1.Characteristics of Emergency Health Systems Guidance Based on AGREE-HS
Danping ZHENG ; Wei YANG ; Nannan SHI ; Dongfeng WEI ; An LI ; Gezhi ZHANG ; Xue CHEN ; Fangqi LIU ; Zhaoshuai YAN ; Weixuan BAI ; Xinghua XIANG ; Yaxin TIAN ; Mengyu LIU ; Huamin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):137-148
This study used the Appraisal of Guidelines Research & Evaluation-Health Systems (AGREE-HS) to demonstratively compare 34 global coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) health systems guidance documents (HSGs) and 6 World Health Organization (WHO) standard HSGs. The comparison involved topic, participants, methods, recommendations, and implementability, with the aim of exploring the characteristics of emergency HSGs. The results showed that the emergency HSGs had an overall average score of 49%, with topic having the highest score, recommendations having the second highest score, and participants having the lowest score. The standard HSGs had an overall average score of 79%, with high scores in all items. The emergency HSGs had lower scores in participants, methods, recommendations, and implementability than the standard HSGs (P<0.001), while the COVID-19 emergency HSGs developed by the WHO had higher score in topic than the standard HSGs (P<0.05). Compared with those released by countries, the COVID-19 emergency HSG developed by the WHO showed superiority in all items and overall scores (P=0.000 2). This indicates that emergency HSGs, represented by the COVID-19 emergency HSG, place equal emphasis on topic and recommendations as standard HSGs but have low requirements in terms of expert participation, evidence support, and comprehensive consideration in the time- and resource-limited context. They have the characteristics of prominent topics, clear purposes, orientation to demand, keeping up with the latest evidence, flexible adjustment, and timeliness, emphasizing immediate implementation effects, weakening long-term effects, and focusing on comprehensive benefits. Additionally, developers, types, and report completeness are important influencing factors.
2.Characteristics of Developing Methods for Emergency Health Systems Guidance Based on AGREE-HS
Danping ZHENG ; Wei YANG ; Dongfeng WEI ; Nannan SHI ; Lin TONG ; An LI ; Gezhi ZHANG ; Xue CHEN ; Fangqi LIU ; Weixuan BAI ; Xinghua XIANG ; Mengyu LIU ; Huamin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):149-156
The scientific rigor and efficacy of methodologies employed in drafting emergency health systems guidance documents (HSGs) are paramount in guaranteeing the quality, reliability, and applicability of HSGs. According to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation- Health Systems (AGREE-HS), we demonstratively assessed both global coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) emergency HSGs and World Health Organization (WHO) standard HSGs to uncover the core attributes of methods employed in the development of emergency HSGs. Our evaluation findings revealed that across the five assessment items of AGREE-HS, methods in the 34 emergency HSGs evaluated ranked third, trailing behind topic and recommendations. Notably, criterion 2 (the best available and most contextually relevant evidence is considered) received the highest score, whereas criterion 5 (evidence of cost and cost-effectiveness of the potential options is described) scored the lowest. Compared with the WHO standard HSGs, the COVID-19 emergency HSGs exhibited low scores in methods (P<0.05), which was reflected in nine criteria (P<0.05), especially in criteria 1 (systematic and transparent methods are used to identify and review the evidence) and 9 (systematic and transparent methods are used to agree upon the final recommendations). Among the COVID-19 emergency HSGs, that developed by the WHO achieved higher scores in eight out of all nine criteria, excluding criterion 8 (P<0.05). The clinically relevant emergency HSGs had higher scores in the criteria 3 (the evidence base is current) and 8 (the rationale behind the recommendations is clear) than other types of emergency HSGs. Collectively, the methodology for developing emergency HSGs, represented by the COVID-19 emergency HSG, underscores evidence orientation and integrates expert consensus. It is characterized by adaptable evidence synthesis strategies, streamlined evidence review protocols, and contextual relevance, all of which are influenced by external, internal, and implementation-specific factors.
3.Characteristics of Participants for Developing Emergency Health Systems Guidance Based on AGREE-HS
An LI ; Gezhi ZHANG ; Xue CHEN ; Fangqi LIU ; Danping ZHENG ; Weixuan BAI ; Wei YANG ; Dongfeng WEI ; Nannan SHI ; Mengyu LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):157-163
The formulation method of emergency health systems guidance (HSG) is crucial, directly impacting the efficiency and effectiveness of responses in emergencies. A scientifically sound, systematic, and easily executable guidance document can assist health institutions at all levels in quickly coordinating resources, standardizing emergency response processes, and safeguarding public health. This study employed the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation for Health Systems (AGREE-HS) to analyze the characteristics of participants in developing emergency HSGs represented by the COVID-19 emergency HSG. The results showed that in the 34 HSGs included in this study, the item participants received the lowest score. Within this item, criterion 1 (diversity of development group) scored the highest (3.13±1.55), while criterion 5 (prevention of funding agency influence) scored the lowest (1.21±0.47). There were differences (P<0.05) in measures taken to mitigate funding agency influence between the six standard HSGs developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the four emergency HSGs. Additionally, differences (P<0.05) existed in the development group members, background, conflicts of interest, and preventive measures between the six WHO standard HSGs and the 34 emergency HSGs, as well as between the HSGs developed by the WHO and those developed by countries. The participants in developing emergency HSGs were influenced by various factors, including limited time for guideline development, modes of participation, scarce evidence, and uncertainties in expected outcomes. There is a need to downplay extensive requirements concerning the composition of group members, institutional diversity, and conflicts of interest, emphasizing the roles of key participants like government officials and professionals who can provide rapid, practical guidance in emergency situations.
4.Characteristics of Recommendations for Emergency Health Systems Guidance Based on AGREE-HS
Gezhi ZHANG ; Cuifang LIU ; Danping ZHENG ; Xue CHEN ; An LI ; Fangqi LIU ; Dongfeng WEI ; Wei YANG ; Nannan SHI ; Mengyu LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):164-170
Recommendations, consensus-based syntheses of the best available evidence, constitute the core content of a guideline. This paper analyzes the characteristics of emergency health systems guidance documents (HSGs), represented by the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) emergency HSG, regarding the item "recommendations" and its eight evaluation criteria in the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation for Health Systems (AGREE-HS). The World Health Organization (WHO) standard HSGs were used as reference to explore the characteristics of emergency HSGs that are different from non-emergency HSGs. The results showed that the “recommendations” scored second after “topic” among the five items. Criterion 7 relating to operability scored higher than others among the eight criteria, and criterion 3 dealing with ethical principles scored lower than other criteria. Compared with the standard HSGs, the emergency HSGs showed decreased scores (P<0.05) of the item recommendations and the criteria of this item except criterion 4 concerning equity promotion. Among the HSGs with different developers, those developed by the WHO had higher (P<0.05) scores of recommendations than nationally developed HSGs, as evidenced by criterion 4, criterion 5 involving acceptability to and alignment with sociocultural and political interests, and criterion 8 for updating plans. The HSGs regarding global or country strategy scored higher (P<0.05) on criterion 2 relating to comprehensiveness than those involving specific guidance on clinical or material issues. Overall, the emergency HSGs, represented by the COVID-19 emergency HSGs, differ from the standard HSGs in a number of ways in terms of their recommendations. Emergency HSGs have more condensed content and weaker articulation of expected outcomes. They incline to put more emphasis on updating plans, rather than comprehensiveness or integrative requirements in terms of ethics, equity, and sociocultural and political interests.
5.Characteristics of Topic for Emergency Health Systems Guidance Based on AGREE-HS
Xue CHEN ; An LI ; Fangqi LIU ; Danping ZHENG ; Gezhi ZHANG ; Nannan SHI ; Wei YANG ; Dongfeng WEI ; Mengyu LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):171-177
The clear definition of the topic in emergency health systems guidance (HSG) ensures the relevance, scientific rigor, and practicality of the guidance, providing a clear direction and a framework for a rapid and effective public health response. This study used the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation-Health Systems (AGREE-HS) to demonstratively evaluate the global COVID-19 emergency HSGs and World Health Organization (WHO) standard HSGs, aiming to explore the characteristics of topic in emergency HSGs. The results showed that in the 34 HSGs included, the item topic received the highest score. Specifically, criterion 4 relating to relevant and applicable factors scored the highest (5.59), while criterion 3 concerning the prioritization of health system challenges scored the lowest (2.76). There were differences (P<0.05) in criterion 1 between standard HSGs and overall emergency HSGs, as well as between WHO and national emergency HSGs. Criterion 3 also showed differences (P<0.05) between standard HSGs and emergency HSGs, as well as between WHO and national emergency HSGs. Criterion 4 displayed differences (P<0.000 1) between WHO and national emergency HSGs. No differences were observed in intra-group or inter-group comparisons of different emergency HSG subcategories (P<0.05). Overall, emergency HSGs represented by the COVID-19 emergency HSG focus on detailing the challenges faced by the health system, including the natures of challenges, affected populations, and other relevant and applicable factors, while aligning with stakeholder concerns. The prioritization is downplayed, with emphasis placed on rapid responses to and flexible handling of urgent issues. Influenced by factors such as the evidence base, phase timing, and effectiveness, the topic setting shows variations.
6.Characteristics of Implementability of Emergency Health Systems Guidance Based on AGREE-HS
Fangqi LIU ; Mengyu LIU ; Danping ZHENG ; An LI ; Xue CHEN ; Gezhi ZHANG ; Dongfeng WEI ; Wei YANG ; Weixuan BAI ; Yong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):250-256
Guidance implementation acts as a bridge between theory and practice,enabling the rapid expansion of their impact and application. This study demonstratively evaluated emergency health systems guidance documents (HSG),represented by the COVID-19 emergency HSG,based on the item implementability of the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation-Health Systems (AGREE-HS),aiming to explore the characteristics of implementability in emergency HSG. The evaluation results indicated that the COVID-19 emergency HSG had a low mean score in implementability,which ranked just above the item participants. Criterion 2 (costs and resource considerations for implementing the recommendations) received the highest mean score of 4.29,while criterion 9 (systematic evaluation of implementation) received the lowest mean score of 1.34. The emergency HSG formulated by the World Health Organization(WHO) and those formulated by various countries showed no difference (P=0.114) in criterion 1 (barriers and facilitators to implementation) but had differences (P<0.05) regarding the average item scores and the scores of the remaining criteria. The WHO standard HSG had high overall scores and had differences (P<0.05) in both the mean item scores and the scores of the nine criteria when compared with the emergency HSG. The global/national HSG showed differences in scores of criterion 1 (barriers and facilitators to implementation) compared with the both clinically relevant HSG and material support HSG (P<0.05). Emergency HSG prioritized considerations of implementation costs,resources,and flexibility in terms of implementability,while de-emphasizing aspects such as stakeholder opinions,dissemination strategies,and evaluation of HSG. This may be attributed to the context in which emergency HSG are formulated,given the inherent flexibility and variability of emergency health events. The developers should comprehensively consider the needs and characteristics related to the implementability of emergency HSG during the formulation process.
7.Analysis of menstrual conditions and influencing factors in 281 women infected with COVID-19
Rui YANG ; Danping CHEN ; Xiaojie ZHANG ; Wenjie TANG ; Xin XIA ; Yingjuan CHEN ; Jiaying XUE ; Jianghong XU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(6):582-588
ObjectiveTo investigate the menstrual conditions of women infected with COVID-19 in Shanghai and analyze the influencing factors. MethodsFrom December 2022 to March 2023, menstrual data from 281 women infected with COVID-19 in Shanghai were collected with a questionnaire survey, including usual menstrual characteristics, the most recent menstrual period post-infection, symptoms of infection, and medication usage. According to the crossover period between the menstrual period and the infection period of the respondents, the samples were divided into two groups for comparative analysis: those whose menstrual and infection periods overlapped (positive group) and those whose menstruation started after conversion to virus-negative (negative conversion group). ResultsAmong the 281 respondents, 196 (65.8%) experienced menstrual changes. Among them, 145 (51.6%) had changes in menstrual volume, color and texture, and 109 (38.8%) had changes in menstrual duration or cycle. Decreased menstrual volume (22.1%), darker color (23.49%), thicker texture (21.0%), increased blood clots (16.7%), and prolonged duration (21.8%) were observed in both groups. The rate of changes in menstrual volume, color, and texture was higher in the positive group (56.8%, 69/110) than that in negative group (37.3%, 76/171) (P<0.05). Regarding the menstrual cycle changes, the rate of early onset was higher in the positive group (14.5%) compared to the negative conversion group (3.5%)(P<0.05), while the rate of delayed menstruation was higher in the negative conversion group (25.1%) than that in the positive group (5.5%) (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed a weak association between sore throat and menstrual changes (r=0.154, P<0.05). ConclusionSome women infected with COVID-19 experience short-term changes in their menstrual conditions, characterized by reduced volume, darker color, thick texture, increased clots, and prolonged menstrual duration, reflecting a pathogenesis of blood stasis. Menstruation during the infection period tends to occur earlier, while delayed menstruation is more prevalent at post-conversion.
8.Clinical Effect of Feining Paidu Decoction on Refractory Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia in Child Patients
Qianqian LI ; Xue HAN ; Xiaoxue SI ; Guocai GAO ; Danping PAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(19):145-150
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Feining Paidu decoction on refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in child patients. MethodA randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted, with 96 child patients randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, each containing 48 cases. The control group received intravenous azithromycin (10 mg·kg-1·d-1) for 7 days, intravenous methylprednisolone (1 mg·kg-1·d-1) for 3 days, along with supportive treatments such as fluid infusion and antipyretics. The observation group received oral administration of Feining Paidu decoction once a day for 7 days. Changes in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, clinical efficacy, serum soluble B7-H3 (sB7-H3), serum inflammatory factors, coagulation function, and lung imaging [computer tomography(CT)] scores were observed in both groups. Adverse reaction events were also recorded. ResultThe total effective rate in the observation group was 95.74% (45/47), significantly higher than 80.43% (37/46) in the control group (Z=-3.702, P<0.01). Compared with the results before treatment, TCM syndrome scores, lung imaging scores, sB7-H3, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), D-dimer (D-D), and fibrinogen (FIB) levels in both groups all significantly decreased after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, the observation group showed significantly better results in these indicators than the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in thrombin time (TT) in the control group before and after treatment, while the observation group showed a significant prolongation after treatment (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) between the two groups before treatment, and no serious adverse reactions occurred in either group. ConclusionFeining Paidu decoction combined with conventional treatment can alleviate inflammatory responses, improve hypercoagulable states, promote the absorption of pulmonary inflammation, and enhance the clinical efficacy of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children.
9.Medication Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines for Allergic Rhinitis Based on Clinical Efficacy Evaluation
Cuifang LIU ; Danping ZHENG ; Tianli XIE ; An LI ; Xue CHEN ; Mengyu LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(14):181-190
ObjectiveTo explore the role of efficacy evaluation methods in providing evidence for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinical practice guidelines based on a demonstration study of clinical efficacy evaluation of TCM for allergic rhinitis (AR),aiming to enrich the sources of evidence for guideline development. MethodReal-world data of TCM medication for AR were collected and efficacy evaluation was carried out. SPSS 16.0 software was used to calculate the conformity of clinical syndromes,main prescriptions, and medications to the guidelines. Correlation analysis of efficacy and medications was performed according to guideline conformity to compare the differences in medications between real-world clinical applications and current guidelines. ResultA total of 198 cases were collected and the clinical medications were compared with the relevant guidelines for AR. It was found that the clinical syndrome conformity was above 70%,and in addition to the guideline syndrome,there were also syndromes in six meridians and other mixed syndromes in clinical practice. The guideline conformity of the main prescriptions used in clinical practice showed a positive correlation trend with efficacy. There were some differences between the commonly used drugs in clinical practice and those recommended by the guidelines. For example,for lung Qi deficiency and cold syndrome,drugs such as Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, Magnoliae Flos, and Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus were often used. For kidney Yang deficiency syndrome,drugs such as Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma and Ostreae Concha were often used. For spleen Qi deficiency and weakness syndrome,drugs such as Poria, Cinnamomi Ramulus, and Magnoliae Flos were used. For lung Qi deficiency and cold syndrome in children,drugs such as Chebulae Fructus, Cicadae Periostracum, Zingiberis Rhizoma, and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma were used. For lung and spleen Qi deficiency syndrome,drugs such as Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Menthae Haplocalycis Herba, Amomi Fructus, and Zingiberis Rhizoma were used. There were also some differences in the commonly used drugs for adults and children. For example,for lung Qi deficiency and cold syndrome,adults often used Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, Magnoliae Flos, and Tribuli Fructus,while children often used Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Paeoniae Radix Alba, and Poria. For lung meridian hidden heat syndrome, adults often used Bupleuri Radix, Asari Radix et Rhizoma, Pinelliae Rhizoma, and Xanthii Fructus, while children often used Houttuyniae Herba, Menthae Haplocalycis Herba, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, and Massa Medicata Fermentata. ConclusionEffective medication regimens can be screened out based on efficacy evaluation methods,which can help supplement immediate, objective, and clinically relevant evidence of medication for the development of clinical practice guidelines in TCM from the perspective of clinical effectiveness.
10.Long non-coding RNA XLOC009038 promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Xin DING ; Yong ZHENG ; Jing LI ; Xue ZHENG ; Juanjuan TONG ; Danping YANG ; Weigang CHEN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2019;35(3):369-374
Objective To observe the effects of long-chain non-coding RNA XLOC009038 on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma EC 109 and EC9706 cells and explore its mechanism. Methods XLOC009038 interfering plasmid was constructed and transfected into EC 109 and EC9706 cells to down-regulate the expression of XLOC009038 gene. MTT colorimetry and clonogenic assay were used to observe the changes of cell proliferation and cloning ability before and after gene down-regulation.Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis. Transwell was used to measure the changes of cell migration and invasion ability before and after transfection. Western blot was used to detect the expression of procaspase 3 protein in cells before and after transfection. Results The expression of XLOC009038 gene in the two cells was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.001). After down-regulation of XLOC009038 gene expression, the cloning and proliferation ability of EC 109 and EC9706 cells decreased significantly (P< 0.05). Compared with the control group, the migration and invasion ability of EC 109 and EC9706 cells decreased significantly (P < 0.001).Flow cytometry showed that the apoptosis rate of EC 109 and EC9706 cells increased after down-regulation of XLOC009038 (P <0.001). The expression of procaspase 3 increased in the experimental group after interfering with XLOC009038 (P = 0.013; P < 0.001). Conclusions Over-expression of XLOC009038 might be closely related to occurrence and development of the esophageal cancer. Over-expression of XLOC009038 can enhance the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of esophageal cancer cells in vitro through the procaspase3 pathway.

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