1.Timing of Termination and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Acupuncture for Acute Peripheral Facial Paralysis:A Randomized Controlled Trial
Xiaohan ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Jinbo WANG ; Yiwen MIAO ; Lijuan DAI ; Jiaying ZHANG ; Shulan WANG ; Hui WANG ; Guoxin WANG ; Yuhang CHEN ; Xinjun WANG ; Bingguo XU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(11):1185-1191
ObjectiveTo investigate the optimal termination time for acupuncture in treating patients with acute peripheral facial paralysis and its cost-effectiveness. MethodsA total of 120 eligible patients with acute-stage peri-pheral facial paralysis were randomly assigned to either the mild dysfunction termination group and the complete recovery termination group, with 60 patients in each group. Both groups received the standard acupuncture treatment protocol. Treatment in the mild dysfunction termination group was terminated when the Sunnybrook facial grade scale (SFGS) score first reached or exceeded 83 points, while that in the complete recovery termination group was terminated when the SFGS score first reached or exceeded 95 points. Assessments were conducted before treatment, 6 and 12 months after onset. SFGS, facial disability index (FDI) including physical function (FDIp) and social function (FDIs), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), and self-rating depression scale (SDS) scores were assessed before treatment, and 6 and 12 months after onset. Any acupuncture-related adverse events during treatment were recorded for safety evaluation. Treatment sessions and medical costs including direct costs, indirect costs, insurance coverage, total societal costs, and patient out-of-pocket expenses were also recorded, and an economic evaluation was conducted including cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). ResultsUltimately, 56 patients in the mild dysfunction termination group and 55 in the complete recovery termination group completed the follow-up. At 6 and 12 months after onset, SFGS and FDIp scores in both groups improved significantly while FDIs, SAS and SDS scores decreased (P<0.05). Comparison of scores between groups 6 months and 12 months after onset showed no statistically significant differences (P>0.05). During the trial, the incidence of adverse events was 13.3% (8/60) in the mild dysfunction termination group and 18.3% (11/60) in the complete recovery termination group, with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). The number of treatment sessions, total social costs, and out-of-pocket expenses in the mild dysfunction termination group were significantly lower than those in the complete recovery termination group (P<0.05). The CER of the mild dysfunction termination group in SFGS, FDIp, FDIs, SAS, and SDS scores was lower than that of the complete recovery termination group. The ICER analysis showed that continuing treatment until full recovery incurred an additional cost of 573.30 CNY/point in SFGS improvement, whereas 1-point improvement in FDIp, FDIs, SAS, and SDS required 21,355.25 CNY, 1779.60 CNY, 3713.96 CNY, and 2755.52 CNY, respectively. ConclusionFor acupuncture in treating acute peripheral facial palsy, terminating treatment when mild dysfunction is achieved yields long-term efficacy comparable to that of continuing treatment until complete recovery, while significantly reducing medical costs and socioeconomic burden.
2.Research progress in anti-tumor mechanism of Hedyotidis Herba regulating central carbon metabolism pathway
Yiwen ZHANG ; Yanjie WANG ; Huijun ZHANG ; Xuebing JIN ; Zhimin CHEN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(12):1786-1791
Tumor's occurrence and development are closely related to metabolic abnormalities. Central Carbon Metabolism (CCM) is the core network of biological metabolism, and its abnormal activation drives tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and immune escape. Hedyotidis Herba is a classic anti-tumor conventional Chinese materia medica. Its active components interfere with the core links of CCM (glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle and pentose phosphate pathway) by targeting key signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt, AMPK, P53, Wnt/β-catenin, MAPK, Nrf2 and TGF-β, so as to inhibit the energy metabolism of tumor cells, regulate the acidification state of microenvironment, block the production of metabolic precursors, and curb tumor cell metastasis and immune escape.
3.Exploring Acupoint Application Patterns for Hiccup Treatment in Classical Chinese Medical Texts Using Data Mining Techniques
Yinshi CHEN ; Meidi CHEN ; Xu YUAN ; Yiwen WAN
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(8):1991-1997
Objective To determine the rules of acupoint selection for hiccup based on data mining.Methods From the acupuncture and moxibustion sections of 53 medical books included in the 5th edition of Chinese Medical Classics,entries related to acupuncture treatment for hiccups was screened and constructed a"Classical Chinese Medicine Database for Acupuncture Treatment of Hiccups."Data mining techniques,including cluster analysis and association rule analysis,were employed to study the characteristics and patterns of acupoint selection for hiccup treatment in ancient medical texts.Results A total of 126 prescriptions were collected,involving 65 acupoints with a total application frequency of 172 times.The most frequently selected acupoints were Taiyuan(LU9),Shaoshang(LU11),Shiguan(KI18),Wenliu(LI7),Laogong(PC8),and Zusanli(ST36).The primary meridians used were the conception vessel(CV1)and the lung meridian of hand-taiyin.The most commonly stimulated body regions were the upper limbs and the chest/abdomen.Among special acupoint categories,the five-shu points and crossing points were predominantly utilized.Cluster analysis identified two significant clusters:Daling(PC7)-Ximen(PC4)-Yuji(LU10),and Qimen(LR14)-Chengjiang(CV24)-Dadun(LR1)-Guanyuan(CV4)-Juque(CV14).Association rule analysis revealed the strongest acupoint correlation between Danzhong(CV17)and Zhongwan(CV12),followed by the combination of Danzhong-Zhongwan-Zusanli.Conclusion In ancient acupuncture treatment of hiccups,particular emphasis was placed on the flexible combination of Taiyuan-Shaoshang and Danzhong-Zhongwan with other acupoints.This approach fully embodies the meridian syndrome differentiation principle of"where the meridian passes,it can treat"and"where the disease locates,it can treat."The selection follows the acupoint pairing principles of"combining distal and local points"and"coordinating upper and lower regions",while also emphasizing the application of specific acupoint categories.
4.Delivery of Sophora flavescens Ait. using a dissolving microneedle enables enhanced psoriasis treatment
Zihan Zhou ; Jie Zhang ; Yiwen Chen ; Bingbing Wang ; Ping Hou ; Zifan Ding ; Luzheng Zhang ; Jianlin Wang ; Nailiang Yang ; Cong Yan
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(2):277-286
ObjectiveTo assess the efficiency of a Sophora flavescens Ait (S. flavescens, Ku Shen)-soluble microneedle (SFA-MN) for improving skin lesion symptoms in mice with psoriasis.MethodsSFA-MNs were prepared using a two-mold molding process with 20% w/v polyvinylpyrrolidone and 15% w/v polyvinyl alcohol. The SFA-MNs were assessed for morphology, mechanical properties, in vitro dissolution, identification of components, and skin lesion improvement in imiquimod-induced psoriasis mice.ResultsThe SFA-MNs demonstrated good mechanical properties for efficiently penetrating the dermis, facilitating efficient drug delivery. Furthermore, they effectively inhibited mast cell levels in the dorsal lesion area of psoriasis mice and reduced the expression of the T-lymphocyte factor cluster of differentiation 3 and tumor necrosis factor-α. In addition, this system alleviated skin inflammation, splenic swelling, and thymic atrophy in the psoriasis-like mouse model. Seven major components were detected from SFA-MNs by comparison of the mass-to-nucleus ratios (m/z) of the secondary fragments N-methylcytisine, 5α, 9α-dihydroxymatrine, sophoramine, matrine, oxysophocarpine, oxymatrine, and kushenol O.ConclusionThe drug delivery strategy combining traditional herbal S. flavescens with soluble microneedle technology provides more targeted and effective immune regulation for treating psoriasis-like mice models, enabling enhanced therapeutic effects compared with the control group.
5.ERMAP deficiency aggravates IMQ-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation in mice
Lu XIA ; Wei CHEN ; Yiwen PAN ; Zhihong LIU ; Min SU
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(5):1030-1034
Objective:To investigate the effect of ERMAP on imiquimod(IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation in mice and its related mechanism.Methods:The experimental mice were divided into 3 groups:Sham group,WT group and ERMAP-/-group,with 9 mice in each group.The Sham group was smeared with Vaseline,and the WT group and ERMAP-/-group were smeared with IMQ to induce psoriatic dermatitis.The severity of IMQ-induced psoriasis lesions in mice were evaluated according to the psoria-sis area and severity index(PASI)and the HE staining pathology score.The expressions of F4/80 and Ki67 in mouse skin lesions were observed by immunofluorescence staining.The relative expressions of IL-1β,IL-6,IFN-γ and iNOS in skin lesions were detected by qRT-PCR.Flow cytometry was used to detect the proliferation and activation of T cells and the proportion of macrophages in spleen.Results:In the IMQ-induced mouse model of psoriasis-like dermatitis,the skin lesions of ERMAP gene knock out mice showed more severe squamous accumulation and skin bulge,more inflammatory cells aggregation and cytokine production,and the proportion of immune cells in the spleen of mice increased compared with the WT group,and the proportion of M1 macrophages increased.Conclu-sion:ERMAP deficiency aggravates IMQ-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation in mice by enhancing immune response.
6.Study of Professor HE Ruoping's Thoughts in Application of Xiaoyao Powder
Qian LAI ; Jie ZHAO ; Yiwen CHEN
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University 2025;49(4):433-437
[Objective]To analyze the thought of Professor HE Ruoping in applying Xiaoyao Powder,in order to expand the clinical application of Xiaoyao Powder,and improve the ability of clinical syndrome differentiation and prescription selection.[Methods]Through daily consultations with teachers,collecting medical cases and literature retrieval,this paper discusses the new interpretation of the modification of Xiaoyao Powder.It also presents typical medical cases treated with this formula for conditions such as menstrual disorders,anxiety disorders,ovarian cysts and human papillomavirus(HPV)infection.Furthermore,it summarizes Professor HE's clinical experience in applying Xiaoyao Powder.[Results]Professor HE suggests modifying the original Xiaoyao Powder by removing Mentha haplocalyx Briq.,replacing Zingiber officinale Rosc.with Zingiber officinale Rosc.(dried)to enhance the formula's ability to warm the middle and disperse cold.Additionally,she adds Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.to invigorate blood and dispel blood stasis,thus strengthening the formula's overall effect of promoting blood circulation and tonifying the spleen.Cases treated with Xiaoyao Powder as the base formula such as menstrual disorders,anxiety,ovarian cysts and HPV infections shared the common pathogenesis of liver Qi stagnation and spleen deficiency.By combining differentiation of syndromes with appropriate treatment methods,including regulating and harmonizing Qi and blood,clearing and draining heat and blood stasis,resolving masses and transforming blood stasis,and clearing heat and draining dampness,good therapeutic results were achieved.[Conclusion]Professor HE's clinical application of Xiaoyao Powder often removes Mentha haplocalyx Briq.,and uses Zingiber officinale Rosc.(dried)instead of Zingiber officinale Rosc.added with Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.She believes that this formula can be used for gynecological,psychiatric and other diseases that belong to liver depression and spleen deficiency.Different diseases can be treated with the same formula,expanding the scope of treatment and fully reflecting the role of syndrome differentiation and treatment.It is worth promoting and learning from.
7.Research on Key Issues in the Informatization Construction of Internal Control of Revenue and Expendi-ture in China's Public Hospitals Based on Content Analysis Method
Mengfei LI ; Yirong CHEN ; Yuehua PAN ; Yiwen YU ; Mengdi CUI ; Xuehui LI
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(12):85-89
Objective lt aims to identify key issues in the current informatization development of internal control over revenue and expenditure in public hospitals.The findings are intended to serve as a reference for deepening this informatization effort.Methods Following the steps and requirements of content analysis method,it involved a semi-quantitative analysis of policies and expert interviews to establish an analytical framework.Two researchers uti-lized NVivo 15 software to analyze the policy and articles.The analysis results were quantified statistically,and key is-sues were summarized.Results lt developed a content analysis framework comprising 5 primary categories and 17 secondary categories.Based on this framework,326 analytical units extracted from 81 articles were categorized and statistically analyzed.Key problems corresponding to each secondary category were summarized.Conclusion To ad-dress five key issues,it proposes a five-dimensional solution including:building a digital foundation to integrate busi-ness systems;establishing a Master Data Management platform to dismantle data silos;developing flexible ap-proval mechanismsfor medical emergencies;deploying an Al risk control hub for precise payment interception,and implementing zero-trust architecture to enhance e-bill anti-counterfeiting-ultimately forming a business-finance-in-tegrated,data-and-Al-driven,proactively secured internal control system covering budget formulation to fund su-pervision.
8.Association of physical activity levels and sarcopenia and frailty in older adults in rural communities: a cross-sectional study
Yi PAN ; Jing CHEN ; Nan HUA ; Chengfan QIN ; Yichen YANG ; Yiwen CHEN ; Lanhui YANG ; Qin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(4):510-517
Objective:To assess the physical activity levels(PA)and patterns among older adults in rural areas, as well as to evaluate the association between PA levels and the conditions of sarcopenia and frailty.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 690 rural individuals aged 60 and above.Data on socio-demographic characteristics were collected, while Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass Index(ASMI)and grip strength were measured.The Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly(PASE)was employed to evaluate PA levels.Based on their PASE scores, participants were categorized into three groups: low PA level, medium PA level, and high PA level.Sarcopenia was defined according to the 2019 criteria established by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia(AWGS), and frailty status was assessed using the Frail Scale.Results:Among the study sample, 38.0% exhibited a low level of physical activity, 46.2% had a medium level, and 15.8% engaged in high levels of activity.As age increased, the level of physical activity among older adults significantly declined.Most of the physical activity reported by participants was attributed to household chores and farming-related activities.Participation in structured exercise among older adults was notably low, with only 1.3% engaging in muscle-strengthening exercises on a weekly basis.The majority(53.9%)reported walking as their preferred form of weekly exercise.After adjusting for confounding factors, the prevalence of sarcopenia was found to be 0.40(95% CI: 0.26-0.62)times lower in the medium physical activity group, and 0.56(95% CI: 0.31-1.01)times lower in the high physical activity group, compared to those with a low physical activity level.Similarly, regarding frailty as a negative outcome, the prevalence was 0.66(95% CI: 0.51-0.84)times lower in the medium physical activity group and 0.46(95% CI: 0.30-0.73)times lower in the high physical activity group, relative to the low physical activity group.When using PASE scores as a continuous variable, the results remained consistent. Conclusions:The physical activity levels of rural older adults are inadequate, and participation in multicomponent exercise programs is notably low.A lower level of physical activity is significantly associated with a higher prevalence of sarcopenia and frailty.Our findings indicate that it is essential to implement physical activity education and interventions to enhance exercise health literacy and to prevent sarcopenia and frailty among rural older adults.
9.Survival advantage of first-line chemoimmunotherapy combined with radiotherapy for advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A propensity score matching analysis
Peixin FENG ; Qing HOU ; Ningning YAO ; Wenjuan ZHANG ; Bochen SUN ; Wenxia NIU ; Anqi ZHAO ; Wenlu CHEN ; Baixue WU ; Yuying ZHOU ; Yiwen ZHANG ; Yu LIANG ; Xin CAO ; Wei BAI ; Jianting LIU ; Shuangping ZHANG ; Jianzhong CAO
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(8):766-773
Objective:To investigate the efficacy of radiotherapy in patients with advanced esophageal cancer receiving first-line chemoimmunotherapy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 137 patients with Stage Ⅳ esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treated at our hospital from January 2018 to May 2023. These patients were divided into two groups: a group treated with first-line chemoimmunotherapy combined with radiotherapy (chemoimmunotherapy + radiotherapy group, n = 43) and a group treated with only chemoimmunotherapy ( n = 94). Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was applied to balance baseline characteristics between the groups. With overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) as study endpoints, the survival data were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, the log-rank test, and the Cox regression method. Results:Before calibration, the chemoimmunotherapy + radiotherapy group significantly outperformed the sole chemoimmunotherapy group in median PFS (13.6 months vs. 7.0 months; HR: 0.501, 95% CI: 0.309-0.811, P = 0.005). After calibration using the COX proportional-hazards model for age, gender, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, smoking history, T/N/M stage, and tumor location, the chemoimmunotherapy + radiotherapy group still had significant advantages in PFS (14.7 months vs. 7.0 months; HR: 0.441, 95% CI: 0.261-0.745, P = 0.002). IPTW analysis further confirmed this trend (13.9 months vs. 7.0 months; HR: 0.492, 95% CI: 0.304-0.795, P < 0.001). Specifically, the median OS of the chemoimmunotherapy + radiotherapy group demonstrated significant improvement in all analyses: pre-calibration (29.5 months vs. 18.0 months; HR: 0.507, 95% CI: 0.297-0.867, P = 0.013), after calibration using the Cox model (27.5 months vs. 16.7 months; HR: 0.470, 95% CI: 0.266-0.830, P = 0.009), and after calibration using IPTW (29.5 months vs. 16.9 months; HR: 0.448, 95% CI: 0.262-0.764, P < 0.001). Conclusions:The combination of radiotherapy and first-line chemoimmunotherapy can significantly improve survival outcomes of patients with advanced ESCC, suggesting its potential as a standard treatment strategy.
10.Practices and considerations on the free HPV vaccination program for eligible girls in Zhejiang Province under the global initiative to accelerate cervical cancer elimination
Yingping CHEN ; Xuan DENG ; Ying WANG ; Yiwen ZHU ; Yuxia LIANG ; Hanqing HE ; Shenyu WANG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(9):1495-1502
Against the backdrop of the global acceleration of cervical cancer elimination, China has been promoting pilot programs offering free or subsidized HPV vaccination for eligible girls. In 2022, Zhejiang Province initiated a free bivalent HPV vaccination program for eligible girls, expanding from pilot areas to the whole province. Through key measures such as effective multi-sectoral collaboration, full financial support, comprehensive health education and high-quality vaccination services, the program was successfully implemented. However, challenges were encountered during the implementation of the program, including difficulties in target population definition and HPV vaccine selection, as well as significant gap between vaccination intention and behavior. This article systematically analyzes the practices and challenges faced by Zhejiang Province, and proposes corresponding strategies and suggestions based on the best practices both domestically and internationally. It aims to provide references for the implementation of similar programs in other regions or even integrating HPV vaccine into the immunization program.


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