1.Automatic quantitative analysis of myopia-related ocular fundus morphological parameters based on artificial intelligence
Ting LI ; Panpan XIAO ; Yonghua GU ; Fangxia ZHANG ; Xizhen GUO ; Xiaolin CHEN ; Hui YANG ; Shuang ZHANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):888-895
AIM:To automatically identify and quantitatively assess myopia-related fundus structural changes by combining non-mydriatic color fundus photography with an artificial intelligence(AI)-powered quantitative fundus analysis system and to further analyze the correlations between these fundus parameters and spherical equivalent(SE), axial length(AL), and age, providing the objective basis for monitoring myopia progression and supporting the formulation of personalized myopia prevention and control strategies. METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted enrolling myopic patients aged 18-50 y who underwent myopia screening from March 2023 to December 2023. Patients were stratified into three groups based on SE: the -3.00 D
2.Influence of Antigen Type on the Establishment of an Induced Sjögren Syndrome Mouse Model
Wenshuang RONG ; Yuanfei NIU ; Meiting LIU ; Mengyuan YANG ; Shuang CUI ; Lina MA ; Yao FU ; Lianmei WANG ; Junling CAO
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(2):178-190
ObjectiveThis study aims to compare the modeling effects of submaxillary gland antigen and salivary gland antigen in the establishment of Sjögren syndrome (SS) mouse models, and to characterize the phenotypic and immunological features of these models in comparison with spontaneous SS-prone non-obese diabetic (NOD)/LtJ mice. MethodsAdult C57BL/6J mice (equal numbers of males and females) were immunized with submaxillary gland antigen or salivary gland antigen, respectively, combined with Freund's adjuvant to induce SS models. Mice immunized with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) combined with Freund's adjuvant served as the control group. Immunization was induced via multiple subcutaneous injections in the back with antigen combined with Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) on Days 1 and 7. A booster immunization was administered via multiple subcutaneous injections in the back with antigen combined with Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA) on Day 14. Female NOD/LtJ mice were used as the spontaneous SS model group, with ICR mice as the corresponding control strain for comparative analysis. Body weight, water intake, and salivary flow rate of mice were dynamically monitored for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, tissue and serum samples were collected, the weights of submaxillary glands, thymus, and spleen were measured, and organ indices (organ-to-body weight ratios) were calculated. Pathological morphological analysis of the submaxillary gland and spleen was performed with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Serum interleukin-17 (IL-17) level was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of SS type A (SSA) and SS type B (SSB) in submaxillary gland tissues. ResultsFemale mice in the submaxillary gland antigen group exhibited significantly increased water intake (P<0.05) and reduced salivary flow rate (P<0.05) compared with the female control group. No statistically significant differences were observed in the submaxillary gland index, thymus index and spleen index (P>0.05). Focal lymphocytic infiltration was observed in the submaxillary glands, and the splenic marginal zone was enlarged. Serum IL-17 levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in submaxillary gland SSA/SSB expression levels (P>0.05). Compared with the female control group, female mice in the salivary gland antigen group showed no statistically significant differences in water intake, salivary flow rate, submaxillary gland index, and spleen index (P>0.05), whereas the thymus index was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Mild inflammatory cell infiltration and glandular atrophy were observed in the submaxillary glands, and the splenic white pulp and marginal zone were slightly enlarged. Serum IL-17 levels and submaxillary gland SSB mRNA expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.01), whereas no significant change was observed in submaxillary gland SSA expression levels (P>0.05). Compared with the male control group, mild submaxillary gland atrophy was observed in male mice in the submaxillary gland antigen group, whereas no obvious changes were found in other modeling-related indicators (P>0.05). Compared with the ICR control group, NOD/LtJ model mice exhibited elevated water intake (P<0.05), significantly reduced salivary flow rate (P<0.01), no significant differences in the submaxillary gland index or spleen index (P>0.05), but a significantly increased thymus index (P<0.05). Marked focal infiltration was observed in the submaxillary glands, the splenic marginal zone was obviously enlarged, and serum IL-17 concentrations as well as submaxillary gland SSA/SSB expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionSubmaxillary gland antigen and salivary gland antigen can induce SS-related features in female C57BL/6J mice. The SS-related phenotype is more pronounced in the submaxillary gland antigen group than in the salivary gland antigen group, but weaker than that in spontaneously SS-prone female NOD/LtJ mice. Immunization of male C57BL/6J mice with submaxillary or salivary gland antigens fails to induce an obvious SS phenotype.
3.Genetic analysis of a de novo EFTUD2 variant causing Mandibulofacial dysostosis with microcephaly in a fetus.
Jianyu REN ; Xiaojiao GUAN ; Shuang LIU ; Yousheng YAN ; Shufa YANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(4):288-294
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the genetic etiology of a fetus diagnosed with Mandibulofacial dysostosis with microcephaly (MFDM).
METHODS:
A fetus that underwent prenatal diagnosis at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, on May 19, 2025 was selected for analysis. Results of fetal ultrasound findings, chromosomal karyotyping, copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq), and whole-exome sequencing (WES) were collected. Sanger sequencing was performed for familial validation of the pathogenic variant. The Human Protein Atlas (HPA), STRING, and Simple ClinVar databases were queried to characterize the biological features of the candidate gene. Three-dimensional structures of the wild-type and variant proteins were modeled and analyzed, and the evolutionary conservation of the affected amino acid was assessed using UGENE. Prenatal phenotypes associated with EFTUD2 variants were summarized through a review of the literature. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University (Ethics No.: 2025-KY-029-01).
RESULTS:
At 23+2 weeks of gestation, ultrasound examination revealed bilateral microtia with low-set ears, mild micrognathia with a reduced mandibular-facial angle, a single umbilical artery, a slightly narrow aortic diameter, and trivial mitral regurgitation. Amniotic fluid karyotyping and CNV-seq showed no abnormalities. WES identified a de novo, previously unreported EFTUD2 variant, c.698dupA (p.V235Gfs*27), in the fetus. This frameshift variant is predicted to alter the structural integrity of the EFTUD2 protein. Literature review indicated that micrognathia and microtia or low-set ears are the most common sonographic features in fetuses with EFTUD2 variants, while secondary findings may include abnormal stomach bubble, cleft palate, single umbilical artery, gastrointestinal atresia, polyhydramnios, and reduced aortic diameter.
CONCLUSION
The EFTUD2: c.698dupA (p.V235Gfs*27) variant is likely the genetic cause underlying MFDM in this fetus.
Humans
;
Mandibulofacial Dysostosis/diagnostic imaging*
;
Microcephaly/diagnostic imaging*
;
Female
;
Pregnancy
;
Ribonucleoprotein, U5 Small Nuclear/chemistry*
;
Peptide Elongation Factors/chemistry*
;
Fetus
;
DNA Copy Number Variations/genetics*
;
Adult
;
Ultrasonography, Prenatal
4.Olfactory Receptors Expressed in The Intestine and Their Functions
Pei-Wen YANG ; Meng-Meng YUAN ; Ying ZHOU ; Peng LI ; Gui-Hong QI ; Ying YANG ; Zhong-Yi MAO ; Meng-Sha ZHOU ; Xiao-Shuang MAO ; Jian-Ping XIE ; Yi-Nan YANG ; Shi-Hao SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):534-549
Olfactory receptors (ORs) form the largest superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Traditionally recognized for their role in the nasal olfactory epithelium, where they mediate the sense of smell, accumulating evidence has firmly established their ectopic expression in non-olfactory tissues, including the intestine, lungs, and kidneys. The intestine, as the primary site for nutrient digestion and absorption, harbors a highly complex chemical environment. To adapt to this environment, the gut employs a sophisticated network of “chemosensors” to monitor luminal contents and maintain homeostasis. Among these sensors, intestinal ORs have emerged as crucial functional components, serving as a molecular bridge that connects environmental chemical signals—such as food-derived odorants—to specific physiological responses. This discovery has significantly deepened our understanding of how dietary flavors and compounds influence intestinal physiology at the molecular level. This review systematically summarizes the expression profiles, ligand classification, and biological functions of ORs within the gastrointestinal tract. Studies indicate that intestinal ORs exhibit distinct spatial distribution patterns across different gut segments and display cell-type specificity, particularly within enterocytes and enteroendocrine cells. These receptors function as versatile sensors capable of recognizing a wide variety of ligands, including exogenous dietary components, gut microbiota metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, and endogenous small molecules like azelaic acid. Upon activation by specific ligands, intestinal ORs trigger intracellular signaling cascades, primarily involving the AC-cAMP-PKA pathway or calcium influx channels. A major focus of this review is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these receptors regulate the secretion of gut hormones. Activation of specific ORs in enteroendocrine cells has been shown to stimulate the release of hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and serotonin (5-HT), thereby modulating systemic energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and gastrointestinal motility. Furthermore, the review addresses the critical roles of ORs in immune regulation and pathology. Evidence suggests that specific ORs contribute to the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis and may offer protection against inflammation. Beyond their involvement in inflammatory responses, ORs such as Olfr78 have been shown to regulate the differentiation and function of intestinal endocrine cells. Similarly, Olfr544 has been demonstrated to alleviate intestinal inflammation by remodeling the gut microbiome and metabolome. These findings collectively suggest that specific ORs hold promise as therapeutic targets for mitigating intestinal inflammation and maintaining gut homeostasis. Additionally, the review explores the emerging role of ORs in cancer. Although OR expression is often downregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal mucosa, activation of specific ORs by certain ligands can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis via pathways such as MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK. Conversely, other receptors, such as OR7C1, may serve as biomarkers for cancer-initiating cells. In conclusion, intestinal ORs represent a vital component of the gut’s sensory network. The review also discusses the translational potential of these findings. By elucidating the precise pairing relationships between dietary components and specific ORs, novel therapeutic strategies could be developed. Intestinal ORs may thus emerge as promising targets for nutritional and pharmacological interventions in metabolic diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and malignancies.
5.Clinical Efficacy and Economic Evaluation of 1293 Non-Severe Adult Patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia Treated by the Jiangsu Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Dominant Diseases:A Multicenter,Retrospective Real-World Cohort Study
Ye MA ; Yeqing JI ; Zhichao WANG ; Fanchao FENG ; Mingzhi PU ; Hong LYU ; Xiaodong HU ; Gaohua FENG ; Xiaoqian FANG ; Guicai ZHANG ; Yanfen TANG ; Yeqing ZHANG ; Yao ZHUFU ; Wenpan PENG ; Hao WANG ; Cheng GU ; Zhichao ZHANG ; Shuang YANG ; Xinyu SUN ; Qi ZHAO ; Aojie GUO ; Xin TONG ; Zhuoyue WU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Jia LIU ; Hailang HE ; Xianmei ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):966-974
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and economic value of the Jiangsu Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Dominant Diseases (abbreviated as the Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol) in adult patients with non-severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) based on real-world clinical data. MethodsA retrospective real-world cohort study was conducted using electronic medical records of adult patients hospitalized for non-severe CAP from September 1st, 2023 to December 31st, 2024 across 10 TCM hospitals in Jiangsu province. Patients were classified into an exposure group and a non-exposure group based on whether they received Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) according to the Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol. The non-exposure group received only conventional western medicine, while the exposure group additionally received differentiated CHM for at least five consecutive days. Outcomes were compared between two patient groups, including cough resolution rate, sputum resolution rate (assessed by volume, color, and consistency), incidence of abnormal C-reactive protein (CRP), incidence of abnormal white blood cell (WBC) count, and radiographic resolution rate of pulmonary infiltrates on chest imaging. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors influencing clinical efficacy. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to age, gender, smoking status, history of hypertension, and pneumonia severity score (CURB-65), and the efficacy of treatment for cough and sputum was analyzed within each subgroup. Cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted using cough resolution rate as the outcome measure, evaluating the pharmacoeconomics of the two groups. ResultsA total of 1688 patients were included with 1293 in the exposure group and 395 in the non-exposure group. Compared to the non-exposure group, the exposure group demonstrated significantly higher resolution rates of cough, sputum volume, color, and consistency, as well as a significantly lower incidence of abnormal CRP (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of abnormal WBC count and radiographic resolution rate of pulmonary infiltrates (P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the cough resolution rate in the exposure group was 1.83 times that of the non-exposure group, while the probabilities of resolution in sputum volume, color, and consistency were 1.37, 2.09, and 1.56 times those of the non-exposure group, respectively (P<0.05). Subgroup analyses showed that the exposure group achieved significantly higher cough resolution rates across most subgroups except for populations with a CURB-65 score ≥2 or those with a history of hypertension (P<0.05). Specifically, among females, patients aged ≥18 and <65 years, non-smokers, those without hypertension, and those with a CURB-65 score of 0, the exposure group showed a higher cough resolution rate than the non-exposure group (P<0.05). From an economic perspective, total hospitalization cost, length of stay, antibiotic cost, and CHM cost all differed significantly between groups (P<0.05). The cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) was 10,788.80 CNY/case in the exposure group, while 22,513.80 CNY/case in the non-exposure group. This implies that, compared with the exposure group, the non-exposure group incurred an additional 17,302.27 CNY to achieve one case of cough resolution. When the willingness-to-pay threshold ranged from 0 to 50,000 CNY, the probability of economic advantage was consistently higher in the exposure group than in the non-exposure group. ConclusionOn the basis of conventional western medicine, the addition of CHM in accordance with the Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol can effectively improve clinical symptoms, reduce inflammatory markers, promote clinical recovery, and is more cost-effective in treating adults with non-severe CAP.
6.Efficacy and Economic Evaluation of Weishi Qingjin Formula (苇石清金方)in the Treatment of Adult Community-Acquired Pneumonia with Phlegm-Heat Obstructing the Lung Syndrome:A Multicenter Retrospective Real-World Cohort Study
Yeqing JI ; Ye MA ; Zhichao WANG ; Fanchao FENG ; Mingzhi PU ; Hong LYU ; Xiaodong HU ; Gaohua FENG ; Xiaoqian FANG ; Guicai ZHANG ; Yanfen TANG ; Yeqing ZHANG ; Yao ZHUFU ; Wenpan PENG ; Hao WANG ; Cheng GU ; Zhichao ZHANG ; Shuang YANG ; Xinyu SUN ; Qi ZHAO ; Aojie GUO ; Xin TONG ; Zhuoyue WU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Jia LIU ; Hailang HE ; Xianmei ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):975-984
ObjectiveTo observe the real‑world effectiveness and economic outcomes of Weishi Qingjin Formula (苇石清金方, WQF) in the treatment of adult community‑acquired pneumonia (CAP) with phlegm‑heat obstructing the lung syndrome. MethodsBased on a multicenter, real-world retrospective cohort study, clinical data were collected from hospitalized adult patients diagnosed with non‑severe CAP and phlegm‑heat obstructing the lung syndrome in 10 traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospitals in Jiangsu province. Patients were divided into an exposure group (those who received oral WQF) and a non‑exposure group (those who did not). The following outcomes were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, which were remission rates of clinical symptoms including cough, expectoration (sputum volume, color, consistency), and chest pain, levels of inflammatory markers including C‑reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC), and the rate of pulmonary inflammatory absorption on chest CT. Subgroup analyses were performed based on age, gender, smoking status, presence of hypertension, and the severity of community-acquired pneumonia (CURB‑65) score, comparing the two groups in terms of cough remission rate, chest pain remission rate, and chest CT absorption rate. For health economic evaluation, cost‑effectiveness analysis was used to calculate the cost‑effectiveness ratio (CER) and incremental cost‑effectiveness ratio (ICER). Univariate sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed to test the robustness of the results. ResultsA total of 647 patients in the exposure group and 1491 patients in the non-exposure group were included in the final statistical analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in length of hospital stay, gender, marital status, smoking history, bronchoscopy history, and comorbidities between the groups (P>0.05), but age, CURB-65 score, and antibiotic use. The exposure group had significantly higher remission rates of cough and sputum consistency than the non-exposure group (P<0.05). After adjusting for confounders using propensity score matching and logistic regression, the cough remission rate in the exposure group was 1.49 times that of the non-exposure group (P<0.01). No significant difference was observed between groups in the reduction rates of CRP and WBC, and in the rate of pulmonary inflammatory absorption on chest CT (P>0.05). Subgroup analyses revealed that the cough remission rate in the exposure group was significantly better than that in the non-exposure group except for patients aged ≥65 years, smokers, hypertensive patients, those using other type antibiotics or not using antibiotics, and those with a CURB-65 score ≥1 (P<0.05). Among smokers, the chest pain remission rate in the exposure group was 4.38 times that of the non-exposure group (P<0.01). No significant difference in chest CT absorption rate was found between groups across subgroups of gender, age, hypertension status, or antibiotic type (P>0.05). In terms of economic evaluation, CER was 10,877.60 CNY/case in the exposure group and 16,773.10 CNY/case in the non-exposure group. Compared to the exposure group, the non-exposure group incurred an additional 15,034.26 CNY to achieve one case of cough resolution, indicating a more favorable cost-effectiveness profile. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis yielded results consistent with the cost-effectiveness analysis, confirming the robustness of the findings. ConclusionWQF demonstrates significant efficacy in improving cough symptoms in the treatment of adult CAP with phlegm-heat obstructing the lung syndrome, and also exhibits favorable economic benefits.
7.Study on the role and mechanism of SPP1+ macrophages in the formation of chronic renal allograft fibrosis
Zexin YANG ; Zeping GUI ; Junqi ZHANG ; Gang ZHANG ; Hao CHEN ; Li SUN ; Shuang FEI ; Min GU ; Zijie WANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):413-421
Objective To investigate the role and potential mechanism of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1)+ macrophages in the formation of chronic renal allograft fibrosis. Methods The expression features of SPP1+ macrophages in renal allografts of chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD) patients were analyzed based on single-cell transcriptome data of renal tissues from patients with CAD. Transcription factor VIPER analysis and DoRothEA transcription factor activity analysis were performed on the single-cell transcriptome data. Renal tissue samples were collected from kidney transplant recipients, including the CAD group (n=5) and the non-renal allograft fibrosis group (CTL group, n=5). A mouse model of chronic allograft rejection was established and divided into the allogeneic kidney transplantation group (CAD group, n=3) and the syngeneic kidney transplantation group (SYN group, n=3). Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to detect renal tissue injury in mice, and Masson staining was used to detect renal tissue fibrosis. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect SPP1 expression in renal tissues of transplant recipients and mouse renal allografts. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were extracted from mice and subjected to hypoxia stimulation. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and SPP1 was detected by Western blot, and SPP1 expression was detected by flow cytometry. BMDMs were transfected with HIF-1α overexpression plasmid and HIF-1α small interfering RNA (siRNA) followed by hypoxia intervention, and the expression of HIF-1α and SPP1 was detected by Western blot. Mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs) were co-cultured with the supernatant of BMDMs, and the expression of endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT)-related markers was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Results Single-cell transcriptome analysis showed that the proportion of SPP1+ macrophages in renal allograft tissues was significantly higher in the CAD group than in the CTL group (P<0.05). The renal injury score and the percentage of interstitial fibrotic area in the CAD group were significantly higher than those in the SYN group (both P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed that the proportion of SPP1+ macrophages was increased in the CAD group compared with the CTL group, and also increased in the CAD group compared with the SYN group (both P<0.05). VIPER analysis and DoRothEA transcription factor activity analysis revealed activation of the hypoxia pathway and upregulated expression of transcription factors such as HIF-1α in SPP1+ macrophages. SPP1 expression was elevated in BMDMs under hypoxic conditions. Knockdown of HIF-1α inhibited hypoxia-induced SPP1 protein expression, whereas overexpression of HIF-1α upregulated SPP1 protein levels. After co-culture of hypoxia-induced BMDMs with MAECs, the expression levels of EndMT-related markers were increased. Conclusions SPP1+ macrophages differentiated under hypoxia are significantly infiltrated in the formation of chronic renal allograft fibrosis, and may promote renal allograft fibrosis by inducing EndMT in renal vascular endothelial cells.
8.Clinical Efficacy and Economic Evaluation of 1293 Non-Severe Adult Patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia Treated by the Jiangsu Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Dominant Diseases:A Multicenter,Retrospective Real-World Cohort Study
Ye MA ; Yeqing JI ; Zhichao WANG ; Fanchao FENG ; Mingzhi PU ; Hong LYU ; Xiaodong HU ; Gaohua FENG ; Xiaoqian FANG ; Guicai ZHANG ; Yanfen TANG ; Yeqing ZHANG ; Yao ZHUFU ; Wenpan PENG ; Hao WANG ; Cheng GU ; Zhichao ZHANG ; Shuang YANG ; Xinyu SUN ; Qi ZHAO ; Aojie GUO ; Xin TONG ; Zhuoyue WU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Jia LIU ; Hailang HE ; Xianmei ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):966-974
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and economic value of the Jiangsu Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Dominant Diseases (abbreviated as the Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol) in adult patients with non-severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) based on real-world clinical data. MethodsA retrospective real-world cohort study was conducted using electronic medical records of adult patients hospitalized for non-severe CAP from September 1st, 2023 to December 31st, 2024 across 10 TCM hospitals in Jiangsu province. Patients were classified into an exposure group and a non-exposure group based on whether they received Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) according to the Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol. The non-exposure group received only conventional western medicine, while the exposure group additionally received differentiated CHM for at least five consecutive days. Outcomes were compared between two patient groups, including cough resolution rate, sputum resolution rate (assessed by volume, color, and consistency), incidence of abnormal C-reactive protein (CRP), incidence of abnormal white blood cell (WBC) count, and radiographic resolution rate of pulmonary infiltrates on chest imaging. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors influencing clinical efficacy. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to age, gender, smoking status, history of hypertension, and pneumonia severity score (CURB-65), and the efficacy of treatment for cough and sputum was analyzed within each subgroup. Cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted using cough resolution rate as the outcome measure, evaluating the pharmacoeconomics of the two groups. ResultsA total of 1688 patients were included with 1293 in the exposure group and 395 in the non-exposure group. Compared to the non-exposure group, the exposure group demonstrated significantly higher resolution rates of cough, sputum volume, color, and consistency, as well as a significantly lower incidence of abnormal CRP (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of abnormal WBC count and radiographic resolution rate of pulmonary infiltrates (P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the cough resolution rate in the exposure group was 1.83 times that of the non-exposure group, while the probabilities of resolution in sputum volume, color, and consistency were 1.37, 2.09, and 1.56 times those of the non-exposure group, respectively (P<0.05). Subgroup analyses showed that the exposure group achieved significantly higher cough resolution rates across most subgroups except for populations with a CURB-65 score ≥2 or those with a history of hypertension (P<0.05). Specifically, among females, patients aged ≥18 and <65 years, non-smokers, those without hypertension, and those with a CURB-65 score of 0, the exposure group showed a higher cough resolution rate than the non-exposure group (P<0.05). From an economic perspective, total hospitalization cost, length of stay, antibiotic cost, and CHM cost all differed significantly between groups (P<0.05). The cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) was 10,788.80 CNY/case in the exposure group, while 22,513.80 CNY/case in the non-exposure group. This implies that, compared with the exposure group, the non-exposure group incurred an additional 17,302.27 CNY to achieve one case of cough resolution. When the willingness-to-pay threshold ranged from 0 to 50,000 CNY, the probability of economic advantage was consistently higher in the exposure group than in the non-exposure group. ConclusionOn the basis of conventional western medicine, the addition of CHM in accordance with the Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol can effectively improve clinical symptoms, reduce inflammatory markers, promote clinical recovery, and is more cost-effective in treating adults with non-severe CAP.
9.Efficacy and Economic Evaluation of Weishi Qingjin Formula (苇石清金方)in the Treatment of Adult Community-Acquired Pneumonia with Phlegm-Heat Obstructing the Lung Syndrome:A Multicenter Retrospective Real-World Cohort Study
Yeqing JI ; Ye MA ; Zhichao WANG ; Fanchao FENG ; Mingzhi PU ; Hong LYU ; Xiaodong HU ; Gaohua FENG ; Xiaoqian FANG ; Guicai ZHANG ; Yanfen TANG ; Yeqing ZHANG ; Yao ZHUFU ; Wenpan PENG ; Hao WANG ; Cheng GU ; Zhichao ZHANG ; Shuang YANG ; Xinyu SUN ; Qi ZHAO ; Aojie GUO ; Xin TONG ; Zhuoyue WU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Jia LIU ; Hailang HE ; Xianmei ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):975-984
ObjectiveTo observe the real‑world effectiveness and economic outcomes of Weishi Qingjin Formula (苇石清金方, WQF) in the treatment of adult community‑acquired pneumonia (CAP) with phlegm‑heat obstructing the lung syndrome. MethodsBased on a multicenter, real-world retrospective cohort study, clinical data were collected from hospitalized adult patients diagnosed with non‑severe CAP and phlegm‑heat obstructing the lung syndrome in 10 traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospitals in Jiangsu province. Patients were divided into an exposure group (those who received oral WQF) and a non‑exposure group (those who did not). The following outcomes were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, which were remission rates of clinical symptoms including cough, expectoration (sputum volume, color, consistency), and chest pain, levels of inflammatory markers including C‑reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC), and the rate of pulmonary inflammatory absorption on chest CT. Subgroup analyses were performed based on age, gender, smoking status, presence of hypertension, and the severity of community-acquired pneumonia (CURB‑65) score, comparing the two groups in terms of cough remission rate, chest pain remission rate, and chest CT absorption rate. For health economic evaluation, cost‑effectiveness analysis was used to calculate the cost‑effectiveness ratio (CER) and incremental cost‑effectiveness ratio (ICER). Univariate sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed to test the robustness of the results. ResultsA total of 647 patients in the exposure group and 1491 patients in the non-exposure group were included in the final statistical analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in length of hospital stay, gender, marital status, smoking history, bronchoscopy history, and comorbidities between the groups (P>0.05), but age, CURB-65 score, and antibiotic use. The exposure group had significantly higher remission rates of cough and sputum consistency than the non-exposure group (P<0.05). After adjusting for confounders using propensity score matching and logistic regression, the cough remission rate in the exposure group was 1.49 times that of the non-exposure group (P<0.01). No significant difference was observed between groups in the reduction rates of CRP and WBC, and in the rate of pulmonary inflammatory absorption on chest CT (P>0.05). Subgroup analyses revealed that the cough remission rate in the exposure group was significantly better than that in the non-exposure group except for patients aged ≥65 years, smokers, hypertensive patients, those using other type antibiotics or not using antibiotics, and those with a CURB-65 score ≥1 (P<0.05). Among smokers, the chest pain remission rate in the exposure group was 4.38 times that of the non-exposure group (P<0.01). No significant difference in chest CT absorption rate was found between groups across subgroups of gender, age, hypertension status, or antibiotic type (P>0.05). In terms of economic evaluation, CER was 10,877.60 CNY/case in the exposure group and 16,773.10 CNY/case in the non-exposure group. Compared to the exposure group, the non-exposure group incurred an additional 15,034.26 CNY to achieve one case of cough resolution, indicating a more favorable cost-effectiveness profile. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis yielded results consistent with the cost-effectiveness analysis, confirming the robustness of the findings. ConclusionWQF demonstrates significant efficacy in improving cough symptoms in the treatment of adult CAP with phlegm-heat obstructing the lung syndrome, and also exhibits favorable economic benefits.
10.Ameliorative effects and mechanisms of Buyang huanwu decoction and its active fractions on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Jinbiao YANG ; Xingtong CHEN ; Yunyue ZHOU ; Ruihong YANG ; Qiao WANG ; Shuang XUE ; Yukun ZHANG ; Wenying NIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):299-304
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Buyang huanwu decoction (BYHWD) and its active fractions in ameliorating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. METHODS BYHWD and its effective fractions obtained through ethanol precipitation, as well as 30% ethanol, 50% ethanol, and 75% ethanol fractions (namely, the CC effective fraction, 30YC effective fraction, 50YC effective fraction, and 75YC effective fraction), were prepared. These preparations were administered to rats via intragastric administration to prepare corresponding drug-containing serum (blank serum and simvastatin-containing serum were prepared using the same protocol). Human L02 hepatocytes were divided into control group, model group, simvastatin-containing serum group, BYHWD-containing serum group, CC-containing serum group, 30YC-containing serum group, 50YC-containing serum group, and 75YC-containing serum group. Except for the control group, other groups were given 0.2 mol/L oleic acid for 24 h to induce a lipid accumulation model, and then intervened with 20% drug-containing serum/blank serum for 24 h. The lipid deposition in cells was observed, and the proportion of lipid droplet area was calculated; the levels of triglycerides (TG) and indicators of oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD)] as well as liver function [alanine amino- transferase (ALT), aspartate amino-transferase (AST)] in cells were detected; protein and mRNA expressions of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1)/glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) signaling pathway were also measured. RESULTS Compared with the control group, cells in the model group exhibited severe cellular steatosis, with a significantly increased proportion of lipid droplet area, as well as the elevated levels of TG, ALT, AST, and MDA in cells, along with significantly up-regulated mRNA and protein expression levels of SREBP-1 and GPAT (P<0.05). The level of SOD, mRNA expression of AMPK, as well as the protein phosphorylation level of AMPK were decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, cellular steatosis was alleviated in all drug-containing serum groups, and the levels of most of the aforementioned quantitative indicators were significantly reversed (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS BYHWD and its active fractions can exert a therapeutic effect on improving non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating the AMPK/SREBP-1/GPAT signaling pathway, inhibiting oxidative stress responses, and reducing lipid deposition.

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