1.Recombinant human CC16 protein inhibits cigarette smoke extract-in-duced senescence-associated secretory phenotype in human bronchial epi-thelial cells and lung tissues from COPD mice
Kaiyan DU ; Ting LI ; Chaofeng LIU ; Xinyang LI ; Jingyu ZHANG ; Min GUO ; Zhaoyang CHEN ; Min PANG ; Hailong WANG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(2):294-302
AIM:To investigate the impact of recombinant human CC16 protein(rhCC16)on cigarette smoke extract(CSE)-induced senescence-associated secretory phenotype(SASP)in human bronchial epithelial cells(HBECs)and in the lung tissues of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)mice,and to explore the underlying mechanism.METHODS:HBECs were induced into cellular senescence using 5%CSE.The senescent HBECs were treated with 250 ng/mL rhCC16,and the levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS)were assessed using the 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA)method.The levels of trimethylated histone H3 at lysine 9(H3K9me3),a marker of senescence-associated heterochromatic foci(SAHF),were detected using a Western blot assay.RT-qPCR and ELISA were utilized to measure the mRNA expression and protein levels of SASP components including interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β),IL-6,IL-8,chemokine(C-X-C motif)ligand-1(CXCL-1),matrix metalloproteinase 1(MMP1)and MMP3.Passive smoking was con-ducted for six months to induce COPD in mice.RhCC16(2.5 μg/g body weight)or an equal volume of PBS(20 μL)was intranasally administered from the 16th week of smoking in the COPD+rhCC16 group or COPD+PBS group,respectively,with administration 2 hours before smoking.ROS levels in lung tissue cells were investigated using DCFH-DA staining.H3K9me3 levels in lung tissues were tested using Western blot assay.RT-qPCR and ELISA were performed to examine the mRNA expression and protein levels of IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,CXCL-1,MMP1 and MMP3.RESULTS:DCFH-DA staining results showed that CSE stimulation increased ROS levels in HBECs,while rhCC16 treatment reduced them(P<0.01).Western blot results indicated that CSE stimulation elevated H3K9me3 levels in HBECs,which were decreased with rhCC16 treatment(P<0.01).RT-qPCR and ELISA assays demonstrated that CSE stimulation upregulated the mRNA and protein levels of IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,CXCL-1,MMP1 and MMP3 in HBECs,which were reduced with rhCC16 admin-istration(P<0.05).DCFH-DA staining results showed an increase in ROS levels in the lung tissues of COPD mice,which were decreased with rhCC16 administration(P<0.01).Western blot data revealed an increase in H3K9me3 levels in the lung tissues of COPD mice,which were reduced with rhCC16 treatment(P<0.01).RT-qPCR and ELISA assays demon-strated an upregulation of the mRNA and protein levels of IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,CXCL-1,MMP1 and MMP3 in the lung tis-sues of COPD mice,which were reduced with rhCC16 treatment(P<0.05).No statistically significant differences were ob-served in the above-mentioned indicators between the lung tissues of COPD and COPD+PBS mice(P>0.05).CONCLU-SION:rhCC16 can effectively inhibit CSE-induced SASP in HBECs and in the lung tissues of COPD mice,with its under-lying mechanism potentially related to the inhibition of the ROS-H3K9me3 signaling pathway.
2.International experience and implications of competence evaluation for clinical teaching managers
Kaiyan CHEN ; Xueyan JIA ; Gechong RUAN ; Hang LI ; Li HUANG ; Yizhen WEI ; Shaoting SI ; Linzhi LUO
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(4):479-484
Clinical teaching managers are the designers, implementers, and supervisors of clinical medical education. Their competence level directly affects the quality of hospital teaching management and clinical medical education. The competence evaluation systems for medical education managers in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom are well-established, which provides a reference for the competence evaluation of clinical teaching managers in China. This research systematically reviews the construction process and current situation of the competence evaluation systems for medical education managers in the world, and summarizes the basis, methods, and dimensions of competence evaluation. According to the actual situation of clinical teaching management, suggestions were put forward, including developing systematic scientific evaluation tools, carrying out competence-oriented training and assessment, focusing on student-centered education, and creating a career path of sustainable development.
3.The influence of two-way referral model on treatment and prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure
Yijun SUN ; Xinyu ZHANG ; Yue HU ; Zongwei LIN ; Jie XIAO ; Peng LI ; Xin ZHAO ; Huafang ZHANG ; Bo QIN ; Dequan JIA ; Tao ZHANG ; Jian MA ; Hongping CHEN ; Chunju ZHANG ; Xinwei GENG ; Kaiyan ZHANG ; Man ZHENG ; Fenglei ZHANG ; Yan LANG ; Hegong HOU ; Peng LIU ; Haifeng JIA ; Jianjun LU ; Kai ZHAO ; Hui ZHAO ; Jiechang XU ; Mi ZHANG ; Xiuxin LI ; Dongxia ZHANG ; Lin ZHONG ; Hui ZHAO ; Fangfang LIU ; Yan LIU ; Dongxia MIAO ; Chengwei WANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Chen WANG ; Fen WANG ; Xuejuan ZHANG ; Huixia LYU ; Xiaoping JI
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2025;53(11):1244-1253
Objective:To explore the impact of the two-way referral model on compliance and prognosis in patients with heart failure.Methods:This bidirectional cohort study enrolled chronic heart failure (CHF) patients treated at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University or designated primary hospitals between March 2018 and March 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups based on referral status: two-way referral group (participating in the referral model with≥1 follow-up visit at primary hospitals) and the core hospital group (receiving treatment and follow-up exclusively at Qilu Hospital). Baseline clinical characteristics were collected and compared between groups. Patients underwent followed-up, with primary endpoints including follow-up rate, drug (β-blockers, angiotension converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/angiotensin Ⅱ receptor blockers (ARB)/angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists) utilization rate and target dose achievement rate. Secondary endpoints encompassed changes from baseline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), plus cardiovascular mortality and heart failure rehospitalization. Generalized linear mixed models analyzed longitudinal trends in LVEF, LVEDd, and NT-proBNP levels. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression evaluated LVEF recovery rates, supplemented by subgroup analyses. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors influencing target dose achievement rate for β-blockers and ACEI/ARB/ARNI therapies in CHF patients.Results:A total of 357 patients were enrolled, aged 53 (41, 63) years, including 256 males (71.7%). 157 patients were in the two-way referral group and 200 patients in the core hospital-treated group. Compared with the core hospital-treated group, the two-way referral group had lower baseline LVEF (28 (22, 34)% vs. 31 (23, 36)%, P=0.021) and systolic blood pressure (116 (104, 125) mmHg vs. 121 (109, 134) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), P=0.010). The 12-month follow-up rate of the two-way referral group was higher than the core hospital-treated group (73.8% vs. 56.0%, P=0.004). No significant between-group differences were observed in drug utilization rate of β-blockers, ACEI/ARB/ARNI, or sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors during follow-up (all P>0.05), while mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists use showed a declining trend in both groups. Although the core hospital-treated group had higher target dose achievement rates for β-blockers (65.4% vs. 49.3%, P=0.042) and ACEI/ARB/ARNI (79.8% vs. 65.8%, P=0.046) than the two-way referral group, multivariate logistic regression indicated that the two-way referral model was not a negative predictor for these outcomes (all P>0.05). Both groups showed improved NT-proBNP, LVEDd, and LVEF from baseline (all P<0.001) with no significant difference in trends between groups (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the composite incidence (7.6% vs. 6.5%, P=0.674) and cumulative incidence (log-rank P=0.684) of cardiovascular death and heart failure rehospitalization at 12 months between two groups. Conclusion:The two-way referral model demonstrates advantages in improving medication adherence, drug utilization rates, and targetdoseachievement rates among CHF patients. This model not only promotes cardiac functional recovery but also reduces risks of cardiovascular mortality and heart failure rehospitalization, achieving comparable therapeutic and management outcomes to those observed in core hospital-treated patients.
4.Application of holographic imaging digital localization technology in robotic partial nephrectomy for completely endophytic renal tumor
Zhengsheng LIU ; Shuaishuai SONG ; Xuegang WANG ; Kaiyan ZHANG ; Wei LI ; Zhun WU ; Bin CHEN ; Tao WANG ; Jinchun XING
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(5):376-382
Objective:To evaluate the clinical value of holographic imaging-based digital localization technology in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy(RAPN)for the treatment of completely endophytic renal tumors.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 23 patients with completely endophytic renal tumors who underwent RAPN at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University between December 2022 and December 2024. Patients were divided into two groups based on the use of holographic imaging:the holographic imaging group(16 cases)and the conventional group(7 cases). There was no statistically significant difference between the holographic imaging group and the conventional group in terms of age[(41.9 ± 13.4)years vs.(46.9 ± 13.4)years],body mass index[(25.6 ± 4.8)kg/m2 vs.(24.7 ± 3.1)kg/m2],maximum tumor diameter[(3.1 ± 0.9)cm vs.(3.0 ± 9.0)cm],tumor volume[(13.2 ± 9.0)cm3 vs.(34.9 ± 9.9)cm3],R.E.N.A.L. score[(9.4 ± 1.2)points vs.(9.9 ± 0.7)points],PADUA score[(10.4 ± 0.7)points vs.(9.4 ± 0.7)points],proportion of T 1a stage patients[12 cases(75.0%)vs. 6 cases(85.7%)]and preoperative serum creatinine[(67.4 ± 9.5)μmol/L vs.(78.0 ± 16.0)μmol/L]. In the holographic group,holographic models were reconstructed based on preoperative enhanced CT or MRI images and used for preoperative planning and intraoperative localization. In the conventional group,surgeons relied on preoperative CT or MRI images for cognitive fusion during RAPN. Perioperative parameters such as warm ischemia time,operative time,tumor localization time,positive surgical margin rate,and renal function were compared between the two groups. Results:The operative time in the holographic group was significantly shorter than that in the conventional group[(152.8 ± 12.9)min vs.(218.4 ± 105.5)min, P = 0.001]. Warm ischemia time[(26.9 ± 3.4)min vs.(30.7 ± 3.8)min, P < 0.001],localization time[(4.2 ± 0.9)min vs.(8.9 ± 1.7)min, P < 0.001],and estimated blood loss[(47.0 ± 17.7)ml vs.(128.6 ± 87.8)ml, P < 0.001]were also significantly lower in the holographic group. In the conventional group,one patient underwent radical nephrectomy,while no patient in the holographic imaging group required conversion to radical nephrectomy. No cases of positive surgical margins were identified in either group. Serum creatinine levels measured one month after surgery showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups[(79.5 ± 15.7)μmol /L vs.(104.9 ± 22.5)μmol /L]. Conclusions:The application of holographic imaging-based digital localization technology in RAPN for completely endophytic renal tumors significantly reduces operative time,localization time,warm ischemia time,and intraoperative blood loss. This technology improves surgical efficiency and success rates,offering distinct clinical advantages.
5.Internal tension relieving technique assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction to promote ligamentization of Achilles tendon grafts in small ear pigs in southern Yunnan province
Bohan XIONG ; Guoliang WANG ; Yang YU ; Wenqiang XUE ; Hong YU ; Jinrui LIU ; Zhaohui RUAN ; Yajuan LI ; Haolong LIU ; Kaiyan DONG ; Dan LONG ; Zhao CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(4):713-720
BACKGROUND:We have successfully established an animal model of small ear pig in southern Yunnan province with internal tension relieving technique combined with autologous Achilles tendon for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction,and verified the stability and reliability of the model.However,whether internal tension relieving technique can promote the ligamentalization process of autologous Achilles tendon graft has not been studied. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the differences in the process of ligamentalization between conventional reconstruction and internal reduction reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament by gross view,histology and electron microscopy. METHODS:Thirty adult female small ear pigs in southern Yunnan province were selected.Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed on the left knee joint with the ipsilateral knee Achilles tendon(n=30 in the normal group),and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed on the right knee joint with the ipsilateral knee Achilles tendon combined with the internal relaxation and enhancement system(n=30 in the relaxation group).The autogenous right forelimb was used as the control group;the anterior cruciate ligament was exposed but not severed or surgically treated.At 12,24,and 48 weeks after surgery,10 animals were sacrificed,respectively.The left and right knee joint specimens were taken for gross morphological observation to evaluate the graft morphology.MAS score was used to evaluate the excellent and good rate of the ligament at each time point.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to evaluate the degree of ligament graft vascularization.Collagen fibers and nuclear morphology were observed,and nuclear morphology was scored.Ultrastructural remodeling was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The ligament healing shape of the relaxation group was better at various time points after surgery,and the excellent and good rate of MAS score was higher(P<0.05).Moreover,the relaxation group could obtain higher ligament vascularization score(P<0.05).(2)The arrangement of collagen bundles and fiber bundles in the two groups gradually tended to be orderly,and the transverse fiber connections between collagen gradually increased and thickened,suggesting that the strength and shape degree of the grafts were gradually improved,but the ligament remodeling in the relaxation group was always faster than that in the normal group at various time points after surgery.(3)The diameter,distribution density,and arrangement degree of collagen fibers in the relaxation group were better than those in the normal group at all time points,especially in the comparison of collagen fiber diameter between and within the relaxation group(P<0.05).
6.Study on the mechanism of moxibustion regulating lipid antioxidation in inhibiting ferroptosis of spinal cord neurons and improving urinary retention after spinal cord injury
Jingyu CAO ; Kaiyan DU ; Chenxu QI ; Huixin WANG ; Shuting DUAN ; Meng CHEN ; Siwei HOU ; Xiaodan WANG ; Chengmei LIU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(10):1398-1403
Objective:To observe the effects of Yiyuan moxibustion on bladder function and antioxidant level of spinal cord tissues in rats with urinary retention after spinal cord injury (SCI); To explore the mechanism of inhibition of ferroptosis in spinal cord neurons after SCI by Yiyuan moxibustion.Methods:Wistar female rats were divided into sham-operation group, model group, and Yiyuan moxibustion group according to random number table method, with 12 rats in each group. The modified Allen′s vertical percussion method was used to construct the model of urinary retention after SCI in T10 segment. The rats in the Yiyuan moxibustion group were moxibued at the Zhongji acupoint, Guanyuan acupoint, and Shenque acupoint for 20 min per day, and the intervention was continued for 2 weeks. Urodynamic test was used to observe the degree of urinary retention in rats; HE staining was used to observe the morphological changes of the injured spinal cord tissues; transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the mitochondrial ultrastructure of the spinal cord tissues; ferric ion kit was used to detect the ferric ion content of the spinal cord tissues; ELISA was used to detect the GSH and MDA contents of the spinal cord tissues of the rats; Western blot was used to measure the relative expressions of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) proteins in rat spinal cord tissue.Results:Compared with the model group, the basal and leakage point pressures of the bladder, and bladder compliance were significantly reduced in the Yiyuan moxibustion group ( P<0.05); the spinal cord tissue structure was restored and mitochondrial morphology improved; the levels of iron ions and MDA in spinal cord tissue decreased ( P<0.05), while the level of GSH increased ( P<0.05), and the relative expressions of GPX4 and SLC7A11 proteins increased ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Yiyuan moxibustion can improve bladder function in rats with urinary retention after SCI, and the mechanism may involve the initiation of antioxidant defense and reduction of lipid peroxidation in spinal cord neuronal cells, thus preventing the occurrence of ferroptosis and achieving the protection of neuronal cells.
7.International experience and implications of competence evaluation for clinical teaching managers
Kaiyan CHEN ; Xueyan JIA ; Gechong RUAN ; Hang LI ; Li HUANG ; Yizhen WEI ; Shaoting SI ; Linzhi LUO
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(4):479-484
Clinical teaching managers are the designers, implementers, and supervisors of clinical medical education. Their competence level directly affects the quality of hospital teaching management and clinical medical education. The competence evaluation systems for medical education managers in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom are well-established, which provides a reference for the competence evaluation of clinical teaching managers in China. This research systematically reviews the construction process and current situation of the competence evaluation systems for medical education managers in the world, and summarizes the basis, methods, and dimensions of competence evaluation. According to the actual situation of clinical teaching management, suggestions were put forward, including developing systematic scientific evaluation tools, carrying out competence-oriented training and assessment, focusing on student-centered education, and creating a career path of sustainable development.
8.Recombinant human CC16 protein inhibits cigarette smoke extract-in-duced senescence-associated secretory phenotype in human bronchial epi-thelial cells and lung tissues from COPD mice
Kaiyan DU ; Ting LI ; Chaofeng LIU ; Xinyang LI ; Jingyu ZHANG ; Min GUO ; Zhaoyang CHEN ; Min PANG ; Hailong WANG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(2):294-302
AIM:To investigate the impact of recombinant human CC16 protein(rhCC16)on cigarette smoke extract(CSE)-induced senescence-associated secretory phenotype(SASP)in human bronchial epithelial cells(HBECs)and in the lung tissues of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)mice,and to explore the underlying mechanism.METHODS:HBECs were induced into cellular senescence using 5%CSE.The senescent HBECs were treated with 250 ng/mL rhCC16,and the levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS)were assessed using the 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA)method.The levels of trimethylated histone H3 at lysine 9(H3K9me3),a marker of senescence-associated heterochromatic foci(SAHF),were detected using a Western blot assay.RT-qPCR and ELISA were utilized to measure the mRNA expression and protein levels of SASP components including interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β),IL-6,IL-8,chemokine(C-X-C motif)ligand-1(CXCL-1),matrix metalloproteinase 1(MMP1)and MMP3.Passive smoking was con-ducted for six months to induce COPD in mice.RhCC16(2.5 μg/g body weight)or an equal volume of PBS(20 μL)was intranasally administered from the 16th week of smoking in the COPD+rhCC16 group or COPD+PBS group,respectively,with administration 2 hours before smoking.ROS levels in lung tissue cells were investigated using DCFH-DA staining.H3K9me3 levels in lung tissues were tested using Western blot assay.RT-qPCR and ELISA were performed to examine the mRNA expression and protein levels of IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,CXCL-1,MMP1 and MMP3.RESULTS:DCFH-DA staining results showed that CSE stimulation increased ROS levels in HBECs,while rhCC16 treatment reduced them(P<0.01).Western blot results indicated that CSE stimulation elevated H3K9me3 levels in HBECs,which were decreased with rhCC16 treatment(P<0.01).RT-qPCR and ELISA assays demonstrated that CSE stimulation upregulated the mRNA and protein levels of IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,CXCL-1,MMP1 and MMP3 in HBECs,which were reduced with rhCC16 admin-istration(P<0.05).DCFH-DA staining results showed an increase in ROS levels in the lung tissues of COPD mice,which were decreased with rhCC16 administration(P<0.01).Western blot data revealed an increase in H3K9me3 levels in the lung tissues of COPD mice,which were reduced with rhCC16 treatment(P<0.01).RT-qPCR and ELISA assays demon-strated an upregulation of the mRNA and protein levels of IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,CXCL-1,MMP1 and MMP3 in the lung tis-sues of COPD mice,which were reduced with rhCC16 treatment(P<0.05).No statistically significant differences were ob-served in the above-mentioned indicators between the lung tissues of COPD and COPD+PBS mice(P>0.05).CONCLU-SION:rhCC16 can effectively inhibit CSE-induced SASP in HBECs and in the lung tissues of COPD mice,with its under-lying mechanism potentially related to the inhibition of the ROS-H3K9me3 signaling pathway.
9.Application of holographic imaging digital localization technology in robotic partial nephrectomy for completely endophytic renal tumor
Zhengsheng LIU ; Shuaishuai SONG ; Xuegang WANG ; Kaiyan ZHANG ; Wei LI ; Zhun WU ; Bin CHEN ; Tao WANG ; Jinchun XING
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(5):376-382
Objective:To evaluate the clinical value of holographic imaging-based digital localization technology in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy(RAPN)for the treatment of completely endophytic renal tumors.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 23 patients with completely endophytic renal tumors who underwent RAPN at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University between December 2022 and December 2024. Patients were divided into two groups based on the use of holographic imaging:the holographic imaging group(16 cases)and the conventional group(7 cases). There was no statistically significant difference between the holographic imaging group and the conventional group in terms of age[(41.9 ± 13.4)years vs.(46.9 ± 13.4)years],body mass index[(25.6 ± 4.8)kg/m2 vs.(24.7 ± 3.1)kg/m2],maximum tumor diameter[(3.1 ± 0.9)cm vs.(3.0 ± 9.0)cm],tumor volume[(13.2 ± 9.0)cm3 vs.(34.9 ± 9.9)cm3],R.E.N.A.L. score[(9.4 ± 1.2)points vs.(9.9 ± 0.7)points],PADUA score[(10.4 ± 0.7)points vs.(9.4 ± 0.7)points],proportion of T 1a stage patients[12 cases(75.0%)vs. 6 cases(85.7%)]and preoperative serum creatinine[(67.4 ± 9.5)μmol/L vs.(78.0 ± 16.0)μmol/L]. In the holographic group,holographic models were reconstructed based on preoperative enhanced CT or MRI images and used for preoperative planning and intraoperative localization. In the conventional group,surgeons relied on preoperative CT or MRI images for cognitive fusion during RAPN. Perioperative parameters such as warm ischemia time,operative time,tumor localization time,positive surgical margin rate,and renal function were compared between the two groups. Results:The operative time in the holographic group was significantly shorter than that in the conventional group[(152.8 ± 12.9)min vs.(218.4 ± 105.5)min, P = 0.001]. Warm ischemia time[(26.9 ± 3.4)min vs.(30.7 ± 3.8)min, P < 0.001],localization time[(4.2 ± 0.9)min vs.(8.9 ± 1.7)min, P < 0.001],and estimated blood loss[(47.0 ± 17.7)ml vs.(128.6 ± 87.8)ml, P < 0.001]were also significantly lower in the holographic group. In the conventional group,one patient underwent radical nephrectomy,while no patient in the holographic imaging group required conversion to radical nephrectomy. No cases of positive surgical margins were identified in either group. Serum creatinine levels measured one month after surgery showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups[(79.5 ± 15.7)μmol /L vs.(104.9 ± 22.5)μmol /L]. Conclusions:The application of holographic imaging-based digital localization technology in RAPN for completely endophytic renal tumors significantly reduces operative time,localization time,warm ischemia time,and intraoperative blood loss. This technology improves surgical efficiency and success rates,offering distinct clinical advantages.
10.The influence of two-way referral model on treatment and prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure
Yijun SUN ; Xinyu ZHANG ; Yue HU ; Zongwei LIN ; Jie XIAO ; Peng LI ; Xin ZHAO ; Huafang ZHANG ; Bo QIN ; Dequan JIA ; Tao ZHANG ; Jian MA ; Hongping CHEN ; Chunju ZHANG ; Xinwei GENG ; Kaiyan ZHANG ; Man ZHENG ; Fenglei ZHANG ; Yan LANG ; Hegong HOU ; Peng LIU ; Haifeng JIA ; Jianjun LU ; Kai ZHAO ; Hui ZHAO ; Jiechang XU ; Mi ZHANG ; Xiuxin LI ; Dongxia ZHANG ; Lin ZHONG ; Hui ZHAO ; Fangfang LIU ; Yan LIU ; Dongxia MIAO ; Chengwei WANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Chen WANG ; Fen WANG ; Xuejuan ZHANG ; Huixia LYU ; Xiaoping JI
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2025;53(11):1244-1253
Objective:To explore the impact of the two-way referral model on compliance and prognosis in patients with heart failure.Methods:This bidirectional cohort study enrolled chronic heart failure (CHF) patients treated at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University or designated primary hospitals between March 2018 and March 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups based on referral status: two-way referral group (participating in the referral model with≥1 follow-up visit at primary hospitals) and the core hospital group (receiving treatment and follow-up exclusively at Qilu Hospital). Baseline clinical characteristics were collected and compared between groups. Patients underwent followed-up, with primary endpoints including follow-up rate, drug (β-blockers, angiotension converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/angiotensin Ⅱ receptor blockers (ARB)/angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists) utilization rate and target dose achievement rate. Secondary endpoints encompassed changes from baseline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), plus cardiovascular mortality and heart failure rehospitalization. Generalized linear mixed models analyzed longitudinal trends in LVEF, LVEDd, and NT-proBNP levels. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression evaluated LVEF recovery rates, supplemented by subgroup analyses. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors influencing target dose achievement rate for β-blockers and ACEI/ARB/ARNI therapies in CHF patients.Results:A total of 357 patients were enrolled, aged 53 (41, 63) years, including 256 males (71.7%). 157 patients were in the two-way referral group and 200 patients in the core hospital-treated group. Compared with the core hospital-treated group, the two-way referral group had lower baseline LVEF (28 (22, 34)% vs. 31 (23, 36)%, P=0.021) and systolic blood pressure (116 (104, 125) mmHg vs. 121 (109, 134) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), P=0.010). The 12-month follow-up rate of the two-way referral group was higher than the core hospital-treated group (73.8% vs. 56.0%, P=0.004). No significant between-group differences were observed in drug utilization rate of β-blockers, ACEI/ARB/ARNI, or sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors during follow-up (all P>0.05), while mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists use showed a declining trend in both groups. Although the core hospital-treated group had higher target dose achievement rates for β-blockers (65.4% vs. 49.3%, P=0.042) and ACEI/ARB/ARNI (79.8% vs. 65.8%, P=0.046) than the two-way referral group, multivariate logistic regression indicated that the two-way referral model was not a negative predictor for these outcomes (all P>0.05). Both groups showed improved NT-proBNP, LVEDd, and LVEF from baseline (all P<0.001) with no significant difference in trends between groups (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the composite incidence (7.6% vs. 6.5%, P=0.674) and cumulative incidence (log-rank P=0.684) of cardiovascular death and heart failure rehospitalization at 12 months between two groups. Conclusion:The two-way referral model demonstrates advantages in improving medication adherence, drug utilization rates, and targetdoseachievement rates among CHF patients. This model not only promotes cardiac functional recovery but also reduces risks of cardiovascular mortality and heart failure rehospitalization, achieving comparable therapeutic and management outcomes to those observed in core hospital-treated patients.

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