area, highlighting the specific thermal effect of acupuncture compared to moxibustion in the lumbar area. This suggests a potential therapeutic benefit of acupuncture at BL40 for managing lumbar conditions. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05665426). Please cite this article as: Zheng SY, Wang XY, Lin LN, Liu S, Huang XX, Liu YY, Yu XS, Pan W, Fang JQ, Liang Y. Lumbar temperature change after acupuncture or moxibustion at Weizhong (BL40) or Chize (LU5) in healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(2): 145-151.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Young Adult ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Body Temperature ; Healthy Volunteers ; Lumbosacral Region/physiology* ; Moxibustion ; Adolescent

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study assessed the methodological quality of systematic reviews (SRs) of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) published in Chinese between Jan 2021 and Sep 2022. METHODS: Chinese language CHM SRs were identified through literature searches across 3 international and 4 Chinese databases. Methodological quality was appraised using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2. Logistic regressions were used to explore associations between bibliographical characteristics and quality. RESULTS: Analyses of methodological quality found that among the 213 sampled SRs, 69.5% were of critically low quality, 30.5% were of low quality, and none achieved high or moderate quality. Common shortcomings included the failure to identify the studies excluded from the analysis, failure to disclose funding sources, and limited evaluation of the potential impact of bias on conclusions. Logistic regressions revealed that SRs led by corresponding authors affiliated with universities or academic institutions tended to be of lower quality than SRs led by authors affiliated with hospitals or clinical facilities. CONCLUSION Recent Chinese language CHM SRs exhibited limited methodological quality, making them unlikely to support the development of clinical practice guidelines. Urgent initiatives are needed to enhance training for researchers, peer-reviewers and editors involved in the preparation and publication of SRs. Adoption of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guidelines in Chinese language journals is crucial to improve the relevance of SRs for Chinese medicine development. Addressing deficiencies in methodology and reporting is essential for promoting evidence-based practices and informed clinical decisions in Chinese medicine. Please cite this article as: Jiang Y, Zhong CC, Wang BH, Xu SS, Ho FF, Kwong MH, Ho L, Zhou JHS, Lam KC, Liu JP, Zhang BT, Chung VCH. Methodological quality of systematic reviews on orally administered Chinese herbal medicine published in Chinese between 2021 and 2022: A cross-sectional study. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):492-501.
Cross-Sectional Studies ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Systematic Reviews as Topic/standards* ; Humans ; China ; Administration, Oral ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective To evaluate the application value of fascial platform versus commercial platform in transumbilical single-port laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair(TAPP)for inguinal hernia.Methods One hundred patients with inguinal hernia admitted between January and December 2024 were prospectively enrolled and randomly assigned to either the fascial platform group(n=50)or the commercial platform group(n=50)by using a random number table.The following parameters were compared between the two groups:platform establishment time,operative time,intraoperative blood loss,incision suture time,operative difficulty score,camera manipulation difficulty score,postoperative 24-hour Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)score of pain,postoperative hospital stay,total hospitalization cost,comprehensive satisfaction score,and postoperative complications.Results The fascial platform group demonstrated significantly superior outcomes compared to the commercial platform group in platform establishment time[(3.4±1.0)min vs.(8.1±1.5)min,t=-18.389,P＜0.001],operative time[(67.5±7.9)min vs.(72.2±11.5)min,t=-2.380,P=0.019],intraoperative blood loss[(8.3±4.3)ml vs.(11.1±5.7)ml,t=-2.798,P=0.006],incision suture time[(7.0±1.4)min vs.(11.8±2.7)min,t=-11.212,P＜0.001],operative difficulty score(14.4±3.6 vs.23.1±4.1,t=-11.215,P＜0.001),camera manipulation difficulty score(11.4±2.6 vs.18.3±2.5,t=-13.370,P＜0.001),VAS score of postoperative 24-hour pain(2.4±1.0 vs.3.7±1.1,t=-6.139,P＜0.001),total hospitalization cost[(15.8±1.6)thousand yuan vs.(18.3±1.6)thousand yuan,t=-7.841,P＜0.001],and comprehensive satisfaction score(7.3±1.1 vs.6.3±1.0,t=5.271,P＜0.001).However,there were no statistically significant differences in postoperative hospital stay or postoperative complication between the two groups(P＞0.05).All the patients were followed up for 1-12 months postoperatively[(5.3±1.8)months vs.(5.7±2.0)months,t=-0.945,P=0.347],with no recurrence observed in either group.Conclusions Both fascial platform and commercial platform can be used for transumbilical single-port TAPP.The fascial platform offers advantages including shorter platform establishment time,reduced incision suture time,lower operative and camera manipulation difficulty,decreased cost,less postoperative pain,and higher patient satisfaction.

Objective:To investigate the potential causes of the rising epidemic of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in Weifang, Shandong province.Methods:The temporal trend of SFTS epidemic was segmented using Joinpoint regression analysis. Changes in epidemiological characteristics across different periods were compared, and correlation analysis was conducted to identify meteorological factors influencing the epidemic trend.Results:Joinpoint regression revealed two distinct periods for SFTS epidemic in Weifang: 2015-2021 and 2022-2024. No significant trend was observed during 2015-2021 ( P=0.634), while a sharp annual increase of 46.69% occurred from 2022 to 2024 ( P=0.006). Spatial autocorrelation analysis demonstrated a global Moran’s I of 0.42 ( Z=8.55, P<0.001) for 2015-2021, with 15 high-high clustering areas identified. For 2022-2024, the global Moran’s I decreased to 0.37 ( Z=7.31, P<0.001), with 13 high-high clusters, including newly emerging hotspots in Anqiu and Zhucheng in the southeastern region. High-risk populations remained individuals aged ≥50 in mountainous and hilly areas, with a marked rise in incidence in these groups. The male-to-female ratio of cases was higher in plain areas than in mountainous/hilly regions. Autumn (September-November) temperatures from the preceding year showed a positive correlation with annual case numbers ( P=0.004, r=0.82). The linear regression expression is y=40.61x-580.78 (y is the annual incidence, and x is the average daily temperature of last autumn). Conclusions:The SFTS epidemic in Weifang is showing a rising trend. There is a linear correlation between the temperature of the previous autumn and the scale of SFTS epidemic in the following year. This correlation allows for predicting the subsequent year′s epidemic, thereby enabling early warning of SFTS.

AIM To study the chemical constituents from ethyl acetate fraction of Balanophora harlandii Hook.f.and their tyrosinase inhibitory activity.METHODS Separation and purification were performed using silica gel,MCI,ODS,Sephadex LH-20 and semi-preparative HPLC,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.The monophenolase inhibitory activity was determined by the tyrosinase-catalyzed oxidation of L-tyrosine.RESULTS Twenty-four compounds were isolated and identified as sesamin(1),methyl caffeate(2),quercetin(3),5,7-dihydroxychromanone(4),methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate(5),esculetin(6),kaempferol(7),naringenin(8),pyrogallic acid(9),pinosylvin(10),methyl propionate(11),caffeic acid(12),saccharinol(13),ferulic acid(14),trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid(15),cinnamic acid(16),vanillic acid(17),vanillin(18),4-hydroxyacetophenone(19),4-hydroxybenzaldehyde(20),apigenin(21),(-)-isolariciresinol(22),(-)-secoisolariciresinol(23)and meso-2,3-di(3′,4′-methylenedioxybenzyl)butane-1,4-diol(24).The IC50 values of compounds 3,5,7,8,19,and 20 ranged from(0.246 5±0.028 3)to(1.278 2±0.021 3)mmol/L.CONCLUSION Compounds 1-9、11、15、17-21、24 are isolated from this plant for the first time,and 1,6,9,17-19,24 are first isolated from genus Balanophora.Compounds 3、5、7、8、19 and 20 have tyrosinase inhibitory activity.