1.Cost-utility analysis of anlotinib combined with penpulimab in first-line treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Wenying YAN ; Na YANG ; Ranran ZHANG ; Xinyue TAO ; Shengnan GAO ; Guoqiang LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):344-349
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of anlotinib combined with penpulimab versus sorafenib as first- line treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) from the perspective of China’s healthcare system. METHODS Based on data from the APOLLO study, a partitioned survival model was established with a 21-day model cycle to simulate patient survival status over 10 years under anlotinib combined with penpulimab regimen or sorafenib monotherapy. Quality-adjusted life year (QALY) was used as the core evaluation parameter to assess the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of different treatment regimens. Using 3 times China’s per capita gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024 (287 247 yuan/QALY) as the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold, cost-utility analysis was performed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the treatment regimens. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to validate the robustness of the baseline analysis conclusion. Scenario analysis was performed to consider the impact of anlotinib and penpulimab assistance programs on the results; the price reduction of penpulimab to ensure the cost-effectiveness of the combination regimen was examined under varying WTP thresholds (specifically, 1, 2, and 3 times China’s per capita GDP in 2024). RESULTS The baseline analysis revealed that the ICER of anlotinib combined with penpulimab regimen relative to the sorafenib regimen was 338 611.20 yuan/QALY, which exceeded the WTP threshold set in this study. Univariate sensitivity analysis indicated that the utility value of progression free survival and penpulimab price significantly influenced the baseline analysis results. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis validated the robustness of the baseline results. The results of scenario analysis indicated that when considering the assistance programs for anlotinib and penpulimab, the obtained ICER values were all below the WTP threshold set at 3 times China’s per capita GDP in 2024. When the price of penpulimab was reduced by 58%, 35%, and 13%, the ICER values were below the WTP threshold, which was 1, 2 and 3 times the per capita GDP of China in 2024, respectively. CONCLUSIONS From the perspective of China’s healthcare system, anlotinib combined with penpulimab regimen for first-line treatment of uHCC lacks cost-effectiveness compared to sorafenib regimen. However, this conclusion would be reversed if the anlotinib and penpulimab assistance programs are taken into account or if the price of penpulimab is reduced by more than 13% and above.
2.Research progress on the association of ischemic ocular disease with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome
Jiaxin LIU ; Na JIN ; Guangchuan LIU
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):463-466
With the rapid advancement of modern medicine, clinical observations indicate a growing trend of ischemic ocular disease with an increasingly younger age of onset. This condition remains a prominent and challenging focus in ophthalmic clinical practice. Treatment approaches focused solely on ophthalmic interventions yield less than satisfactory clinical outcomes. Some ischemic ocular disease patients concurrently suffer from obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS). These patients show rapid Ischemic ocular disease progression, difficulty in stabilizing blood pressure, and increased susceptibility to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events during ophthalmic treatment. This review primarily examines the correlation between ischemic ocular disease and OSAHS, the pathophysiological changes in ischemic ocular disease patients and the risk factors in OSAHS patients. It aims to provide a theoretical basis for clinical management and disease prevention in this patient population.
3.From tradition to modernity: the integrated development of medical humanities and narrative medicine
Xiaoxiong ZHU ; Lijia DU ; Yingru LIU ; Xiaoying ZHANG ; Jia NA ; Zhifen YANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(2):201-206
Medical humanities consistently run through the entire process of medical development and educational reform. However, with the increasingly prominent dominance of evidence-based medicine in clinical practice, the medical humanities have gradually been weakened in both medical education and clinical practice. Narrative medicine, through telling and listening to patients’ stories, enhances healthcare professionals’ empathy, fosters doctor–patient communication, and facilitates a return to the humanistic essence of medical education and clinical practice. By sorting out and reviewing related literature and developmental trends both at home and abroad, this paper pointed out the existing structural problem of an imbalance between technological priority and humanistic care in medical education, focusing on how to achieve an effective integration of medical humanities and narrative medicine in medical education. This paper also systematically analyzed the significance of both medical humanities and narrative medicine in the medical education system and proposed promoting the deep embedding of narrative medicine in medical education from three entry points, namely, curriculum integration, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the construction of teaching evaluation systems. The aim was to provide theoretical support and practical experience for medical education reform, foster the coordinated development of professional competence and humanistic spirit among medical talents, and truly achieve the goal of cultivating well-rounded medical talents.
4.Comparison of clinical efficacy of evolocumab and probucol after PCI in patients with ultra-high-risk atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Yi YUAN ; Na LI ; Haiying SUN ; Jing SUN ; Yongqiang MA ; Yan WU ; Guohong YANG ; Junxiang LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):645-649
OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy and safety of evolocumab and probucol in patients with ultra-high-risk atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 156 ultra-high-risk ASCVD patients who underwent PCI in our institution between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2024. According to the lipid-lowering regimen, the patients were categorized into evolocumab group ( n =86) and probucol group ( n =70). Changes in lipid parameters [total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprot ein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, lipoprotein (a), and lipid goal achievement rate ] , inflammatory markers [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) ] , and cardiac function indices (left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) were compared between two groups at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. The incidence of adverse clinical events during treatment, including acute myocardial infarction, in-stent restenosis, acute heart failure, cerebral hemorrhage, and stroke, was also evaluated. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups at baseline ( P >0.05). After 6 months of treatment, both groups demonstrated significant improvements in lipid profiles (except HDL-C) and inflammatory markers compared to those at baseline ( P <0.05). The evolocumab group exhibited greater reductions in TC, LDL-C, IL-6, and CRP, along with a higher lipid target achievement rate, compared with the probucol group ( P <0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the cardiac function-related indicators before and after treatment between the two groups, nor in the incidence of adverse events during the treatment ( P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS For ultra-high-risk ASCVD patients after PCI, both of the above treatment options are associated with improvements in blood lipid and inflammatory response, with good safety during short-term follow-up. Evolocumab shows superior efficacy in TC, LDL-C and inflammatory markers reduction and lipid target achievement, compared to probucol.
5.Predictive modle for violence risk in hospitalized schizophrenia patients based on support vector machine
Huan LIU ; Peifang SHI ; Kun ZHANG ; Li KANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Long NA ; Binhong WANG ; Meiqing HE
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(1):27-35
BackgroundThe violent aggressive behaviors of patients with schizophrenia usually have the characteristics of suddenness, unpredictability, high severity, and great difficulty in prevention. Early identification and accurate assessment of their risk of violent aggression have significant clinical significance. ObjectiveTo construct a predictive model for the violence risk in hospitalized patients with schizophrenia, to identify the key factors influencing the occurrence of violent behavior in these patients, so as to provide references for clinical precise quantitative assessment and early intervention. MethodsA total of 200 patients with schizophrenia who were hospitalized at Taiyuan Psychiatric Hospital from March 2022 to September 2024 and met the diagnostic criteria of the International Classification of Diseases, eleventh edition (ICD-11) were collected to form the modeling cohort. They were randomly divided into a training set (n=140) and a test set (n=60) at a ratio of 7∶3. Based on the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression algorithm, the feature variables were screened and dimension-reduced. The support vector machine (SVM) from machine learning was selected for model training and prediction. The discrimination efficacy of the model was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, F1 value, and Brier value. ResultsLASSO regression screening identified 16 feature variables. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between prior violent behavior frequency and clinical psychiatric symptom scores (r=0.580, P<0.01), a positive correlation between hospitalization compliance and current disease status (r=0.550, P=0.003), and a positive correlation between educational level and family per capita monthly income (r=0.367, P<0.01). The SVM model achieved an AUC of 0.853, accuracy of 0.800, precision of 0.810, sensitivity of 0.895, specificity of 0.636, F1 value of 0.850, and Brier value of 0.168. ConclusionThe SVM model has a relatively high level of applicability and overall predictive performance in the assessment of violent risk in schizophrenia patients, which is helpful for the early identification of violent risks in such patients. [Funded by Specialized Research Project for Enhancing the Competence of Health Professionals in Taiyuan City (number, Y2023006)]
6.Efficacy Connotation and Mechanisms of Shudi Qiangjin Pills Against Steroid-induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head Based on "Disease-Syndrome-Formula" Association Network
Zhijian CHEN ; Suya ZHANG ; Longlong DING ; Guixin ZHANG ; Bo LIU ; Baohong MI ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Na LIN ; Weiheng CHEN ; Chunzhu GONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):88-99
ObjectiveTo elucidate the efficacy connotation of Shudi Qiangjin pills (SQP) against liver and kidney deficiency in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head (SONFH) from the perspective of the "disease-syndrome-formula" association and to clarify the underlying mechanisms based on in vivo and in vitro experiment validation. MethodsThe chemical components and the corresponding putative targets of SQP were collected from the Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMIP) v2.0, the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM) v2.0, and HERB databases. The SONFH-related genes were identified based on the differential expression profiles of peripheral blood of patients with SONFH compared to the healthy volunteers, and the disease phenotype-related targets were collected from the TCMIP v2.0 database. Then, the interaction network of "SONFH-related genes and candidate targets of SQP" was constructed based on "gene-gene interaction information", and the major network targets were screened by calculating the topological characteristic values of the network followed by the functional mining according to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database and the SoFDA database. After that, the SONFH rat model was prepared by lipopolysaccharide combined with methylprednisolone injection, and 2.5, 5, 7.5 g·kg-1 SQP (once per day, equivalent to 1, 2, and 3 times the clinical equivalent dose, respectively) or 7.3×10-3 g·kg-1 of alendronate sodium (ALS, once per week, equivalent to the clinical equivalent dose) was given for 8 weeks. The effect characteristics of SQP and ALS in the treatment of SONFH were evaluated by micro-computed tomography scanning, hematoxylin and eosin staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, immunohistochemical staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)staining, and a comparative efficacy analysis was conducted with ALS. In addition, SONFH cell models were prepared by dexamethasone stimulation of osteoblasts, and the intervention was carried out with the medicated serum of SQP at the aforementioned three doses. Cell counting kit-8, ALP staining, ALP activity assay, alizarin red staining, and flow cytometry were employed to investigate the regulatory effect of SQP on osteoblasts. The expression levels of osteogenesis-related proteins and key factors of the target signaling axis were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. ResultsThe network analysis results demonstrated that the candidate targets of SQP primarily exerted their therapeutic effects through key signaling pathways, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt), lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis, prolactin, chemokines, and neurotrophic factors pathways. These pathways were significantly involved in critical biological processes such as muscle and bone metabolism and the regulation of the "neuro-endocrine-immune" network, thereby addressing both modern medical symptoms (e.g., delayed skeletal maturation and recurrent fractures) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms (e.g., fatigue, aversion to cold, cold limbs, and pain in the limbs and joints in patients with SONFH characterized by liver and kidney deficiency syndrome. Among these pathways, the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway exhibited the highest degree of enrichment. The in vivo experimental results demonstrated that starting from the 4th week after modeling, the modeling group exhibited a significant reduction in body weight compared to the control group (P<0.05). After six weeks of treatment, all dosage groups of SQP showed significantly higher body weights compared to the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significant decreases in bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), osteocalcin (OCN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in femoral head tissue, and serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) (P<0.01), along with significant increases in trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), empty lacunae rate in tissue, and apoptosis rate (P<0.01). In comparison to the model group, the SQP intervention groups showed significant improvements in BMD, BV/TV and Tb.N (P<0.01), significant reductions in Tb.Sp, empty lacunae rate and apoptosis rate (P<0.05), and significant increases in protein levels of OCN and ALP as well as BALP content (P<0.05). The in vitro experimental results revealed that all dosage groups of SQP medicated serum showed no toxic effects on osteoblast. Compared with the normal group, the model group displayed significant suppression of osteoblast proliferation activity, ALP activity, and calcified nodule formation rate (P<0.01), significant decreases in mRNA transcription levels of OCN and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) (P<0.01), significant reductions in protein content of osteopontin (OPN), typeⅠ collagen (ColⅠ)A1, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), PI3K, and phosphorylated (p)-Akt (P<0.01), and a significant increase in apoptosis rate (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the SQP medicated serum intervention groups exhibited significant increases in proliferation activity, ALP activity, calcified nodule formation rate, mRNA transcription levels of OCN and RUNX2, and protein content of OPN, ColⅠA1, Bcl-2, PI3K, and p-Akt (P<0.05), along with a significant decrease in apoptosis rate (P<0.01). ConclusionSQP can effectively reduce the disease severity of SONFH with liver and kidney deficiency syndrome and improve bone microstructure, with the therapeutic effects exhibiting a dose-dependent manner. The mechanism may be related to its regulation of key processes such as muscle and bone metabolism and the correction of imbalances in the "neuro-endocrine-immune" network, thereby promoting osteoblast differentiation and inhibiting osteoblast apoptosis. The PI3K/Akt signaling axis is likely one of the key pathways through which this formula exerts its effects.
7.Sanren Runchang Formula Regulates Brain-gut Axis to Treat IBS-C: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Teng LI ; Xinrong FAN ; He YAN ; Zhuozhi GONG ; Mengxi YAO ; Na YANG ; Yuhan WANG ; Huikai HU ; Wei WEI ; Tao LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):154-161
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Sanren Runchang formula in treating constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) by regulating the brain-gut axis and the effects of the formula on serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and substance P (SP). MethodsA randomized controlled design was adopted, and 72 IBS-C patients meeting Rome Ⅳ criteria were randomized into observation and control groups (36 cases).The observation group received Sanren Runchang formula granules twice daily, and the control group received lactulose oral solution daily for 4 weeks. IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS), IBS Quality of Life Scale (IBS-QOL), and Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) were used to assess clinical symptoms, and bowel movement frequency was recorded. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were employed to evaluate psychological status. ELISA was employed to measure the serum levels of 5-HT, VIP, and SP. ResultsThe total response rate in the observation group was 91.67% (33/36), which was higher than that (77.78%, 28/36) in the control group (χ2=4.50, P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed increased defecation frequency and BSFS scores, decreased IBS-SSS total score, abdominal pain and bloating scores, IBS-QOL health anxiety, anxiety, food avoidance, and behavioral disorders scores, SAS and SDS scores, serum 5-HT and VIP levels, and increased SP levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the observation group showed more significant changes in the indicators above than the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The SP level showed no significant difference between the two groups. During the 4-week follow-up, the recurrence rate was 5.88% in the observation group and 31.25% in the control group. No adverse events occurred in observation group, and 2 cases of mild diarrhea occurred in the control group. ConclusionSanren Runchang formula demonstrated definitive efficacy in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms and improving the psychological status and quality of life in IBS-C patients, with a low recurrence rate. The formula can regulate serum levels of neurotransmitters such as 5-HT and VIP, suggesting its potential regulatory effect on the brain-gut axis through modulating neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. However, its complete mechanism of action requires further investigation through detection of additional brain-gut axis-related biomarkers.
8.Targeting M1/M2 Macrophage Polarization Balance by Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Bronchial Asthma: A Review
Jie LIU ; Yasheng DENG ; Weiping YIN ; Lei XIONG ; Na WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):308-317
Bronchial asthma (BA) is a common chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and reversible airflow limitation. Lung macrophages (LMs), as important effector cells of the innate immune system, play an important role in recognizing and engulfing pathogens, clearing harmful particles, and regulating immune responses. LMs can be polarized to M1 (pro-inflammatory) or M2 (anti-inflammatory) in different immune environments and participate in promoting or inhibiting inflammatory response, as well as lung parenchyma injury and repair (airway remodeling), playing a key role in the BA occurrence and development. Regulating the polarization balance of macrophages can not only inhibit the inflammatory response in the airway and reduce airway hyperresponsiveness, but also improve airway remodeling and immune regulation, reduce airway mucus secretion, and alleviate the clinical BA symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine and its active ingredients, especially polysaccharides and saponins, can regulate the polarization balance of M1/M2 macrophages. Traditional Chinese medicine compounds can balance the secretion of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory factors by staging treatment and targeting the polarization state of M1/M2 macrophages, inhibit inflammatory response in the airway, reduce airway remodeling, and improve the BA symptoms. This paper summarized the research progress on the regulation of M1/M2 macrophage polarization by traditional Chinese medicine and its active ingredients, aiming to provide scientific evidence for the precise targeted therapy of BA.
9.Targeting M1/M2 Macrophage Polarization Balance by Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Bronchial Asthma: A Review
Jie LIU ; Yasheng DENG ; Weiping YIN ; Lei XIONG ; Na WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):308-317
Bronchial asthma (BA) is a common chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and reversible airflow limitation. Lung macrophages (LMs), as important effector cells of the innate immune system, play an important role in recognizing and engulfing pathogens, clearing harmful particles, and regulating immune responses. LMs can be polarized to M1 (pro-inflammatory) or M2 (anti-inflammatory) in different immune environments and participate in promoting or inhibiting inflammatory response, as well as lung parenchyma injury and repair (airway remodeling), playing a key role in the BA occurrence and development. Regulating the polarization balance of macrophages can not only inhibit the inflammatory response in the airway and reduce airway hyperresponsiveness, but also improve airway remodeling and immune regulation, reduce airway mucus secretion, and alleviate the clinical BA symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine and its active ingredients, especially polysaccharides and saponins, can regulate the polarization balance of M1/M2 macrophages. Traditional Chinese medicine compounds can balance the secretion of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory factors by staging treatment and targeting the polarization state of M1/M2 macrophages, inhibit inflammatory response in the airway, reduce airway remodeling, and improve the BA symptoms. This paper summarized the research progress on the regulation of M1/M2 macrophage polarization by traditional Chinese medicine and its active ingredients, aiming to provide scientific evidence for the precise targeted therapy of BA.
10.Non-correction in APTT correction test due to high-titer FⅧ inhibitors: a case report and literature review
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(4):552-556
Objective: To investigate the causes of patients with large-area bruising and hematoma on the left chest wall after fracture accompanied by significantly prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), clarify the interference mechanism of high-titer factor Ⅷ (FⅧ) inhibitors on the APTT correction test, and provide references for clinicians to interpret test results and avoid misjudgment. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of a patient with large-area bruising and hematoma on the left chest wall after fracture. Tests including APTT, prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen (FIB), FⅧ activity, and inhibitor titers were completed. The results of the APTT correction test were analyzed, and the interference characteristics were discussed along with a literature review. Results: On admission, the patient's APTT was 94.0 s, while PT and FIB were normal; the Rosner indices for APTT immediately and after 2 hours incubation at 37℃ were 55.11 and 53.21, respectively; FⅧ activity was 0.64%, and the inhibitor titers were 3 379 BU·mL
, confirming that the high-titer FⅧ inhibitors caused a 'pseudo' failure to correct in the APTT correction test. Conclusion: High-titer FⅧ inhibitors can lead to a 'pseudo' failure to correct in the APTT correction test. Clinicians need to complete relevant tests in a timely manner and make a comprehensive judgment based on symptoms to avoid missed diagnoses and misdiagnosis.

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