1.Incentive and constraint factors and optimization strategies for artificial intelligence application in pharmacy based on TAM-TOE-DOI integrated framework
Jian YANG ; Zhichu LI ; Weili ZHAO ; Xiaoyi YU ; Ming XU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1478-1484
OBJECTIVE Identify the incentive and constraint factors of artificial intelligence (AI) application in the pharmaceutical field, and promote the application of AI in the field of pharmacy. METHODS Based on the technology acceptance model (TAM), technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework, and diffusion of innovation theory (DOI), a TAM-TOE-DOI integrated framework was constructed through a four-stage research process of “theoretical review → dimension mapping → mechanism integration → proposition development”. Combining the analytical pathways of the above three theories in AI application in pharmacy with the integration mechanisms and core propositions of the TAM-TOE-DOI, literature review and deductive reasoning were employed to systematically identify the incentive and constraint factors of AI application in pharmacy from three levels:micro (TAM), meso (TOE), and macro (DOI), and to propose optimization strategies. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS At the micro level, the efficiency transformation and quality improvement brought by AI technology were the main incentive factors for perceived usefulness, while technological complexity and algorithmic opacity were the main constraint factors for perceived ease of use. At the meso level, the completeness of technological infrastructure, the strength of top management support and innovation climate, as well as external institutional pressure and competitive driving forces were the core incentive factors, whereas scarcity of organizational resources and talent shortage were the main constraint factors. At the macro level, relative advantage and observability were typical incentive factors, while technological complexity was a typical constraint factor. China’s health administration, medical insurance authorities, and other relevant departments should coordinate efforts at the macro, meso, and micro levels to advance AI application in pharmacy: optimizing human-computer interaction and implementing tiered training programs at the micro level; reinforcing organizational support systems and capacity building at the meso level; dismantling data barriers and building social trust at the macro level. Differentiated implementation pathways should be developed for medical institutions at different tiers.
2.Evolution and associated factors of out-licensing deals by Chinese biopharmaceutical companies
Xiaoyi YU ; Zhongfei PEI ; Yinuo SUN ; Yifan YAO ; Ming XU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(14):1805-1812
OBJECTIVE To systematically analyze the trends in the volume and value of out-licensing deals by Chinese biopharmaceutical companies over the past two decades, and to quantitatively identify factors associated with deal value, thereby providing an evidence base for policymakers and corporate managers. METHODS Based on the PharnexCloud database, information on out-licensing deals disclosed by Chinese biopharmaceutical companies between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2025 was collected, and executed deals with disclosed specific financial terms were included for analysis. Descriptive statistical analyses of deal value, product characteristics and deal characteristics were performed using Stata SE 18.0; with the natural logarithm of deal value as the dependent variable, stepwise multiple regression models were constructed to examine the associations of product and deal characteristics with deal value. RESULTS A total of 210 out-licensing deals were included, with a cumulative deal value of approximately 214.151 billion dollars and a mean deal value of 1.020 billion dollars . The trading market expanded rapidly from 2020 onward, with the annual deal value reaching a record 95.687 billion dollars in 2025. Multiple regression analysis showed that the deal value of products at the drug discovery stage was significantly lower than that at the preclinical stage [regression coefficient ( β ) =-1.995, 95% confidence interval (CI): -3.256 to -0.734, P <0.05 ] ; the deal value of oncology products was significantly higher than that of other therapeutic areas ( β =0.828, 95%CI: 0.224 to 1.431, P <0.05); global licensing ( β =1.690, 95%CI: 1.107 to 2.273, P <0.05) and co-development arrangements ( β =0.849, 95%CI: 0.084 to 1.615, P <0.05) were significantly associated with higher deal value. CONCLUSIONS Out-licensing deals by Chinese biopharmaceutical companies have achieved significant growth in both volume and value over the past two decades. Oncology products, global licensing, and co-development arrangements are significantly and positively associated with higher deal value.
3.Identification of a nanobody able to catalyze the destruction of the spike-trimer of SARS-CoV-2.
Kai WANG ; Duanfang CAO ; Lanlan LIU ; Xiaoyi FAN ; Yihuan LIN ; Wenting HE ; Yunze ZHAI ; Pingyong XU ; Xiyun YAN ; Haikun WANG ; Xinzheng ZHANG ; Pengyuan YANG
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(3):493-506
Neutralizing antibodies have been designed to specifically target and bind to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike (S) protein to block severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus from attaching to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). This study reports a distinctive nanobody, designated as VHH21, that directly catalyzes the S-trimer into an irreversible transition state through postfusion conformational changes. Derived from camels immunized with multiple antigens, a set of nanobodies with high affinity for the S1 protein displays abilities to neutralize pseudovirion infections with a broad resistance to variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2, including SARS-CoV and BatRaTG13. Importantly, a super-resolution screening and analysis platform based on visual fluorescence probes was designed and applied to monitor single proteins and protein subunits. A spontaneously occurring dimeric form of VHH21 was obtained to rapidly destroy the S-trimer. Structural analysis via cryogenic electron microscopy revealed that VHH21 targets specific conserved epitopes on the S protein, distinct from the ACE2 binding site on the RBD, which destabilizes the fusion process. This research highlights the potential of VHH21 as an abzyme-like nanobody (nanoabzyme) possessing broad-spectrum binding capabilities and highly effective anti-viral properties and offers a promising strategy for combating coronavirus outbreaks.
Single-Domain Antibodies/immunology*
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Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism*
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SARS-CoV-2/immunology*
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Animals
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Humans
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Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology*
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Camelus
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COVID-19/immunology*
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Antibodies, Viral/immunology*
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Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
4.Effects of non-ablative vaginal Er:YAG laser on female mild-to-moderate stress urinary incontinence
Xin WANG ; Zhipeng ZHANG ; Lingfeng MENG ; Shengfei XU ; Jiqiong ZHENG ; Hui WANG ; Xiaoyi YUAN ; Zhengwang ZHANG ; Jianwei LYU ; Yaoguang ZHANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(7):582-586,592
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of non-ablative vaginal erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet(Er:YAG)laser therapy in improving symptoms in women with mild-to-moderate stress urinary incontinence(SUI).Methods A prospective,multicenter,randomized controlled trial was conducted.A total of 126 female SUI patients were enrolled and randomized in a 2∶1 ratio to the treatment group(n=84,receiving Er:YAG laser therapy)and the sham control group(n=42,undergoing non-energized laser device with shielded beam).Efficacy outcomes were compared between the two groups,including the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form(ICI-Q-SF)scores at baseline and 1,3,6 months after treatment,response rate 3 month after treatment,urine leakage volume,daily incontinence episodes and visual analog scale(VAS).Results One month and 3 months after treatment,the ICI-Q-SF scores in the treatment group(8.07±3.33 and 7.04±3.04,respectively)were significantly lower than those in the control group(9.57±4.03 and 9.65±3.27,respectively;both P<0.05).The 3-month response rate was significantly higher in the treatment group(71.43%)compared to the control group(35.71%,P<0.05).Improvements in urine leakage volume 1 and 3 months after treatment were significantly greater in the treatment group versus the control group(both P<0.05).A statistically significant reduction in daily incontinence episodes was observed in the treatment group 1 month after treatment compared to the control group[2(0,5)times vs.4(2,8)times,P<0.05].VAS score in the treatment group markedly decreased 1 month after treatment,comparable to the level observed in the control group[0(0,2.45)vs.0(0,0),P<0.05].Conclusion Non-ablative vaginal Er:YAG laser therapy significantly alleviates symptoms in women with mild-to-moderate SUI and represents a viable treatment option for this condition.
5.Analysis of a case of regulatory violations by an occupational health examination institution
Chanchan QI ; Ruiyan HUANG ; Chaoting ZHAO ; Leyi XU ; Jianyong LU ; Xiaoyi LI ; Jiabin CHEN
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(1):106-109
Objective To analyze a case of violations by an occupational medical examination (OME) institution and to explore the key control points for the supervision and management of OME institutions, as well as the core role of quality assessment in this context. Methods An OME institution suspected of illegal activities was used as the study subject. Retrospective analysis was conducted. Clues of suspected violations were identified by an on-site quality assessment. After investigation and verification by the local health authorities, legal action was taken against the institution for its violations. Results During an on-site quality assessment, the Guangdong Province OME quality control expert group discovered that the OME institution violated regulations, including unqualified personnel file, exceeding the scope of services category, issuing false reports, failing to report suspected occupational diseases on time, and failing to notify workers about suspected occupational diseases as required. The evidence was then submitted to the Guangdong Province OME Quality Control Center, which subsequently forwarded the case to local health administration department for filing and investigation. After the investigation, penalties were imposed on the OME institution for its illegal activities. Conclusion The key supervision and inspection points in the quality assessment of OME institutions include personnel file configuration, the quality control management system and its implementation, the quality of OME reports, and information reporting. Quality assessment plays a pivotal role in ensuring the legal and compliant practice of OME institutions, safeguarding the health rights and interests of workers, and enhancing the overall standard of the OME industry.
6.Correlation between serum growth differentiation factor 15 and the cardiorenal prognosis in patients with IgA nephropathy
Ziwei WEI ; Weiyi GUO ; Xiaoyi XU ; Guoqin WANG ; Lijun SUN ; Hongrui DONG ; Lingqiang KONG ; Hong CHENG
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(1):1-10
Objective:To investigate the correlation between serum growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) and the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN), and further explore the relationship of GDF15 with the cardiac and renal prognosis of IgAN patients.Methods:It was a single-center retrospective cohort study. From January 2018 to December 2022, the relevant data were collected from patients who were diagnosed with primary IgAN at the Department of Nephrology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, and regularly followed up for at least 1 year. Serum samples were collected at admission and the baseline level of serum GDF15 was measured. Based on the median GDF15 level, IgAN patients were categorized into high-level GDF15 group and low-level GDF15 group, and their clinicopathological characteristics were compared. A multiple linear regression model was then constructed to identify independent factors associated with serum GDF15 level based on these comparisons. Subsequently, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to investigate the association between serum GDF15 level and the cardiorenal prognosis of IgAN patients.Results:A total of 104 IgAN patients were included in this study. The serum GDF15 level in these IgAN patients was 825.60 (556.84, 1 428.15) ng/L. Serum GDF15 level was positively correlated with 24 h urinary protein ( r=0.405, P<0.001), negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)( r=-0.606, P<0.001). The serum levels of GDF15 in patients with tubular atrophy or interstitial fibrosis (overall comparison among T0, T1, and T2, H=21.866, P<0.001), crescentic lesions (overall comparison among C0, C1, and C2, H=13.787, P=0.001), or intrarenal arteriolar lesions (overall comparison among none, mild, and moderate-to-severe, H=9.856, P=0.007) were significantly different. Compared with IgAN patients without tubular atrophy or interstitial fibrosis, those with Oxford classification T1 ( Z=-17.326, P=0.042) or T2 ( Z=-42.933, P<0.001) had higher serum GDF15 levels. Compared with IgAN patients without crescentic lesions, those with Oxford classification C2 had higher serum GDF15 levels ( Z=-45.929, P=0.001). Compared with IgAN patients without intrarenal arteriolar lesions, those with moderate-to-severe arteriolar sclerosis had higher serum GDF15 levels ( Z=-26.686, P=0.005). The median GDF15 was used as the cut-off value to divide IgAN patients into a high-level GDF15 group (≥825.60 ng/L, n=52) and a low-level GDF15 group (<825.60 ng/L, n=52). Compared to low-level GDF15 group, IgAN patients in high-level GDF15 group presented with a higher proportion of diabetes mellitus ( χ 2=9.420, P=0.002) and cardiovascular disease ( χ 2=7.792, P=0.005), a higher level of systolic blood pressure ( Z=-2.266, P=0.023), body mass index ( Z=-2.183, P=0.031), 24 h urinary protein ( Z=-3.485, P<0.001), blood total cholesterol ( Z=-2.002, P=0.045) and left ventricular mass index ( Z=-2.649, P=0.008), and a lower level of blood albumin ( Z=-3.053, P=0.002) and eGFR ( Z=6.480, P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum GDF15 level was independently associated with systolic blood pressure (regression coefficient B=29.453, 95% CI 14.139–44.767, P<0.001), blood albumin ( B=-81.412, 95% CI -113.084–-49.740, P<0.001) and eGFR ( B=-9.797, 95% CI -17.554–-2.040, P=0.014). Moreover, IgAN patients in high-level GDF15 group exhibited significantly poorer cardiac and renal prognosis compared to low-level GDF15 group ( χ 2=9.955, P=0.002). Conclusion:High serum GDF15 level correlates with disease severity in IgAN, and high serum GDF15 level may suggest a poorer cardiorenal prognosis in IgAN patients.
7.Pro-tumorigenic mechanisms of tumor-associated macrophages in oral cancer
Xu XIAOYI ; Wang BIN ; Yang MENGMENG ; Shen JUN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology 2025;52(15):783-790
Oral cancer is a common inflammation-associated malignant tumor of the head and neck.In recent years,the role of the tumor microenvironment in the progression of oral cancer has received increasing attention.In the microenvironment of solid tumors,including or-al cancer,tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs)are among the most common type of immune cell and are closely associated with the poor prognosis of more than 80%of human malignant tumors.An increasing body of evidence indicates that TAMs play important roles in the oc-currence and progression of oral cancer.On the basis of the most recent research progress,both domestic and international,we systematic-ally reviewed the phenotypic characteristics,clinicopathological correlations,and molecular regulatory mechanisms of TAMs in the microen-vironment of oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC).In particular,we focus on the key signaling pathways promoting tumorigenesis and de-velopment and immune escape mechanisms,with the aim of constructing a systematic theoretical framework for developing therapeutic strategies targeting TAMs and providing a scientific basis for clinical translational research.
8.Therapeutic early efficacy of finerenone and correlated factors of renal function changes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease
Yangmengqi LI ; Guoqin WANG ; Xiaoyi XU ; Fengbo XU ; Nan YE ; Hong CHENG
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(10):738-743
Objective:To evaluate effectiveness of finerenone in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the real world, and to analyze the associated factors of renal function progression during treatment.Methods:It was a single-center retrospective study. The patients diagnosed with T2DM and CKD who received finerenone treatment for 3 months in Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University between April 1 and October 1, 2023 were included. The clinical data before and after finerenone treatment were collected. Based on urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the patients were divided into different groups, and the differences of clinical data before and after treatment were compared respectively. Logistic regression models was used to analyze the correlated factors of renal function changes during the treatment.Results:A total of 151 patients were included with age of 63 (54, 70) years, and 103 males accounted for 68.2%. UACR level after 3 months of finerenone treatment was significantly lower than those before treatment ( Z=-5.051, P<0.001), whereas there was no statistically significant change in eGFR ( P>0.05). Both patients with baseline eGFR ≥60 ml·min -1·(1.73 m 2) -1 ( Z=-4.543, P<0.001) and those with baseline eGFR <60 ml·min -1·(1.73 m 2) -1 ( Z=-2.610, P=0.009) showed significant reductions in UACR after treatment. Both patients with baseline UACR ≥300 mg/g ( Z=-4.681, P<0.001) and those with baseline UACR <300 mg/g ( Z=-1.979, P=0.048) exhibited significantly lower UACR levels after treatment. The percentage reduction in UACR was greater in patients with baseline UACR ≥300 mg/g than in those with baseline UACR <300 mg/g ( Z=-2.102, P=0.036).After 3 months of finerenone therapy, serum potassium level was slightly higher than baseline, but the difference was not statistically significant ( P>0.05).The incidence of hyperkalemia after treatment was higher than baseline in patients with baseline eGFR <60 ml·min -1·(1.73 m 2) -1 ( χ 2=2.558 , P=0.039). During the treatment, 74 patients (49.0%) experienced renal function progression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified increased baseline serum albumin <45 g/L was an independent correlated factor of renal function progression during finerenone therapy ( OR=1.934, 95% CI 1.157-3.231, P=0.012). Conclusions:UACR in patients with T2DM and CKD can be reduced significantly after short-term treatment of finerenone. Increased baseline serum albumin level <45 g/L is independently associated with renal function progression during finerenone therapy.
9.Development of a multimodal deep learning-based risk prediction model integrating clinical and radiomic features for short-term acute kidney injury following partial nephrectomy
Jiangting CHENG ; Jiayi XU ; Chenyang SHEN ; Guanwen YANG ; Yaohui LI ; Li LIU ; Jiajun WANG ; Xiaoyi HU ; Jianming GUO ; Hang WANG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(5):349-355
Objective:To develop and validate a deep learning-based multimodal model integrating clinical and radiomic features for predicting acute kidney injury(AKI)risk after partial nephrectomy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 416 patients who underwent partial nephrectomy at Zhongshan Hospital,Fudan University from January 2023 to January 2025. The cohort included 100 AKI patients[defined by a ≥ 25% reduction in postoperative evaluated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)within 48 hours sustained for >24 hours]and 316 non-AKI patients(1∶3 ratio,randomly matched with 16 additional cases for redundancy). Clinical and radiomic features were extracted from preoperative contrast-enhanced CT scans using PyRadiomics. Demographics included 259 males and 158 females,with a median age of 57(49,65)years,body mass index of(24.1 ± 3.3)kg/m2,preoperative eGFR of(88.5 ± 18.3)ml/(min·1.73 m2),postoperative eGFR(48-hour)of(76.0 ± 21.9)ml/(min·1.73 m2),Zhongshan Score(ZSscore)of 7.34 ± 2.01,and R.E.N.A.L. score of 7.50 ± 1.71. All tumors were T 1a stage. Patients were divided into training(n = 312)and test(n = 104)sets(3∶1 ratio). A clinical model was constructed via multivariate logistic regression,while radiomic and combined(clinical + radiomic)models utilized an artificial neural network(ANN)with 1 input layer,5 hidden layers,1 output layer,and 10 5 training epochs. Model performance was evaluated by using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and area under the curve(AUC),and was compared to the Martini model. Feature contributions were interpreted via SHapley Additive exPlanations(SHAP). Results:In the test set,the results of multivariate logistic regression showed that patient’s weight,preoperative eGFR,R.E.N.A.L. score,surgical approach,and operation time were risk factors for AKI( P < 0.05). The AUC of the clinical feature prediction model constructed based on the above factors was 0.852(95% CI 0.775?0.929). In the test set,the AUC of the Martini model was 0.725(95% CI 0.565?0.791). The radiomic model,trained on 1 315 imaging features,achieved an AUC of 0.898(95% CI 0.804?0.993)with 94.2%(98/104)accuracy. The combined clinical and radiomic model,integrating 1 315 radiomic features and clinical features,demonstrated superior performance with an AUC of 0.946(95% CI 0.887?1.000)and 96.2%(100/104)accuracy,outperforming both the clinical model( P = 0.03)and the Martini model( P < 0.01). SHAP analysis identified the top five predictors in the combined model:ZSscore(SHAP value:0.78),long-run low gray-level emphasis(SHAP value:0.61),run-length non-uniformity(SHAP value:0.58),size-zone non-uniformity(SHAP value:0.46),and gray-level co-occurrence matrix joint energy(SHAP value:0.36). Conclusions:The deep learning-based multimodal model integrating clinical and radiomic features accurately predicts AKI risk after partial nephrectomy,offering a novel strategy for preoperative risk stratification and personalized intervention.
10.Assessment of the predictive value of ultrasound imaging characteristics combined with clinical indicators for the prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Hua LIANG ; Ke LYU ; Yang GUI ; Xueqi CHEN ; Tianjiao CHEN ; Li TAN ; Menghua DAI ; Weibin WANG ; Junchao GUO ; Qiang XU ; Huanyu WANG ; Xiaoyi YAN ; Wanying JIA ; Yuming SHAO
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(10):1748-1755
Objective:To explore the value of ultrasound imaging characteristics combined with clinical indicators in assessing the prognosis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted for patients who underwent pancreatic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) from September 2017 to October 2023 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital and were diagnosed with PDAC based on pathological findings. Various parameters were recorded, including CA19-9 levels, tumor size, location, morphologic features, echogenicity, presence of internal cystic components, dilatation of the main pancreatic duct, peripheral vascular invasion, CEUS characteristics, presence or absence of liver metastasis, and treatment methods. In April 2024, patient survival information was obtained through telephone follow-up or review of medical records. Based on the results of the cox regression model analysis, a nomogram model of the risk of death was developed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to evaluate the predictive efficacy of the model. The calibration curves were plotted to evaluate the accuracy of the model, and clinical decision curves were used to evaluate the clinical benefit of the model.Results:This study included a total of 207 patients with PDAC. As of April 2024, 71 patients were alive and 136 died, with a median survival time of 14 months (95% CI: 12 -17). Multivariate analysis confirmed that the elevated CA19-9 ( HR=1.689, 95% CI: 1.102-2.588), tumor size >4 cm ( HR=1.641, 95% CI: 1.159-2.322), taller-than-wide shapes ( HR=1.450, 95% CI: 1.019-2.065), incomplete hypo-enhancement ( HR=1.618, 95% CI: 1.100-2.380), and liver metastasis ( HR=1.687, 95% CI: 1.175-2.423) were independent risk factors for survival in patients with PDAC. A nomogram model was further constructed for 6-month, 12-month and 3-year survival of patients with PDAC. The areas under the ROC curve were 0.679, 0.705 and 0.815, respectively. The calibration curves suggested that the model was more accurate, and the clinical decision curves showed that the model had a better clinical benefit. Conclusion:The combined use of ultrasound imaging characteristics and clinical indicators could effectively predict the prognosis of PDAC patients. Specifically, tumor size >4 cm, taller-than-wide shapes, incomplete hypo-enhancement, elevated CA19-9, and the presence of liver metastasis are correlated with poorer survival outcomes. The nomogram model constructed on the basis of these factors can be used to assess the survival of patients with PDAC.

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