1.Consideration of Health Economics Evidence in Clinical Practice Guidelines: Methods and Steps
Dongrui PENG ; Qi ZHOU ; Xufei LUO ; Zijun WANG ; Hui LIU ; Junxian ZHAO ; Jinghong HUANG ; Hongyu HU ; Xin XING ; Jing WU ; Shitong XIE ; Xiaohui WANG ; Yaolong CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):862-870
Health economics evidence plays an important role in linking clinical value evidence with health resource allocation decisions in the development of clinical practice guidelines. It can not only effectively balance clinical effectiveness and economic feasibility but also avoid forming "idealized" recommendations that are detached from the affordability of the healthcare system or the burden-bearing capacity of patients. To promote guideline developers to use health economics evidence more standardizedly and fully, this paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the current application status, existing challenges, access channels, and application processes of health economics evidence in current guidelines, and on this basis, puts forward considerations and suggestions for strengthening and standardizing the application of health economics evidence in China's clinical practice guidelines.
2.Clinical effect and mechanism of Gongliuxiao capsule combined with dienogest in treating refractory/recurrent endometriosis
Hui YUAN ; Yalin MAO ; Xiangqian XU ; Yulong CHEN ; Shoufang KONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1468-1472
OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical efficacy and mechanism of Gongliuxiao capsule combined with dienogest (DNG) in the treatment of refractory/recurrent endometriosis (EMT). METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 94 patients with refractory/recurrent EMT admitted to Qingdao TCM Hospital from January 2022 to January 2025. According to different treatment methods, they were divided into a monotherapy group (47 cases, receiving DNG monotherapy) and a combination group (47 cases, receiving Gongliuxiao capsule combined with DNG). The cl inical efficacy, symptom and sign scores [Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart (PBAC) scores ] , vascular endothelial function indicators [serum transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β 1 ), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) ] , serum pathological factors [carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), CA199, anti-endometrial antibody (EMAb) ] , and Th1/Th2 drift indicators [interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4) ] were compared between the two groups before and after 6 months of treatment. RESULTS After treatment, the VAS and PBAC scores, serum levels of TGF-β 1 , VEGF, MMP-2, MMP-9, bFGF, CA125, CA199, EMAb, and IL-4 in both groups were significantly lower than those before treatment, while IFN-γ levels were significantly higher than those before treatment ( P <0.05). Moreover, the magnitude of increase or decrease in the combination group was significantly greater than that in the monotherapy group ( P <0.05). The total effective rate in the combination group was significantly higher than that in the monotherapy group (93.62% vs. 76.60%, P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS The combination of Gongliuxiao capsule and DNG is effective in treating refractory/recurrent EMT, and can effectively improve the degree of dysmenorrhea and abnormal menstrual volume in patients. The mechanism may be related to improving vascular endothelial function, inhibiting the expression of tumor pathological factors, and correcting Th1/Th2 drift.
3.From setting to vetting: using artificial intelligence for Single Best Answer questions review
Olivia NG ; Siew Ping HAN ; Magdalene Hui Min LEE ; Dong Haur PHUA
Korean Journal of Medical Education 2026;38(1):10-14
Purpose:
Maintaining the quality of Single Best Answer (SBA) questions remains a challenge in medical education, especially as artificial intelligence (AI)-generated items become more common. While considerable attention has been paid to AI question generation, the vetting process is under-explored and difficult to scale.
Methods:
This study investigates the feasibility and reliability of using a large language model to support the vetting of SBA questions. An AI-based reviewer, QA-bot, was developed using custom GPT and embedded with 25 criteria aligned with Bloom’s taxonomy (Levels 1–3). QA-bot and two experienced educators independently evaluated 32 AI-generated SBA questions using the shared evaluation rubric.
Results:
The rubric showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha=0.878), and strong inter-rater reliability between human reviewers (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]=0.893). QA-bot demonstrated good alignment with human raters (ICC=0.861 and 0.840). While the AI performed well on objective, rule-based criteria, it was less consistent in detecting irrelevant complexity and accurately judging difficulty.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that AI can function as an efficient first-pass reviewer, improving consistency and reducing workload, with human oversight remaining essential for educational and clinical relevance.
4.One-hour OGTT reveals what conventional screening misses: A hidden prediabetes burden in Malaysia
Gerard Jason Mathews ; Seetha Devi Subramanian ; Nor Shaffinaz Yusoff Azmi Merican ; Shartiyah Ismail ; Joel Mathews ; Leng Ean Charis Kong ; Chong Hui Khaw ; Shubash Shander Ganapathy ; Arvinder-Singh HS
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):1-
Introduction:
Prediabetes or intermediate hyperglycemia (IH) represents a critical phase in the trajectory toward type 2 diabetes mellitus
(T2DM). Recent evidence from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) suggests that 1-hour OGTT (1HOGTT) ≥8.6
mmol/L is a more sensitive biomarker for early beta-cell dysfunction, with enhanced detection of IH and future T2DM
risk. Conventional screening using hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) or 2-Hour OGTT (2HOGTT) may delay identification
of prediabetes, narrowing the window for early intervention. This study evaluates 1HOGTT as a screening tool for
prediabetes among Malaysians.
Methodology:
This cross-sectional study enrolled adults without prior T2DM or prediabetes. Participants underwent 1HOGTT, 2HOGTT,
and HbA1c, classified as per the Malaysian Clinical Practice Guideline for T2DM (6th Edition) and IDF 2024 criteria.
Agreement between tests was assessed using McNemar’s test and Cohen’s kappa. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated
via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Cost-effectiveness was determined using reagent cost only.
Results:
The majority of the 310 participants were female (71.6%), Malay (87.1%), with average age of 40. The 1HOGTT identified
prediabetes in 21.6% (n = 67) compared to 17.1% (n = 53) by HbA1c and 2.6% (n = 8) by 2HOGTT. McNemar’s test confirmed
statistically significant discordance between 1HOGTT and 2HOGTT (chi-square = 53.397, p <0.001): 61 participants were
prediabetic by 1HOGTT but normal by 2HOGTT, versus only 2 in the reverse direction. No significant discordance was
found between 1HOGTT and HbA1c (chi-square = 2.817, p = 0.093). 1HOGTT demonstrated excellent discriminatory
ability against 2HOGTT (AUC = 0.908; 95% CI: 0.837–0.978), significantly outperforming HbA1c (AUC = 0.664; CI: 0.462–
0.867; DeLong p = 0.012). In a population-level cost analysis, 1HOGTT achieved lowest cost per prediabetes case detected
(RM 5.79) – approximately 8.3 times and 8.1 times more cost-effective than 2HOGTT (RM 48.08) and HbA1c (RM 46.78)
respectively.
Conclusion
1HOGTT identifies a significant proportion of individuals with prediabetes missed by 2HOGTT and HbA1c. Incorporating 1HOGTT enhances the detection of prediabetes, is cost-effective, and enables timely preventive measures in our
population with high diabetes burden.
Glucose Tolerance Test
;
Glycated Hemoglobin
;
Prediabetic State
5.Genetic differentiation of Anopheles sinensis (Diptera: Culicidae) based on COⅠ and ITS2 sequences
Gang WANG ; Chun-juan SHI ; Dan KONG ; Xuan ZHU ; Ji HE ; Ming-hui ZHAO ; Chong-cai WANG
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):90-95
Objective Exploring genetic differences among geographic strains of Anopheles sinensis in China. Methods Based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I(COⅠ )and ribosomal the second internal transcribed spacer(ITS2), genetic distance analyses were conducted on An. sinensis samples collected nationwide. Results Genetic differentiation was observed within An. sinensis geographic strains, primarily reflected in the genetic distances of COⅠ sequences, with some distances between samples exceeding those between closely related species. However, ITS2 sequences showed relatively low levels of differentiation within geographic strains. No significant separation was observed, and gene exchange exhibited a random pattern among geographic strains. Conclusions Significant differences in genetic distance were observed among An. sinensis samples, along with evidence of interspecific continuity among sibling species. For the identification of closely related species using wild-collected Anopheles mosquitoes samples, reliance solely on commonly used barcodes such as COⅠ and ITS2 may be insufficient. Additional molecular markers, including COⅡ and D3 gene fragments, should also be considered. Caution should be exercised when using COⅠ genes to identify cryptic species, especially within Anopheles mosquitoes.
6.Outlook on clinical blood demand from 2026 to 2035
Meng JIANG ; Hanmei ZHANG ; Linlin LI ; Jian KONG ; Xin WANG ; Minxiang GUO ; Cheng LIANG ; Hui WU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(8):1074-1082
Objective: To analyze the demographic evolution of China over the forthcoming decade (2026-2035) and to systematically evaluate its potential implications for voluntary blood donation practices and the equilibrium of clinical blood supply and demand. Methods: Leveraging comprehensive blood collection and utilization data from 2021 to 2025 at the national, provincial (Shandong), and municipal (Zibo) levels, we identified and examined critical determinants influencing blood management systems. The DeepSeek-V3.2 large language model was deployed to project future population age structures, and to generate quantitative estimates for hospitalization volumes, clinical blood requirements, available blood supply, and donation frequencies for the target years 2030 and 2035, thereby furnishing an evidence base for strategic planning and priority-setting. Results: DeepSeek-derived projections indicate that the proportion of China's population aged 60 years and above will surpass 27% (370 million/1 380 million) by 2030 and exceed 30% (400 million/1 350 million) by 2035, signaling a marked acceleration in population aging. This demographic shift is projected to reduce the proportion of the national population eligible to donate blood from 59.2% (835 million out of 1.41 billion) to 52% (710 million out of 1.36 billion), while the demand for blood is expected to increase by 87.8% relative to 2024, rising from 26.927 million units to 50.56 million units. Sustaining blood supply-demand balance will necessitate progressive annual increases in donation rates. Under prevailing policy frameworks, the required blood donation rate among the eligible population in Shandong Province would need to rise by 122.57% by 2035 [from 20.07‰ (1.1641 million person-times/58 million people) to 44.67‰ (2.189 million person-times/49 million people)] to potentially satisfy projected clinical requirements. Conclusion: By integrating DeepSeek-V3.2, AI predictive models, and blood donation incentive measures, it is possible to monitor population demographics, forecast clinical blood demand, manage blood supplies, and ensure the long-term sustainability of clinical blood availability. It must be acknowledged, however, that the present analysis is constrained by a limited data foundation (comprising only five annual observation points); accordingly, the projections should be interpreted as directional trend indicators or methodological illustrations rather than definitive quantitative forecasts.
7.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Acute Lung Injury by Modulating NLRP3 Inflammasome: A Review
Jiaojiao MENG ; Lei LIU ; Yuqi FU ; Hui SUN ; Guangli YAN ; Ling KONG ; Ying HAN ; Xijun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):292-301
Acute lung injury (ALI) is one of the most common and critical diseases in clinical practice, with extremely high morbidity and mortality, seriously threatening human life and health. The pathogenesis of ALI is complex, in which the inflammatory response is a key factor. Studies have shown that NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes are involved in ALI through mechanisms such as inflammation induction, increased microvascular permeability, recruitment of neutrophils, oxidative stress, and pyroptosis, playing a key role in the occurrence and progression of ALI. Therefore, regulating NLRP3 inflammasomes and inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors can alleviate the damage in ALI. At present, ALI is mainly treated by mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy, which have problems such as high costs and poor prognosis. In recent years, studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can reduce the inflammatory response and the occurrence of oxidative stress and pyroptosis by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome, thus alleviating the damage and decreasing the mortality of ALI. Based on the relevant literature in recent years, this article reviews the research progress in TCM treatment of ALI by regulating NLRP3 inflammasomes, discusses how NLRP3 inflammasomes participate in ALI, and summarizes the active ingredients, extracts, and compound prescriptions of TCM that regulate NLRP3 inflammasomes, aiming to provide new ideas for the clinical treatment of ALI and the development of relevant drugs.
8.Drug innovation via integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine
Zhineng LI ; Le YANG ; Ling KONG ; Hui SUN ; Ye SUN ; Xiangmei CHEN ; Fengting YIN ; Guangli YAN ; Xijun WANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(2):97-112
Innovative drugs are defined as new chemical entities that play a vital role in the treatment and maintenance of human health. While single-target innovative drugs have achieved notable success, they face limitations in addressing the increasingly complex and precise spectra of diseases. The advent of multi-target innovative drugs offers new opportunities, supported by a growing body of pharmacological evidence. Herbal medicines are recognized as valuable sources of multi-target therapeutics due to their proven efficacy in treating complex diseases. However, the identification and validation of such drugs from herbal sources continue to pose significant challenges. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the literature on traditional Chinese medicine, integrated medicine, chemistry, and biology from 2015 to 2025. It summarizes the strategies employed in integrating traditional Chinese and Western medicine for innovative drug development, along with successful application cases. We believe these efforts will deepen understanding of the current landscape, accelerate the discovery of multi-target innovative drugs from herbal medicine, and contribute to addressing major human health challenges.
9.Observation on the effect of endoscopic surgery for parotid gland tumors via the postauricular hairline approach
Lanfang ZHENG ; Jiazheng ZHAO ; Lifen WANG ; Hui KONG
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(2):65-68
Objective To compare the efficacy of endoscopic parotidectomy through postauricular incision with conventional incision parotidectomy.Methods A total of 60 parotid tumor patients admitted to Zhejiang Cancer Hospital from March 2023 to March 2024 were selected as the study subjects.Thirty patients had the requirement for small scar cosmetic surgery,and the endoscopic parotid tumor resection of the posterior ear were in endoscopic group,and remaining 30 patients underwent traditional open surgery at the same period in open group.Two groups were compared in terms of operation time,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative drainage volume,length of hospital stay,postoperative complications,nursing satisfaction,and incision satisfaction at one month postoperatively.Results Endoscopic group had significantly lower drainage volume,hospital stay,and postoperative complications than open group,there were significant difference between two groups(P<0.05).The nursing satisfaction and incision satisfaction in endoscopic group were significantly higher than those in open group(P<0.05).Conclusion Efficacy of endoscopic parotidectomy through postauricular incision postoperative recovery was faster,the hospitalization time was shorter,and the postoperative complications were less.Perioperative optimization nursing in the endoscopic group improved patient satisfaction,which is worth promoting clinically.
10.Analyzing the heart-oriented view of the treatment of mental illness in Synopsis of Golden Chamber based on the theory of five-spirit-viscera
ZOU Peng ; Kai CHENG ; Minlong XIA ; Menghan LI ; Shuxian WANG ; Hui KONG ; Yan ZHAO ; Changming ZHAI ; Fang LU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(4):495-500
Mental state is an important part of the normal life activities of the human body, and it is also the most external expression and the most easily obtained information of the physical condition. The normal activities of the mind depend on the normal operation of the viscera, qi, and blood, and are a unified whole that prospers together and suffers together. The theory of the five-spirit-viscera in the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic revealed that the normal mental activities of the human body were dominated by the five internal organs, that is, the five internal organs were the body and the five spirits were the function. And it highlighted the viewpoint that the five internal organs store the spirits and are actually one. The heart governs the spirit and belongs to the four internal organs. On this basis, Synopsis of Golden Chamber used the internal organs to diagnose and treat mental diseases, integrating the theory of the five spirits into it, forming a unique method of diagnosis and treatment with the heart as the leading factor and regulating the qi and blood of the four internal organs. It identified the pathogenesis of diseases such as pathogenic crying, lily disease, and hysteria from five levels: heart deficiency and weak qi, heart-lung disharmony, heart-liver disharmony, the heart of the loss of the spleen nourishment, and disharmony between heart and kidney. The treatment was mainly to replenish the deficiency of the viscera and eliminate the pathogens, reflecting the characteristics of regulating the mind and calming the four internal organs. This unique view on diagnosis and treatment has profoundly influenced the diagnosis and treatment theories of mental illnesses by later doctors, and is of great significance to the current clinical treatment of such illnesses.


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