Quantitative and standardized research on syndrome differentiation has always been at the forefront of modernizing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory. However, the majority of existing databases primarily concentrate on the network pharmacology of herbal prescriptions, and there are limited databases specifically dedicated to TCM syndrome differentiation. In response to this gap, we have developed the Traditional Chinese Medical Syndrome Standardization Database (TCMSSD, http://tcmssd.ratcm.cn). TCMSSD is a comprehensive database that gathers data from various sources, including TCM literature such as TCM Syndrome Studies (Zhong Yi Zheng Hou Xue) and TCM Internal Medicine (Zhong Yi Nei Ke Xue) and various public databases such as TCMID and ETCM. In our study, we employ a deep learning approach to construct the knowledge graph and utilize the BM25 algorithm for syndrome prediction. The TCMSSD integrates the essence of TCM with the modern medical system, providing a comprehensive collection of information related to TCM. It includes 624 syndromes, 133,518 prescriptions, 8,073 diseases (including 1,843 TCM-specific diseases), 8,259 Chinese herbal medicines, 43,413 ingredients, 17,602 targets, and 8,182 drugs. By analyzing input data and comparing it with the patterns and characteristics recorded in the database, the syndrome prediction tool generates predictions based on established correlations and patterns. The TCMSSD fills the gap in existing databases by providing a comprehensive resource for quantitative and standardized research on TCM syndrome differentiation and laid the foundation for research on the biological basis of syndromes.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are prevalent and incapacitating conditions, sharing common pathogenic pathways such as tobacco use and pulmonary inflammation. The influence of respiratory conditions including COPD on RA has been observed, meanwhile RA may constituting one of the risk factors for COPD. It unclear that whether a bidirectional associate between RA and COPD. Our study aims to explore the bidirectional relationship between RA and COPD.Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase for observational studies from the databases inception to February 20, 2024, utilizing medical subject headings (MeSH) and keywords. We included studies in which RA and COPD were studied as either exposure or outcome variables. Statistical analyses were conducted employing STATA software (version 14.0). The relationship was reported as odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s regression.Results: Nineteen studies with 1,549,181 participants were included. Risk of bias varied from low to moderate, with evidence levels rated as low or very low. Pooled analysis revealed a significant association between RA and increased COPD risk (OR=1.41, 95%CI 1.13 to 1.76, I² = 97.8%, P=0.003). Subgroup analyses showed similar COPD risk elevations in both of genders, seropositive/seronegative RA, cohort and case control studies. Additionally, there was a significant RA risk increase among those with COPD (OR=1.36, 95%CI 1.05 to 1.76, I² = 55.0%, P=0.022), particularly among females and seropositive RA, and cohort studies.Conclusion: The meta-analysis identifies a significant bidirectional association between RA and COPD, emphasizing mutually increased risk. Recognizing this connection may can inform proactive approaches to disease prevention and management, potentially reducing the public health burden and improving quality of life.Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42024518323.

Existing reporting checklists lack the necessary level of detail and comprehensiveness to be used in guidelines on Chinese patent medicines (CPM). This study aims to develop a reporting guidance for CPM guidelines based on the Reporting Items of Practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT) statement. We extracted information from CPM guidelines, existing reporting standards for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and the RIGHT statement and its extensions to form the initial pool of reporting items for CPM guidelines. Seventeen experts from diverse disciplines participated in two rounds of Delphi process to refine and clarify the items. Finally, 18 authoritative consultants in the field of TCM and reporting guidelines reviewed and approved the RIGHT for CPM checklist. We added 16 new items and modified two items of the original RIGHT statement to form the RIGHT for CPM checklist, which contains 51 items grouped into seven sections and 23 topics. The new and revised items are distributed across four sections (Basic information, Background, Evidence, and Recommendations) and seven topics: title/subtitle (one new and one revised item), Registration information (one new item), Brief description of the health problem (four new items), Guideline development groups (one revised item), Health care questions (two new items), Recommendations (two new items), and Rationale/explanation for recommendations (six new items). The RIGHT for CPM checklist is committed to providing users with guidance for detailed, comprehensive and transparent reporting, and help practitioners better understand and implement CPM guidelines.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common and frequently occurring disease that seriously endangers health, causing a heavy economic burden on patients and society. Acupuncture has been reported to have a therapeutic effect on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, compared with medications, it is difficult to identify a superior therapy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture, conventional drug and acupuncture plus conventional drug in the treatment of COPD. This was a multicenter, open-label randomized controlled trial (RCT) through a central randomization system. A total of 150 COPD patients were randomly assigned at a 1:1:1 ratio to the acupuncture group, conventional drug group or acupuncture plus conventional drug group for 12 weeks of treatment, followed by 12 weeks of untreated follow-up. The primary outcomes included the six-minute walk distance (6MWD) and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and the secondary outcomes included the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (mMRC), acute exacerbation, lung function, and quality of life (COPD assessment test). Statistical analysis was conducted via SPSS software (version 26.0). A total of 150 patients were included in the study, and 143 patients completed the trial. There were time effects, group effects and interaction effects in the three groups (P < 0.05). Compared with that in the conventional drug group, the 6MWD in the acupuncture plus conventional drug group increased significantly at 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment and at 12 weeks of follow-up. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The symptom scores, motor scores, impact scores and total SGRQ scores at different time points in the three groups tended to change with time, with a time effect (P < 0.05), and there was no group or interaction effect (P > 0.05). Among the secondary outcomes, there were time effects on the number of acute exacerbations, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) at different time points in the three groups (P < 0.05). mMRC had time and group effects (P < 0.05). CAT had time effects, group effects and interaction effects (P < 0.05). Compared with the acupuncture group and the conventional drug group, the acupuncture plus conventional drug group was better at improving exercise ability, improving quality of life, and reducing dyspnea. It is safe and effective for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the stable period, which can provide a reference for further related research. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03169504. Registered on 30 May 2017.

The "Weekend Warrior (WW)" physical activity (PA) pattern, involving intensive exercise on 1–2 days per week, has become increasingly popular. The WW PA pattern demonstrates protective effects against a broad spectrum of chronic diseases; however, regarding a comprehensive investigation into the disease-specific protective mechanisms and long-term health outcomes of the subject, it remains unclear. WW exhibits protective effects against various diseases; however, there is a conspicuous scarcity of literature investigating its protective mechanisms across different disease conditions. The objective of this meta-epidemiology study was to exam WW’s protective effects by synthesizing data from published observational studies. A systematic search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science through February 19, 2025. The search focused on observational studies reporting the association between the WW PA pattern and various health outcomes, including cardiovascular diseases, mortality, metabolic syndrome, and mental health, compared to inactive individuals. Odds ratios (ORs) were pooled using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses were performed to investigate the association with ORs of factors, such as sex, study type, and PA assessment. Twenty-seven studies encompassing 1,204,486 participants were included. The pooled analysis indicated that the WW exercise pattern significantly reduced the risk of CVD mortality (OR = 0.742, 95% CI: 0.568–0.968), I2 = 71.3%, P = 0.028). Additionally, WW showed lower risks of mental disorders and metabolic syndrome. The WW PA pattern is associated with significant health benefits, including reduced risks of mortality, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome. This pattern may be a viable alternative for individuals unable to engage in daily physical activity. Future research should further explore the long-term effects and refine exercise recommendations for various population subgroups. CRD42024587216.