1.Construction and evaluation of the performance management system for pharmacy practice based on the balanced scorecard
Xia LUO ; Yuyan LUO ; Lifen XU ; Ye LI ; Haiyan MAI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1473-1477
OBJECTIVE To establish a scientific, systematic, multi-dimensional performance management system for pharmacy practice, so as to improve the efficiency and quality of pharmacy practice performance management in public hospitals. METHODS Based on the four dimensions of the balanced scorecard theory, finance, customer, internal process, learning and growth, reference indicators for pharmacy practice performance management were summarized. The Delphi method was used to screen indicators, and the analytic hierarchy process was applied to determine the weights of indicators. A pharmacy practice performance management system was then constructed. Based on this system, action plans were formulated and implemented. The effectiveness was evaluated from two aspects: customer reviews and changes in pharmacy practice outcomes. RESULTS A total of 28 reference indicators were summarized, and a performance management system for pharmacy practice was constructed, consisting of 4 primary indicators, 9 secondary indicators, and 20 tertiary indicators. Compared with action plans implementation before, the satisfaction of clinical departments was significantly improved, and 11 pharmacy practice performance management indicators were optimized after implementation. CONCLUSIONS A scientific and systematic performance management system for pharmacy practice has been successfully established, which can provide a reference for the innovation of hospital pharmacy practice management and the high quality development of pharmacy practice.
2.Structural and Functional Abnormalities of White-matter Tracts in Male College Smokers
Xiao-Jiao LI ; Da-Hua YU ; Ting XUE ; Kai YUAN ; Zhen-Zhen MAI ; Xu-Wen WANG ; Fang DONG ; Juan WANG ; Yu-Xin MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1770-1779
ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate alterations in white matter microstructure and spontaneous neural activity in male college smokers, and to further explore their associations with nicotine dependence. Given that adolescence and early adulthood represent critical periods for brain maturation, particularly for white matter development, understanding the neural correlates of smoking behavior during this stage is of substantial importance for both neuroscience and public health. MethodsA total of 115 male undergraduate students were initially recruited for this study. After quality control and exclusion procedures, 52 male college smokers and 42 demographically matched healthy non-smokers were included in the final analysis. All participants underwent multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). White matter fiber tracts were reconstructed using the automated fiber quantification (AFQ) method, which enables precise identification and quantification of major fiber bundles. Eighteen major white matter tracts were segmented for each participant. Along the core trajectory of each tract, 100 equidistant nodes were sampled. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was calculated at each node to assess white matter microstructural integrity, while amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) was computed to evaluate spontaneous neural activity within white matter tracts. Between-group differences in FA and ALFF were assessed using two-sample t-tests, with appropriate corrections applied for multiple comparisons. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between imaging-derived metrics (FA and ALFF values in regions showing significant group differences) and nicotine dependence severity, as measured by the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND). ResultsCompared with healthy non-smokers, male college smokers exhibited significantly increased FA values in several white matter tracts, including the left thalamic radiation, right corticospinal tract, forceps major of the corpus callosum, left uncinate fasciculus, and right arcuate fasciculus. These findings suggest altered microstructural organization or increased directional coherence within these pathways. In addition, smokers demonstrated significantly elevated ALFF values in the forceps major, right uncinate fasciculus, and left arcuate fasciculus, indicating enhanced spontaneous neural activity in these white matter regions. Correlation analyses revealed that FA values in the left thalamic radiation and right corticospinal tract were negatively correlated with FTND scores, suggesting that higher levels of nicotine dependence were associated with reduced microstructural integrity or altered fiber organization in these regions. In contrast, ALFF values in the forceps major and right uncinate fasciculus were positively correlated with FTND scores, indicating that greater nicotine dependence was associated with increased spontaneous neural activity in specific white matter pathways. ConclusionThe present study provides evidence that male college smokers exhibit distinct alterations in both white matter microstructure and functional activity. These abnormalities are not uniformly distributed but rather localized to specific fiber tracts implicated in sensorimotor processing, interhemispheric communication, and higher-order cognitive and emotional regulation. Importantly, the observed associations between imaging metrics and nicotine dependence severity suggest that these structural and functional alterations may reflect neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction. The combination of AFQ-based tract profiling and multimodal MRI offers a sensitive approach for detecting subtle changes along white matter pathways, highlighting its potential utility in identifying neuroimaging biomarkers of nicotine dependence. Overall, these findings indicate that smoking during early adulthood may disrupt ongoing white matter maturation, potentially leading to long-term consequences for brain function. This study provides novel insights into the neural basis of nicotine dependence and underscores the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies targeting young smokers.
3.Mechanism of active ingredient compatibility of Dimocarpus longan Lour. leaves in improving glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetic mellitus rats
Yanli LIANG ; Shijia AN ; Fengsheng LI ; Jiani MAI ; Anqi HUO ; Jiali WEI ; Zejuan ZHANG ; Shuyan QIN ; Wenqing HUANG ; Jie LIANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1697-1703
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of the active ingredient compatibility(quercetin, quercitrin and kaempferol at a mass ratio of 2∶9∶3)of Dimocarpus longan Lour. leaves(abbreviated as CDL) on ameliorating glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into blank control group, model group, metformin hydrochloride group (100 mg/kg), and CDL high-, medium- and low-dose groups (280, 140, 75 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the blank control group were fed with standard chow, while rats in the other groups were given high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin to establish the T2DM rat model. After successful modeling, rats in each administration group were given corresponding drug solution, and rats in the blank control group and model group were intragastrically administered with equal volume of pure water, once a day, for consecutive 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was detected at fixed time every week. The curves of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT) were plotted, and the area under curve (AUC) was calculated. The pancreatic islet function indexes [fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin sensitivity index (ISI)],blood lipid indexes [total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)] and hepatic glycogen content were determined. The pathological morphological changes of liver and pancreatic tissues were observed. The protein and mRNA expression levels of molecules related to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway in liver tissues were detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank control group, the FBG, AUC of IPITT curve, AUC of OGTT curve, HOMA-IR, the levels of FINS, TC, TG and LDL-C, as well as the protein and mRNA expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog, forkhead box protein O1 and glycogen synthase kinase-3β in liver tissues were significantly increased in the model group ( P <0.05). ISI, the levels of HDL-C and hepatic glycogen content, along with the protein and mRNA expression of PI3K, insulin receptor substrate-1, Akt and protein expression of phosphorylated Akt in liver tissues were markedly decreased ( P <0.05). In model group rats, the arrangement of hepatocytes was irregular, the overall structure of pancreatic lobules was disordered, and a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration was observed. Compared with the model group, most of the above quantitative indexes were significantly reversed in the CDL high-dose group ( P <0.05), and the pathological lesions of liver and pancreas were obviously alleviated. CONCLUSIONS CDL can regulate glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, elevate insulin sensitivity and relieve insulin resistance in T2DM rats. Its mechanism may be related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
4.Dual Targeting of TBK1 and JAK-STAT1 Pathways by (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate Suppresses Type I Interferon-driven Inflammation
Liang LI ; Qi-Huan SHENG ; Huan LIU ; Wen-Hao YANG ; Jia-Lin SHI ; Ying-Jie SUN ; Rui JING ; Wei-Hua MAI ; Zhi-Min LI ; Xiao-Li XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1969-1983
ObjectiveType I interferon (IFN-I) signaling is essential for antiviral innate immunity, yet its sustained or excessive activation contributes to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases and interferonopathies, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Current strategies targeting this pathway, exemplified by JAK inhibitors, act mainly on downstream signal transduction and provide limited direct control over upstream IFN-I production, while also carrying the risk of broad immunosuppression. Phyllanthus emblica L. has long been used in traditional medicine for inflammatory disorders, but the bioactive constituent responsible for its regulation of IFN-I signaling and the underlying molecular mechanism have not been clearly defined. This study aimed to identify the active anti-inflammatory component of P. emblica and to characterize its mechanism of action on the IFN-I pathway in macrophages. MethodsActive components ofP. emblica and their candidate targets were screened by network pharmacology using the TCMSP and DrugBank databases (oral bioavailability≥30%, drug-likeness≥0.18) and intersected with inflammation-related genes retrieved from public databases. The predicted interaction between EGCG and IFN-I pathway proteins (TBK1, IRF3, STAT1) was evaluated by molecular docking, with BX795 and GSK8612 used as reference TBK1 inhibitors. Mechanistic experiments were performed in THP-1-derived macrophages and primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). Upstream signaling was activated by transfection of the nucleic acid analogs poly(I∶C) and poly(dA∶dT) or by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, whereas downstream signaling was activated by exogenous IFN-β. An siRNA-mediated TREX1 knockdown model was used to mimic endogenous nucleic acid-driven interferonopathy. Expression of IFN-β1 and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) was measured by RT-qPCR, protein phosphorylation by Western blot, and IFN-β secretion by ELISA. Cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) were used to probe the interactionbetween EGCG and IRF3. ResultsNetwork pharmacology identified (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as a candidate IFN-I-suppressive constituent of P. emblica, with predicted binding to TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1. Molecular docking yielded binding energies of -9.2, -7.2, and -8.2 kcal/mol for TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1, respectively, indicating an affinity for TBK1 comparable to that of the reference inhibitors BX795 (-5.7 kcal/mol) and GSK8612 (-6.4 kcal/mol). EGCG suppressed IFN-β1 and ISG mRNA expression under poly (I∶C), poly (dA∶dT), and LPS stimulation in both THP-1 macrophages and BMDM. At the protein level, EGCG reduced the phosphorylation of TBK1 and IRF3 without affecting the levels of the upstream sensors cGAS and RIG-I, and lowered IFN-β secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. CETSA and DARTS showed that EGCG did not enhance the thermal stability or protease resistance of IRF3, indicating that its effect on IRF3 is indirect. Following IFN-β stimulation, prolonged EGCG treatment reduced STAT1 phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner without an apparent change in IRF9, and partially attenuated ISG transcription; this effect was not monotonicly concentration-dependent, and CXCL10 showed the most consistent suppression. In TREX1-knockdown cells, the elevated mRNA levels of ISG15, ISG56, and CXCL10 were reduced by EGCG. ConclusionEGCG suppresses IFN-I responses by concurrently inhibiting TBK1-IRF3-dependent IFN‑β production and JAK-STAT1-mediated downstream transcription. These in vitro findings provide a mechanistic basis for the anti-inflammatory use of P. emblica in traditional medicine and identify EGCG as a candidate for further evaluation in interferon-driven autoimmune disease models.
5.Mechanism of active ingredient compatibility of Dimocarpus longan Lour. leaves in improving glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetic mellitus rats
Yanli LIANG ; Shijia AN ; Fengsheng LI ; Jiani MAI ; Anqi HUO ; Jiali WEI ; Zejuan ZHANG ; Shuyan QIN ; Wenqing HUANG ; Jie LIANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1697-1703
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of the active ingredient compatibility(quercetin, quercitrin and kaempferol at a mass ratio of 2∶9∶3)of Dimocarpus longan Lour. leaves(abbreviated as CDL) on ameliorating glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into blank control group, model group, metformin hydrochloride group (100 mg/kg), and CDL high-, medium- and low-dose groups (280, 140, 75 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the blank control group were fed with standard chow, while rats in the other groups were given high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin to establish the T2DM rat model. After successful modeling, rats in each administration group were given corresponding drug solution, and rats in the blank control group and model group were intragastrically administered with equal volume of pure water, once a day, for consecutive 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was detected at fixed time every week. The curves of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT) were plotted, and the area under curve (AUC) was calculated. The pancreatic islet function indexes [fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin sensitivity index (ISI)],blood lipid indexes [total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)] and hepatic glycogen content were determined. The pathological morphological changes of liver and pancreatic tissues were observed. The protein and mRNA expression levels of molecules related to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway in liver tissues were detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank control group, the FBG, AUC of IPITT curve, AUC of OGTT curve, HOMA-IR, the levels of FINS, TC, TG and LDL-C, as well as the protein and mRNA expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog, forkhead box protein O1 and glycogen synthase kinase-3β in liver tissues were significantly increased in the model group ( P <0.05). ISI, the levels of HDL-C and hepatic glycogen content, along with the protein and mRNA expression of PI3K, insulin receptor substrate-1, Akt and protein expression of phosphorylated Akt in liver tissues were markedly decreased ( P <0.05). In model group rats, the arrangement of hepatocytes was irregular, the overall structure of pancreatic lobules was disordered, and a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration was observed. Compared with the model group, most of the above quantitative indexes were significantly reversed in the CDL high-dose group ( P <0.05), and the pathological lesions of liver and pancreas were obviously alleviated. CONCLUSIONS CDL can regulate glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, elevate insulin sensitivity and relieve insulin resistance in T2DM rats. Its mechanism may be related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
6.PPARα activation alleviates lithocholic acid-induced liver injury by inhibiting pyroptosis
Hang-Fei Liang ; Chuo-Ying Mai ; Xuan Li ; Jia-Ning Tian ; Hai-Guo Su ; Min Huang ; Jian-Hong Fang ; Hai-Tao Wang ; Xiao Yang ; Hui-Chang Bi
Liver Research 2026;10(2):177-188
Background and aims
The mechanism of cholestatic liver injury (CLI) is unclear, and effective therapies are lacking. While peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonists show potential hepatoprotective effect and pyroptosis is implicated in hepatocellular damage, how PPARα activation mitigates lithocholic acid (LCA)-induced pyroptosis remains unknown.
Methods
The hepatoprotective effect of PPARα agonists was evaluated in a mouse model of intrahepatic cholestasis induced by LCA. Liver injury was assessed via serum biochemistry, hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL staining, and electron microscopy. Pyroptosis pathways were analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and co-immunoprecipitation.
Results
Combined morphological, histopathological, and biochemical analyses confirmed that PPARα activation protects against CLI. Compared with LCA treatment alone, PPARα activation significantly attenuated the elevation of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the increased TUNEL-positive cells, and the formation of hepatocyte membrane pores. Mechanistically, PPARα activation suppressed both NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis and apoptosis protease-activating factor-1 (APAF-1)/CASPASE-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. Furthermore, PPARα agonist pretreatment inhibited activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) signaling pathways.
Conclusions
PPARα protects against LCA-induced CLI by inhibiting both NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis associated with NF-κB and APAF-1/CASPASE-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis associated with the FOXO1 signaling pathway.
7.Reconstructing The Testicular Niche: Mechanisms and Translational Perspectives of Stem Cell-derived Testicular Organoids
Xia DONG ; Tai-Zeng ZHOU ; Lin-Yuan SHEN ; Li ZHU ; Mai-Lin GAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(8):2242-2246
Mammalian male germline development depends on a specialized gonadal somatic microenvironment. However, itsin vitro reconstruction remains challenging. Major barriers include the generation of appropriate supporting-cell lineages, organized tissue architecture, and culture conditions that sustain germ-cell maturation. Yoshino et al. established a mouse pluripotent stem cell-derived testicular organoid model. This model reconstitutes the sex-determining region Y (Sry)-SRY-box transcription factor 9 (Sox9)‑mediated sex-determination program and generates testicular somatic cell-like cells (TesLCs). When assembled with primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs), TesLCs formed seminiferous tubule-like structures and supported male germline progression toward prospermatogonia and germline stem cell-like cells (GSCLCs). After transplantation into infertile recipient testes, organoid-derived GSCLCs produced fertilization-competent sperm and generated fertile offspring. The major significance of this work extends beyond sperm production. It integrates sex determination, germ-cell fate transition, and testicular niche self-organization into an experimentally tractable organoid system. This commentary discusses the technical strategy, sex-determination mechanism, value of testicular niche reconstruction, and translational limitations of this study. It also highlights its implications for in vitro gametogenesis, male infertility modeling, and reproductive medicine.
8.Progress on body composition assessment techniques and clinical applications in infants
Ting ZHANG ; Mai GAO ; Li ZHANG ; Huijuan LIU ; Yan LI
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(4):248-253
Infancy is a critical period for children's growth and development. During this period,the reasonable increase of fat mass percentage and fat mass index is very important for children's healthy growth. However,excessive increases in fat mass percentage and fat mass index may increase the risk of metabolic related diseases. In China,the research field of body composition in infants is still in the development stage,and the relevant research results and literature are relatively few. This article summarizes the domestic and foreign research on infant body composition,including application techniques,influencing factors and application significance,so as to provide reference for the formulation of domestic infant body composition reference standards and related clinical and scientific research work.
9.Recent advance in NLRP3 inflammatome in neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury
Simin CHEN ; Hongyu QUAN ; Mai LI ; Qian CHEN ; Ying WU ; Yongmei LI
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2025;24(1):94-99
The mechanism of neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury is still unclear, which might be closely related to ion channel changes, central sensitization and decreased function of descending inhibitory system after injury. Existing studies have shown that the nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome play a key role in neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury; therefore, targeting NLRP3 inflammasome is a promising therapeutic strategy. This review analyzes the molecular mechanism and treatment of NLRP3 inflammasome in neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury, aiming to provide references for pathogenesis and treatment of neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury.
10.Treatment of aneurysmal bone cyst in children by percutaneous injection of calcitonin and methylprednase
Yong LI ; Zhu WEN ; Wulan MAI ; Jun LEI ; Lin CAI ; Zhouming DENG
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(7):750-753
Objective To investigate the clinical effect of percutaneous injection of calcitonin and methylprednone in the treatment of aneurysmal bone cyst in children.Methods From June 2020 to March 2023,19 patients with aneurysmal bone cysts were admitted and all were treated with percutaneous puncture injection of calcitonin and methylprednisolone.After percutaneous puncture biopsy,200 iu of calcitonin and 120 mg of methylprednone were injected into the cyst of aneurysmal bone cyst.Compare the volume of the cyst cavity and the thinnest cortical bone thickness around the cyst cavity before and after the operation.All patients were followed up,while preoperative and postoperative tumor cavity and the thinnest peritumor cortical thickness were compared.Results 19 patients were followed up for an average of 16 months(12-52 months).Of the 19 patients,17 were effective,the effective rate was 89.5%,and no serious complications occurred in all cases.At the last follow-up,the volume of the tumor cavity was significantly lower than that before surgery[(37.05±21.17)cm3,(110.95±45.67)cm3],and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The average thinnest cortical bone thickness around the tumor cavity was(0.71±0.37)mm before surgery and(1.87±0.60)mm after surgery.The difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Percutaneous injection of calcitonin and methylprednone in the treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts in children is minimally invasive,safe and effective.It can be used as the first-line treatment for aneurysmal bone cyst in children.


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