1.Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance: a health economic evaluation
Qi-Feng CHEN ; Xiong-Ying JIANG ; Song CHEN ; Jiongliang WANG ; Ming ZHAO
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):536-564
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) imposes a major health and economic burden worldwide, with disproportionate effects in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Surveillance in high-risk populations, typically using semiannual ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein testing, has been shown to be cost-effective by enabling earlier detection and improving survival. Yet, its overall value is reduced by poor adherence and the limited sensitivity of ultrasound, particularly in patients with metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease. Emerging approaches—including abbreviated magnetic resonance imaging, multi-biomarker models (e.g., gender, age, AFP, AFP-L3, and DCP), and liquid biopsy assays such as methylated DNA markers—demonstrate greater diagnostic accuracy and potential economic advantages compared with conventional methods. Integration of artificial intelligence into imaging may further enhance efficiency and reduce downstream costs. Moving toward precision surveillance, guided by individualized risk stratification that incorporates etiology, fibrosis stage, and molecular profiles, can optimize allocation of resources and maximize cost-effectiveness at the population level. Interventions to improve adherence, including mailed outreach and behavioral economic incentives, have shown both clinical benefit and cost savings, underscoring the role of implementation science. Because socioeconomic disparities influence both access and outcomes, economic models must explicitly address equity to achieve sustainable impact. Future research should prioritize prospective trials that evaluate not only clinical performance but also the real-world cost-effectiveness of novel technologies and stratified surveillance strategies. For LMICs, adapting proven models into affordable, context-appropriate programs is essential. By combining prevention, precision risk assessment, innovative technologies, and equitable implementation, HCC surveillance can deliver both clinical and economic value, reducing the global burden of disease.
2.Performance of Computer-Aided Detection Software in Tuberculosis Case Finding in Township Health Centers in China
Xuefang CAO ; Boxuan FENG ; Bin ZHANG ; Dakuan WANG ; Jiang DU ; Yijun HE ; Tonglei GUO ; Shouguo PAN ; Zisen LIU ; Jiaoxia YAN ; Qi JIN ; Lei GAO ; Henan XIN
Chronic Diseases and Translational Medicine 2025;11(2):140-147
Background::Computer-aided detection (CAD) software has been introduced to automatically interpret digital chest X-rays. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of CAD software (JF CXR-1 v3.0, which was developed by a domestic Hi-tech enterprise) in tuberculosis (TB) case finding in China.Methods::In 2019, we conducted an internal evaluation of the performance of JF CXR-1 v3.0 by reading standard images annotated by a panel of experts. In 2020, using the reading results of chest X-rays by a panel of experts as the reference standard, we conducted an on-site prospective study to evaluate the performance of JF CXR-1 v3.0 and local radiologists in TB case finding in 13 township health centers in Zhongmu County, Henan Province.Results::Internal assessment results based on 277 standard images showed that JF CXR-1 v3.0 had a sensitivity of 85.94% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 77.42%, 94.45%) and a specificity of 74.65% (95% CI: 68.81%, 80.49%) to distinguish active TB from other imaging conditions. In the on-site evaluation phase, images from 3705 outpatients who underwent chest X-ray detection were read by JF CXR-1 v3.0 and local radiologists in parallel. The imaging diagnosis of local radiologists for active TB had a sensitivity of 32.89% (95% CI: 22.33%, 43.46%) and a specificity of 99.28% (95% CI: 99.01%, 99.56%), while JF CXR-1 v3.0 showed a significantly higher sensitivity of 92.11% (95% CI: 86.04%, 98.17%) ( p < 0.05) and maintained high specificity at 94.54% (95% CI: 93.81%, 95.28%). Conclusions::CAD software could play a positive role in improving the TB case finding capability of township health centers.
3.Effects of Pulsatilla decoction on 5-HT signaling system in the hippocampus of rats with damp-heat diarrhea
Yunqi QU ; Shengming JIANG ; Shuo FENG ; Chenying WANG ; Siyue LAI ; Qi MA
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(3):559-567
This study aims to investigate the effects of Pulsatilla decoction(PD)on the 5-HT sig-naling system in the hippocampus of damp-heat diarrhoea(DHD)rats.Twenty-four male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups including the blank group,the model group,the PD group and the self-healing group.Except for the blank group,the rats in each group were induced by"high sugar and high fat,high temperature and high humidity,and E.coli poisoning"to establish a of rat model DHD,and were treated by gavage with PD.Changes in body weight,temperature,food intake and water intake,routine blood tests and histopathological changes in the colon were recor-ded to comprehensively determine the modelling condition of rats with DHD;histopathological changes in the hippocampus of rats were observed,and real-time fluorescence PCR was used to de-termine the expression of IL-1β3,IL-6,TNF-α,IFN-γ and TPH1 mRNA in the hippocampus;West-ern blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the protein expression of tryptophan hydroxylase 1(TPH1),receptors(5-HT3R,5-HT4R,5-HT7R)in 5-HT signaling pathway in the hippocampus.The results showed that:PD significantly regulated the abnormal changes of body weight,food and water intake and blood routine indexes in rats with DHD,and significantly im-proved the pathological damage of colonic tissues;PD significantly lowered the expression of in-flammatory cytokines IL-1β,IL-6,IFN-γ,and TNF-α in hippocampus of rats with DHD(P<0.05),and significantly reduced the expression of TPH1 mRNA in hippocampus of rats with DHD(P<0.05).PD could increased the expression of 5-HT4R and 5-HT7R in the hippocampus of rats with DHD;reduced the expression of 5-HT3R and TPH in the hippocampus,among which 5-HT3R expression was significantly reduced.This study suggests that PD can affect the function of hippocampus in rats with DHD by regulating the 5-HT signaling pathway.
4.Effects of Pulsatilla powder on intestinal flora and tryptophan metabolism in co-lon of piglets with diarrhea
Shuo FENG ; Lifang ZHANG ; Yufei XIE ; Shengming JIANG ; Liting CAO ; Shicheng BI ; Qi MA
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(3):568-579
This study aims to investigate the effects of Pulsatilla powder(PP)on colonic intestinal flora and tryptophan metabolism in piglets with diarrhea.Twenty-four weaned piglets were ran-domly divided into the normal control group,model group,self-healing group,and PP group.The model of piglet diarrhea was established by the compound factor of external evil+internal injury+epi-demic virus,and treated with PP.During the modeling period,the body weight,mental status and fecal patterns of piglets were monitored daily.After the experiment,the colon tissues were collect-ed for histopathological observation,and the inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-6 in the colon tis-sue was detected by ELISA,16S rRNA was used to analyze colonic intestinal flora and RT-qPCR was used to determine the expression of genes related to tryptophan metabolism in the colon.The results showed that,compared with the model group,PP significantly improved the pathological status of the colon in piglets with diarrhea,with elevated body mass and a significant increase in goblet cells(P<0.05);and significantly reduced the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in the colon of diar-rhea piglets(P<0.05).The results of intestinal flora showed that PP increased the abundance of Firmicutes(P<0.01),Spirochaeota(P<0.01)and Lactobacillus(P<0.05),reduced the abun-dance of Bacteroidota(P<0.05)、Prevotella_NK3B31_group(P<0.05)and Clostridium_sensu_stricto 1(P<0.01).Meanwhile,PP significantly reduced the expression level of TPH1 mRNA(P<0.05),increased the expression levels of AhR(P<0.05)and IL-22 mRNA in the co-lon of diarrhea piglets.These results indicates that PP may alleviate diarrhea in piglets by regula-ting colonic intestinal flora and genes related to intestinal tryptophan metabolism.This study pro-vides data support for the subsequent investigation of piglet diarrhea prevention and treatment.
5.Effects of shaving or segmental bowel resection on intestinal function in patients with bowel endometriosis:a 10-year follow-up study
Qi TIAN ; Yun CHEN ; Xin-xiang LI ; Wei-qi LU ; Jiang-feng YE ; Ke-qin HUA ; Xiao-fang YI
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(3):349-357
Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of preoperative intestinal symptoms in patients with bowel endometriosis and to compare the effects of shaving versus segmental bowel resection on postoperative intestinal function.Methods A total of 105 patients diagnosed with bowel endometriosis and treated by the same surgical team at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital,Fudan University between Aug 1,2013 and Dec 30,2017 were prospectively enrolled in this study.Clinical data were collected via outpatient visits and telephone follow-ups at four time points:preoperative(T0)and postoperative(T1:Nov 2018;T2:Nov 2020;T3:Apr 2024).The primary outcome was bowel symptoms and gastrointestinal function scores;secondary outcome was pain scores.A generalized estimating equation(GEE)model was used to analyze the interaction effect of surgical approach and follow-up time on outcomes.Results Ultimately,a total of 89 patients were included(15.24%loss to follow-up),among whom 79 patients(88.76%)underwent shaving excision.Preoperatively,46 patients(51.68%)presented with bowel symptoms,primarily anus bulge(21 cases,46.65%)and diarrhea(15 cases,32.61%)during menstruation.Postoperatively,there was a significant increase in constipation rates(T1:71.43%;T2:50.00%;T3:72.00%).Both surgical groups exhibited significant improvements in dysmenorrhea,gastrointestinal discomfort scores as well as gastrointestinal quality of life index(P<0.000 5).However,the segmental resection group had significantly higher scores for low anterior resection syndrome,constipation compared with the shaving excision group(P=0.02 and P=0.05).Conclusion Approximately half of the patients with bowel endometriosis exhibit typical bowel symptoms preoperatively,such as anus bulge and diarrhea.Both shaving excision and segmental resection effectively alleviate pain;however,shaving excision demonstrates an advantage regarding preservation of bowel function,whereas segmental resection may elevate risks associated with postoperative constipation or altered defecation patterns due to structural changes.The selection of surgical approach should carefully balance lesion removal and functional preservation,moreover,be sure that potential risks are thoroughly informed to patients prior to surgery.
6.Clinical manifestations and risk factor profiling of particle therapy-induced acute radiation dermatitis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Yuan-yuan WANG ; Yan HU ; Shu-qi YUAN ; Feng JING ; Ling-yun JIANG
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(3):372-384
Objective To investigate the longitudinal clinical manifestations of acute radiation dermatitis(ARD)induced by particle therapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients and to analyze associated risk factors.Methods A longitudinal study design was employed,encompassing nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients who underwent particle therapy at the Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center from Mar to Sept 2023.Participants were assessed weekly(1-12 weeks)following the commencement of radiotherapy and at baseline,prior to the start of treatment.Data collection included the patient demographic questionnaire,the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group(RTOG)grading criteria for acute radiation injury,and the radiation-induced skin reaction assessment scale(RISRAS).Photographic documentation was utilized to capture changes in the irradiated skin area.The enrolled patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were grouped according to different particle therapy regimens.Survival data were analyzed by Log-rank and Cox regression methods,while a linear mixed-effects model was applied to repeated measures data.Results A total of 119 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were enrolled.The overall incidence of ARD was 89.1%,which included 39.5%of grade 1,45.4%of grade 2 and 4.2%of grade 3.With the extension of time,the severity of ARD peaked at week 7(RISRAS=13.26±4.512),then began to decrease,ultimately reaching a lower level.Multiple Cox proportional hazards models were constructed,revealing that proton/heavy ion radiotherapy was associated with a lower risk of ARD compared to photon/proton plus heavy ion radiotherapy(HR=0.19,95%CI:0.04-0.92,P=0.039).Additionally,concurrent cisplatin/nedaplatin chemotherapy was identified as a risk factor for the development of ARD.Least squares(LS)mean differences were calculated at different time points,and the results demonstrated that the RISRAS scores of the photon/proton plus heavy ion group were consistently and significantly higher from week 5 to week 7 compared with the proton plus heavy ion group,and despite a decrease by week 8,statistical differences remained(week 5:LS mean difference 3.35,95%CI:0.94-5.76,P=0.007;week 6:LS mean difference 5.23,95%CI:2.20-8.26,P=0.001;week 7:LS mean difference 7.13,95%CI:3.67-10.59,P<0.001;week 8:LS mean difference 4.04,95%CI:0.74-7.34,P=0.017).Patients undergoing concurrent cisplatin chemotherapy had higher RISRAS scores from week 7 to week 8 of radiotherapy compared with those not receiving chemotherapy[week 7:adjusted mean difference(Adj.MD)4.20,95%CI:1.96-6.57,P=0.006;week 8:Adj.MD 2.79,95%CI 0.55-5.03,P=0.015].Similarly,patients on concurrent nedaplatin chemotherapy had higher RISRAS scores from weeks 6 to 7 compared with those not on chemotherapy(week 6:Adj.MD 3.75,95%CI:1.54-5.96,P=0.001;week 7:Adj.MD 4.41,95%CI:2.12-6.70,P<0.001).Skin care measures during treatment and accompanying symptoms such as weight loss were not statistically associated with the development of ARD.Conclusion Proton/heavy ion radiotherapy has a lower risk of ARD,while concurrent cisplatin/nedaplatin chemotherapy is a risk factor for ARD.
7.Model of cardiovascular metabolic risk intervention for obese students based on the operating mechanism of vice president of health
Dan-hua DAI ; Bing LI ; Qi ZHAO ; Feng JIANG ; Sha XU
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(6):903-907
To explore an effective health management model for obese students,a comprehensive intervention was carried out for obese students with cardiovascular and metabolic risks,and the effectiveness of this intervention model was evaluated.From Jan to Apr 2024(excluding the winter vacation),300 students were selected from 6 primary schools in Qibao Community,Minhang District,Shanghai,to participate in the study(28 students dropped out during the study period).The study subjects were divided into two intervention groups(pilot intervention group:equipped with a health vice principal;general intervention group:not equipped with a health vice principal)and a control group.The intervention group received comprehensive intervention measures such as science popularization,diet,exercise and psychology,while the control group received daily health management.The post-intervention results showed that the intervention group had significant improvements in healthy diet,scientific exercise and positive psychology,with significant differences compared to the control group(P<0.05).At the same time,the intervention group had a reduced detection rate of obesity(BMI≥P95),and a decreased detection rate of abnormal metabolic indicators such as blood pressure,fasting blood glucose and triglyceride,especially significant differences in fasting blood glucose and triglyceride compared with the control group(P<0.001).In addition,the pilot intervention group under the operation of health vice principal showed better effects in changing healthy behaviors and improving some metabolic indicators compared with the general intervention group.The implementation of this project provided a scientific basis for the promotion of a comprehensive intervention model for student health under the oprtation of health vice principle.
8.Dosimetric study on different bladder filling status in cervical cancer radiotherapy based on artificial intelligence-assisted segmentation
Yingnan QI ; Xuemei CHEN ; Foping CHEN ; Zhanlin CHEN ; Xiaobo JIANG ; Senkui XU ; Yu LUO ; Xiaoyue XIONG ; Feng CHI
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2025;42(7):847-852
Objective To evaluate the dosimetric impact of interfractional bladder fullness variation in volumetric modulated arc therapy for cervical cancer using artificial intelligence-assisted cone-beam CT(CBCT)image segmentation,and propose an imaging-based quantitative assessment criterion for bladder fullness,providing an objective basis for assessing bladder filling status during clinical treatment.Methods Fifty patients receiving volumetric modulated arc therapy for cervical cancer were selected.The criterion for determining bladder fullness was as follow:if the bladder longitudinal diameter measured on the CBCT mid-sagittal plane was greater than half of the bladder longitudinal diameter measured on the localizable CT,it was defined as≥50%bladder fullness;otherwise,it was defined as<50%bladder fullness.Based on this criterion,two CBCT images were selected for each patient(representing fractions with≥50%and<50%fullness,respectively).Borui auto-contouring system was applied to re-contour the target areas and organs at risk,followed by dose recalculation.Results Compared with≥50%bladder fullness group,<50%bladder fullness group had significantly increased bladder V40,and small bowel Dmax,Dmean,V55,V45,V40(P<0.05),indicating that during interfractional radiotherapy,a CBCT-measured bladder longitudinal diameter less than half of the bladder longitudinal diameter measured on the localizable CT could serve as a predictor for significantly increased radiation dose to the bladder and small bowel.Correlation analysis revealed that bladder volume change showed a positive correlation with bladder Dmax change(R=0.45),a significant negative correlation with bladder V30(R=-0.37),and negative correlations with small bowel Dmax,Dmean,V55,V45,V40(R=-0.31,-0.41,-0.39,-0.49,-0.61).The correlation results indicate that increasing bladder fullness could reduce the radiation dose to the bladder and small bowel.Conclusion Artificial intelligence-assisted segmentation confirms that in interfractional radiotherapy for cervical cancer,when the CBCT-measured bladder longitudinal diameter is less than half of the longitudinal diameter measured on the localizable CT,there is a significant increase in radiation dose to OAR.Maintaining an ideal state of bladder fullness contributes to reducing the radiation dose to the bladder and small bowel.It is crucial to provide patients with adequate bladder management education before treatment and implement strict bladder volume management strategies during treatment fractions.
9.Surveillance for pneumonia of unknown etiology: current status, challenges, and implementation ways
Boer QI ; Qing WANG ; Ju WANG ; Tingting LI ; Yanlin CAO ; Rui SHEN ; Li QI ; Jiang LONG ; Weizhong YANG ; Luzhao FENG
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(5):914-920
The prevention and control of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases are crucial for national biosecurity, and surveillance and reporting of pneumonia of unknown etiology are main ways for the early detection of these diseases and mitigation of their severity. This paper summaries the surveillance methods for pneumonia of unknown etiology and emerging and reemerging infectious diseases globally, indicating that such surveillance is mainly conducted based on hospital. Western countries primarily combine active and passive surveillance while utilizing artificial intelligence technology to rapidly identify cases. China mainly use passive surveillance based on the surveillance system for pneumonia of unknown etiology, with the function of early warning in the identification of emerging infectious diseases, such as avian influenza. However, with the improvement in the surveillance system operation, the overlap with other surveillance disease systems, such as influenza, has occurred, and the improvements in case definition and operational protocol are needed. It is recommended to improve the specificity of the case definition, strenthen training in hospital staff, inclduing clinical workers and office workers, and formulate incentive mechanisms. It is necessary to emphasize the responsibility of clinicians as the main force for the detection and reporting of pneumonia of unknown etiology and emerging infectious diseases, improve the appilication of artifical intelligent technique and conduct multi-source surveillance, such as third-party testing.
10.Performance of Computer-Aided Detection Software in Tuberculosis Case Finding in Township Health Centers in China
Xuefang CAO ; Boxuan FENG ; Bin ZHANG ; Dakuan WANG ; Jiang DU ; Yijun HE ; Tonglei GUO ; Shouguo PAN ; Zisen LIU ; Jiaoxia YAN ; Qi JIN ; Lei GAO ; Henan XIN
Chronic Diseases and Translational Medicine 2025;11(2):140-147
Background::Computer-aided detection (CAD) software has been introduced to automatically interpret digital chest X-rays. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of CAD software (JF CXR-1 v3.0, which was developed by a domestic Hi-tech enterprise) in tuberculosis (TB) case finding in China.Methods::In 2019, we conducted an internal evaluation of the performance of JF CXR-1 v3.0 by reading standard images annotated by a panel of experts. In 2020, using the reading results of chest X-rays by a panel of experts as the reference standard, we conducted an on-site prospective study to evaluate the performance of JF CXR-1 v3.0 and local radiologists in TB case finding in 13 township health centers in Zhongmu County, Henan Province.Results::Internal assessment results based on 277 standard images showed that JF CXR-1 v3.0 had a sensitivity of 85.94% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 77.42%, 94.45%) and a specificity of 74.65% (95% CI: 68.81%, 80.49%) to distinguish active TB from other imaging conditions. In the on-site evaluation phase, images from 3705 outpatients who underwent chest X-ray detection were read by JF CXR-1 v3.0 and local radiologists in parallel. The imaging diagnosis of local radiologists for active TB had a sensitivity of 32.89% (95% CI: 22.33%, 43.46%) and a specificity of 99.28% (95% CI: 99.01%, 99.56%), while JF CXR-1 v3.0 showed a significantly higher sensitivity of 92.11% (95% CI: 86.04%, 98.17%) ( p < 0.05) and maintained high specificity at 94.54% (95% CI: 93.81%, 95.28%). Conclusions::CAD software could play a positive role in improving the TB case finding capability of township health centers.

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