1.Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of finerenone combined with standard regimen in the treatment of heart failure with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction
Runan XIA ; Xu WANG ; Huijuan CHEN ; Mengyu JIANG ; Panpan DI ; Mengmeng ZHAO ; Li LIU ; Hai LIANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(14):1770-1774
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of finerenone combined with standard of care (SoC) in the treatment of heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) or preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). METHODS Based on a phase Ⅲ clinical trial, a Markov model was constructed from the perspective of China’s healthcare system to compare the treatment outcomes of finerenone combined with SoC regimen versus SoC regimen alone in the treatment of different cardiac functional statuses of HFmrEF/HFpEF. Using quality-adjusted life year (QALY) as the health output index, 3 times China’s per capita GDP in 2023 as the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold, a simulation was conducted with a 3-month cycle length and a 10- year time horizon, incorporating an annual discount rate of 5%. The dynamic changes across various stages of HFmrEF/HFpEF treated with finerenone combined with SoC versus SoC alone were simulated to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and costs of the two treatment strategies. Additionally, one-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed, to test the robustness of the results. RESULTS The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the finerenone combined with SoC regimen versus SoC regimen alone was 179 504.75 yuan/QALY, which was below the WTP threshold set in this study, indicating that the finerenone combined with SoC regimen possessed certain economic advantages. The results of one-way sensitivity analysis showed that the utility value of NYHA Ⅱ status, the drug price of finerenone, the discount rate, and the probability of hospital transfer for both groups had a great influence on ICER, but did not affect the robustness of the model. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis also confirmed the robustness of the model. CONCLUSIONS Under the WTP threshold set in this study, finerenone combined with SoC is cost-effective in the treatment of HFmrEF/HFpEF, compared with the SoC regimen.
2.Study on the effects of carvacrol on stomach-heat and stomach-cold rats and its mechanism of cooling and clearing based on energy metabolism and gastrointestinal function
Qi ZHANG ; Yi LI ; Hongye LI ; Fengwei ZHANG ; Minghui JIANG ; Xingyu ZHAO ; Linze LI ; Xiaofang WU ; Yinming ZHAO ; Songrui DI ; Jianjun ZHANG ; Chun WANG ; Linyuan WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(4):471-482
Objective:
To investigate the biological effects of carvacrol on rats with stomach-heat and stomach-cold and its regulation on transient receptor potential(TRP) channels in rats with stomach-heat, and to study the cold and heat properties of carvacrol and its possible mechanism.
Methods:
According to the random number method, 100 SD rats were divided into stomach-heat blank group, stomach-heat model group, Coptidis Rhizoma group, stomach-heat low-dose and high-dose carvacrol group, stomach-cold blank group, stomach-cold model group, Baked ginger group, stomach-cold low-dose group and high-dose carvacrol group, 10 rats in each group. The rat model of stomach-heat was established by intragastric administration of pepper aqueous solution (0.80 g/kg) and anhydrous ethanol, and the rat model of stomach-cold was established by intragastric administration of water extract of Anemarrhena asphodeloides and sodium hydroxide (10.40 g/kg). On the day of modeling, the rats in the Baked ginger group were given Baked ginger decoction (0.78 g/kg), and the rats in the Coptidis Rhizoma group were given Coptidis Rhizoma decoction (0.43 g/kg).The stomach-cold and stomach-heat low-dose group of carvacrol was given carvacrol emulsion (40 mg/kg), high-dose group was given carvacrol emulsion (80 mg/kg).All rats of the blank and model groups were given the equal volume of emulsion prepared by 5% dimethyl sulfoxide, 1% Tween 80, 1% polyethylene glycol 400, and 93% normal saline, once a day, for 7 days. The general condition of rats was observed and the body mass was recorded. The pathological morphology of gastric tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The changes of material and energy metabolism, cyclic nucleotide (cAMP), thyroid hormone and gastrointestinal hormone in each group were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression levels of transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1), transient receptor potential channel M8 (TRPM8) and uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) in rats with gastric fever were detected by Western blotting.
Results:
Compared with the stomach-heat blank group, the body mass of rats in the stomach-heat model group decreased at the fifth and seventh day (P<0.05). The contents (or ratio) of hepatic glycogen (HGlyc), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were decreased (P<0.05), and Na+ -K+ -ATPase, Ca2+ -Mg2+ -ATPase, cytochrome C oxidase (COX), NADH dehydrogenase (ND), cyclic adenosine phosphate (cAMP), cAMP/cyclic guanosine phosphate (cGMP), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), gastrin (GAS), motilin (MTL), and α-amylase (α-AMS) all increased (P<0.05). Compared with the stomach-heat model group, the body mass of rats in the Coptidis Rhizoma group decreased at the third, fifth, and seventh day, the contents (or ratio) of HGlyc, TC, TG, VIP and α-AMS were increased, and Na+ -K+ -ATPase, COX, ND, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, T3, T4, and GAS all decreased (P<0.05). The body mass of rats in the stomach-heat low-dose carvacrol group decreased at the seventh day. The contents (or ratio) of HGlyc, TC, and VIP were increased, Na+ -K+ -ATPase, COX, ND, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, T3, T4, and MTL all decreased, the expression of TRPV1 and UCP1 in gastric tissue decreased, while TRPM8 increased (P<0.05) in rats of the stomach-heat low-dose and high-dose carvacrol groups. Compared with the stomach-cold blank group, the body mass of rats in the stomach-cold model group decreased at the third, fifth, and seventh day, the contents (or ratio) of HGlyc, TC, TG, α-AMS, and VIP all increased, while Na+ -K+ -ATPase, Ca2+ -Mg2+ -ATPase, COX, ND, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, T3, T4, GAS, and MTL all decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the stomach-cold model group, the body mass of rats in the Baked ginger group was increased at the seventh day, and the contents (or ratio) of HGlyc, VIP, and α-AMS all decreased, while Na+ -K+ -ATPase, COX, ND, cAMP/cGMP, T3, T4, GAS, and MTL all increased (P<0.05). The contents of HGlyc, cAMP, α-AMS, and VIP of rats in the stomach-cold low and high-dose carvacrol group all decreased (P<0.05). TG in the stomach-cold low-dose carvacrol group was increased. TC, Ca2+ -Mg2+ -ATPase, and cGMP all increased, while cAMP/cGMP decreased (P<0.05) in the high-dose carvacrol group.
Conclusion
In this study, the rat model of stomach-cold and stomach-heat were successfully established by using cold and heat factors. The result showed that carvacrol had a certain inhibitory effect on body mass, material energy metabolism, cyclic nucleotide level, thyroid hormone and gastrointestinal function in rats with stomach-heat, indicating that the drug was cold. Carvacrol′s cold medicinal property could be biologically explained by TRPV1 activation, UCP1 induction, and TRPM8 suppression.
3.Transzonal Projections and Follicular Development Abnormalities in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Di CHENG ; Yu-Hua CHEN ; Xia-Ping JIANG ; Lan-Yu LI ; Yi TAN ; Ming LI ; Zhong-Cheng MO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2499-2511
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting a substantial proportion of women of reproductive age. It is frequently associated with ovulatory dysfunction, infertility, and an increased risk of chronic metabolic diseases. A hallmark pathological feature of PCOS is the arrest of follicular development, closely linked to impaired intercellular communication between the oocyte and surrounding granulosa cells. Transzonal projections (TZPs) are specialized cytoplasmic extensions derived from granulosa cells that penetrate the zona pellucida to establish direct contact with the oocyte. These structures serve as essential conduits for the transfer of metabolites, signaling molecules (e.g., cAMP, cGMP), and regulatory factors (e.g., microRNAs, growth differentiation factors), thereby maintaining meiotic arrest, facilitating metabolic cooperation, and supporting gene expression regulation in the oocyte. The proper formation and maintenance of TZPs depend on the cytoskeletal integrity of granulosa cells and the regulated expression of key connexins, particularly CX37 and CX43. Recent studies have revealed that in PCOS, TZPs exhibit significant structural and functional abnormalities. Contributing factors—such as hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and dysregulation of critical signaling pathways (including PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β‑catenin, and MAPK/ERK)—collectively impair TZP integrity and reduce their formation. This disruption in granulosa-oocyte communication compromises oocyte quality and contributes to follicular arrest and anovulation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of TZP biology, including their formation mechanisms, molecular composition, and stage-specific dynamics during folliculogenesis. We highlight the pathological alterations in TZPs observed in PCOS and elucidate how endocrine and metabolic disturbances—particularly androgen excess and hyperinsulinemia—downregulate CX43 expression and impair gap junction function, thereby exacerbating ovarian microenvironmental dysfunction. Furthermore, we explore emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving or restoring TZP integrity. Anti-androgen therapies (e.g., spironolactone, flutamide), insulin sensitizers (e.g., metformin), and GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., liraglutide) have shown potential in modulating connexin expression and enhancing granulosa-oocyte communication. In addition, agents such as melatonin, AMPK activators, and GDF9/BMP15 analogs may promote TZP formation and improve oocyte competence. Advanced technologies, including ovarian organoid models and CRISPR-based gene editing, offer promising platforms for studying TZP regulation and developing targeted interventions. In summary, TZPs are indispensable for maintaining follicular homeostasis, and their disruption plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of PCOS-related folliculogenesis failure. Targeting TZP integrity represents a promising therapeutic avenue in PCOS management and warrants further mechanistic and translational investigation.
4.The tumor-suppressive mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma by baicalein-targeted CCNA2-regulated M2-type macrophages
Li CHENG ; Xin-Yi ZHANG ; Lei GUO ; Jun GE ; Han-Mei JIANG ; Jiang-Xue DI ; Yi LIU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(11):2104-2112
Aim To investigate the regulatory and an-ti-tumour effects of baicalein on mouse hepatocellular carcinoma cells and mouse macrophage co-cultures.Methods In vitro experiments,mouse hepatocellular carcinoma cell H22 and mouse macrophage RAW264.7 were randomly divided into a blank group and different concentrations of gradient administration group(5,10,20,40,80 mg·L-1),and the cell activity was detec-ted by CCK-8 assay;the two kinds of cells were co-cultured in Transwell chambers of 6-well plates for 48 h,and were randomly divided into the blank,model,and low,medium,and high baicalin groups(10,20,40 mg·L-1).Cell scratch and invasion assays,ELISA kits were used to detect TNF-α and IL-10 factor levels,and Western blot was used to determine the lev-els of CCNA2 and related proteins.The levels of TNF-α and IL-10 were detected by ELISA kits,and the ex-pression levels of CCNA2 and related proteins were de-tected by Western blot.In vivo experiments,H22 sub-cutaneous tumour model was established and randomly divided into the blank,positive,model and drug-ad-ministered groups.Mouse spleen,thymus and tumour indices were counted,and immunohistochemistry and Western blot were employed to detect the expression levels of CCNA2 and macrophage-related indexes in tumour tissues.Results Different doses of baicalein had a significant inhibitory effect on H22 and no signif-icant cytotoxicity on M0-type RAW264.7;the mor-phology of M0-type RAW264.7 cells was changed after co-culture,TNF-α was elevated and IL-10 was re-duced in the baicalein group;the results of the cell scratch assay and invasion assay found that baicalein inhibited M2-type macrophage invasion and metastasis;Arg1,p-p38/p38,p-stat3/stat3,N-cadherin,CCNA2 decreased significantly and Inos and E-cadherin in-creased significantly in the baicalein group;CCNA2,CD206 expression decreased significantly and CD86 expression increased significantly in the administered group.Conclusions Baicalein reverses M2-type mac-rophage polarisation and pro-carcinogenic functions and inhibits M2-type macrophage migration and invasion by modulating M2-type macrophage-related signalling pathways.
5.Summary of best evidence for postoperative observation time and bed rest time in patients undergoing percutaneous renal biopsy
Di JIANG ; Yuxia GUAN ; Zixia HE ; Tongxin LI ; Zhenhong YANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(5):610-615
Objective:To retrieve and summarize the evidence for postoperative observation time and bed rest time in patients undergoing percutaneous renal biopsy, so as to provide evidence-based basis for postoperative nursing of patients undergoing percutaneous renal biopsy.Methods:Using search terms such as "renal biopsy" and "renal puncture", based on the "6S" evidence resource pyramid model, evidence on postoperative observation time and bed rest time of percutaneous renal biopsy patients, including guidelines, best practice information books, evidence summaries, systematic reviews, expert consensus, and original research, was systematically searched on various guideline websites, evidence-based databases, original research databases, and professional association websites both domestically and internationally. The search period was from database establishment to July 1, 2023. After independent evaluation of the included literature by two researchers, evidence was extracted and summarized from the literature that met the quality standards.Results:A total of nine articles were included, including one guideline, five cohort studies, and three cross-sectional studies. This study summarized six best pieces of evidence from two aspects, namely postoperative observation time and postoperative bed rest time. For patients with low risk of complications after percutaneous renal biopsy, it was recommended to observe for 6 to 8 hours after surgery, but further shortening the observation time to 4 to 5 hours may also be safe and sufficient. For patients with high risk of complications after percutaneous renal biopsy, those living far from the hospital, those living alone, or those who may experience significant psychological stress after biopsy, it was recommended to extend the observation time to up to 24 hours.Conclusions:Based on existing evidence, it seems feasible to shorten the bed rest time after percutaneous renal biopsy. A large amount of high-quality research is still needed to explore the optimal postoperative bed rest time.
6.Best evidence summary of emergency service surge capacity
Shuya LI ; Pengxia SUN ; Yubing LI ; Xiaoxue HUA ; Jun MA ; Yan SHI ; Di JIANG ; Fan LI
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2024;40(34):2681-2687
Objective:To search, evaluate and integrate the best evidence of the best evidence for emergency service surge capacity.Methods:According to the "6S" model of evidence resources, the related evidence on emergency service surge capacity in Guidelines International Network, National Guideline Clearinghouse, Canadian Medical Association CPG Infobase, Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, European Society for Emergency Medicine, the American College of Emergency Physicians, Emergency Nurses Association, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, BMJ Best Practice, UpToDate,CKNI, Wanfang, and VIP database were searched by computer. The retrieval time limit was from the establishment of the database to Dec 31, 2023. Literature quality assessment and data extraction were performed by 2 researchers.Results:A total of 11 articles were included in this study, including 1 guideline, 7 expert consensuses and 3 systematic reviews, which summarized 43 pieces of evidence involving 7 categories, namely core elements, organizational management, space management, personnel allocation, material allocation, education and training, and support services.Conclusions:The best evidence summarized in this study can provide a reference for emergency service to improve surge capacity. In clinical application, emergency departments should focus on organizational, space, personnel and materials management, combined with the type of emergency events, to maximize their routine, emergency and crisis response capabilities, so as to respond to medical surges effectively.
7.Changes in antimicrobial resistance rates of Klebsiella pneumoniae in in-tensive care unit and comparison between Chinese and foreign databases
Cheng-Yi FENG ; Li-Wei ZHANG ; Yang-Yang WANG ; Shu-Fang JIANG ; Jia DI ; Jin-Nuo FAN
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(10):1241-1248
Objective To compare the detection rates and antimicrobial resistance rates of Klebsiella pneumoniae(KP)between the intensive care unit of The First People's Hospital of Changzhou(CZFPH-ICU)and the American Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-Ⅳ(MIMIC-Ⅳ),as well as the changes in the antimicrobial resistance rate of KP and detection rate of carbapenem-resistant KP(CRKP)in CZFPH-ICU.Methods Differences in speci-men distribution and antimicrobial resistance rate of KP detected from CZFPH-ICU and MIMIC-Ⅳ from 2017 to 2019,as well as the changing trends of specimen distribution,antimicrobial resistance rate,detection rates of KP and CRKP from different specimen sources in CZFPH-ICU from 2017 to 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Results A total of 2 434 strains of KP were detected in CZFPH-ICU from 2017 to 2019,mainly from sputum specimens.A total of 1 137 strains of KP were detected from MIMIC-Ⅳ database,mainly from urine specimens.Compared with MIMIC-Ⅳ,KP detected from CZFPH-ICU showed higher resistance rate to commonly used antimicrobial agents.A total of 4 874 strains of KP were detected from CZFPH-ICU from 2020 to 2023,mainly from sputum specimens.The detection rates of CRKP from sputum,urine,drainage fluid and bile specimens decreased from 17.77%,20.15%,24.22%and 24.07%in 2017-2019 to 12.99%,13.56%,13.63%and 8.00%in 2020-2023,respectively(all P<0.05).The changing trend of resistance rate of KP isolated from CZFPH-ICU from 2017 to 2023 to commonly used antimicrobial agents such as piperacillin/tazobactam,imipenem,and meropenem increased in 2017-2019,decreased in 2020-2022,and slightly increased in 2023.In 2013,the resistance rates of KP isolated from CZFPH-ICU to ceftazidime/avibactam,polycolistin B and tigacycline were 21.28%,10.22%and 7.03%,respectively.Conclusion In recent 7 years,resistance rate of KP from CZFPH-ICU showed a slow decline trend,but it was still higher than that in foreign MIMIC-Ⅳ database.Hospitals should strengthen various infection prevention and control measures to ef-fectively control KP resistance and infection.
8.Historical Evolution and Key Information Research on Pediatric Famous Classical Formula Yigongsan
Jiangmin SU ; Jun ZHANG ; Cong GUO ; Anyi ZHAO ; Liang JIANG ; Heng ZHANG ; Jipeng DI ; Sha CHEN ; Li LIU ; Yan LIU ; An LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(7):205-214
Yigongsan is derived from Xiaoer Yaozheng Zhijue written by QIAN Yi in the Northern Song dynasty, which is the No. 3 formula in the Catalogue of Ancient Famous Classical Formulas(The Second Batch of Pediatrics) released by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) in September 2022, and it can be developed as a class 3.1 new TCM drug. By referring to ancient medical books and modern literature, this study conducted herbal textual research on Yigongsan from five aspects, including historical evolution, origin and processing, dosage conversion, usage and preparation methods, and functional application, then formed the key information table of this formula, in order to provide reference for the development of reference samples and preparations of Yigongsan. Based on the results of the study, it is recommended that Panax ginseng should be removed the basal part of stem(rhizoma), Poria cocos should be removed the peel, Citrus reticulata should be cut into shreds and Glycyrrhiza uralensis should be used. According to 4.13 g/Qian(钱), 1 g/slice for ginger, 3 g for each jujube and 300 mL/Zhan(盏), the doses of Ginseng Radix, Poria, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, Jujubae Fructus were 1.652, 1.652, 1.652, 1.652, 1.652, 5, 6 g, and the total amount was 19.26 g. The decocting method was to crush the medicinal materials into fine powder with 50-80 mesh, add 300 mL of water and decoct to 210 mL for each dose, then remove the dregs and take it warmly. This formula was recorded in ancient books as the main treatment for the cold-deficiency of spleen and stomach, and Qi stagnation in children with vomiting and diarrhea and lack of appetite. It has been flexibly applied by later generations of physicians, and is often used to treat anorexia, inflammation of the digestive tract, diarrhea and other diseases in children.
9.Specific PCR for Identification of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus Seeds, A. membranaceus Seeds, and Adulterants
Li LUO ; Li HU ; Chao JIANG ; Ziyuan CHEN ; Xiaolin LI ; Yuan YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(4):21-28
ObjectiveTo establish a method based on specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that can accurately and rapidly identify Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (AMM) seeds and A. membranaceus (AM) seeds. MethodThe Chloroplast Genome Information Resource (CGIR) and IdenDSS were used to obtain the characteristic DNA fragments of AMM and AM, and the specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites of AMM and AM were screened out, on the basis of which the specific primers MG-F/MG-R of AMM and MJ-F/MJ-R of AM were designed. The specific PCR method for identifying AMM and AM was established and optimized, and the specificity and applicability of the method were investigated. ResultThe specific PCR conditions for the identification of AMM were primers MG-F/MG-R, annealing at 62 ℃, and 28 cycles. After PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis, the specific band appeared at about 220 bp, with no band for the seeds of AM or adulterants. The specific PCR conditions for identifying the AM were primers MJ-F/MJ-R, annealing at 58 ℃, and 28 cycles. After PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis, the band appeared at about 150 bp, with no band of AMM or adulterants. ConclusionThe specific PCR method established in this study can accurately and quickly identify the seeds of AMM and AM, which provides a basis for the classification and accurate identification of Astragalus seeds and adulterants.
10.Establishment and of preliminary verification of automatic auditing rules for routine coagulation assays
Ping DI ; Feng DONG ; Xueying YU ; Meihua WANG ; Wei JIANG ; Yue LI ; Jun CAO ; Hong ZHANG ; Weixin WANG ; Mianyang LI
China Medical Equipment 2024;21(1):135-140
Objective:To establish auto verification rules for the routine coagulation assays,and to provide reference for clinical laboratories to improve the quality and efficiency of results verification.Methods:A total of 24,510 specimens of sodium citrate anticoagulation routine coagulation test from the laboratory departments of eight hospitals including the First Medical Center,Chinese PLA General Hospital during January to March 2020 were collected and randomly divided into a rule establishment group and a rule verification group,with 6,670 specimens in the rule establishment group,including 2,056 Delta checks,and 17,840 specimens in the rule validation group,including 3,210 Delta checks.The activities of prothrombin time(PT),activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT),fibrinogen(Fib),thrombin time(TT),D-dimer(DD)and/or antithrombin(AT)were detected by Stago STA R Max automatic coagulation analyzer and supporting reagents.Taking the manual verification results as the standard,the auto verification and manual false negative rate(invalid verification),false positive rate(invalid interception),pass rate,positive coincidence rate,negative coincidence rate,verification consistency rate and specimen turnaround time(TAT)of the two groups were calculated.Results:The auto verification rules and the application process were preliminarily established,including internal quality control,alarm information,auto verification scope,critical value and deviation value inspection.In the rule establishment group,the single item pass rate was 82.6%-92.4%,and the overall pass rate was 73.8%.The consistency rate between auto verification and manual verification was 98.2%,and the positive coincidence rate and negative coincidence rate were 24.4%and 73.8%,respectively.In the rule verification group,the single item pass rate was 86.4%-91.5%,and the overall review pass rate was 71.5%.By simulating the application of auto verification rules,the average TAT of two hospitals among the eight hospitals was shortened by 1.5 hours and 2.1 hours,respectively.Conclusion:The application of auto verification rules can reduce workload of manual verification,and significantly shorten the TAT,and improve the report efficiency of the laboratory.


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