1.Correlation between liver fibrosis degree and carotid plaque in patients with lean metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease
Shuai ZHANG ; Shoulu JIN ; Wanqing LI ; Xijing SHI ; Hao LIANG ; Hao DONG ; Dailong LU ; Ying ZHU ; Xiaoxing XIANG ; Jun LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):319-325
ObjectiveTo investigate the association between noninvasive liver fibrosis markers and carotid plaque (CP) in patients with lean metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and to provide a basis for screening high-risk populations. MethodsA total of 957 patients with lean MAFLD who underwent physical examination in Subei People’s Hospital from January 2021 to June 2023 was enrolled as the observation cohort, with the presence or absence of CP as the outcome, and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS) were used to assess liver fibrosis degree. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. The multivariate logistic regression analysis, the restricted cubic spline analysis, the receiver operating characteristic curve, and the mediation effect analysis were used to investigate the association between liver fibrosis degree and CP. ResultsThe prevalence rate of CP was 36.6% in the lean MAFLD population. Compared with the non-CP group(n=607), the CP group (n=350) had a significantly higher proportion of male patients, a significantly higher proportion of patients with smoking/diabetes/hypertension, and significantly higher levels of age, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio, NFS, and FIB-4 index, as well as significantly lower levels of platelet count and albumin (all P<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjustment for confounding factors, FIB-4 index (odds ratio[OR]=2.979, 95% confidence interval[CI]:2.141 — 4.219, P<0.001) and NFS (OR=1.747, 95%CI: 1.499 — 2.046, P<0.001) were positively correlated with CP. Both FIB-4 index and NFS had a good value in predicting CP. Hypertension had a significant indirect effect on the prevalence rate of CP through its impact on liver fibrosis markers, and its mediating effect accounted for 39.5% — 40.8% of the total effect (P<0.001). ConclusionIn patients with lean MAFLD, NFS and FIB-4 index are significantly positively correlated with the prevalence rate of CP, and they can be used as potential epidemiological predictive indicators. Liver fibrosis markers may play a mediating role in the association between hypertension and CP. Interventions targeting hypertension and liver fibrosis markers may help to prevent and delay the progression of CP.
2.Association of liver fibrosis markers and inflammation markers with the risk of gallstones in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease
Shuai ZHANG ; Shoulu JIN ; Wanqing LI ; Xijing SHI ; Hao LIANG ; Hao DONG ; Dailong LU ; Ying ZHU ; Xiaoxing XIANG ; Jun LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):579-585
ObjectiveTo investigate the association of liver fibrosis scores and inflammation markers with gallstones in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), as well as the mediating role of liver fibrosis scores in the relationship between inflammation markers and gallstones. MethodsA total of 14 567 patients who received physical examination and were diagnosed with MAFLD in Subei People’s Hospital from January 2014 to June 2023 were enrolled in this study, and according to the results of abdominal color Doppler ultrasound, they were divided into gallstone group with 1 724 patients and non-gallstone group with 12 843 patients. Related clinical data were collected from all patients, including demographic data, medical history, family history, physical examination, Color Doppler ultrasound, and biochemical parameters. The biomarkers associated with metabolic disorders and insulin resistance included triglyceride-glucose index (TyG), TyG-body mass index (BMI) index, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR); the biomarkers associated with inflammation and nutritional status included neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR); the biomarkers for assessing liver fibrosis degree and liver function included albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score, NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI). The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, while the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis, restricted cubic spline analysis, and mediating effect analysis were used to assess the association of liver fibrosis markers and inflammation markers with the risk of gallstones. ResultsThe prevalence rate of gallstones was 11.8% among the MAFLD patients. There were significant differences between the gallstone group and the non-gallstone group in sex, age, smoking history, diabetes, hypertension, lymphocytes, platelets, glucose, albumin, serum uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, red blood cell, NLR, NPAR, MLR, NFS, FIB-4 index, and ALBI score (all P<0.05). The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that NLR (odds ratio [OR]=1.091, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.028 — 1.160, P<0.05), NPAR (OR=1.073, 95%CI: 1.042 — 1.105, P<0.05), MLR (OR=1.142, 95%CI: 1.057 — 1.232, P<0.05), NFS (OR=1.239, 95%CI: 1.190 — 1.291, P<0.05), and FIB-4 index (OR=1.326, 95%CI: 1.241 — 1.417, P<0.05) were influencing factors for the prevalence rate of gallstones. The restricted cubic spline analysis showed a significant non-linear association between NFS/FIB-4 index and the risk of gallstone (non-linear P<0.05). The mediating effect analysis further showed that the association of NLR, MLR, and NPAR with gallstones was partially mediated by NFS or FIB-4 index, with a mediating effect accounting for 36.79%、28.09%、29.67% and 18.31%、17.70、11.57%, respectively. ConclusionNFS and FIB-4 index have a non-linear association with the prevalence rate of gallstones in MAFLD patients, and they also mediate the association of NLR, NPAR, and MLR with the risk of gallstone.
3.Treatment Modalities and Long-Term Outcomes in Unruptured Vertebrobasilar Fusiform Aneurysms: A Nationwide Observational Cohort Study
Linggen DONG ; Dachao WEI ; Xiheng CHEN ; Mingtao LI ; Yang ZHAO ; Yong SUN ; Qingbin NIE ; Jun FENG ; Guomin XIAO ; Jinghua ZHOU ; Shengli HU ; Lifei FENG ; Lifeng QI ; Hongen LIU ; Geng GUO ; Yufang LI ; Renfu TIAN ; Jianghua YU ; Dianshi JIN ; Liang HAO ; Tian TIAN ; Shizhong ZHANG ; Yang WANG ; Liping LIU ; Ming LV
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(2):250-262
Background:
and Purpose Vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysms (VBFAs) carry substantial morbidity and mortality, but optimal management for unruptured VBFAs remains unclear. We compared the safety and efficacy of conservative management (CM), stent-assisted coiling (SAC), and flow diverters (FDs) in patients with unruptured VBFAs, focusing on long-term prognosis.
Methods:
This study included data from a nationwide Chinese cohort of patients with vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) balanced confounders across groups. The primary outcome was poor prognosis (modified Rankin Scale score >2). Secondary outcomes included aneurysm rupture, ischemic stroke, compression symptoms, and VBFA-related deaths. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed.
Results:
Among 1,115 patients with unruptured VBFAs, 838 (median age, 54 years; 655 men) were included. After IPTW, baseline characteristics were balanced. Median follow-up was 54 months. FD was associated with a lower risk of poor prognosis than CM (OR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.30 to 0.77]; p=0.002), with no difference between CM and SAC. FD also reduced aneurysm rupture (OR, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.07 to 0.60]; p=0.004) and compression symptoms (OR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.13 to 0.68]; p=0.004) versus CM. Time-to-event analyses further revealed significant differences in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, whereas no significant differences were observed in basilar or vertebrobasilar junction lesions or in Type III–IV VBFAs.
Conclusions
Compared with CM, FD was associated with improved long-term outcomes in unruptured VBFAs, particularly in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, although residual confounding cannot be excluded.
4.An analysis of clinical pharmacist training bases and pharmacist staffing status based on field research
Liang HUANG ; Jiancun ZHEN ; Li YOU ; Jing BIAN ; Yishan BU ; Quanzhi LI ; Zining WANG ; Xiaofen YE ; Ping ZHENG ; Rui YANG ; Jun YANG ; Yangui XU ; Jin LU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1661-1666
OBJECTIVE To clarify the current development status of clinical pharmacist training bases and the pharmacist workforce in China, and to provide evidence for standardizing base construction and promoting the high-quality development of hospital pharmacy. METHODS Questionnaires were distributed to all clinical pharmacist training bases for urgently-needed health professionals and clinical pharmacist training bases under the Chinese Hospital Association that had been approved by the end of 2023 to collect data including base profiles and pharmacist staffing conditions. Expert teams carried out field investigations to verify the collected data. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted on the quantity, type and regional distribution of training bases, and the influencing factors of pharmacist staffing in the bases were analyzed. RESULTS Field surveys were completed covering 297 training bases across 31 provincial-level administrative regions. Among the base hospitals, 87.88% were Grade A tertiary general hospitals, and 65.32% were located in provincial capitals. The eastern region had the largest number of bases (136, accounting for 45.79%), followed by the western region (79, 26.60%). Great disparities existed among provinces in terms of base quantity and hospital scale. The median proportion of pharmaceutical technical personnel in base hospitals was 4.05%, and the median number of clinical pharmacists per 100 hospital beds was 0.53. Both indicators reached the highest in the eastern region (0.57, 4.43%) and the lowest in the northeastern region (0.45, 3.01%). A total of 3 627 full-time clinical pharmacists were employed in all surveyed bases, among whom 83.68% held clinical pharmacist training certificates, 35.43% possessed senior professional titles, and 78.19% had postgraduate or higher educational background. The total annual training capacity of the surveyed bases was 4 291 trainees, with obvious differences in annual training capacity across regions and provinces. Training specialties covered 19 specialized disciplines plus one general discipline, and no province could deliver training for all 20 specialties simultaneously. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that geographic region exerte d a significant impact on the proportion of pharmaceutical technical personnel (≥4%) ( P <0.05), while the approval time of training bases and hospital scale had significant effects on the number of clinical pharmacists per 100 beds (≥0.6) ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS China’s clinical pharmacist training system has basically matured and taken initial shape. The distribution of clinical pharmacist training resources is generally consistent with regional population and economic development levels. However, the allocation of pharmaceutical staff and clinical pharmacists has not yet met national standards and clinical service demands.
5.An analysis of clinical pharmacist training bases and pharmacist staffing status based on field research
Liang HUANG ; Jiancun ZHEN ; Li YOU ; Jing BIAN ; Yishan BU ; Quanzhi LI ; Zining WANG ; Xiaofen YE ; Ping ZHENG ; Rui YANG ; Jun YANG ; Yangui XU ; Jin LU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1661-1666
OBJECTIVE To clarify the current development status of clinical pharmacist training bases and the pharmacist workforce in China, and to provide evidence for standardizing base construction and promoting the high-quality development of hospital pharmacy. METHODS Questionnaires were distributed to all clinical pharmacist training bases for urgently-needed health professionals and clinical pharmacist training bases under the Chinese Hospital Association that had been approved by the end of 2023 to collect data including base profiles and pharmacist staffing conditions. Expert teams carried out field investigations to verify the collected data. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted on the quantity, type and regional distribution of training bases, and the influencing factors of pharmacist staffing in the bases were analyzed. RESULTS Field surveys were completed covering 297 training bases across 31 provincial-level administrative regions. Among the base hospitals, 87.88% were Grade A tertiary general hospitals, and 65.32% were located in provincial capitals. The eastern region had the largest number of bases (136, accounting for 45.79%), followed by the western region (79, 26.60%). Great disparities existed among provinces in terms of base quantity and hospital scale. The median proportion of pharmaceutical technical personnel in base hospitals was 4.05%, and the median number of clinical pharmacists per 100 hospital beds was 0.53. Both indicators reached the highest in the eastern region (0.57, 4.43%) and the lowest in the northeastern region (0.45, 3.01%). A total of 3 627 full-time clinical pharmacists were employed in all surveyed bases, among whom 83.68% held clinical pharmacist training certificates, 35.43% possessed senior professional titles, and 78.19% had postgraduate or higher educational background. The total annual training capacity of the surveyed bases was 4 291 trainees, with obvious differences in annual training capacity across regions and provinces. Training specialties covered 19 specialized disciplines plus one general discipline, and no province could deliver training for all 20 specialties simultaneously. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that geographic region exerte d a significant impact on the proportion of pharmaceutical technical personnel (≥4%) ( P <0.05), while the approval time of training bases and hospital scale had significant effects on the number of clinical pharmacists per 100 beds (≥0.6) ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS China’s clinical pharmacist training system has basically matured and taken initial shape. The distribution of clinical pharmacist training resources is generally consistent with regional population and economic development levels. However, the allocation of pharmaceutical staff and clinical pharmacists has not yet met national standards and clinical service demands.
6.Study on the current status of quality management of clinical pharmacist training bases in China
Ping ZHENG ; Jiancun ZHEN ; Li YOU ; Yangui XU ; Liang HUANG ; Jing BIAN ; Jin LU ; Yishan BU ; Quanzhi LI ; Zining WANG ; Xiaofen YE ; Jun YANG ; Rui YANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(14):1826-1831
OBJECTIVE To investigate the current status of quality management in clinical pharmacist training bases in China, and to provide references for the standardized development and improvement of these bases. METHODS A combined approach of questionnaire survey and on-site investigation was adopted, targeting the healthcare highly sought-after talent (clinical pharmacist) training bases in 31 provinces of China as well as the clinical pharmacist training bases affiliated with the Chinese Hospital Association. A training quality management evaluation index system consisting of 25 tertiary indicators was established. Investigations were conducted from two dimensions: structural quality of training and quality management of training processes. Data were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. RESULTS On-site investigations were completed for 297 clinical pharmacist training bases across the 31 provinces, among which 284 were affiliated with the Chinese Hospital Association and 271 were healthcare highly sought-after talent (clinical pharmacist) training bases. In terms of structural quality, the core indicator compliance rate for hospital-level training systems exceeded 80%, the rate of special fund utilization for designated purposes reached 80.13%, and the overall compliance rate for software and hardware facilities surpassed 88%. A total of 1 348 preceptors were employed across the training bases, among whom those with senior professional titles and full-time specialist clinical pharmacists as lead preceptors accounted for 62.91% and 94.36%, respectively. Regarding process quality, the compliance rate for “establishment of clinical practice teaching groups in accordance with regulations during clinical department rotations” was 85.19%, and 79.80% and 76.09% of the bases were found to implement strict confidentiality in theoretical examinations and meet the required scale of assessment cases, respectively. However, formal documents of corresponding training management regulations were formulated in only 57.91% of the bases, and the completeness and standardization rate of training manual completion was merely 47.47%. In addition, considerable disparities in quality management levels were observed among provinces, with issues in training process quality being particularly prominent. CONCLUSIONS The management system, hardware facilities, and preceptor staffing of clinical pharmacist training bases in China are relatively well-established, yet notable variations in quality management exist among training bases across different provinces.
7.Mechanisms of Macrophage Glycolysis in Regulating Acute Lung Injury and TCM Intervention Strategies Based on Theory of "Spleen Failing to Disperse Essence"
Qian XU ; Maofu ZHANG ; Xiali LIANG ; Guoxiong HAO ; Jingwei LI ; Xiaojie JIN ; Yongqi LIU ; Xiangxia LUO ; Zhiming ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):218-226
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a critical respiratory emergency caused by various non-cardiogenic factors, including severe pulmonary and extrapulmonary infections, lung contusion, and sepsis. Its pathological features are centered on alveolar-capillary barrier dysfunction, uncontrolled inflammatory responses, and impaired alveolar fluid clearance, manifesting as refractory hypoxemia and respiratory distress, with a poor clinical prognosis. Modern studies have revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction and glucose metabolic reprogramming in macrophages, characterized by hyperactivated glycolysis, drive pro-inflammatory polarization and represent a key mechanism leading to excessive inflammatory responses and disease progression in ALI. Therefore, targeting macrophage glycolysis may be a potential therapeutic strategy for ALI. The Plain Questions: Special Discussion on Channels and Vessels in Huangdi's Internal Classic states that "The spleen disseminates essence upward to the lungs". When the spleen fails in transport and transformation, the distribution of refined nutrients becomes disordered, resulting in the endogenous generation of turbid pathogens that obstruct the pulmonary collaterals, causing failure of lung dispersion and descent and leading to dyspneic reversal. This forms the dynamic pathological pattern of ''deficiency in the root with excess in the manifestation'', thereby proposing the core pathogenesis of ALI as ''spleen deficiency with transport dysfunction and turbid pathogens obstructing the lungs''. This process is intrinsically associated with the inflammatory cascade triggered by disordered macrophage glucose metabolism. Taking the theory of ''spleen failing to disperse essence'' as the entry point, the present study systematically elucidates the progressive pathological mechanism of "energy metabolism disorder-cytokine storm'' in ALI from the perspectives of the ''spleen deficiency-turbid obstruction'' pathogenesis and macrophage glycolysis-pro-inflammatory polarization. In addition, we summarize Chinese medicine compound formulas and monomeric components that ''restore spleen transport and eliminate turbid pathogens'', and explore their potential mechanisms in the treatment of ALI by regulating macrophage metabolic phenotypes to improve the state of ''spleen failing to disperse essence''. This provides a molecular basis for elucidating the ''spleen-lung'' energy metabolism dialogue, deepens understanding of the multi-target regulatory mechanisms of herbal prescriptions, and promotes the deep integration of classical theory with modern medicine.
8.Predictive value of trauma related monitoring indicators for first-day red blood cell transfusion volume in trauma patients
Jin YANG ; Zhihang HU ; Xianxiao JIANG ; Liang CHEN ; Haishan LI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(6):788-796
Objective: To retrospectively analyze the early monitoring indicators before and after admission, the use of coagulation/anticoagulant medications, and the red blood cell transfusion within 24 hours in emergency trauma patients, and to identify the indicators related to the volume of red blood cells transfused during the first 24 hours of hopitalization, thereby assisting clinical judgment of the probability and required quantity of red blood cell transfusion. Methods: Data of 117 emergency trauma patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) from January 2022 to March 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized according to whether the volume of red blood cells transfused within 24 hours exceeded specific quartile thresholds (Q1, Q2, Q3). Non-parametric tests were used for numerical variables and Chi-square tests were used for categorical variables to identify statistically significant single-factor indicators, which were subsequently incoporated into a binary logistic regression model to obtain a combined predictive probability. ROC curve analysis was performed on the multi-factor indicators and their combined predictive probability derived from the binary logistic regression model. Results: 1) The initial hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) levle were independent influencing factors in the group with red blood cell transfusion volume exceeded Q1 (P<0.05), and the combined predictive probability demostrated by ROC curve analysis was AUC=0.858 (P<0.05). 2) In the group of red blood cell transfusion volume exceeding Q2, the initial Fib, transhulitic acid, human prothrombin complex, trauma category and primary trauma site were independent influencing factors (P<0.05), and the combined predictive probability of ROC curve analysis was AUC=0.966 (P<0.05). 3) Pulse pressure and trauma category were independent influencing factors in the group with red blood cell transfusion volume exceeding Q3 (P<0.05), and ROC curve analysis revealed that combined prediction probability was AUC=0.944 (P<0.05). Conclusion: Early monitoring indicators and the use of coagulation medications, before and after admission in emergency trauma patients show diagnostic value in predicting the amount of red blood cells transfused on the first day of admission. Early warning alerts established through patient monitoring indicators can reduce incidents of untimely blood supply from the blood transfusion department (blood bank) for emergency trauma patients with massive hemorrhage, especially for patients with rare blood types or during blood supply shortage.
9.Guidelines on the Technical Plan for Emergency Health Response to Acute Gelsemium Poisoning
Jiaxin JIANG ; Ruibo MENG ; Zhongxiang GAO ; Rongzong LI ; Weifeng RONG ; Weihui LIANG ; Shibiao SU ; Jian HUANG ; Cheng JIN ; LlU XIAOYONG
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(2):203-206
Acute Gelsemium poisoning is a systemic disease primarily affecting the central nervous system and respiratory symptoms caused by the ingestion of a substantial amount of Gelsemium within a short period. It manifests as sudden onset and rapid progression, primarily caused by accidental ingestion due to misidentification, and posing significant health risks. The compilation of the Technical Plan for Emergency Health Response to Acute Gelsemium Poisoning describes in detail the specialized practice and technical requirements in the process of handling acute Gelsemium poisoning, including accident investigation and management, laboratory testing and identification, in-hospital treatment, and health monitoring. The guidelines clarify key procedures and requirements such as personal protection, investigation elements, etiology determination, medical rescue, and health education. The key to acute Gelsemium poisoning investigation lies in promptly identifying the toxin through exposure history, clinical manifestations, and sample testing. Because there is no specific antidote for Gelsemium poisoning, immediate removal from exposure, rapid elimination of the toxin, and respiratory monitoring are critical on-site rescue measures. Visual identification of food or herbal materials, followed by laboratory testing to determine Gelsemium alkaloids in samples is a rapid effective screening method. These guidelines offer a scientific, objective, and practical framework to support effective emergency responses to acute Gelsemium poisoning incidences.
10.Research on the Correlation between Balance Function and Core Muscles in Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Si-Jia LI ; Qing YUE ; Qian-Jin LIU ; Yan-Hua LIANG ; Tian-Tian ZHOU ; Xiao-Song LI ; Tian-Yang FENG ; Tong ZHANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):264-275
Objective:
This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals.
Methods:
A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test.
Results:
AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population.

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