1.Current Status and Reflections on Key Technologies and Methods for Clinical Research Design and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Spleen and Stomach Diseases
Fang LU ; Ping WANG ; Liqun BIAN ; Lin LYU ; Mengli XIAO ; Tai ZHANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):498-503
Clinical trials represent a pivotal stage in the development of pharmaceutical drugs. Nevertheless, given the unique characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the diagnostic and treatment principle of syndrome differentiation and treatment in TCM, the clinical evaluation techniques and methods that can comprehensively reflect the characteristics of TCM and are tailored to its specificities are still in need of refinement and innovation. This paper systematically summarizes the key techniques and methods for designing and evaluating the clinical research on the treatment of the spleen and stomach diseases with TCM from three aspects including clinical research design, evaluation, and platform construction, compares domestic and international research landscapes, and proposes for future directions. It is suggested that a multidimensional evaluation system integrating modern medicine and TCM theory should be established, and further innovation is needed in TCM research design and methodologies, leveraging intelligent devices and technologies powered by next-generation information technology to transform clinical data into high-quality TCM evidence. Moreover, standardized and shared platforms for TCM clinical data should be accelerated, so as to provide references for the design, implementation, and evaluation of future clinical research on the treatment of the spleen and stomach diseases with TCM.
2.Neuroprotective Effects of Transcranial Magneto-acoustic Stimulation on Parkinson’s Disease Model Mice by Regulating Mitophagy and Mitochondrial Homeostasis
Shuai ZHANG ; Yan-Bin WANG ; Yi-Hao XU ; Jin-Rui MI ; Xiao-Chao LU ; Yu-Chen AN ; Ji-Zhou LIU ; Jia-Qi SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1457-1470
ObjectiveTranscranial magneto-acoustic stimulation (TMAS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technique that may provide a novel non-pharmacological intervention strategy for Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), leading to motor impairments such as bradykinesia, tremor, and rigidity. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired mitochondrial quality control are central mechanisms underlying dopaminergic neuronal loss. In particular, abnormalities in mitophagy and mitochondrial fission-fusion balance contribute substantially to oxidative stress, energy metabolic failure, and neuronal injury. At present, most clinical treatments for PD mainly alleviate symptoms but do not effectively halt disease progression. Therefore, exploring new interventions targeting the core pathological mechanisms is of considerable significance. This study aims to investigate whether TMAS can improve neural damage and motor dysfunction in PD mice by regulating mitophagy and the fission/fusion dynamic balance, thereby providing theoretical and experimental support for its application in PD treatment. MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice were used in this study. A PD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 7 consecutive days. After model induction, mice in the intervention group received TMAS once daily for 14 consecutive days, whereas the corresponding control group received sham stimulation. The stimulation target was positioned over the primary motor cortex (M1). Motor performance was evaluated using the pole test and the open-field test. To verify the activation effect of TMAS on the target cortical region, c-Fos immunohistochemistry was performed in the M1. To assess nigral dopaminergic neuronal injury, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry was used to quantify TH-positive neurons in the SNc. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in the SNc. Western blot was further performed to determine the expression of mitophagy-related proteins, including PINK1, Parkin, LC3-II, and p62, as well as mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins, including Drp1 and Opa1. ResultsTMAS significantly increased the number of c-Fos-positive cells in M1 (P<0.000 1), indicating effective activation of neurons in the targeted cortical region. Compared with the control group, MPTP-treated mice exhibited marked motor dysfunction, including a significant reduction in total distance traveled in the open-field test (P<0.000 1) and mean speed (P=0.000 1), as well as significant prolongation of turn time and total climbing time in the pole test (P<0.000 1). These behavioral impairments were accompanied by a substantial loss of TH-positive dopaminergic neurons in the SNc, whereas TMAS significantly increased TH-positive neuron survival (P<0.000 1). In parallel, MPTP induced a pronounced increase in ROS levels and a significant reduction in ATP content, indicating severe mitochondrial dysfunction and energy metabolism impairment (P<0.01). TMAS treatment significantly improved motor performance, as reflected by the reversal of MPTP-induced impairment in the open-field and pole tests, and significantly reduced ROS accumulation (P<0.01) while restoring ATP production (P<0.001). At the molecular level, MPTP markedly downregulated PINK1 and Parkin, decreased p62 expression, increased LC3-II accumulation, elevated Drp1 expression, and reduced Opa1 expression, whereas TMAS significantly reversed these abnormalities, suggesting restoration of mitophagy-related mitochondrial quality control and re-establishment of mitochondrial fission-fusion balance. Collectively, these findings indicate that TMAS ameliorates MPTP-induced neurotoxicity and restores mitochondrial homeostasis and energy metabolism. ConclusionTMAS effectively attenuates neural damage and improves motor dysfunction in MPTP-induced PD mice. Its neuroprotective effects are closely associated with multidimensional regulation of the mitochondrial quality control system, including restoration of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and rebalancing of Drp1/Opa1-related mitochondrial dynamics. Rather than acting only as a symptomatic neuromodulatory intervention, TMAS may influence a key pathological axis of PD by improving mitochondrial homeostasis in SNc and protecting nigral dopaminergic neurons. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting TMAS as a promising non-invasive physical intervention for PD.
3.Neuroprotective Effects of Transcranial Magneto-acoustic Stimulation on Parkinson’s Disease Model Mice by Regulating Mitophagy and Mitochondrial Homeostasis
Shuai ZHANG ; Yan-Bin WANG ; Yi-Hao XU ; Jin-Rui MI ; Xiao-Chao LU ; Yu-Chen AN ; Ji-Zhou LIU ; Jia-Qi SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1457-1470
ObjectiveTranscranial magneto-acoustic stimulation (TMAS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technique that may provide a novel non-pharmacological intervention strategy for Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), leading to motor impairments such as bradykinesia, tremor, and rigidity. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired mitochondrial quality control are central mechanisms underlying dopaminergic neuronal loss. In particular, abnormalities in mitophagy and mitochondrial fission-fusion balance contribute substantially to oxidative stress, energy metabolic failure, and neuronal injury. At present, most clinical treatments for PD mainly alleviate symptoms but do not effectively halt disease progression. Therefore, exploring new interventions targeting the core pathological mechanisms is of considerable significance. This study aims to investigate whether TMAS can improve neural damage and motor dysfunction in PD mice by regulating mitophagy and the fission/fusion dynamic balance, thereby providing theoretical and experimental support for its application in PD treatment. MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice were used in this study. A PD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 7 consecutive days. After model induction, mice in the intervention group received TMAS once daily for 14 consecutive days, whereas the corresponding control group received sham stimulation. The stimulation target was positioned over the primary motor cortex (M1). Motor performance was evaluated using the pole test and the open-field test. To verify the activation effect of TMAS on the target cortical region, c-Fos immunohistochemistry was performed in the M1. To assess nigral dopaminergic neuronal injury, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry was used to quantify TH-positive neurons in the SNc. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in the SNc. Western blot was further performed to determine the expression of mitophagy-related proteins, including PINK1, Parkin, LC3-II, and p62, as well as mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins, including Drp1 and Opa1. ResultsTMAS significantly increased the number of c-Fos-positive cells in M1 (P<0.000 1), indicating effective activation of neurons in the targeted cortical region. Compared with the control group, MPTP-treated mice exhibited marked motor dysfunction, including a significant reduction in total distance traveled in the open-field test (P<0.000 1) and mean speed (P=0.000 1), as well as significant prolongation of turn time and total climbing time in the pole test (P<0.000 1). These behavioral impairments were accompanied by a substantial loss of TH-positive dopaminergic neurons in the SNc, whereas TMAS significantly increased TH-positive neuron survival (P<0.000 1). In parallel, MPTP induced a pronounced increase in ROS levels and a significant reduction in ATP content, indicating severe mitochondrial dysfunction and energy metabolism impairment (P<0.01). TMAS treatment significantly improved motor performance, as reflected by the reversal of MPTP-induced impairment in the open-field and pole tests, and significantly reduced ROS accumulation (P<0.01) while restoring ATP production (P<0.001). At the molecular level, MPTP markedly downregulated PINK1 and Parkin, decreased p62 expression, increased LC3-II accumulation, elevated Drp1 expression, and reduced Opa1 expression, whereas TMAS significantly reversed these abnormalities, suggesting restoration of mitophagy-related mitochondrial quality control and re-establishment of mitochondrial fission-fusion balance. Collectively, these findings indicate that TMAS ameliorates MPTP-induced neurotoxicity and restores mitochondrial homeostasis and energy metabolism. ConclusionTMAS effectively attenuates neural damage and improves motor dysfunction in MPTP-induced PD mice. Its neuroprotective effects are closely associated with multidimensional regulation of the mitochondrial quality control system, including restoration of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and rebalancing of Drp1/Opa1-related mitochondrial dynamics. Rather than acting only as a symptomatic neuromodulatory intervention, TMAS may influence a key pathological axis of PD by improving mitochondrial homeostasis in SNc and protecting nigral dopaminergic neurons. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting TMAS as a promising non-invasive physical intervention for PD.
4.Development of an intervention program to enhance communication and collaboration in multidisciplinary teams of nurses in stroke rehabilitation wards based on a shared mental model
Xiaohe WANG ; Lu ZHANG ; Shuqin XIAO
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(1):101-109
ObjectiveTo develop an intervention program based on a shared mental model to enhance the communication and collaboration skills of nurses in multidisciplinary teams in stroke rehabilitation wards. MethodsUsing the shared mental model as the theoretical framework, the intervention program was preliminarily drafted through literature review to establish a theoretical foundation and qualitative research to identify clinical needs. The Delphi method was then used to revise and refine the program. ResultsBased on literature review and qualitative research, intervention elements were extracted across four dimensions: equipment, tasks, team interaction and team members, forming the initial draft of the intervention program. Two rounds of consultations were conducted with 18 experts, achieving a 100% valid response rate in both rounds. The expert authority coefficients were 0.87 and 0.90, respectively. In the second round of consultation, the variation coefficients for the importance scores of each item ranged from 0 to 0.20 (overall Kendall's W = 0.272, P < 0.001), and the variation coefficients for feasibility scores ranged from 0 to 0.21 (overall Kendall's W = 0.275, P < 0.001). The final intervention program included five first-level indicators, eight second-level indicators, and 29 third-level indicators, aligning with the four dimensions of the shared mental model. ConclusionThe intervention program was developed to enhance the communication and collaboration skills of nurses in multidisciplinary teams in stroke rehabilitation wards based on the shared mental model.
5.Rapid Qualitative Analysis Methods and Their Application in Implementation Science
Xuehan WEI ; Xiaoying CHEN ; Runze WANG ; Yingqian ZHANG ; Xuehan LIU ; Jin SUN ; Guoyan YANG ; Wei XIAO ; Chunli LU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):546-556
Implementation science (IS) aims to systematically analyze and address the real-world gaps from evidence to practice and the influencing factors of the context. It is necessary to carry out qualitative research to gather relevant implementation outcomes. Nevertheless, traditional qualitative analysis has issues such as consuming a great deal of time and energy, and it is unable to promptly provide the crucial data required for implementation science research. The Rapid Qualitative Analysis (RQA) method, through semi-structured interviews and the adoption of techniques such as immediate data condensation and matrix analysis, can effectively shorten the cycle of qualitative data collection and data processing. RQA can promptly identify social determinants of health such as structural barriers, facilitators, and the behavioral characteristics of target groups. It provides a real-time basis for public health decision-making, the interpretation of complex social phenomena, and the process and effectiveness evaluation of research projects. Although RQA is difficult to conduct in-depth theoretical analysis based on grounded theory, its efficiency and flexibility make it the preferred tool for large-scale and time-sensitive research. Thus, it has been widely applied in implementation science research. This paper sorts out the core concepts and commonly used technical methods of RQA, as well as the differences between RQA and traditional qualitative analysis. It also explores the applications of RQA in intervention optimization, process evaluation, and implementation outcome evaluation. By integrating specific cases, this paper clarifies its application value in the field of implementation science. In the future, it is advisable to explore the integration of RQA with technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data, in order to bridge the gap between the transformation of scientific research achievements into practice. Under circumstances of limited resources or tight time constraints, RQA can be used to efficiently conduct implementation science research, providing convenient and scientific methodological and technical support for accelerating evidence-based practice.
6.Genetic analysis and reproductive intervention for 46 Chinese pedigrees affected with Hereditary multiple exostoses.
Lilan SU ; Xiao HU ; Jing DAI ; Zhengxing WAN ; Duo YI ; Shuangfei LI ; Liang HU ; Yueqiu TAN ; Fei GONG ; Ge LIN ; Guangxiu LU ; Qianjun ZHANG ; Juan DU ; Wenbin HE
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(4):253-258
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the genetic etiology of 46 Chinese pedigrees affected with Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) and provide genetic counseling and reproductive intervention.
METHODS:
Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were carried out on 87 patients from the 46 pedigrees to analyze the variants of EXT1 and EXT2 genes. Pathogenicity of the variants was assessed based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG/AMP). Prenatal diagnosis and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) were provided for couples with identified pathogenic mutations. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the hospital (Ethics No.: LL-SC-SG-2014-010).
RESULTS:
In total 17 and 22 pathogenic variants were respectively identified in the EXT1 and EXT2 genes, among which 5 EXT1 and 12 EXT2 variants were unreported previously. Three patients with no family history were found to harbor de novo variants of the EXT1 gene. Twenty nine couples had opted for PGT or underwent prenatal diagnosis following natural conception, and 17 healthy babies were born.
CONCLUSION
This study has clarified the genetic etiology of 45 HME pedigrees and identified 17 novel variants, which has enriched the mutational spectrum of the EXT1 and EXT2 genes. Reproductive intervention through PGT and prenatal diagnosis have prevented the recurrence of HME in these families.
Humans
;
Female
;
Male
;
Pedigree
;
Exostoses, Multiple Hereditary/diagnosis*
;
N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferases/genetics*
;
Adult
;
Exostosin 1
;
Asian People/genetics*
;
Genetic Testing
;
Exostosin 2
;
Mutation
;
China
;
Prenatal Diagnosis
;
Pregnancy
;
Genetic Counseling
;
Preimplantation Diagnosis
;
Exome Sequencing
;
East Asian People
7.Efficacy of Zishen Huoxue Formula in treatment of molecular-targeted therapy-associated proteinuria in patients with primary liver cancer
Jing JING ; Aozhe ZHANG ; Simiao YU ; Xin WANG ; Yongqiang SUN ; Yiling WANG ; Ruixin GAO ; Yinying LU ; Xiaohe XIAO ; Ruilin WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(4):874-881
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Zishen Huoxue Formula (ZSXHF) on molecular-targeted therapy-associated proteinuria in patients with primary liver cancer (PLC), to assess the efficacy of ZSXHF in the treatment of molecular-targeted therapy-associated proteinuria, and to provide a basis for clinical medication. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted among the PLC patients with molecular-targeted therapy-associated proteinuria who were diagnosed and treated in The Department of Hepatology of Chinese PLA General Hospital, from January 1, 2022 to July 1, 2025. With ZSXHF treatment as the exposure factor, the patients with a cumulative treatment duration of ≥9 weeks were enrolled as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group, while those without TCM treatment were enrolled as control group. Propensity score matching was performed for the two groups at a ratio of 1∶1 based on sex, age, 24-hour urinary protein, blood urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the influencing factors for promoting the improvement of targeted-therapy-associated proteinuria. ResultsA total of 137 PLC patients with targeted-therapy-associated proteinuria were enrolled, with 34 patients in the TCM group and 103 in the control group. After follow-up for 6 months, the TCM group had a significant improvement in urinary protein grade compared with the control group (χ2=9.261, P=0.016). There were 25 patients in each group after propensity score matching, and after follow-up for 6 months, there were significant differences between the two groups in urinary protein grade (χ2=15.689, P<0.001) and 24-hour urinary protein (Z=-3.075, P=0.002). After cumulative treatment with ZSXHF for ≥9 weeks, the TCM group had a significantly greater change in 24-hour urinary protein from baseline compared with the control group (t=-2.514, P=0.016), while there were no significant differences in the changes in liver and renal function after ZSXHF intervention between the two groups (all P>0.05). The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that ZSXHF treatment (odds ratio=2.901, 95% confidence interval: 1.135 — 7.417, P=0.026) was an independent influencing factor for improvement in molecular-targeted therapy-associated proteinuria. ConclusionZSHXF can effectively alleviate molecular-targeted therapy-associated proteinuria in PLC patients with a favorable safety profile, which provides a new reference for TCM prevention and treatment of molecular-targeted therapy-associated adverse reactions in PLC patients.
8.Thrombus Migration After Tenecteplase Versus Alteplase in Acute Large Vessel Occlusion
Lu WANG ; Fuxia YANG ; Xiao WU ; Lulan LI ; Xueqiao JIAO ; Fangfang ZHANG ; Fengyuan CHE ; Hongxing HAN ; Weidong LIU ; Peifu WANG ; Xuesong LI ; Junfeng SHI ; Jia LIU ; Xunming JI ; Xiuhai GUO
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(2):283-292
Background:
and Purpose In patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO), intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) frequently alters thrombus location; however, the clinical impact of this phenomenon remains unclear. We aimed to compare post-IVT thrombus dynamics between tenecteplase and alteplase and to evaluate the association between thrombus dynamics and 3-month outcomes.
Methods:
This retrospective study analyzed prospectively collected, multicenter data from consecutive patients with LVO who underwent bridging therapy between January 2022 and December 2024. Thrombus dynamics were classified as resolution, migration, or stability. Analyses incorporated propensity score matching with weighting to balance baseline characteristics.
Results:
Of the 806 initially included patients, 746 were included after matching (373 treated with tenecteplase and 373 treated with alteplase). The incidence of thrombus migration was significantly higher in the tenecteplase group than in the alteplase group (19.3% vs. 11.3%; odds ratio [OR]: 1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27–2.91). The advantage of tenecteplase over alteplase was restricted to patients with an IVT-to-puncture time of <60 minutes (18.6% vs. 6.2%; p=0.001) and was no longer significant when the interval ≥60 minutes (19.7% vs. 15.0%; p=0.204; pinteraction=0.043). Additionally, thrombus migration was associated with a better functional outcome (OR: 1.62; 95% CI 1.04–2.53). Finally, tenecteplase was associated with improved functional independence compared with alteplase (OR: 1.43; 95% CI 1.04–1.95).
Conclusions
Tenecteplase demonstrated superior efficacy in inducing thrombus migration compared with alteplase, particularly within 60 minutes of IVT administration. Thrombus migration independently predicted improved functional independence. These findings support the preferential use of tenecteplase for bridging therapy in patients with LVO.
9.Functional study of a novel RHD variant IVS4+2delT leading to RhD-negative phenotype
Xiao HAO ; Ruirui LI ; Lu ZHANG ; Yongchun YANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(6):795-798
Objective: To investigate the effect of a novel RHD genotype (RHD
01N.01/RHD
01.01 with IVS4+ 2delT mutation)on the RhD phenotype through in vitro experiments in a case with a serologically RhD-negative phenotype. Methods: Serological screening was performed using saline method, and confirmed by indirect antiglobulin test (IAT). RhCE phenotyping was determined by RhCE typing cards. The full-length RHD gene was sequenced using PacBio long-read sequencing technology. Bioinformatics analysis and Minigene splicing variant analysis technology were used to elucidate the abnormal splicing mechanism of novel splice site variations. Results: The serological presentation was RhD negative. The PacBio sequencing revealed a compound heterozygote RHD
01N.01 and a new RHD
01.01 allele, which carried a new mutation at the 5′ splice site (IVS4+2delT) of intron 4. Bioinformatics predicted that the mutation disrupts the donor splice site and activates downstream recessive splice sites. The minigene experiment confirmed that this mutation leads to abnormal splicing, producing two types of mRNA: one with a 10 bp insertion and the other with a 15 bp insertion. Conclusion: A novel allele of the RHD gene IVS4+2delT causing an RhD-negative phenotype was identified, revealing that it affects D expression through an abnormal splicing mechanism.
10.Influence of Footwear on Foot Comfort of Workers Engaged in Prolonged Standing Occupations: A Systematic Review
Lu-ping KANG ; Tai-sheng GONG ; Xiao-hong QUAN ; Chen ZHANG
Safety and Health at Work 2026;17(1):24-32
Prolonged standing work can lead to various lower limb health issues. Footwear, as a convenient and noninvasive intervention, plays a key role in foot protection. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the impact of footwear characteristics on foot comfort among workers engaged in prolonged standing occupations. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library was conducted until March 2025 for experimental and observational studies; the review is registered in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD420251003253).Given the diversity of study designs, participant characteristics, and outcome measures, results were synthesized narratively, organizing findings by footwear design factors. The synthesis indicated that soft soles reduce foot impact and fatigue but offer limited support, whereas hard soles enhance stability but may cause localized pressure and discomfort. Sole hardness should balance cushioning and support based on activity: hard soles for standing and soft soles for walking. Insole hardness must be carefully considered as semirigid arch supports can cause discomfort. Most insoles improve pressure distribution by adjusting arch loading, and some enhance intrinsic foot muscles by promoting toe engagement, reducing leg swelling. Custom orthotic insoles outperform standard ones in comfort and balance. Future research should promote interdisciplinary collaboration with footwear designers to explore key design parameters and establish a scientific framework for protective footwear.

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