Chinese Science Research Articles

Potential neural mechanisms of acupuncture therapy on migraine: a systematic review and activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis update.

Migraine is a common, disabling, chronic headache disorder. Acupuncture is one of the effective complementary therapies for migraine. However, the neural mechanisms of acupuncture on migraine remain unclear. With the increased number of neuroimaging studies of acupuncture for migraine in recent years, there is an urgent need to update the data for pooled analyses. This study aimed to comprehensively summarize the relevant literature, identify brain regions with significant changes in brain activity after acupuncture, and explore the potential neural mechanisms of acupuncture on migraine. A search was conducted by two independent researchers for neuroimaging studies using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) or positron emission tomography (PET) on the effects of acupuncture on migraine up to October 2023 in the databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (SinoMed). Observational studies and clinical trials in Chinese or English were included; abstracts and studies without peer review were excluded. Brain regions with increased or decreased activity in the true acupuncture (TA) and sham acupuncture (SA) groups were pooled. A meta-analysis was performed using the activation likelihood estimation (ALE) algorithm. Fail-safe N (FSN) analysis was performed for publication bias and jackknife analysis was implemented for sensitivity analysis. The ALE meta-analysis included 15 peer-reviewed functional brain imaging studies with 514 migraine patients (401 female; mean age 32.38 years) and 163 healthy controls (130 female; mean age 27.28 years). A total of 12 studies scored 18 and above on the quality assessment (out of a total of 20). The results showed two increased activity clusters (the left pons and posterior insula) and four decreased activity clusters [the left cerebellum, temporal lobe, and right precuneus (two clusters)] after TA relative to baseline (P<0.001 uncorrected, volume >100 mm3). We also identified five clusters of increased and seven clusters of decreased activity of SA relative to the baseline, and no overlap regions were found between the TA and SA groups (P<0.001 uncorrected, volume >100 mm3). The results showed high replicability and reliability. Acupuncture for migraine is a complex but targeted neuromodulation process, different from the random, nonspecific effects of SA. Emotional processing and sensitization reduction may be critical neurofunctional mechanisms of acupuncture. More high-quality randomized controlled studies are needed to validate the results.

Association Between Frailty and Mortality, Falls and Hospitalisation Among Patients Undergoing Dialysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Frailty is a risk factor for adverse events in older individuals; however, it has not been fully verified in patients undergoing dialysis. Our aim was to verify the association between frailty and adverse outcomes consisting of mortality, falls and hospitalisation among patients undergoing dialysis by a systematic review and meta-analysis. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Multiple internet databases, were searched from the establishment of each database to April 2022, including the PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane, CNKI, WanFang and China Science and Technology Journal (VIP) databases. Cohort studies exploring the association between frailty and adverse outcomes among patients undergoing dialysis were analysed. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. A random effects model was used to pool the effect size, and comprehensive analyses consisting of subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and publication bias were assessed. The search initially identified 2744 studies from six databases. After the screening, 26 studies including 14,089 patients with dialysis aged 44.95-78.10 years were included in the final analysis, all of which were observational cohort studies. The pooled results showed that frailty was a powerful predictor of adverse outcomes (mortality, falls and hospitalisation) among the patients. Therefore, dialysis patients should be screened for early frailty and appropriate interventions should be implemented to improve adverse outcomes.

Concomitant virus infection increases mortality and worsens outcome of acute pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Concomitant virus infection increases mortality and worsens outcome of acute pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The impact of dietary metabolizable energy levels on the performance of medium-sized geese: A systematic review.

The impact of dietary metabolizable energy levels on the performance of medium-sized geese: A systematic review.

The Relationship Between Muscle Metabolic Index (Cr/CysC) Levels and Short-Term Prognosis with Acute Ischemic Stroke: Findings from a Cohort Study.

Sarcopenia significantly impacts prognosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This study investigates the relationship between serum creatinine/serum cystatin C (Cr/CysC) levels and short-term prognosis in AIS patients, aiming to inform post-treatment strategies. We analyzed AIS patients at the First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China from January 2022 to January 2024. Baseline data were collected through interviews and medical records, with a 3-month follow-up for prognosis assessment. 265 were included in the final analysis. Cr/CysC levels were categorized into quartiles (Q1-Q4). Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline analysis were employed to evaluate the association between Cr/CysC and prognosis. Among the 265 patients, the average age was 66.18 ± 12.41years, and 129 (48.68%) had poor short-term prognosis. Multivariate logistic regression showed that patients in the lowest quartile of Cr/CysC (Q1) had a significantly lower risk of poor prognosis compared to those in the highest quartile (Q4) (odds ratio= 0.287, 95% confidence interval: 0.090-0.917, P= 0.035). A linear relationship was identified between Cr/CysC and prognosis (P overall<0.001, P nonlinear= 0.571). This study establishes a significant linear correlation between Cr/CysC levels and poor short-term prognosis in AIS patients. Encouraging muscle function exercises may enhance patient outcomes.

Comparative study of the disciplinary status of Chinese and international information science from the perspective of disciplinary kinetic energy

Comparative study of the disciplinary status of Chinese and international information science from the perspective of disciplinary kinetic energy

Stable vitiligo treated by transplantation of autologous melanocytes: a meta-analysis.

To systematically evaluate the efficacy of culture and nonculture autologous melanocyte transplantation and other methods for stable vitiligo. PubMed, Embase, WebofScience, TheCochraneLibrary, Chinese Journal Full-text Database (CNKI), VIP Chinese Scientific Journal Full-text Database (VIP), Wanfang database, were included in the clinical study of autologous cell transplantation for the treatment of stable vitiligo. For the meta-analysis of the corresponding studies with Revman5.3 software. 17 high-quality studies were included in this meta-analysis, totaling 1199 patients, Meta-analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the efficacy of autologous cultured melanocytes transplantation (CMT) and melanocytes + keratinocytes, CMT and autologous nonculture suspension transplantation (NCES) in stable vitiligo (P > 0.05); There was a significant difference between CMT and CMT + phototherapy in stable vitiligo (P < 0.00001); There was no significant difference in the efficacy of NCES and NCES + other components, NCES and NCES + other therapies, and NCES and NCES + phototherapy for stable vitiligo (P > 0.05); There was a significant difference in the efficacy of cell transplantation and cell transplantation and cell transplantation + other therapy, cell transplantation and cell transplantation + phototherapy,cell transplantation and cell transplantation + narrow spectrum ultraviolet (NBUVB) in stable vitiligo (P < 0.00001). Both NCES and CMT transplantation treated stable vitiligo and had no direct relationship with the components contained in the suspension. Melanocyte transplantation and melanocyte transplantation combined with other treatment methods is better than single melanocyte transplantation for vitiligo. Due to the number and quality of included studies, the above conclusions need to be confirmed by more reasonably designed randomized controlled clinical studies.

Efficacy and safety of combination of semaglutide and basal insulin in patients with of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Efficacy and safety of combination of semaglutide and basal insulin in patients with of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Professional Learning in a Web‐Based Community of Practice Of, By, and For Chinese Primary Science Teachers: A Narrative Inquiry

ABSTRACTThis study examines Chinese primary science teachers' professional learning experience in a web‐based community of practice established and run by practitioners, with support from teacher researchers. Over time, it has grown into a preferred knowledge‐sharing base for primary science teachers of the region and gradually gained national recognition. Through narrative inquiry, we reconstruct a story that shows how the community emerged and developed into a way of empowering Chinese primary science teachers in their own professional development. Adopting the community of practice framework (Wenger 1998) and with attention guided by the metaphorical space of temporality, sociality, and place, our analysis brings out how the external contexts, the organizational features, and the teachers' learning practices intertwined and contribute to the long‐lasting success of this community. Some of the key organizational features we identify go beyond the ones stressed by the existing literature. More importantly, we show the critical role external contexts can play in the working mechanism of a web‐based community. On that basis, we suggested the need to enrich the methodological choices and broaden the scope of this line of research.

Interpretation of WFAS standard: general requirements for the risk control in the safe use of acupuncture

The international standard “General Requirements for the Risk Control in the Safe Use of Acupuncture” drafted by the Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences has been officially released by the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS). As the first general international standard in the field of acupuncture safety standards, in order to avoid the repetition of common problems, this standard specifies the basic requirements for the safe use of acupuncture, defines terms with common characteristics that are easily confused in the field of acupuncture safety, clarifies the scope and level of acupuncture risks, sorts out the sources of acupuncture risks, and formulates control processes and control measures for acupuncture risks, and lays the foundation for the establishment of subsequent related standards for specific needles. In order to help the developers of standards related to the safe use of acupuncture needles to better understand and apply this standard, this paper provides an in-depth interpretation of the development process and content of this standard. At the same time, it analyses the terminology definition process of this standard, the current research status of acupuncture risk and the sources of different types of acupuncture risk and corresponding control measures. This can provide a professional reference for the developers of subsequent related standards for specific needles and help promote the safe use of acupuncture techniques worldwide.

Effect of Acupuncture on Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been effectively treated with acupuncture, but the significance of quality of life, depression, and anxiety in the assessment of IBS patients has received little consideration. This study examined the impact of acupuncture on depression, anxiety, and quality of life in IBS patients. PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), EMBASE, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Chinese Biological Medical (CBM, SinoMed) Database, and the Wan Fang Database were among the electronic databases from which relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were systematically retrieved between their inception and July 2023. The outcomes included adverse events, total response rate, anxiety, and symptoms of depression, as well as quality of life. In this study, the heterogeneity, publication bias, standardized mean difference (SMD), and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. In this study, 29 RCTs including 3114 participants for analysis (treatment group, 1730; control group, 1384) were included. Compared to other therapies, acupuncture significantly improved the quality of life (SMD = 0.61, 95% CI = [0.26, 0.96], P < 0.001) and alleviated anxiety (SMD = - 0.72, 95% CI = [- 1.76, 0.32], P = 0.18) and depression (SMD = - 0.74, 95% CI = [- 1.18, - 0.3], P < 0.001) in IBS patients. A statistically significant improvement was recorded in their quality of life, and they also displayed fewer symptoms of depression. The total response rate (RR = 1.18, 95% CI = [1.12,1.25], P < 0.001) indicated that acupuncture significantly affected IBS treatment in comparison to other methods. Subgroup analysis of primary outcome indicators revealed that acupuncture demonstrated better results regardless of the duration of intervention and was more effective than Western medicine or sham acupuncture. In addition to the total response rate (I2 = 0%), the other three outcome indicators showed significant heterogeneity (I2 > 50%). No publication bias was noted in RR (P < 0.05); however, a significant publication bias was observed in quality of life (P > 0.05). Acupuncture can enhance the quality of life and relieve anxiety and depression in patients with IBS with apparent safety; however, a large number of high-quality RCTs are still needed.

A Meta-analysis of the Incidence of Frailty and its Influencing Factors in Middle-aged and Elderly Inpatients with Hypertension

Objective: To systematically review the current status of frailty and its influencing factors in middle-aged and-elderly patients hospitalized with hypertension. Methods: Literature of CNKI, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wanfang, PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science and Cochrane Library on the factors affecting combined frailty in middle-aged and elderly hypertensive patients were searched to build the database until December 31, 2023, and Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan5.4 software. Results: A total of 14 articles including 4097 middle-aged and elderly hypertensive patients were included. The Meta-analysis results showed that: The incidence of frailty in the middle-aged and elderly hypertensive patients was 36%. And A total of 13 contributing factors were statistically significant (P &lt;0.05). Conclusion: The occurrence of frailty in middle-aged and elderly hypertensive hospitalized patients is affected by many factors. Medical staff should focus on the evaluation and management of high-risk groups, and make early intervention to reduce the occurrence of frailty and slow down the process of frailty.

Effects of Jianpi therapy for cancer-related fatigue:a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The Jianpi therapeutic strategy in traditional Chinese medicine aims to enhance the spleen's digestive function and overall wellness. It has shown promise in improving cancer-related fatigue (CRF). This research systematically evaluates the effectiveness of Jianpi therapy in reducing fatigue in cancer patients through a meta-analytic review. An exhaustive search was performed within PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SinoMed, Wanfang Data, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) for randomized controlled trials concerning the application of Jianpi therapy to address CRF. The search spanned from the commencement of each database's records to April 1, 2024. The extracted data were subjected to analysis using Stata (Version 15.1), with the selection of either a random-effects or fixed-effects model based on the heterogeneity among studies. Outcome measures were demonstrated with standardized mean differences (SMDs) or mean differences (MDs), and each complemented by a 95% confidence interval (CI). The Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool 2.0 was utilized to assess the potential biases within the studies. A comprehensive analysis was performed on 45 eligible studies, all of which were conducted within China and encompassed a total of 3,596 participants. The meta-analysis indicated that Jianpi decoction alone exhibited the most significant improvement in the proportion of CD4 cells (SMD=1.34, 95% CI 0.54 to 2.31, P<0.001) and hemoglobin (MD=7.45, 95% CI 4.18 to 10.72, Z=4.47, P<0.001), while also more significantly reducing Piper Fatigue Scale scores (SMD=-2.05, 95% CI -2.71 to -1.39, P<0.001). The combined therapy, which integrated Jianpi therapy with standard care, demonstrated the greatest advantage in enhancing the proportion of CD3 cells (SMD=1.25, 95% CI 0.46 to 2.04, P<0.001). Furthermore, Jianpi therapy was found to be effective in lowering tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels (MD=-7.79, 95% CI -11.24 to -4.34, P<0.001) and concurrently enhancing interferon-gamma (MD=5.15, 95% CI 3.20 to 7.09, P=0.002), interleukin-2 (MD=8.37, 95% CI 6.14 to 10.59, P<0.001). Our research indicates that Jianpi therapy effectively alleviates CRF, reduces inflammation, and strengthens immune function. However, further high-quality, multicenter randomized controlled trials are essential to confirm these findings and strengthen the evidence. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42024566739.

Cohort study on the treatment of BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer with integrated Chinese and western medicine

BACKGROUND Patients with BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) have a low incidence rate, poor biological activity, suboptimal response to conventional treatments, and a poor prognosis. In the previous cohort study on mCRC conducted by our team, it was observed that integrated Chinese and Western medicine treatment could significantly prolong the overall survival (OS) of patients with colorectal cancer. Therefore, we further explored the survival benefits in the population with BRAF V600E mutant mCRC. AIM To evaluate the efficacy of integrated Chinese and Western medicine in the treatment of BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer. METHODS A cohort study was conducted on patients with BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer admitted to Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from January 2016 to December 2022. The patients were divided into two cohorts. RESULTS A total of 34 cases were included, with 23 in Chinese-Western medicine cohort (cohort A) and 11 in Western medicine cohort (cohort B). The median overall survival was 19.9 months in cohort A and 14.2 months in cohort B, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.038, hazard ratio = 0.46). The 1-3-year survival rates were 95.65% (22/23), 39.13% (9/23), and 26.09% (6/23) in cohort A, and 63.64% (7/11), 18.18% (2/11), and 9.09% (1/11) in cohort B, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed statistically significant differences in median OS between the two cohorts in the right colon, liver metastasis, chemotherapy, and first-line treatment subgroups (P &lt; 0.05). CONCLUSION Integrated Chinese and Western medicine can prolong the survival and reduce the risk of death in patients with BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer, with more pronounced benefits observed in patients with right colon involvement, liver metastasis, combined chemotherapy, and first-line treatment.

Efficacy and safety of Xiongzhitongluo granules in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) poses a significant risk to human health. Intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy are essential treatments for AIS, offering substantial benefits for neurological recovery and brain protection. However, their efficacy is often limited by stringent time constraints and contraindications, restricting accessibility for certain patient populations. Investigating novel therapeutic strategies is, therefore, crucial. Our team developed Xiongzhitongluo granules specifically for AIS and is conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to validate their effectiveness. This multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial includes 120 participants randomly allocated to the intervention or placebo group. Participants will receive a 14-day treatment alongside routine medications and will be monitored at multiple time points: days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90. The primary outcome is the change in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score from baseline to day 14. Secondary outcomes include the Scandinavian Stroke Scale (SSS), Barthel Index (BI), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Brief Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom assessment. Safety evaluations will include vital signs and laboratory tests. Data will be recorded using Epidata V3.1 and analyzed with SPSS 26.0. This study received approval from the Ethics Committee of Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (2021XLA102-2). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier, ChiCTR2200061859.

‘Blocks’ and ‘threads’: Chinese students’ constructions of ‘culture’ in their reflections on ‘critical incidents’ experienced during a short-term study abroad programme in the UK

ABSTRACT This article thematically analyses 65 written reflections on ‘British’ culture by Chinese science and engineering students on a short course on intercultural communication at a UK university. Teaching centred on a ‘critical incidents’ approach (Brislin, 1986), Gibbs’s 1998 (2013) ‘cycle of reflection’ and Holliday’s (2016) non-essentialist concept of cultural ‘blocks’ and ‘threads’. Student reflections evidence ‘block’ thinking, arguably inherent in ‘critical incidents’, yet some present promising ‘threads’. The study contributes to an understanding of student outcomes of short-term study abroad and advances non-essentialist pedagogies in intercultural competence.

Research on the multi-factor driving paths of Chinese science-technology talents’ career calling: an ability-motivation-opportunity perspective

ABSTRACT Science-technology talents career calling is a vital driving force for technological progress and innovation. Enhancing the career calling among such professionals is crucial for building an innovative nation. Grounded in the AMO theory, this study uses the fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) method to investigate the interactive effects of career competence, role identity, challenge demand, responsible leadership, and collectivism climate on the driving mechanisms of career calling, based on a survey of 231 science & technology talents. The findings are as follows: Five configurations lead to a high career calling among Chinese science & technology talents, which can be summarized into three categories: ‘Responsible Leadership – Cognitive Sublimation’, ‘Competence Support – Challenge Stimulation – Team Collaboration’, and ‘Role Anchoring – Challenge Driven’. Two configurations result in a low career calling, summarized as ‘Insufficient Competence – Role Confusion – Lack of Responsibility’. Based on the Chinese context, this study deepens the understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying Science-technology talents’ career calling and broadens the perspective of career calling research. This study provides practical insights for optimizing the talent cultivation system and enhancing technological innovation capacity.

The Innovation Performance of Socially Responsible Investment from Stakeholders’ Perspective: Evidence from STAR MARKET

From the perspective of stakeholders, this paper empirically examines the impact of corporate socially responsible investment (SRI) and various dimensions of SRI on their innovation performance, taking Chinese science and technology innovation board (STAR)listed companies as samples. The results show that the social responsible investment of STAR MARKET enterprises has a significant positive impact on innovation performance, while the impact of various dimension’s social responsible investment on innovation performance is heterogeneous, the specific performance is as follows: social responsible investment in investors, employees, customers and government helps to improve the innovation performance of the enterprises, however, social responsible investment in the community will have a negative impact on innovation performance.

Caregivers’ experience of having a child with Down syndrome: a meta-synthesis

BackgroundThis study aimed to integrate the experiences of caregivers of children with Down syndrome during the care process and understand their feelings and needs.MethodsWe used Page et al.’s (2021) Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-synthesis Statement. Ten databases (Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycInfo, China Biology Medicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and China Science and Technology Journal Database) were searched for relevant studies published from the inception of the database to October 2023. Eight qualitative studies were analysed. The following seven themes were included: ‘feeding pressure’, ‘hope for education’, ‘societal rejection and stigma’, ‘psychological pressure’, ‘caring burden’, ‘family burden’, and ‘family adaptation and self-growth’.ResultsWe found that feeding pressures, educational concerns, language difficulties, and discrimination and stigmatisation led to psychological, economic, and family stress in caregivers of children with Down syndrome. We document the need for strong coping mechanisms and support systems for these families from medical and psychological institutions and a need for public education and awareness.ConclusionsWe summarised the daily care experiences of caregivers of children with Down syndrome. Our findings provide a scientific basis for further research focused on reducing physical and mental pressure on caregivers and improving the quality of family life.

Optimal Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Reducing Problematic Internet Use in Youth: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis.

The purpose of this network meta-analysis (NMA) is to compare the effect of different non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) on Problematic Internet Use (PIU). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from their inception to 22 December 2023 were searched in Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database, and WanFang Data. We carried out a data analysis to compare the efficacy of various NPIs using Bayesian NMA. A battery of analyses and assessments, such as conventional meta-analysis and risk of bias, were performed concurrently. Two reviewers extracted data and evaluated bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool independently. We identified 90 RCTs including 15 different NPIs (5986 participants), namely sports intervention (SI), electroencephalogram biological feedback (EBF), reality therapy (RT), positive psychology therapy (PPT), sandplay therapy (ST), educational intervention (EI), compound psychotherapy (CPT), electroacupuncture therapy (AT), group counseling (GC), family therapy (FT), electrotherapy (ELT), craving behavior intervention (CBI), virtual reality therapy (VRT), cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and mindfulness therapy (MT). Our NMA results showed that SI, EBF, RT, PPT, ST, EI, CPT, AT, GC, FT, ELT, CBT, CBI, VRT, and MT were effective in reducing PIU levels. The most effective NPI was SI (SMD = -4.66, CrI: -5.51, -3.82, SUCRA = 95.43%), followed by EBF (SMD = -4.51, CrI: -6.62, -2.39, SUCRA = 90.89%) and RT (SMD = -3.83, CrI: -6.01, -1.62, SUCRA = 81.90%). Our study showed that SI was the best NPI to relieve PIU levels in youth. Medical staff should be aware of the application of SI to the treatment of PIU in youth in future clinical care.