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.Diagnostic value of masseter muscle thickness fraction measured by ultrasound for dysphagia in patients with Parkinson's disease
Xiangxiang MAI ; Ningxiao LI ; Yong YOU
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(6):659-664
Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of masseter muscle thickness fraction(MMTF)measured by ultrasound for the occurrence of dysphagia in patients with Parkinson's disease(PD).Methods A total of 100 patients were selected as the study group,and another 50 healthy individuals who received medical checkups with matched age,gender and body mass index(BMI)in our hospital during the same period were selected as the control group.The demographic data and disease characteristics of PD patients were recorded,and patients were divided into the dysphagia group(n=34)and the non-dysphagia group(n=66)according to the occurrence of dysphagia.The demographic data,and disease characteristics such as Hoehn-Yahr(H&Y)stage,Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale(UPDRS)Ⅲ score,levodopa equivalent daily dose(LEDD)and MMT-related parameters measured by ultrasound were compared between the two groups.The indicators with P<0.05 in univariate analysis were used as independent variables,and the influencing factors of dysphagia in patients with PD were investigated by binary Logistic regression analysis.The diagnostic efficacy of each index for dysphagia in patients with PD was evaluated by constructing receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves,and the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated.Results The MMT during forceful biting and MMTF were lower in the study group than those in the control group(all P<0.05).Compared with the non-dysphagia group,the dysphagia group was older and had higher H&Y stage and UPDRS III scores(all P<0.05).The MMT during forceful biting and MMTF in the dysphagia group were lower than those in the non-dysphagia group(all P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that increased UPDRSⅢ score was the risk factor for dysphagia in patients with PD,and increased MMT during forceful biting and MMTF were protective factors.The ROC curve analysis indicated that the AUC(95%CI)of UPDRS Ⅲ score,MMT during forceful biting and MMTF for diagnosing dysphagia in patients with PD were 0.714(0.615-0.800),0.744(0.647-0.826)and 0.888(0.809-0.942),respectively.The AUC of MMTF for diagnosing dysphagia in patients with PD was higher than those of UPDRS Ⅲscores and MMT during forceful biting(Z values were 2.611 and 2.208,respectively,P<0.05).Conclusion MMTF is an independent influencing factor for dysphagia in patients with PD and can be used as a screening indicator for dysphagic patients.
8.Evaluation of rapid identification model of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae based on MALDI-TOF MS and machine learning algorithm
Dongmei MAI ; Jiana LAN ; Yuwei HE ; Ran LI ; Xiaoling HUANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(11):1684-1689
OBJECTIVE To screen characteristic peaks of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae(hvKP)using ma-trix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry(MALDI-TOF MS)combined with EX-Smartspec software and establish a rapid detection model for hvKP.METHODS Based on identification criteria of any positive peg-344,iroB,iucA,rmpA,prmpA2 genes or siderophore production>30 μg/ml,89 hvKP and 72 classical Klebsiella pneumoniae(cKP)strains were initially collected and validated for virulence via Galleria mellonella assays.A diagnostic model distinguishing hvKP from cKP was constructed using EX-Smartspec soft-ware and a convolutional neural network algorithm,integrating characteristic peaks and cluster analysis to provide a rapid and accurate clinical diagnostic tool.RESULTS MALDI-TOF MS analysis identified a characteristic hvKP peak at(3 835±100)ppm.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis revealed optimal performance in distinguishing hvKP with an area under the curve(AUC)=0.741.When AUC ≥0.089,the model demonstra-ted high sensitivity(86.41%),specificity(69.90%),accuracy(78.16%),positive predictive value(74.17%),and negative predictive value(83.72%)in differentiating hvKP from cKP.Cluster analysis further validated the model's classification accuracy.Additionally,the typing classification model exhibited high accuracy(approxi-mately 0.95 and 0.90 in training and validation phases,respectively)and low loss values(-0.18 and 0.30).Val-idation of 6 randomly selected hvKP and 5 cKP strains showed a 100.00%pass rate.CONCLUSION The estab-lished diagnostic model for hvKP and cKP provides a rapid and accurate clinical tool for timely treatment of hvKP-related infections.
9.Inter-hospital transport of critically ill children:trends and challenges
Mai LI ; Zhe ZHAO ; Xiaoyang HONG
Chinese Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2025;32(9):641-644
The inter-hospital transport of critically ill children involves the use of professional knowledge,technology,and methods to transfer these patients between hospitals without interrupting medical monitoring and treatment.Currently,inter-hospital transport system of critically ill children in China faces challenges such as uneven distribution of medical resources,inadequate training systems,and changes in the disease spectrum.There is a lack of unified documents and guidelines,leading to new trends and challenges in inter-hospital transport.In the future,with technological innovation,regional cooperation,and the establishment of standardized processes,inter-hospital transport will become increasingly professionalized,and survival rates will be significantly improved.This article reviewed the current situation,trends,and progress of inter-hospital transport of critically ill children.
10.High-speed railway transport of critically ill children: a single-center retrospective analysis
Zhe WANG ; Zhe ZHAO ; Mai LI ; Yingyue LIU ; Hao XU ; Xiaoyang HONG
Chinese Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2025;32(9):645-648
Objective:To investigate the feasibility and safety of high-speed railway (HSR) transport for critically ill pediatric patients.Methods:A single-center retrospective analysis was conducted.A total of 39 children transported via HSR (HSR group) and 420 children transported via ambulance (ambulance group) from May 2019 to December 2024 at the Seventh Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital were included.Demographic data,disease types,transport distances,and outcomes were compared between the two groups,and the vital signs,blood gas analysis,mechanical ventilation parameters,and vasoactive drug usage before and after HSR transport were also compared.Results:Over the five-year period,39 HSR transports and 420 ambulance transports were completed.No significant differences were observed in gender,age,or weight between HSR group and ambulance group( P>0.05).The proportion of circulatory system diseases was significantly higher in the HSR group (74.4% vs.55.1%, P = 0.020).HSR transports covered longer distances [855(855,1 075)km vs.84(23,273) km, P<0.001] and achieved faster speeds [150(150,216) vs.80(79,80)km/h, P<0.001].No significant differences were found in heart rate,body temperature,or diastolic pressure before and after HSR transport ( P>0.05).However,systolic blood pressure and partial pressure of oxygen increased slightly post-HSR transport [(82.97±15.44) vs.(85.15 ± 14.82)mmHg, P=0.003;(84.22±25.45)mmHg vs.(88.95±28.70)mmHg, P=0.029].Mechanical ventilation parameters remained stable during HSR transport ( P>0.05). Conclusion:HSR transport is feasible and safe for critically ill children and represents a promising option for long-distance interhospital transfers of pediatric patients.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail