1.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.
2.A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study on causal relationship between major depression disorder,anxiety disorders and cancers
Yuliang ZHANG ; Ming ZHANG ; Long YANG ; Zirong LIU ; Rui FENG ; Chunqiang LI ; Zilin CUI
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(11):929-936
Objective:To explore the potential causal relationships between major depressive disorder(MDD),anxiety disorder(AD)and various highly prevalent cancers from the genetic perspective.Methods:Sum-mary statistics from large-scale genome-wide association studies(GW AS)were analyzed using a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization(MR)approach.The inverse variance weighting method(IVW)was usedas the main analytical approach.The intercept term of MR-Egger regression and the MR-PRESSO method were adopted for the pleiotropy test.Results:The IVW analysis revealed potential causal relationships between MDD and breast cancer[OR(95%CI):1.11(1.01-1.22),P<0.05],AD and lung cancer[OR(95%CI):1.30(1.02-1.65),P<0.05],and between colon cancer and MDD[OR(95%CI):1.05(1.00-1.11),P<0.05].The results of the pleiotropy test showed that the intercept terms of the MR-Egger regression were not statistically significant,indica-ting the absence of pleiotropy.The MR-PRESSO method detected outliers only in the relationship between MDD and breast cancer.The association between MDD and breast cancer remained significant after correction for outliers[OR(95%CI):1.10(1.03-1.17),P<0.05].Conclusion:The study suggests that MDD may be a risk factor for breast cancer,AD may increase the risk factor for lung cancer,and colon cancer may elevate the risk factor of MDD.Moreover,the possibility of reverse causal relationships has been excluded in all these cases.
3.Global progress and trend in research of target trial emulation: a bibliometric and visualization analysis
Zilin LONG ; Houyu ZHAO ; Zuoxiang LIU ; Feng SUN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(7):1262-1268
Objective:To explore the progress and trend in research of target trial emulation (TTE) and provide reference for research in this field.Methods:A literature retrival of research papers in this field published as of November 30, 2024 was conducted based on three databases (i.e. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus). The papers which were highly cited were analyzed by Bibliometrix package in R 4.3.2. The co-occurrence network of keywords were analyzed by using software VOSviewer. The keyword burst test was carried out with software CiteSpace.Results:A total of 685 papers from 314 journals were included. The annual number of the papers published showed a significant growth in recent three years. JAMA Network Open had the highest publication mumber related to TTE (34 papers), Annals of Internal Medicine had the highest H-index and American Journal of Epidemiology had the highest total citations. In the 2 997 authors, Hernán MA made a greatest contribution. In the 2 046 institutions, Harvard Medical School was at leading position. The analysis on highly cited papers and keyword co-occurrence showed that TTE was mainly used in the studies of COVID-19 vaccine, cancer and the treatment efficacy and safety of chronic diseases. The analysis on the co-occurence of keyword burst test showed that keywords frequently used until 2024 were COVID-19 vaccine, cardiovascular disease and breast cancer. Conclusions:TTE is mainly used in the studies of public health emergency (such as COVID-19), patients with cancer and chronic diseases. TTE will play a crucial role when randomized controlled trial is difficult to conduct or current evidence requirement can not be met.
4.Guideline for Adult Weight Management in China
Weiqing WANG ; Qin WAN ; Jianhua MA ; Guang WANG ; Yufan WANG ; Guixia WANG ; Yongquan SHI ; Tingjun YE ; Xiaoguang SHI ; Jian KUANG ; Bo FENG ; Xiuyan FENG ; Guang NING ; Yiming MU ; Hongyu KUANG ; Xiaoping XING ; Chunli PIAO ; Xingbo CHENG ; Zhifeng CHENG ; Yufang BI ; Yan BI ; Wenshan LYU ; Dalong ZHU ; Cuiyan ZHU ; Wei ZHU ; Fei HUA ; Fei XIANG ; Shuang YAN ; Zilin SUN ; Yadong SUN ; Liqin SUN ; Luying SUN ; Li YAN ; Yanbing LI ; Hong LI ; Shu LI ; Ling LI ; Yiming LI ; Chenzhong LI ; Hua YANG ; Jinkui YANG ; Ling YANG ; Ying YANG ; Tao YANG ; Xiao YANG ; Xinhua XIAO ; Dan WU ; Jinsong KUANG ; Lanjie HE ; Wei GU ; Jie SHEN ; Yongfeng SONG ; Qiao ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Yuwei ZHANG ; Junqing ZHANG ; Xianfeng ZHANG ; Miao ZHANG ; Yifei ZHANG ; Yingli LU ; Hong CHEN ; Li CHEN ; Bing CHEN ; Shihong CHEN ; Guiyan CHEN ; Haibing CHEN ; Lei CHEN ; Yanyan CHEN ; Genben CHEN ; Yikun ZHOU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Qiang ZHOU ; Jiaqiang ZHOU ; Hongting ZHENG ; Zhongyan SHAN ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Dong ZHAO ; Ji HU ; Jiang HU ; Xinguo HOU ; Bimin SHI ; Tianpei HONG ; Mingxia YUAN ; Weibo XIA ; Xuejiang GU ; Yong XU ; Shuguang PANG ; Tianshu GAO ; Zuhua GAO ; Xiaohui GUO ; Hongyi CAO ; Mingfeng CAO ; Xiaopei CAO ; Jing MA ; Bin LU ; Zhen LIANG ; Jun LIANG ; Min LONG ; Yongde PENG ; Jin LU ; Hongyun LU ; Yan LU ; Chunping ZENG ; Binhong WEN ; Xueyong LOU ; Qingbo GUAN ; Lin LIAO ; Xin LIAO ; Ping XIONG ; Yaoming XUE
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(11):891-907
Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.
5.A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study on causal relationship between major depression disorder,anxiety disorders and cancers
Yuliang ZHANG ; Ming ZHANG ; Long YANG ; Zirong LIU ; Rui FENG ; Chunqiang LI ; Zilin CUI
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(11):929-936
Objective:To explore the potential causal relationships between major depressive disorder(MDD),anxiety disorder(AD)and various highly prevalent cancers from the genetic perspective.Methods:Sum-mary statistics from large-scale genome-wide association studies(GW AS)were analyzed using a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization(MR)approach.The inverse variance weighting method(IVW)was usedas the main analytical approach.The intercept term of MR-Egger regression and the MR-PRESSO method were adopted for the pleiotropy test.Results:The IVW analysis revealed potential causal relationships between MDD and breast cancer[OR(95%CI):1.11(1.01-1.22),P<0.05],AD and lung cancer[OR(95%CI):1.30(1.02-1.65),P<0.05],and between colon cancer and MDD[OR(95%CI):1.05(1.00-1.11),P<0.05].The results of the pleiotropy test showed that the intercept terms of the MR-Egger regression were not statistically significant,indica-ting the absence of pleiotropy.The MR-PRESSO method detected outliers only in the relationship between MDD and breast cancer.The association between MDD and breast cancer remained significant after correction for outliers[OR(95%CI):1.10(1.03-1.17),P<0.05].Conclusion:The study suggests that MDD may be a risk factor for breast cancer,AD may increase the risk factor for lung cancer,and colon cancer may elevate the risk factor of MDD.Moreover,the possibility of reverse causal relationships has been excluded in all these cases.
6.Global progress and trend in research of target trial emulation: a bibliometric and visualization analysis
Zilin LONG ; Houyu ZHAO ; Zuoxiang LIU ; Feng SUN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(7):1262-1268
Objective:To explore the progress and trend in research of target trial emulation (TTE) and provide reference for research in this field.Methods:A literature retrival of research papers in this field published as of November 30, 2024 was conducted based on three databases (i.e. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus). The papers which were highly cited were analyzed by Bibliometrix package in R 4.3.2. The co-occurrence network of keywords were analyzed by using software VOSviewer. The keyword burst test was carried out with software CiteSpace.Results:A total of 685 papers from 314 journals were included. The annual number of the papers published showed a significant growth in recent three years. JAMA Network Open had the highest publication mumber related to TTE (34 papers), Annals of Internal Medicine had the highest H-index and American Journal of Epidemiology had the highest total citations. In the 2 997 authors, Hernán MA made a greatest contribution. In the 2 046 institutions, Harvard Medical School was at leading position. The analysis on highly cited papers and keyword co-occurrence showed that TTE was mainly used in the studies of COVID-19 vaccine, cancer and the treatment efficacy and safety of chronic diseases. The analysis on the co-occurence of keyword burst test showed that keywords frequently used until 2024 were COVID-19 vaccine, cardiovascular disease and breast cancer. Conclusions:TTE is mainly used in the studies of public health emergency (such as COVID-19), patients with cancer and chronic diseases. TTE will play a crucial role when randomized controlled trial is difficult to conduct or current evidence requirement can not be met.
7.Guideline for Adult Weight Management in China
Weiqing WANG ; Qin WAN ; Jianhua MA ; Guang WANG ; Yufan WANG ; Guixia WANG ; Yongquan SHI ; Tingjun YE ; Xiaoguang SHI ; Jian KUANG ; Bo FENG ; Xiuyan FENG ; Guang NING ; Yiming MU ; Hongyu KUANG ; Xiaoping XING ; Chunli PIAO ; Xingbo CHENG ; Zhifeng CHENG ; Yufang BI ; Yan BI ; Wenshan LYU ; Dalong ZHU ; Cuiyan ZHU ; Wei ZHU ; Fei HUA ; Fei XIANG ; Shuang YAN ; Zilin SUN ; Yadong SUN ; Liqin SUN ; Luying SUN ; Li YAN ; Yanbing LI ; Hong LI ; Shu LI ; Ling LI ; Yiming LI ; Chenzhong LI ; Hua YANG ; Jinkui YANG ; Ling YANG ; Ying YANG ; Tao YANG ; Xiao YANG ; Xinhua XIAO ; Dan WU ; Jinsong KUANG ; Lanjie HE ; Wei GU ; Jie SHEN ; Yongfeng SONG ; Qiao ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Yuwei ZHANG ; Junqing ZHANG ; Xianfeng ZHANG ; Miao ZHANG ; Yifei ZHANG ; Yingli LU ; Hong CHEN ; Li CHEN ; Bing CHEN ; Shihong CHEN ; Guiyan CHEN ; Haibing CHEN ; Lei CHEN ; Yanyan CHEN ; Genben CHEN ; Yikun ZHOU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Qiang ZHOU ; Jiaqiang ZHOU ; Hongting ZHENG ; Zhongyan SHAN ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Dong ZHAO ; Ji HU ; Jiang HU ; Xinguo HOU ; Bimin SHI ; Tianpei HONG ; Mingxia YUAN ; Weibo XIA ; Xuejiang GU ; Yong XU ; Shuguang PANG ; Tianshu GAO ; Zuhua GAO ; Xiaohui GUO ; Hongyi CAO ; Mingfeng CAO ; Xiaopei CAO ; Jing MA ; Bin LU ; Zhen LIANG ; Jun LIANG ; Min LONG ; Yongde PENG ; Jin LU ; Hongyun LU ; Yan LU ; Chunping ZENG ; Binhong WEN ; Xueyong LOU ; Qingbo GUAN ; Lin LIAO ; Xin LIAO ; Ping XIONG ; Yaoming XUE
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(11):891-907
Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.
8.Nerve decompression surgery for combined sacral plexus nerve injury through the lateral-rectus approach after sacral fracture fixation
Zilin LIANG ; Min ZENG ; Yong ZHU ; Ruibo ZHAO ; Haitao LONG ; Liang CHENG ; Zhangyuan LIN
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2024;26(3):215-221
Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of nerve decompression surgery through the lateral-rectus approach for sacral plexus nerve injury after sacral fracture fixation.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the 10 patients with combined sacral plexus nerve injury after sacral fracture fixation who had been admitted to Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital between May 2022 and May 2023. There were 2 males and 8 females with an age of 16.5 (15.0, 26.3) years. At the time of injury, the patients had been clearly diagnosed as sacral fracture combined with sacral plexus nerve injury. By the Denis classification of sacral fractures: 7 cases of type Ⅱ and 3 cases of type Ⅲ; sacral plexus nerve injury sites: 1 case of L 4, 8 cases of L 5, 7 cases of S 1, and 2 cases of S 2. All of them were treated with reduction and internal fixation via the posterior approach within 2 weeks after injury, but after surgery their manifestations of sacral plexus nerve injury still persisted which were confirmed by CT, magnetic resonance imaging and neuromuscular electromyography. Therefore, at (4.0±2.3) months after internal fixation, all patients were treated with nerve decompression surgery through the lateral-rectus approach. The operative time, intraoperative bleeding, length of hospitalization, Gibbons nerve damage score and neurological recovery at the last follow-up were recorded. Results:In the 10 patients, the operative time was (112.0±21.5) min, intraoperative bleeding (215.0±91.3) mL, and length of hospitalization 7.0 (6.0, 8.5) d. Intraoperatively, sacral plexus nerve compression was found in 9 cases (6 cases of nerve compression and pulling due to fracture displacement, 3 cases of nerve entrapment due to soft tissue scar adhesion), and 1 case of nerve root avulsion injury. No other intraoperative complications occurred. The 10 patients were followed up for (9.2±2.3) months after surgery. At the last follow-up, the Gibbons score for the 10 patients improved from preoperative 3.0 (3.0, 3.3) points to 1.0 (1.0, 2.0) point, and their British Medical Research Council (BMRC) nerve injury grading was improved from the preoperative grade 0.0 (0.0, 1.3) to grade 3.5 (2.8, 4.0) (1 case of M5, 4 cases of M4, 4 cases of M3, and 1 case of M2).Conclusion:The lateral-rectus approach is effective and safe for exploration and decompression of the sacral plexus nerve in patients combined with sacral plexus nerve injury despite sacral fracture fixation.
9.Progress in methodological research on bridging the efficacy-effectiveness gap of clinical interventions (1): to improve the validity of real-world evidence
Zuoxiang LIU ; Zilin LONG ; Zhirong YANG ; Shuyuan SHI ; Xinran XU ; Houyu ZHAO ; Zuyao YANG ; Zhu FU ; Haibo SONG ; Tengfei LIN ; Siyan ZHAN ; Feng SUN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(2):286-293
Objective:Differences between randomized controlled trial (RCT) results and real world study (RWS) results may not represent a true efficacy-effectiveness gap because efficacy-effectiveness gap estimates may be biased when RWS and RCT differ significantly in study design or when there is bias in RWS result estimation. Secondly, when there is an efficacy- effectiveness gap, it should not treat every patient the same way but assess the real-world factors influencing the intervention's effectiveness and identify the subgroup likely to achieve the desired effect.Methods:Six databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP) were searched up to 31 st December 2022 with detailed search strategies. A scoping review method was used to integrate and qualitatively describe the included literature inductively. Results:Ten articles were included to discuss how to use the RCT research protocol as a template to develop the corresponding RWS research protocol. Moreover, based on correctly estimating the efficacy-effectiveness gap, evaluate the intervention effect in the patient subgroup to confirm the subgroup that can achieve the expected benefit-risk ratio to bridge the efficacy-effectiveness gap.Conclusion:Using real-world data to simulate key features of randomized controlled clinical trial study design can improve the authenticity and effectiveness of study results and bridge the efficacy-effectiveness gap.
10.Progress in methodological research on bridging the efficacy-effectiveness gap of clinical interventions(2): to improve the extrapolation of efficacy
Zuoxiang LIU ; Zilin LONG ; Zhirong YANG ; Shuyuan SHI ; Xinran XU ; Houyu ZHAO ; Zuyao YANG ; Zhu FU ; Haibo SONG ; Tengfei LIN ; Siyan ZHAN ; Feng SUN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(4):579-584
Objective:Randomized controlled trials (RCT) usually have strict implementation criteria. The included subjects' characteristics of the conditions for the intervention implementation are quite different from the actual clinical environment, resulting in discrepancies between the risk-benefit of interventions in actual clinical use and the risk-benefit shown in RCT. Therefore, some methods are needed to enhance the extrapolation of RCT results to evaluate the real effects of drugs in real people and clinical practice settings.Methods:Six databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP) were searched up to 31 st December 2022 with detailed search strategies. A scoping review method was used to integrate and qualitatively describe the included literature inductively. Results:A total of 12 articles were included. Three methods in the included literature focused on: ①improving the design of traditional RCT to increase population representation; ②combining RCT Data with real-world data (RWD) for analysis;③calibrating RCT results according to real-world patient characteristics.Conclusions:Improving the design of RCT to enhance the population representation can improve the extrapolation of the results of RCT. Combining RCT data with RWD can give full play to the advantages of data from different sources; the results of the RCT were calibrated against real-world population characteristics so that the effects of interventions in real-world patient populations can be predicted.

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