1.Research Tackling Paradigm and Technological Layout Strategies Based on Erectile Dysfunction, A Clinical Dominant Disease of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Qi ZHAO ; Yun CHEN ; Baoxing LIU ; Xuejun SHANG ; Fei SUN ; Xiaozhi ZHAO ; Zhigang WU ; Chao SUN ; Peihai ZHANG ; Wanjun CHENG ; Xing ZHOU ; Zhan QIN ; Yufeng PAN ; Weiwei TAO ; Jianhuai CHEN ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Xing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):291-299
To thoroughly implement the strategic deployment outlined in the Opinions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Promoting the Inheritance and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine regarding research on dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine and to uphold the development philosophy of equal emphasis on traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine,the China Association of Chinese Medicine has fully played a leading academic role by systematically organizing and conducting a series of academic youth salons on clinical dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine. On September 13,2024,the 36th Youth Salon on Clinical Dominant Diseases was successfully held in Nanjing,focusing on the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine and the integrative traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The conference brought together leading experts from traditional Chinese medicine,western medicine,and interdisciplinary fields,facilitating in-depth multidisciplinary discussions that led to key consensus on optimizing traditional Chinese medicine treatment protocols for ED,researching and developing new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,and advancing interdisciplinary development in traditional Chinese medicine. This salon systematically sorted out the clinical strengths and distinctive features of traditional Chinese medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of ED. Based on current research foundations and clinical needs,it identified key directions for future scientific layout and scientific research tackling: (1) Standardization of syndrome differentiation system of traditional Chinese medicine for ED. (2) Optimization and standardization of intervention methods of integrated traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine. (3) High-quality clinical research guided by evidence-based medicine. (4) In-depth analysis of the pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of ED. (5) Clinical translation and application promotion of new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine. (6) Interdisciplinary integration and innovation in traditional Chinese medicine. For each research direction,key focus areas,expected objectives,and clinical value were further refined,along with the establishment of a scientifically sound priority funding level evaluation system. Therefore,building on the series of salons on the ED-focused dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine,this paper provides standardized guidance for clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine in ED management,effectively contributing to the high-quality development of traditional Chinese medicine. It serves as a valuable reference for national scientific and technological strategic layout, research and development decision-making in new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,research topic planning,and clinical guideline formulation.
2.Whole-genome sequencing analysis of co-existing bacteria in platelet products: genomic features and biological implications
Qiqi WANG ; Yuwei ZHAO ; Xue CHEN ; Zhan GAO ; Miao HE
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(3):305-316
Objective: To establish a rapid, accurate, and decentralized workflow for bacterial whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and risk profiling within the shelf-life of platelet concentrates, and to characterize the species, virulence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and immune evasion mechanisms of co-existing bacteria in qualified platelet products, thereby providing a scientific basis for transfusion safety assessment. Methods: Three units of platelet concentrates, which tested negative by routine bacterial screening, were collected from the Chengdu Blood Center between May and June 2025. Samples were enriched at 37℃under six aerobic and nine anaerobic conditions for 7 days. Using a culturomics strategy, aliquots were plated for isolation on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 to obtain cultivable isolates, with negative culture controls included to exclude contamination. High-molecular-weight genomic DNA was extracted via mechanical grinding, purified, and size-selected. Sequencing libraries were constructed and sequenced on the G-seq500 single-molecule nanopore sequencing platform. Genomes were assembled using Flye and polished with NextPolish, with quality evaluated by BUSCO and CheckM. Taxonomic identification was performed using GTDB-Tk. Functional annotation and database comparisons were conducted to analyze virulence factors, AMR genes, and genes related to immune evasion and environmental adaptation. Results: Viable bacteria were successfully isolated from all three qualified platelet units within their shelf life. The isolates were identified as Bacillus albus, Niallia taxi, and Staphylococcus warneri. Nanopore sequencing generated 92 227-109 813 reads (totaling 680-758 Mb) with an N50 of 7 625-8 584 bp and Q20/Q30 scores of 97%/93%, respectively. All three genomes were assembled into complete circular chromosomes with 1-3 plasmids, achieving >93% completeness. Functional analysis revealed that B. albus carried multiple hemolysins, metalloproteases, and multidrug resistance genes, indicating the highest potential pathogenicity and AMR risk. S. warneri exhibited a typical multidrug resistance profile and regulatory network characteristic of coagulase-negative staphylococci, suggesting intermediate virulence. N. taxi harbored few canonical virulence factors and lacked functional AMR determinants, presenting a "low-virulence, low-resistance" profile. Notably, all three strains were enriched in genes encoding antimicrobial peptide resistance systems (e.g., dltABCD, mprF, GraRS, BceAB) and antioxidant enzymes, suggesting a strong capacity to withstand immune stress in the blood environment. Conclusion: Viable bacteria can be recovered from qualified platelet concentrates that test negative by routine screening. Nanopore WGS enables rapid strain-level identification and comprehensive risk profiling of virulence, resistance, and immune adaptation traits. The functional repertoires of these "co-existing" isolates range from environmental adaptation to potential pathogenicity, representing an underappreciated risk for transfusion-transmitted infections in susceptible recipients.
3.Traditional Chinese medicine for recurrent pregnancy loss: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Zilin LONG ; Houyu ZHAO ; Fengqi LIU ; Meng ZHANG ; Junchang LIU ; Siyan ZHAN ; Feng SUN
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):87-95
Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss undermines the physical and mental health of women. Recent randomized controlled trials have reported some effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM); however, whether various TCM methods have different effectiveness remains unclear. Objective: To comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and adverse events of TCM for patients with RPL and to explore whether various TCM methods have different effectiveness. Methods: Ten databases were searched up to May 27, 2024. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB2 tool. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool. Pairwise and network analyses were conducted using Stata 18.0. Results: A total of 47 randomized controlled trials enrolling 6678 women with RPL were included. Pairwise analysis showed that use of TCM had a significantly lower miscarriage rate (RR 0.50 [95% CI 0.45, 0.55]), lower preterm birth rate (RR 0.81 [95% CI 0.67, 0.98), and lower adverse event rate (RR 0.46 [95% CI 0.37, 0.58]). Moreover, use of TCM was associated with a higher alive-fetus rate (RR 1.21 [95% CI 1.15, 1.26]), live-birth rate (RR 1.20 [95% CI 1.15, 1.25]), and full-term rate (RR 1.37 [95% CI 1.23, 1.53]) compared with nonuse of TCM. Network analysis demonstrated that Bushenshugan combined with conventional Western medicine was ranked the best for the reduction of miscarriage rate. Discussion: Use of TCM is more likely to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce adverse events compared with nonuse of TCM in patients with RPL. Different TCM methods have differences in reducing the miscarriage rate. The Bushenshugan method might be a potential optimal TCM therapy, but more high-quality evidence is needed to further validate and evaluate the efficacy and safety.
4.Integrated evidence chain (Eff-iEC) based effectiveness evaluation of a multifunctional traditional Chinese medicine formula: Taking Xiaoyao San as an example
Caiping HE ; Ye LUO ; Zhiqi LI ; Haocheng YANG ; Lu LIU ; Yingjie XU ; Xiaoyan CHEN ; Siqi HUANG ; Jincai WEN ; Xiaoyan ZHAN ; Zhaofang BAI ; Xu ZHAO ; Xiaohe XIAO
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):96-103
The study focuses on the concept of multifunctional traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas and aims to evaluate the efficacy of the classical formula Xiaoyao San (逍遥散). Study employs the integrated evidence chain (Eff-iEC) method to organize, integrate, and evaluate its therapeutic efficacy in treating different diseases with the same therapy, and to investigate the feasibility of using Eff-iEC to evaluate the multifunctionality of TCM formulas. The evaluation covered Xiaoyao San's therapeutic effects on depression, premenstrual syndrome, chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, and menopausal syndrome. Concurrently, the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used for evaluation, and authoritative medical documents were incorporated to corroborate the recognition of Xiaoyao San within the medical community. Depression and menopausal syndrome received higher ratings than other conditions in the Eff-iEC, GRADE, and Medical Community Recognition assessments. The Eff-iEC evidence grade for Xiaoyao San was rated as "High" or above for chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, and menopausal syndrome. Premenstrual syndrome received a "Moderate +" rating. The GRADE evidence level was "Low-〇〇⨁⨁" for depression, premenstrual syndrome, and chronic hepatitis; "Moderate-〇⨁⨁⨁" for dyspepsia and menopausal syndrome; and "Very Low-〇〇〇⨁" for irritable bowel syndrome. Depression and menopausal syndrome had the highest inclusion frequency, appearing in all 4 categories. Premenstrual syndrome, chronic hepatitis, and dyspepsia are not recommended in Western medical guidelines, but they are included in TCM guidelines, the China National Basic Medical Insurance Drug List, and the China National Essential Drug List. Irritable bowel syndrome appears only in the China National Basic Medical Insurance Drug List and China National Essential Drug List. The evaluation results obtained using the Eff-iEC method align with Medical Community Recognition, providing an objective and comprehensive assessment of Xiaoyao San's efficacy. The findings suggest that Xiaoyao San has strong evidence for treating depression and menopausal syndrome. However, further experimental and clinical trials are needed to assess its efficacy in treating premenstrual syndrome, chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and dyspepsia. These results support the clinical efficacy and rational use of Xiaoyao San, expand the application scope of the Eff-iEC method, and offer valuable insights and methodological references for the comparative evaluation of multifunctional TCM formulas.
5.Characteristics and trends of pneumoconiosis incidence in Hebei Province from 1949 to 2024
Junqin ZHAO ; Guangyi BAI ; Zhenyu GONG ; Lixin YANG ; Junqing GAO ; Ye ZHAN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(5):597-603
Background Pneumoconiosis remains a critical occupational disease in China. As a major industrial province, Hebei historically faced severe challenges regarding this condition. The 1986 national epidemiological survey ranked Hebei sixth in reported pneumoconiosis cases nationwide. Objective To analyze 76 years of pneumoconiosis data (1949–2024) in Hebei Province to provide evidence-based support for prevention and control strategies. Methods Occupational pneumoconiosis cases diagnosed in Hebei from 1949 to 2024 were included. Five-year intervals were used to analyze incidence composition, dust exposure duration, age at first diagnosis, and age at death. A hybrid model, integrating autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) with generalized regression neural network (GRNN), was employed to predict case numbers for the 2025−2030 period. Results A total of 36107 cases of pneumoconiosis were recorded (2.10% female) in Hebei from 1949 to 2024. Stages I, II, and III accounted for 77.35%, 16.45%, and 6.20%, respectively. Silicosis (55.60%), coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (27.24%), and pottery workers’ pneumoconiosis (8.88%) were the predominant types. Observed trends included a shortened dust exposure duration [silicosis: (12.78±7.063) years in 2020–2024] and an increasing age at first diagnosis [(54.01±7.499) years in 2020–2024]. The case-fatality rate was 14.84%, with a rising age at death [(82.26±9.632) years in 2015–2019]. Three incidence peaks (1963, 1984, and 2014) correlated with national policies and industrialization phases. The number of pneumoconiosis cases showed a decreasing trend from 2015 to 2024. Chengde and Tangshan were identified as current high-risk areas. The ARIMA-GRNN model projected annual cases between 416 and 429 during 2025–2030. Conclusion In the past decade,the number of pneumoconiosis cases in Hebei Province had shown a decreasing trend, it is projected to plateau with no significant decline over the next five years. Furthermore, challenges such as the proportion of silicosis remaining high and shortened dust exposure duration remain severe. It is recommended to focus on key regions like Chengde (ore mining) and Tangshan (ceramics industry). A comprehensive strategy integrating stricter regulation, technological controls, model innovation, and targeted interventions should be implemented to achieve a further substantial reduction in pneumoconiosis incidence.
6.Characteristics and trends of pneumoconiosis incidence in Hebei Province from 1949 to 2024
Junqin ZHAO ; Guangyi BAI ; Zhenyu GONG ; Lixin YANG ; Junqing GAO ; Ye ZHAN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(5):597-603
Background Pneumoconiosis remains a critical occupational disease in China. As a major industrial province, Hebei historically faced severe challenges regarding this condition. The 1986 national epidemiological survey ranked Hebei sixth in reported pneumoconiosis cases nationwide. Objective To analyze 76 years of pneumoconiosis data (1949–2024) in Hebei Province to provide evidence-based support for prevention and control strategies. Methods Occupational pneumoconiosis cases diagnosed in Hebei from 1949 to 2024 were included. Five-year intervals were used to analyze incidence composition, dust exposure duration, age at first diagnosis, and age at death. A hybrid model, integrating autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) with generalized regression neural network (GRNN), was employed to predict case numbers for the 2025−2030 period. Results A total of 36107 cases of pneumoconiosis were recorded (2.10% female) in Hebei from 1949 to 2024. Stages I, II, and III accounted for 77.35%, 16.45%, and 6.20%, respectively. Silicosis (55.60%), coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (27.24%), and pottery workers’ pneumoconiosis (8.88%) were the predominant types. Observed trends included a shortened dust exposure duration [silicosis: (12.78±7.063) years in 2020–2024] and an increasing age at first diagnosis [(54.01±7.499) years in 2020–2024]. The case-fatality rate was 14.84%, with a rising age at death [(82.26±9.632) years in 2015–2019]. Three incidence peaks (1963, 1984, and 2014) correlated with national policies and industrialization phases. The number of pneumoconiosis cases showed a decreasing trend from 2015 to 2024. Chengde and Tangshan were identified as current high-risk areas. The ARIMA-GRNN model projected annual cases between 416 and 429 during 2025–2030. Conclusion In the past decade,the number of pneumoconiosis cases in Hebei Province had shown a decreasing trend, it is projected to plateau with no significant decline over the next five years. Furthermore, challenges such as the proportion of silicosis remaining high and shortened dust exposure duration remain severe. It is recommended to focus on key regions like Chengde (ore mining) and Tangshan (ceramics industry). A comprehensive strategy integrating stricter regulation, technological controls, model innovation, and targeted interventions should be implemented to achieve a further substantial reduction in pneumoconiosis incidence.
7.Herbal Textual Research on Houttuyniae Herba in Famous Classical Formulas
Dan ZHAO ; Changgui YANG ; Chuanzhi KANG ; Chenghong XIAO ; Zhikun WU ; Hongliang MA ; Jiwen WANG ; Xiufu WAN ; Sheng WANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):250-259
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, medicinal parts, origin, harvesting, processing and other aspects of Houttuyniae Herba(HH) by referring to the medical books, prescription books and other documents of the past dynasties, combined with the research materials related to modern and contemporary times, in order to provide a basis for the development of famous classical formulas containing this herb. In ancient literature, HH was often referred to as "Ji" and "Jicai", the name of "Ji" was first recorded in Mingyi Bielu during the Han and Wei dynasties, and the name of Yuxingcao was first seen in Lyuchanyan Bencao during the southern Song dynasty and has continued to this day. The origin of HH used throughout history is consistent, all of which are the whole herb or aboveground parts of Houttuynia cordata in Saururaceae family. HH recorded throughout history has a wide range of production areas, mostly self-produced self-marketing. In ancient times, fresh HH was often used as medicine by pounding its juice without involving any processing steps. Both fresh and dried products can be used as medicine, the fresh products uses the whole plant, while the dried products uses the aboveground parts, which are cleaned, selected and processed before use. Fresh products are harvested regardless of season, while dried products are harvested in both summer and autumn, with summer as the best. In ancient times, there were no specific requirements for the quality of HH, while in modern times, "intact stems and leaves with a strong fishy smell" are preferred. In addition, the medicinal properties of HH have undergone significant changes from ancient to modern times. In the early period, it was believed that its medicinal property was slightly warm, until the 1977 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia officially changed it to slightly cold. Both ancient and modern literature states that HH can be used for the treatment of carbuncle and malignant sores, Lyuchanyan Bencao for the first time introduced HH fresh juice can relieve summer heat, since Diannan Bencao recorded that it can be used for lung carbuncle, and gradually developed into the first choice for the treatment of lung carbuncle. Based on the research results, it is suggested that fresh herb or dried aboveground parts of H. cordata are used as medicine when developing famous classical formulas.
8.Exploring the safety and the countermeasures of rational use of Psoraleae Fructus based on the evolution of efficacy/toxicity records in ancient and modern literature
Ying-jie XU ; Xiao-yan ZHAN ; Zhao-fang BAI ; Xiao-he XIAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):314-322
Psoraleae Fructus is derived from the dried fruit of the
9.Herbal Textual Research on Picrorhizae Rhizoma in Famous Classical Formulas
Feng ZHOU ; Yihan WANG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Xiaoqin ZHAO ; Kaizhi WU ; Cheng FENG ; Wenyue LI ; Wei ZHANG ; Wentao FANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):228-239
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, origin, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and other aspects of Picrorhizae Rhizoma by referring to the medical books, prescription books, and other documents of the past dynasties, combined with relevant modern research materials, in order to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb. The research results indicate that Picrorhizae Rhizoma was first recorded in New Revised Materia Medica from the Tang dynasty. Throughout history, Huhuanglian has been used as its official name, and there are also aliases such as Gehu Luze, Jiahuanglian and Hulian. The main source of past dynasties is the the rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurrooa and P. scrophulariiflora. In ancient times, Picrorhizae Rhizoma was mainly imported by foreign traders via Guangzhou and other regions, and also produced in China, mainly in Xizang. In ancient times, it was harvested and dried in early August of the lunar calendar, while in modern times, it is mostly harvested from July to September, with the best quality being those with thick and crispy rhizomes without impurities, and bitter taste. Throughout history, Picrorhizae Rhizoma was collected, washed, sliced, and dried before being used as a raw material for medicine, it has a bitter and cold taste, mainly used to treat bone steaming, hot flashes, infantile chancre fever, and dysentery. There is no significant difference in taste and efficacy between ancient and modern times. Based on the research results, it is recommended that the rhizomes of P. scrophulariiflora in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, or the rhizomes of P. kurrooa, can be used in famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb, which can be processed according to the processing requirements marked by the original formula. For those without clear processing requirements, the dried raw products are used as medicine.
10.Effects of Different Microbial Fertilizers on Physiology and Rhizosphere Soil Environment of Codonopsis pilosula
Xia JIANG ; Junxi ZHAO ; Panpan SHI ; Xiaoxuan WANG ; Chenhui DU ; Shuosheng ZHANG ; Haixian ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):241-251
ObjectiveTo study the effects of applying different microbial fertilizers on the growth and rhizosphere soil environment of Codonopsis pilosula and provide a theoretical basis for ecological cultivation of this medicinal plant. MethodsSeven groups were designed, including CK (no application of microbial fertilizer), T1 (Trichoderma longibrachiatum fertilizer), T2 (Bacillus subtilis fertilizer), T3 (Trichoderma viride fertilizer), T4 (compound microbial fertilizer), T5 (C. pilosula stems and leaves fermented with compound microbial fertilizer), and T6 (Scutellaria baicalensis stems and leaves fermented with T. viride fertilizer). The physiological indicators, yield, and quality of C. pilosula and the physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and microbial diversity in the rhizosphere soil of different fertilizer treatments were measured. ResultsGroup T1 showed slight decreases in soluble protein content (SPC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Groups T2-T6 showed increases in physiological indicators such as proline (Pro), soluble solids content (SSC), SPC, catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) and a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) in C. pilosula leaves. All the fertilizer treatments increased the yield of C. pilosula and the total polysaccharide content in the roots. T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 increased the total flavonoid content in the roots. Meanwhile, T4 increased the total saponin content in the roots. All the fertilizer treatments reduced the pH and increased the electric conductivity (EC), soil organic matter (SOM), and alkaline nitrogen (AN) in the soil. T2 and T5 increased the available phosphorus (AP), and T3, T4, T5, and T6 increased the available potassium (AK) in the soil. All the fertilizer treatments increased the activities of urease, sucrase, and CAT in the soil. Except that T1 decreased the bacterial diversity in the soil, other fertilizer treatments significantly increased bacterial and fungal diversity in the soil. Different fertilizer treatments significantly affected the composition of bacterial and fungal communities in the soil. At the phylum level, the dominant bacterial phyla included Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, and Bacteroideta, and the dominant fungal phyla were Ascomycota, Mortierellomycota, and unclassified_fungi in the rhizosphere soil of C. pilosula after bacterial fertilizer treatment. At the genus level, unclassified Gemmatimonadaceae, Sphingomonas, and unclassified Vicinamibacteraceae were the dominant bacterial genera, while unidentified, unclassified Fungi, and unclassified Sordariomycetes were the dominant fungal genera in the rhizosphere soil. The results of redundancy analysis indicated that the main physicochemical factors affecting changes of microbial communities in the rhizosphere soil of C. pilosula were pH, EC, AK, AN, AP, and soil organic matter (SOM) in the soil. The correlation heatmap showed that Bryobacter had significantly positive correlations with EC, AK, and AN. There was a significantly negative correlation between Fusarium and SOM. In summary, applying an appropriate amount of microbial fertilizer can promote the growth and improve the rhizosphere soil environment of C. pilosula. ConclusionThe compound microbial fertilizer and the C. pilosula stems and leaves fermented with compound microbial fertilizer can improve the soil nutrients, growth, development, yield, and quality of C. pilosula, and thus they can be applied to the artificial cultivation of C. pilosula.

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