BACKGROUND: The STAR (Scientific, Transparent, and Applicable Rankings) working group conducts regular evaluations of Chinese guidelines and consensus statements. This study gathered insights from STAR working group members using qualitative interviews. METHODS: From March to August 2023, members of the STAR specialist committees were interviewed using semi-structured interview outline. The interviewees were selected through purpose-based sampling. Subject analysis was employed to summarize the findings. RESULTS: We conducted interviews with 37 members from 36 committees and summarized the contents into four main themes and 16 specific topics. The value of STAR in enhancing the development and selection of high-quality guidelines in China was commonly mentioned. Challenges identified included the lack of resources and suboptimal organizational structures, collaboration, and evaluation efficiency. Suggestions for the STAR tool included developing extensions for different guideline types, adjusting certain items, and better covering guideline applicability. The promotion of STAR and the consideration of an international committee for global outreach were also highlighted. CONCLUSION STAR has exerted a substantial influence on the evaluation of Chinese guidelines, and the insights gained from interviews offer valuable directions for its further enhancement.
Humans ; China ; Qualitative Research ; Practice Guidelines as Topic ; Interviews as Topic

Objective To analyze the expression levels of miR-27a-3p mRNA and Yes-associated protein 1(YAP1)mRNA in breast cancer,and to explore their relationships with clinicopathological features and the survival prognosis of patients.Methods A total of 130 breast cancer patients who underwent mastectomy in our hospital between January 2019 and January 2021 were enrolled.The expression levels of miR-27a-3p and YAP1 mRNA in breast tumor tissues and adjacent normal breast tissues were assessed by qRT-PCR.Furthermore,the relationships between their expression and clinicopathological features,as well as the survival prognosis of patients,were investigated.Results Compared with adjacent normal breast tissues,the expression of miR-27a-3p mRNA in breast tumor tissues was lower(P＜0.05),while that of YAP1 mRNA was higher(P＜0.05).A negative correlation was observed between the expression of miR-27a-3p mRNA and YAP1 mRNA in breast tumor tissues(r=-0.456,P＜0.05).The expression of miR-27a-3p mRNA was correlated with tumor diameter,histological grade,tumor staging by the TNM system,lymph node metastasis,and vascular invasion in patients with breast cancer(P＜0.05).The YAP1 mRNA expression was correlated with histological grade,tumor staging by the TNM system,lymph node metastasis,and vascular invasion(P＜0.05).Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the 3-year overall survival rate of the miR-27a-3p low-expression group was 71.60％(48/67),which was lower than the 91.50％(54/59)of the miR-27a-3p high-expression group(log-rank x2=8.211,P=0.004).The 3-year overall survival rate of the YAP1 high-expression group was 73.80％(45/61),lower than that of the YAP1 low-expression group(87.70％,57/65)(log-rank x2=4.429,P=0.035).Multivariate regression analysis indicated that lymph node metastasis(hazard ratio[HR]=1.409;95％CI,1.057-1.644;P=0.046),vascular invasion(HR=1.541;95％CI,1.076-1.869;P=0.045),low miR-27a-3p mRNA expression(HR=0.593;95％CI,0.388-0.925;P=0.018),and high YAP1 mRNA expression(HR=0.628;95％CI,0.405-0.912;P=0.022)were relevant factors affecting the 3-year overall survival of patients with breast cancer.Conclusion A significant downregulation of miR-27a-3p mRNA and upregulation of YAP1 mRNA are observed in breast tumor tissues.The low expression of miR-27a-3p mRNA and the high expression of YAP1 mRNA are associated with adverse clinicopathological features and poor survival prognosis,and are risk factors affecting the 3-year overall survival of patients with breast cancer.They show promise as new potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer.

Objective To assess the clinical value of a novel surgical technique—Tubeless subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with percutaneous suspension technique via balance-shaped sternal elevation device in the resection of anterior mediastinal masses. Methods Patients who underwent tubeless subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery via balance-shaped sternal elevation device in anterior mediastinal masses process at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University from March to April 2025 were included, and their clinical data were analyzed. Results A total of 4 patients were included, with 2 males and 2 females, aged 58-75 years. The diameter of the tumor was 2.5-3.0 cm. The operation time was 60.0-150.0 min, intraoperative blood loss was 5-10 mL, pain score on the 3rd day after surgery was 0 points, and postoperative hospital stay was 2-3 days. All patients achieved complete resection of the masses and thymus without perioperative complications. Conclusion The tubeless subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with percutaneous suspension technique via balance-shaped sternal elevation device technique optimizes surgical visualization and instrument maneuverability while avoiding complications related to conventional anesthesia and tubing, thereby markedly enhancing the minimally invasive profile of anterior mediastinal masses resections. In addition to maintaining procedural safety, this approach effectively reduces postoperative pain and accelerates patient recovery, highlighting its potential for widespread clinical adoption.

Objective To explore the clinical features,imaging and pathological characteristics of the patients with congenital liver fibrosis(CHF).Methods The medical case data of 6 patients with pathological-ly diagnosed CHF in this hospital from January 2011 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed,and the clini-cal menifastations,laboratory indicators,imaging characteristics,pathological manifestations,treatment and outcomes were summarized.Results The clinical classification in 6 cases of CHF was mainly portal hyperten-sion(66.67％),and the most common clinical manifestations and signs were hepatosplenomegaly(83.33％),melena(50.00％)and abdominal distension(33.33％).Total bil irubin was normal,and only 2 cases(33.33％)were mildly elevated.The prothrombin time was in the normal range in 4 cases(66.67％),and mild abnormality in 2 cases(33.33％).Imaging showed abnormal liver morphology in 6 cases,spleen enlarge-ment in 5 cases(83.33％),portal vein widening in 3 cases(50.00％),diffuse dilatation of intrahepatic bile ducts in 2 cases(33.33％),and complicating Caroli disease in 1 case(16.67％).The pathological manifesta-tions were normal liver parenchymal cells,periportal fibrosis,and manifold-manifold bridging-like fibrosis.Six cases received the conventional liver protection therapy,3 cases underwent splenectomy+pericardia vascular dissection,the median follow-up time was 68.2 months,1 case died due to liver failure,and 5 cases were rela-tively stable.Conclusion The patients with hepatic disease whose portal hypertension is inconsistent to the degree of hepatic function damage,especially those complicating polycystic kidney disease should perfect the liver puncture pathological examination and genetic testing to clarify the diagnosis,and conduct the genetic counseling and intervention treatment as soon as possible.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to develop a comprehensive instrument for evaluating and ranking clinical practice guidelines, named Scientific, Transparent and Applicable Rankings tool (STAR), and test its reliability, validity, and usability. METHODS: This study set up a multidisciplinary working group including guideline methodologists, statisticians, journal editors, clinicians, and other experts. Scoping review, Delphi methods, and hierarchical analysis were used to develop the STAR tool. We evaluated the instrument's intrinsic and interrater reliability, content and criterion validity, and usability. RESULTS: STAR contained 39 items grouped into 11 domains. The mean intrinsic reliability of the domains, indicated by Cronbach's α coefficient, was 0.588 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.414, 0.762). Interrater reliability as assessed with Cohen's kappa coefficient was 0.774 (95% CI: 0.740, 0.807) for methodological evaluators and 0.618 (95% CI: 0.587, 0.648) for clinical evaluators. The overall content validity index was 0.905. Pearson's r correlation for criterion validity was 0.885 (95% CI: 0.804, 0.932). The mean usability score of the items was 4.6 and the median time spent to evaluate each guideline was 20 min. CONCLUSION The instrument performed well in terms of reliability, validity, and efficiency, and can be used for comprehensively evaluating and ranking guidelines.
Reproducibility of Results ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Practice Guidelines as Topic ; Humans

Glucose transporter 1(GLUT1)overexpression in tumor cells is a potential target for drug therapy,but few studies have reported screening GLUT1 inhibitors from natural or synthetic compounds.With cur-rent analysis techniques,it is difficult to accurately monitor the GLUT1 inhibitory effect of drug molecules in real-time.We developed a cell membrane-based glucose sensor(CMGS)that integrated a hydrogel electrode with tumor cell membranes to monitor GLUT1 transmembrane transport and screen for GLUT1 inhibitors in traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs).CMGS is compatible with cell membranes of various origins,including different types of tumors and cell lines with GLUT1 expression knocked down by small interfering RNA or small molecules.Based on CMGS continuous monitoring technique,we inves-tigated the glucose transport kinetics of cell membranes with varying levels of GLUT1 expression.We used CMGS to determine the GLUT1-inhibitory effects of drug monomers with similar structures from Scutellaria baicalensis and catechins families.Results were consistent with those of the cellular glucose uptake test and molecular-docking simulation.CMGS could accurately screen drug molecules in TCMs that inhibit GLUT1,providing a new strategy for studying transmembrane protein-receptor interactions.

Objective:To learn about the fasting blood glucose (FBG) level of adults in different water iodine areas in Shanxi Province, and to study the relationship between high iodine intake in drinking water and blood glucose.Methods:The urinary iodine content and FBG of 18-65 years old residents in the high-water iodine area of Gaoche Village, Wenshui County, Shanxi Province in 2016 (iodine content in drinking water > 100 μg/L) and the low-water iodine area of Maxi Village (iodine content in drinking water < 10 μg/L) were retrospectively analyzed, and the urinary iodine content, FBG level and its abnormal rate of adults in different water iodine areas were compared.Results:A total of 598 subjects were included, including 276 in Gaoche Village and 322 in Maxi Village. The difference of median urinary iodine (422.8, 126.5 μg/L) between Gaoche Village and Maxi Village was statistically significant ( Z = 7.81, P < 0.001). The FBG levels of adults in Gaoche Village and Maxi Village [(6.70 ± 1.87), (6.04 ± 1.23) mmol/L] were significantly different ( t = 5.18, P < 0.001). The difference of FBG level in males [(6.82 ± 1.82), (5.99 ± 1.11) mmol/L] between the two regions was statistically significant ( t = 4.45, P < 0.001), the difference of FBG level in females [(6.59 ± 1.91), (6.07 ± 1.30) mmol/L] was statistically significant ( t = 2.96, P = 0.003). In Gaoche Village and Maxi Village, there was no statistically significant difference in FBG level between males and females ( t = 1.04, 0.52, P = 0.308, 0.564). Comparison of FBG levels in 18-< 45 years old group [(6.31 ± 1.57), (5.79 ± 0.89) mmol/L] and 45-65 years old group [(7.00 ± 2.02), (6.18 ± 1.36) mmol/L] between the two regions, the differences were statistically significant ( t = 3.10, 4.60, P = 0.002, P < 0.001). Moreover, in Gaoche Village and Maxi Village, the FBG level of the 45-65 years old group was higher than that of the 18-< 45 years old group in the same area, and the difference was statistically significant ( t = 3.07, 2.74, P = 0.003, 0.006). The abnormal rate of FBG in adults in Gaoche Village and Maxi Village [28.3% (78/276) and 15.5% (50/322)] was statistically significantly different (χ 2 = 14.32, P < 0.001). Conclusion:Long-term intake of high iodine in drinking water may cause abnormal glucose metabolism.

Chronic heart failure is the terminal stage of progressive aggravation of various cardio-vascular diseases,and as an independent risk factor for heart failure,senility can increase the preva-lence rate.Ventricular remodeling is the main pathological and physiological basis of chronic heart failure,and in addition to changes in the activities of inflammatory reactions and related cytokines,factors such as metabolic disorders of myocardium,regulation of myocardial extracellular vesicles,and imbalance of intestinal microbiota also play important roles.This paper provided an overview of the research progress on ventricular remodeling mechanism in elderly patients with heart failure.

Chronic heart failure is the terminal stage of progressive aggravation of various cardio-vascular diseases,and as an independent risk factor for heart failure,senility can increase the preva-lence rate.Ventricular remodeling is the main pathological and physiological basis of chronic heart failure,and in addition to changes in the activities of inflammatory reactions and related cytokines,factors such as metabolic disorders of myocardium,regulation of myocardial extracellular vesicles,and imbalance of intestinal microbiota also play important roles.This paper provided an overview of the research progress on ventricular remodeling mechanism in elderly patients with heart failure.

Objective:To investigate the timing of rivaroxaban re-administration after upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with lower extremity deep venous thrombosis.Methods:The clinical data of 176 patients who suffered from lower limb deep vein thrombosis due to trauma or surgery and upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to oral rivaroxaban and received treatment in the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University from May 2018 to October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into an early group (≤ 7 days) ( n = 84 cases) and a late group (> 7 days) ( n = 92 cases) according to the timing of rivaroxaban re-administration. All patients were followed up for 2 months to record hemoglobin, D-dimer, and platelet values. The progression of deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities was observed. The rebleeding rate, progression of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis, and mortality were analyzed. Results:There were no significant differences in hemoglobin and D-dimer levels between the two groups on admission (both P > 0.05). After admission, the D-dimer level in the late group was (4.1 ± 2.3) mg/L, which was significantly higher than (3.1 ± 1.9) mg/L in the early group ( t = 3.17, P < 0.05). After admission, hemoglobin level in each group was significantly decreased compared with that on admission (both P < 0.05). The lowest hemoglobin level in the late group was (78.7 ± 8.3) g/L, which was significantly higher than (75.6 ± 8.2) g/L in the early group ( t = 2.32, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in rebleeding rate between early and late groups [5.95% (5/84) vs. 1.08% (1/92)] (log-rank 3.07, P > 0.05). Lower extremity deep venous thrombosis progressed more slowly in the early group compared with the late group [2.38% (2/84) vs. 10.86% (10/92)] (log-rank = 4.61, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Rivaroxaban should be re-administered as soon as possible after upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with lower extremity deep venous thrombosis.