1.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.
2.Challenges and Recommendations for Implementing Key Technologies in Decentralized Clinical Trials of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Runze WANG ; Xuehan WEI ; Xiaoying CHEN ; Yingqian ZHANG ; Jin SUN ; Chunli LU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):926-934
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinical trials face challenges such as low participant compliance, insufficient geographical coverage, and cost-effectiveness imbalances. Decentralized clinical trials (DCT), enabled by digital technology for remote data collection and monitoring, offer a new direction for TCM clinical trial research. This article systematically reviews three novel clinical trial design models. Combining the holistic concept and indivi-dualized treatment characteristics of TCM, it analyzes the challenges currently faced in TCM DCT practice, including the digitization and standardization of TCM theory, data security, privacy protection and patient engagement difficu-lties, insufficient ethical review and regulatory system adaptation, inadequate personnel training, and a shortage of interdisciplinary talent. Addressing these challenges, the article proposes methodological recommendations for DCT implementation that align with the principles of TCM diagnosis and treatment. These recommendations include promoting the intelligentization and standardization of TCM practices, constructing a full-chain data security and privacy protection system, improving the ethical framework and clarifying regulatory responsibilities, and cultivating and building interdisciplinary talent and capabilities, which provide theoretical and technical references for establishing standardized DCT practices in TCM.
3.Challenges and Recommendations for Implementing Key Technologies in Decentralized Clinical Trials of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Runze WANG ; Xuehan WEI ; Xiaoying CHEN ; Yingqian ZHANG ; Jin SUN ; Chunli LU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):926-934
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinical trials face challenges such as low participant compliance, insufficient geographical coverage, and cost-effectiveness imbalances. Decentralized clinical trials (DCT), enabled by digital technology for remote data collection and monitoring, offer a new direction for TCM clinical trial research. This article systematically reviews three novel clinical trial design models. Combining the holistic concept and indivi-dualized treatment characteristics of TCM, it analyzes the challenges currently faced in TCM DCT practice, including the digitization and standardization of TCM theory, data security, privacy protection and patient engagement difficu-lties, insufficient ethical review and regulatory system adaptation, inadequate personnel training, and a shortage of interdisciplinary talent. Addressing these challenges, the article proposes methodological recommendations for DCT implementation that align with the principles of TCM diagnosis and treatment. These recommendations include promoting the intelligentization and standardization of TCM practices, constructing a full-chain data security and privacy protection system, improving the ethical framework and clarifying regulatory responsibilities, and cultivating and building interdisciplinary talent and capabilities, which provide theoretical and technical references for establishing standardized DCT practices in TCM.
4.Paris saponin VII induces Caspase-3/GSDME-dependent pyroptosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells by activating ROS/Bax signaling.
Xiaoying QIAN ; Yang LIU ; Wenwen CHEN ; Shuxian ZHENG ; Yunyang LU ; Pengcheng QIU ; Xisong KE ; Haifeng TANG ; Xue ZHANG
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(1):94-107
OBJECTIVE:
Paridis Rhizoma (Chonglou in Chinese), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been shown have strong anti-tumor effects. Paris saponin VII (PSVII), an active constituent isolated from Paridis Rhizoma, was demonstrated to significantly suppress the proliferation of BxPC-3 cells in our previous study. Here, we aimed to elucidate the anti-pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) effect of PSVII and the underlying mechanism.
METHODS:
Cell viability was determined by CCK-8, colony formation, and cell migration assays. Cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were measured by flow cytometry with annexin V/propidine iodide (Annexin V/PI) and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), respectively. Pyroptosis was evaluated by morphological features, Hoechst 33342/PI staining assay, and release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). JC-1 fluorescent dye was employed to measure mitochondrial membrane potential. Western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to determine the levels of proteins or mRNAs. The effect in vivo was assessed by a xenograft tumor model.
RESULTS:
PSVII inhibited the viability of PDAC cells (BxPC-3, PANC-1, and Capan-2 cells) and induced gasdermin E (GSDME) cleavage, as well as the simultaneous cleavage of Caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP). Knockdown of GSDME shifted PSVII-induced pyroptosis to apoptosis. Additionally, the effect of PSVII was significantly attenuated by Z-Asp(OMe)-Glu(OMe)-Val-Asp(OMe)-fluoromethylketone (Z-DEVD-FMK), on the induction of GSDME-dependent pyroptosis. PSVII also elevated intracellular ROS accumulation and stimulated Bax and Caspase-3/GSDME to conduct pyroptosis in PDAC cells. The ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) suppressed the release of LDH and inhibited Caspase-9, Caspase-3, and GSDME cleavage in PDAC cells, ultimately reversing PSVII-induced pyroptosis. Furthermore, in a xenograft tumor model, PSVII markedly suppressed the growth of PDAC tumors and induced pyroptosis.
CONCLUSION
These results demonstrated that PSVII exerts therapeutic effects through Caspase-3/GSDME-dependent pyroptosis and may constitute a novel strategy for preventing chemotherapeutic resistance in patients with PDAC in the future.
5.Effects of silver needle comprehensive therapy on the ultrasonographic morphology of multifidus muscles in patients with lumbar disc herniation:an ultrasound morphologic assessment
Zhengpei CAO ; Shengsheng LU ; Jiahuan ZHANG ; Xiaoying WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(11):2261-2267
BACKGROUND:Many studies have focused on acupuncture,such as silver needles,for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation,but there are few studies based on the myofascial trigger point theory. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of silver needle comprehensive therapy on the ultrasound morphology and clinical efficacy of multifidus muscles in patients with lumbar disc herniation based on the theory of myofascial trigger points. METHODS:A total of 159 patients with lumbar disc herniation who were seen from January 2022 to April 2023 were selected as the research subjects and randomly divided into three groups:conventional group(n=53),traditional acupuncture group(n=53),and silver needle group(n=53).The conventional group received routine western medicine treatment;the traditional acupuncture group used traditional acupuncture therapy based on meridian pathways and symptom localization;and the silver needle group used silver needle warm acupuncture at myofascial trigger points for intervention.All three groups received continuous treatment for 4 weeks.The number of myofascial trigger points,pain assessment,lumbar function evaluation,ultrasound morphology changes of multifidus muscles,clinical efficacy,and traditional Chinese medicine symptom score were recorded before and after treatment in the three groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)After treatment,the number of myofascial trigger points in the lumbar muscles decreased in all groups,and the silver needle group showed a significant reduction compared with the traditional acupuncture group and the conventional group(P<0.05).(2)The pain rating index score,visual analogue scale score,present pain intensity score,Oswestry disability index score,and Roland-Morris disability questionnaire score in the silver needle group were lower than those in the traditional acupuncture group and the conventional group(P<0.05).(3)The ultrasound morphology indexes of multifidus muscles in the silver needle group were superior to those in the traditional acupuncture group and the conventional western medicine group(P<0.05).(4)Traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores in the silver needle group were lower than those in the traditional acupuncture group and the conventional western medicine group(P<0.05).(5)There were significant differences in clinical efficacy among the three groups(P<0.05).To conclude,applying silver needle comprehensive therapy based on the theory of myofascial trigger points can effectively reduce pain,improve clinical efficacy,and enhance lumbar spine dysfunction and multifidus muscle morphology in patients with lumbar disc herniation.
6.Association of urinary serine protease Corin with clinical staging in early diabetic kidney disease
Wenqian TIAN ; Jingyi LU ; Danyang CHEN ; Sa LI ; Shiyu LIU ; Xiaoying ZHANG ; Wanjun PANG ; Yahui HU
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(2):120-128
Objective:To investigate the level of urinary serine protease(Corin) in early diabetic kidney disease(DKD) and its correlation with clinical stage.Methods:One hundred and seventy-three patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(DM) from two tertiary A hospitals in Henan, diagnosed between April 2023 and December 2023 were selected as the research group, and 120 healthy subjects were selected as the control group. Basic clinical information and laboratory data were collected, and urinary Corin level was detected. DM patients were classified into G1-G5 stages based on estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR), and those in the early DKD stages(G1-G3) were further divided into A1-A3 subgroups based on urinary albumin/creatinine ratio(ACR). Spearman correlation analysis was performed to assess relationships between urinary Corin and other indicators, linear regression analysis identified factors influencing urinary Corin in early DKD patients, logistic regression analysis evaluated the risk factors for early DKD, and receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analysis determined the diagnostic value of urinary Corin in early DKD. Results:Urinary Corin levels were significantly higher in early DKD patients compared to healthy controls, with levels increasing as ACR rose( P<0.05). Urinary Corin was positively associated with serum creatinine( r=0.570), urea( r=0.458), cystatin C( r=0.693), ACR( r=0.616), urinary transferrin( r=0.448), urinary α1 microglobulin( r=0.507), urinary n-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminase( r=0.388) and A subgroup( r=0.692) while was negatively correlated with eGFR( r=-0.647), albumin( r=-0.312)(all P<0.05). eGFR was the only independent factor affecting urinary Corin. After adjusting for confounding factors in logistic regression analysis, urinary Corin was still an independent influencing factor for early DKD. ROC curve analysis indicated that urinary Corin had a diagnostic AUC of 0.842(95% CI 0.791-0.892, P<0.001), with a cut-off value of 2 226.04 pg/mL, sensitivity of 0.712, and specificity of 0.858 for early DKD diagnosis. Conclusions:Urinary Corin was elevated in early DKD patients and correlated with clinical stage. Urinary Corin is an independent factor of early DKD, and a reliable predictor of early DKD diagnosis.
7.Serological characteristics and molecular tracing of 20 cases with rare A el/B el subtypes in the ABO blood group system
Cunquan KONG ; Yuwan DAI ; Lu YU ; Xiaoying ZHU ; Jingli SHI ; Xiaoxiao GE ; Tingting XU ; Lin CHEN ; Beizhan YAN ; Li LI
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(12):1592-1598
Objective:To analyze the serological and molecular characteristics of rare A el and B el subtypes in the ABO blood group system, and to explore their genotype-phenotype correlation and the potential clinical significance. Methods:From January 1st, 2021, to January 1st, 2025, 289, 815 samples subjected to ABO blood grouping in Henan Provincial People′s Hospital were selected. Samples demonstrating discrepancies between forward and reverse typing, or consistent typing but with abnormal agglutination degree were included. Those affected by underlying diseases, transplantation, age-related and other interferences were excluded. A total of 169 suspected ABO subgroup samples were identified. Sanger sequencing of exons 1-7 and relevant regulatory regions of the ABO gene was performed. Protein structure modeling and mutation effect analysis for two'el′ subtype glycosyltransferases (GTs) were conducted using SWISS-MODEL and PyMOL.Results:A total of 12 Ael, 6 B el, and 2 AB el subtypes were identified. Serological analysis revealed that all 18 A el/B el samples exhibited O phenotype in forward typing. Among them, A el subtypes showed weaker agglutination in reverse typing with A 1c than with Bc (>2+), while the opposite pattern was observed in B el subtypes. The two AB el samples were typed as A in forward typing, with agglutination ranging from 0-1+with Bc in reverse typing. Genetic analysis indicated that AEL.02 (c.646T>A, p.Phe216Ile) was the predominant allele in A el samples accounting for 7 cases. Also, we found an AEL.02-like variant (lacking c.681G>A), AEL.10 (c.963insC), and carrying a compound variant of c.322C>T (p.Gln108Ter) and c.296C>T (p.Thr99Ile). Among B el samples, BEL.03 (c.502C>T, p.Arg168Trp) accounted for 4 cases, one of which lacked the c.297A>G mutation, and novel mutations such as c.145_146dupCG were detected. Structural simulation demonstrated that AEL.02 and BEL.03 disrupted the hydrogen-bonding network within the active centers of GTA and GTB, respectively, and these mutations probably significantly impaired the structural stability of the corresponding GTs. Additionally, the c.296C>T mutation also markedly affected GTA structural stability. Conclusion:A el/B el subtypes are prone to mis-identify routine blood types. Their molecular mechanisms involved a variety of functional variantions, and integrating molecular detection is crucial for achieving accurate sub-typing and transfusion safety.
8.Analysis of clinical phenotype and genetic variant in a patient with De-differentiated liposarcoma.
Jingjing AO ; Feicheng YANG ; Yuzhong YANG ; Jia TIAN ; Chenjia LU ; Xiaoying LIU ; Zhe ZHANG ; Wenxiu YANG ; Chunjian MO
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(6):741-746
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the clinical characteristics and genetic etiology of a patient with De-differentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS).
METHODS:
A 38-year-old female patient with DDLPS who had visited Hunan Provincial People's Hospital in January 2025 was selected as the study subject. A retrospective study method was adopted to collect the patient's clinical data, including current and past medical history, auxiliary examinations, pathological diagnosis, and results of genetic testing. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (Ethics No.: KY2025-150).
RESULTS:
The patient had presented with abdominal pain and abdominal mass. Imaging studies revealed ascites and space-occupying abdominal lesions. Postoperative pathological examination showed that the tumor was composed of spindle cells, and its morphology and immunohistochemistry had made it difficult to distinguish between DDLPS and leiomyosarcoma. High-throughput sequencing revealed characteristic molecular alterations of DDLPS, and fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed MDM2 gene amplification, leading to a diagnosis of DDLPS.
CONCLUSION
The patient was diagnosed with DDLPS. Her clinical manifestations and pathological features were consistent with the characteristics of DDLPS. Molecular pathological testing played a crucial role in the diagnosis and provided a crucial reference for subsequent treatment.
Humans
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Liposarcoma/diagnosis*
;
Phenotype
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-mdm2/genetics*
9.Guidelines for the Digital Ancient Books of TCM Indexing
Weina ZHANG ; Bing LI ; Bin LI ; Jing XIE ; Yan DONG ; Wei LONG ; Chuchu ZHANG ; Tong WEI ; Sihong LIU ; Yang WU ; Hongtao LI ; Lin TONG ; Guangkun CHEN ; Fei DONG ; Rui WANG ; He LU ; Meng LI ; Jingpeng DENG ; Tengfei WANG ; Xiaoying LI ; Di ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(3):1-11
Guidelines for Digital Ancient Books of TCM Indexing(T/CIATCM 119-2024)is based on the theoretical knowledge,disciplinary methods,and practical applications of TCM classical cataloging.Taking digital ancient books of TCM as the object,it systematically reveals the content of TCM knowledge,which is an essential indexing processing standard for building an intelligent retrieval system for TCM ancient books,and can provide support for the deep development and innovative utilization of TCM knowledge.It can not only promote the co-construction and sharing of ancient book resources in the TCM industry,but also promote the standardization construction and application of TCM information.This standard specifies the principles,methods,and examples of free indexing of digital ancient books of TCM based on their original content.It is applicable to the indexing and processing of digital ancient books of TCM for TCM professional libraries and related institutions,and to the data processing and construction of various types of TCM ancient book databases.
10.Clinical study of Tuina plus exercise therapy in improving lower-limb mechanical parameters in children with genu varum
Xue WANG ; Yang LI ; Yan YU ; Xiaoying LU ; Yiying LI ; Shuyun JIANG ; Jue HONG
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2025;23(4):321-327
Objective:To observe the improving effects of Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)plus exercise therapy on joint alignment and walking function in children with genu varum(GV).Methods:Sixty-six children with GV were divided into an exercise therapy group and a Tuina plus exercise therapy group using the random number table method,with 33 cases in each group.Both groups received identical exercise therapy,while the Tuina plus exercise therapy group was additionally offered Tuina manipulation treatment.The intervention course lasted 12 weeks in both groups.Before and after the intervention,the three-dimensional gait analysis was adopted to assess the spatiotemporal parameters,kinematics,and kinetic characteristics of lower-limb joints in children with GV.Results:The GV angle was reduced after intervention in the Tuina plus exercise therapy group(P<0.05),but there was no significant change in the exercise therapy group(P>0.05).After treatment,the Tuina plus exercise therapy group demonstrated a notable decrease in the step length,walking speed,peak forefoot adduction angle,and peak ankle inversion moment(P<0.05),suggesting the correction of the ankle joint's compensatory pathological changes.In the exercise therapy group,the foot progression angle(FPA)and gait deviation index(GDI)increased markedly after the intervention(P<0.05),indicating improved overall kinematic function.Conclusion:The combined use of Tuina manipulations and exercise therapy can produce significant effects in correcting the knee joint's torsion,both coronally(GV angle)and horizontally(ankle inversion moment,FPA,and forefoot adduction angle),while exercise therapy alone can markedly improve the overall kinematic parameters(FPA and GDI).

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