1.Signal mining of adverse reactions associated with macrolide antibiotics in pediatric patients based on the FAERS database
Zhenpo ZHANG ; Jiaxin HE ; Jingping ZHENG ; Yuting WANG ; Lin MA ; Ling SU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(3):160-166
Objective To explore the adverse event signals of children using macrolide drugs (azithromycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin), and provide reference for rational medicine use in clinical practice. Methods Data from children under 12 years old were extracted from the US FAERS database spanning from the first quarter of 2004 to the second quarter of 2023. The adverse drug reaction (ADR) signal mining for three macrolide antibiotics was conducted using the Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR) and Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN) methods. Special emphasis was placed on analyzing and contrasting the differences in adverse events among the three drugs. Results A total of 1 615 reports for children under 12 years old were retrieved from the FAERS database, including 1 024 reports of azithromycin, 460 reports of clarithromycin, and 131 reports of erythromycin. Among azithromycin and erythromycin, there were more reports from boys than girls, while for clarithromycin, there were more reports from girls than boys. Oral administration was the most common route of administration for all three drugs. Regarding the outcome of adverse events reported, azithromycin and clarithromycin were primarily associated with other serious adverse events, whereas erythromycin was mainly associated with hospitalization and other serious adverse events. The number of adverse events reported decreased with increasing age, with a higher number of reports in the 0-3 age group. Using the ROR and BCPNN methods for signal detection, 86 signals were identified for azithromycin, 91 for clarithromycin, and 34 for erythromycin. These signals involved 22 System Organ Classes (SOCs), with azithromycin mainly concentrated in skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (n=21), clarithromycin in gastrointestinal disorders (n=15), and erythromycin in gastrointestinal disorders (n=8). Twenty-four signals of moderate to high risk were detected, with 13 for azithromycin, 9 for clarithromycin, and 2 for erythromycin. Conclusion The adverse events induced by the three drugs with different risks in different systems. When clinically treating Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children, the risk profiles of drugs in different systems should be considered, and personalized dosing should be implemented.
2.Research progress on traditional Chinese medicine in treating cardiotoxicity induced by anticancer drugs
Linling SU ; Xianxia YUAN ; Wenyu JIANG ; Ling MO ; Jiaxue WU ; Min WANG ; Dongling LIU ; Yang HAI
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(3):393-400
Cardiotoxicity induced by antineoplastic agents is an important factor affecting the prognosis of cancer patients. This article systematically summarizes the clinical manifestations of cardiotoxicity caused by chemotherapeutic drugs, molecular targeted cancer therapies, and immunotherapeutic drugs, and identifies the core injury mechanisms, including cardiomyocyte apoptosis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, anticancer drug-induced cardiotoxicity falls under the category of “heat toxins” characterized by dual deficiency of qi and blood, upward flaming of heart heat, stagnation of the heart vessels, and meridian obstruction induced by phlegm-dampness. Therefore, by reviewing the preventive and therapeutic effects and the underlying mechanisms of tonic medicines, interior heat-clearing medicines, blood-circulating and stasis-resolving medicines, phlegm-transforming, cough-suppressing and panting-relieving medicines, and interior-warming medicines, this paper concludes that TCM prevention and treatment of this condition adheres to the formulation principle of “reinforcing healthy qi, removing toxins, and resolving blood stasis”. Its mechanisms of action—including antioxidation effects, regulation of autophagic balance, antagonism of inflammatory responses, and improvement of microcirculation—are highly consistent with modern medical treatment strategies (e.g., dexrazoxane for inhibiting iron-dependent oxidative stress, statins for anti-inflammatory effects). This study provides theoretical support and practical guidance for the collaborative and precise prevention and treatment of anticancer drug-induced cardiotoxicity through the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine.
3.Efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal compounds for pulmonary nodules: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Yanlong LI ; Xinze ZHENG ; Lingyan LAN ; Ying WANG ; Wei SU ; Jiahui CHEN ; Xiangjun QI ; Xuewei LI ; Bo AN ; Ling YU ; Lingling SUN ; Lizhu LIN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(07):1119-1128
Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound in treating pulmonary nodules, providing evidence-based medical evidence for TCM intervention in pulmonary nodules. Methods Computer search of PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed was conducted to select randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TCM compound intervention in pulmonary nodules, with the retrieval time from the inception to November 29, 2023. The Cochrane bias risk assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies, and Review Manager 5.4 was used for Meta-analysis. Results A total of 18 RCTs were included, covering 8 provinces across the country, with a total sample size of 1301 patients. The TCM compounds used in the included studies all incorporated the method of dissolving phlegm and dissipating nodules. There was a high risk of bias uncertainty in the included studies. Meta-analysis results suggested that TCM compound could significantly reduce the diameter of pulmonary nodules [MD=−1.41, 95%CI (−1.70, −1.13), P<0.001], decrease the number of nodules [MD=−0.37, 95%CI (−0.73, −0.01), P=0.05], alleviate clinical symptoms [MD=−4.84, 95%CI (−6.04, −3.64), P<0.001], and improve lung function [forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), MD=0.55, 95%CI (0.09, 1.01), P=0.02; FEV1/forced vital capacity, MD=6.12, 95%CI (4.47, 7.78), P<0.001]. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the probability of malignancy between the experimental group and the control group [MD=−0.01, 95%CI (−0.01, 0.00), P=0.09]. Conclusion TCM compound can significantly reduce the diameter of pulmonary nodules, decrease the number of nodules, alleviate clinical symptoms, and improve lung function, but future multicenter, large-sample, high-quality RCTs are still needed to further explore and verify this conclusion.
4.Prevalence of Polypharmacy and Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing (PIP) among Older Adults Aged 65 Years and above in Brunei Darussalam
Sebastian Eng Chong KOH ; Maggie SIM ; Lina Maziyyah PG METUSSIN ; Pey Siaw LIM ; Su Ying YEO ; Yung Shin YEO ; Wai See WONG ; Shyh Poh TEO ; Li Ling CHAW
Brunei International Medical Journal 2026;22():97-104
Introduction: Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) are increasingly recognised as important contributors to medication -related harm among older adults. However, published national data on the prevalence of polypharmacy and PIP in Brunei Darussalam are unavailable. The objectives of this study was to determine the prevalence of polypharmacy and PIP among adults aged 65 years and above in Brunei Darussalam using Screening Tool of Older Persons ’ potentially inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP) version 2 criteria. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross -sectional study was conducted using data from the Brunei Healthcare Information Management System (Bru -HIMS). A stratified proportional random sample of 2,000 older adults with documented medical encounters in 2016 was selected. Polypharmacy was defined as the concurrent use of five or more medications. PIP was assessed using STOPP version 2 criteria. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise prescribing patterns. Results: Of the 2000 older adults included (mean age 73.0 ± 6.6 years), 1,181 (59.1%) had polypharmacy. Among those with polypharmacy, 1,057 (89.5%) could be assessed using STOPP criteria, and 206 (19.5%) had at least one PIP. The most frequently identified PIPs involved prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors for uncomplicated peptic ulcer disease at full therapeutic dosage for more than eight weeks, where dose reduction, discontinuation, or transition to maintenance therapy (e.g. H2 receptor antagonists) is indicated, prescribing without evidence -based indication, duplication of drug classes, use of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers in patients with hyperkalaemia, and use of first -generation antihistamines. Conclusion: Polypharmacy and PIP are common among older adults in Brunei Darussalam. The findings highlight the need for systematic medication review and deprescribing strategies to optimise pharmacotherapy and improve medication safety in older populations
5.Analysis of soil-borne nematode infection status among rural communities in Yubei, Chongqing
Dan JIANG ; Yong-dong HAO ; Sen-ping YANG ; Xiao-yuan SU ; Hua-jun BAI ; Bo LYU ; Ya-ling RAN ; He-yi GUAN ; Ling HU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):85-89
Objective To analyze the infection status and epidemic trends of soil-borne nematode infections in Yubei, Chongqing City, in 2010,2021, and 2022. Methods The local populations from four survey sites of four towns in 2010 and five sites of five towns in 2021 and 2022 were surveyed regarding their basic information using a unified form. Fecal samples of the participants were collected and tested for soil-borne nematode infections using the modified Kato-Katz thick smear method. Results In 2010, 2 049 participants were surveyed, followed by 1 000 participants in 2021 and 2022. The overall prevalence of parasitic infections declined significantly from 3.86% to 0.20%. In 2010, soil-transmitted nematode included hookworms(3.81%) and roundworms(0.29%). In 2021, the infection rates of roundworms and hookworms were 1.70% and 0.10% respectively. Notably, only Ascaris was identified in 2022(0.20%). The≥60 age group consistently exhibited the highest infection rates across all surveys, followed by the 40-59 age group. The infection rates of males in the three surveys were 3.31%,1.92%, and 0.20% respectively, and those of females were 4.37%, 1.46%, and 0.20% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the infection rates between males and females. Educational attainment was inversely associated with infection; in 2010, the highest prevalence was observed among those with primary education or below, whereas in 2021, illiterate or semi-literate individuals showed the highest susceptibility. The occupational distribution of infections in 2010 indicated that retirees (8.33%), farmers(4.86%), and homemakers or unemployed individuals(3.45%)were the most affected. However, in 2021 and 2022, farmers emerged as the predominant occupational group with soil-transmitted nematode infections. Conclusions The infection rate of soil-borne nematodes showed a decreasing trend in Yubei, and the infection species changed from hookworms in 2010 to Ascaris in 2022. Farmers, the elderly, and people with low education levels should continue to be the focus of preventive and control efforts.
6.Eccentric Cycling Improves Cardiopulmonary Fitness, Respiratory Function, and Quality of Life in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Yu-Ting HUANG ; Hsin-Yeh LEE ; Hui-Ching CHENG ; Hsin-Lun YANG ; Ching-Hsia HUNG ; Chien-Chou SU ; Yu-Tzu CHANG ; Chien-Yao SUN ; Kun-Ling TSAI
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine 2026;50(2):105-116
Objective:
To compare the effects of eccentric cycling (ECC), concentric cycling (CON), and standard care (CTL) on cardiopulmonary capacity, respiratory health, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Methods:
Thirty-one CKD patients were divided into the CTL, CON, and ECC groups. The CON and ECC groups participated in 8-week, 24-session cycling programs. Outcomes were assessed through cardiopulmonary exercise tests, respiratory function tests, and the 36-Item Short Form Survey Instrument questionnaire.
Results:
The ECC group achieved significant improvements in maximal oxygen uptake, while the CTL group showed a decline. For oxygen uptake efficiency slope, significant changes were observed only in the ECC group, with a group-by-time interaction effect compared to CTL. Furthermore, the ECC group demonstrated the most significant increase in diaphragm movement and a significant increase in diaphragm thickness, with comparisons indicating that ECC outperformed both CTL and CON. Regarding QoL, the ECC group exhibited significantly greater improvements in Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary, with statistically significant differences compared with the CTL and CON groups.
Conclusion
ECC is a low-effort, high-benefit exercise modality that significantly enhances cardiopulmonary fitness, respiratory function, and QoL in patients with CKD.
7.Predictive Modeling of Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage Following Endovascular Thrombectomy: Insights From the Nationwide TREAT-AIS Registry
Jia-Hung CHEN ; I-Chang SU ; Yueh-Hsun LU ; Yi-Chen HSIEH ; Chih-Hao CHEN ; Chun-Jen LIN ; Yu-Wei CHEN ; Kuan-Hung LIN ; Pi-Shan SUNG ; Chih-Wei TANG ; Hai-Jui CHU ; Chuan-Hsiu FU ; Chao-Liang CHOU ; Cheng-Yu WEI ; Shang-Yih YAN ; Po-Lin CHEN ; Hsu-Ling YEH ; Sheng-Feng SUNG ; Hon-Man LIU ; Ching-Huang LIN ; Meng LEE ; Sung-Chun TANG ; I-Hui LEE ; Lung CHAN ; Li-Ming LIEN ; Hung-Yi CHIOU ; Jiunn-Tay LEE ; Jiann-Shing JENG ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):85-94
Background:
and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking.
Methods:
This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance.
Results:
Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal.
Conclusions
The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.
8.Clinical effects of Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction combined with non-immunosuppressive treatment on patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis due to Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency
Tian-wen YAO ; Shi-sheng HAN ; Zhe-ling SU ; Yan-qiu XU ; Yi WANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(7):2238-2242
AIM To investigate the clinical effects of Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction combined with non-immunosuppressive treatment on patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis due to Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency.METHODS Sixty patients were randomly assigned into control group(30 cases)for 24-week intervention of non-immunosuppressive treatment,and observation group(30 cases)for 24-week intervention of both Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction and non-immunosuppressive treatment.The changes in clinical effects,TCM syndrome effects,TCM syndrome score,24 h UTP,ALB,eGFR,Nephrin,Podocin and safety indices were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate and TCM syndrome effective rate than the control group(P<0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed decreased TCM syndrome score,24 h UTP,Nephrin,Podocin(P<0.05),and increased ALB(P<0.05),especially for the observation group(P<0.05).No obvious adverse reactions occured in the two groups.CONCLUSION For the patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis due to Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency,Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction combined with non-immunosuppressive treatment can improve TCM syndromes,whose action mechanism may be contribute to the alleviation of podocyte injury.
9.Analysis on Current Status of Outcome Indicators in Randomized Controlled Trials of TCM Intervention in Pediatric Myocarditis
Fengye JI ; Zhongyi ZHU ; Ling WANG ; Sihui SU ; Zhaoxin ZHOU ; Xiaoxuan XIE ; Yan YANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(8):31-37
Objective To summarize the current status of outcome indicators in randomized controlled trials of TCM intervention in pediatric myocarditis,to explore the existing problems,and to provide a reference for the construction of a core set of indicators for the treatment of pediatric myocarditis with TCM.Methods Randomized controlled trial literature on the treatment of pediatric myocarditis with TCM was retrieved from CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIP,SinoMed,PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library and Web of Science from the establishment of the databases to 16th,Nov.2024.The basic characteristics,diagnostic criteria,TCM evidence,interventions and outcome indicators of the studies were extracted.The risk of bias was assessed for the selected studies using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool(RoB 2.0),and the outcome indicators were statistically analyzed using Excel 2019.Results Finally,totally of 250 articles were included in the literature.The outcome indicators were counted to obtain 187 outcome indicators with a cumulative total of 1 540 occurrences,which were categorized into six indicator domains:symptoms and signs,physicochemical testing,TCM symptoms/signs,clinical efficacy evaluation,safety evaluation and quality of life evaluation;among them,the physicochemical testing indicators(112 types,926 times)had the highest frequency of occurrences,followed by the clinical efficacy evaluation(13 types.340 times),and safety evaluation(24 types,193 times).Conclusion The overall quality of randomized controlled trials of TCM treatment of pediatric myocarditis is low,and there are problems with primary and secondary differentiation of outcome indicators and lack of TCM characteristics.There is an urgent need to improve the core set of endpoint indicators that highlight the characteristics of TCM in order to improve the quality of clinical research.
10.Inhibitory effects of Shuyu Pills combined with everolimus on TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in triple-negative breast cancer cells
Xiao-shan LUO ; Su XIE ; Dou-dou FENG ; Yan-yun MENG ; Jing-zhe ZHAO ; Qing XIE ; Xiang-li LING
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(7):2190-2197
AIM To investigate the effects of Shuyu Pills combined with evolimus on the epithelial mesenchymal transformation of triple negative breast cancer cells 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 induced by TGF-β1.METHODS The 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 cells were divided into the blank group and the induction group to induce the epithelial mesenchymal transformation with TGF-β1 cytokine treatment,followed by the assignment into the model group,the Shuyu Pills group,the everolimus group and the Shuyu Pills combined with everolimus group.CCK8 method,plate cloning method,cell scratch test and Transewll test were used to detect the proliferation,cloning formation,migration and invasion ability of the cells whose expressions of E-cadherin,N-cadherin,Vimentin,MMP9,MMP2 and pathway proteins PTEN,PI3K,Akt and mTOR were detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the blank group,the induction group displayed a cell morphological change from epithelioid to stromal,decreased expression of E-cadherin protein(P<0.01);and increased protein expressions of N-cadherin and Vimentin(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,each group intervened with the medicine displayed decreased proliferation,clone formation,migration and invasion ability of both kinds of cells(P<0.01);increased protein expressions of PTEN and E-cadherin(P<0.05,P<0.01);and decreased protein expressions of PI3K,Akt,mTOR,N-cadherin,Vimentin,MMP9 and MMP2(P<0.05,P<0.01);and more significantly in the Shuyu Pills combined with evolimus group(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION With a more ideal effect than the single uses in inhibiting the TGF-β1-induced epithelial mesenchymal transformation of triple-negative breast cancer cells,the combination use of Shuyu Pills and everolimus may work through the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.


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