1.Surgical treatment of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis: challenges and innovations
Pei ZHANG ; Lu ZHAO ; Yunfei FANG ; Hui YANG ; Yifan WANG ; Yanqiong MA ; Yu MENG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):512-518
Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis is a highly invasive zoonotic parasitic disease with poor prognosis. Surgical intervention serves as the pivotal approach to achieve radical cure and improve the prognosis of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis patients. In recent years, with the popularization of the concept of precision surgery and the development of the multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment model, the surgical treatment strategies for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis have been continuously enriched, and the selection of surgical procedures has become increasingly diversified. Although key surgical techniques such as radical hepatectomy, autologous liver transplantation and allogeneic liver transplantation have achieved remarkable progress in clinical application, many insurmountable challenges still remain. Therefore, by sorting out the latest evidence-based advances in the field of surgical treatment for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis, this article focuses on discussing the application status and bottlenecks of radical hepatectomy, autologous liver transplantation and allogeneic liver transplantation in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis, aiming to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis.
2.Predictive Factors Associated With Dysphagia in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury
Shu-Mei YANG ; Ting-Ju LAI ; Ya-Chu HSU ; Yu-Lin LU ; Hsing-Yu CHEN ; Hsiao-Ting TSAI ; Sheng-Hao CHENG ; Ming-Yen HSIAO ; Meng-Ting LIN
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine 2026;50(2):117-128
Objective:
To identify early clinical predictors associated with dysphagia and delayed swallowing recovery in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Methods:
In this retrospective study, we enrolled adult TBI patients admitted to the rehabilitation unit of a tertiary medical center between June 2019 and June 2023. Data on baseline characteristics, neurological status, imaging findings, and rehabilitation-related variables were collected. Swallowing function was assessed using two indicators: (1) nasogastric (NG) tube retention and (2) the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) scores at 1, 4, and 12 weeks post-injury. Regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors associated with dysphagia and swallowing recovery.
Results:
A total of 160 patients were included. At 1 week post-injury, longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay, poor initial sitting balance and use of sedative medication in ICU were associated with NG tube retention. At 4 weeks, lower initial Rancho Los Amigos Scale (RLAS) scores, immobility-related complications, longer hospitalization, and temporal lobe hematomas were associated with persistent NG tube dependence. By 12 weeks, older age, delayed ability to follow commands, and poor initial sitting balance remained associated with NG tube retention. FOIS outcomes were also associated with older age, delayed time to follow commands, impaired initial sitting balance, prolonged ICU stay, temporal lobe hematomas, lower initial RLAS scores, immobility-related complications, prolonged endotracheal tube placement and extended hospital stays.
Conclusion
Impaired cognitive status, poor physical function, immobility-related complications, and temporal lobe hematomas were key factors associated with dysphagia and delayed oral intake in individuals with TBI.
3.Response to the letter to the editor: Inconsistencies in obesity criteria: implications for systematic reviews on endoscopic spine surgery
Wongthawat LIAWRUNGRUEANG ; Watcharaporn CHOLAMJIAK ; Peem SARASOMBATH ; Yudha Mathan SAKTI ; Pang Hung WU ; Meng-Huang WU ; Yu-Jen LU ; Lo Cho YAU ; Zenya ITO ; Sung Tan CHO ; Dong-Gune CHANG ; Kang Taek LIM
Asian Spine Journal 2026;20(1):211-213
4.From transmission to elimination: progress of schistosomiasis control in Sichuan Province
Jiajia WAN ; Zisong WU ; Lin CHEN ; Nannan WANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Chen PU ; Rongzhi LI ; Xianhong MENG ; Liang XU ; Jingye SHANG ; Ding LU ; Bo ZHONG ; Yang LIU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(3):232-239
Sichuan Province is a hilly schistosomiasis-endemic province in China with the highest endemicity and largest coverage. During the period of more than 70 years of integrated control, there are five distinct phases of schistosomiasis control in Sichuan Province, including baseline investigation, Oncomelania hupensis snail control, chemotherapy for both humans and livestock, management of source of Schistosoma japonicum infections, and sustained control and intensified surveillance and early warning, and a package of key interventions are implemented, including environmental modification, snail control with chemical treatment, large-scale chemotherapy for humans and livestock, management of source of S. japonicum infections, intensified integrated control, establishment of an early warning and surveillance system. As a result, schistosomiasis has been eliminated across all 63 disease-endemic counties (cities, districts) in Sichuan Province by June 2025. Government-led multi-sectoral collaborations, science and technology-supported precision control strategies, and a sustainable control model tailored to the ecological and socio-economic conditions in endemic regions are essential to achieving the target of schistosomiasis elimination in Sichuan Province.
5.Mechanisms of Exercise Intervention in Cancer Bone Metastasis
Si-Tong YAN ; Feng-Zhi YU ; Bo-Yi ZONG ; Meng-Lu HE ; Dan-Dan JIA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(8):2104-2122
Bone metastases are a common and serious complication of solid tumors such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and kidney cancer, and occur at a high rate in patients with advanced cancer. This pathological process not only frequently leads to skeletal-related events such as severe bone pain, pathological fractures, spinal cord compression, and hypercalcemia—conditions that severely impact patients’ quality of life—but may also significantly increase the risk of death. Cancer bone metastasis is a complex, multistage cascade involving key steps such as the detachment of tumor cells from the primary tumor, their invasion and entry into the bloodstream, and their colonization, dormancy, and reactivation within the bone microenvironment. In recent years, exercise—as a safe and easily implementable non-pharmacological intervention—has demonstrated significant potential in inhibiting bone metastasis, improving the bone microenvironment, and alleviating related clinical symptoms. Its mechanisms of action may involve multiple levels. First, at the mechanical load level, mechanical signals generated by exercise can directly act on bone cells, inhibiting tumor cell infiltration and colonization by regulating endothelial cell permeability and osteoclast activity. Second, at the endocrine and paracrine levels, exercise can alter the expression profiles of microRNAs (such as miR-486 and miR-34b) carried by extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs) in the circulation, thereby inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and migration by targeting cell cycle-related genes. Furthermore, exercise can remodel the immune microenvironment, enhance the cytotoxic activity of antitumor immune cells, and improve oxygen supply to tumor tissues, thereby alleviating hypoxia-induced immunosuppression. Finally, at the metabolic intervention level, exercise can induce systemic metabolic reprogramming, increasing the nutritional demands of normal tissues, thereby competing with tumor cells for nutrients and forming a “metabolic barrier” in distal organs such as bones. This article reviews the pathogenesis and classification of bone metastases, including osteolytic, osteogenic, and mixed types, and elaborates in detail on the complex processes by which tumor cells undergo colonization, dormancy, and reactivation within the bone microenvironment. Furthermore, based on a comprehensive analysis of human and animal studies on exercise interventions for bone metastases, this paper highlights the mechanisms by which exercise inhibits tumor formation, growth, and spread through the regulation of mechanical loading, extracellular vesicles and granules, as well as via immune and metabolic pathways, thereby interfering with bone metastasis. However, the array of exercise modalities and intensities available for patients grappling with the challenges of cancer-related bone metastases remains markedly constrained, and the formulation of tailored exercise prescriptions continues to be devoid of robust, evidence-based medical backing. This review aims to explore the effects of exercise on bone health in patients with bone metastases, analyze the factors and considerations that should be taken into account in exercise prescriptions, and provide new theoretical support and insights for developing personalized exercise programs for these patients and further advancing relevant clinical research. Future research directions should include the development of evidence-based, personalized exercise prescriptions and further clarification of the safety boundaries and best practice standards for exercise interventions, thereby promoting the advancement of relevant clinical research and ultimately improving patients’ clinical outcomes and quality of life.
6.Predictive Modeling of Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage Following Endovascular Thrombectomy: Insights From the Nationwide TREAT-AIS Registry
Jia-Hung CHEN ; I-Chang SU ; Yueh-Hsun LU ; Yi-Chen HSIEH ; Chih-Hao CHEN ; Chun-Jen LIN ; Yu-Wei CHEN ; Kuan-Hung LIN ; Pi-Shan SUNG ; Chih-Wei TANG ; Hai-Jui CHU ; Chuan-Hsiu FU ; Chao-Liang CHOU ; Cheng-Yu WEI ; Shang-Yih YAN ; Po-Lin CHEN ; Hsu-Ling YEH ; Sheng-Feng SUNG ; Hon-Man LIU ; Ching-Huang LIN ; Meng LEE ; Sung-Chun TANG ; I-Hui LEE ; Lung CHAN ; Li-Ming LIEN ; Hung-Yi CHIOU ; Jiunn-Tay LEE ; Jiann-Shing JENG ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):85-94
Background:
and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking.
Methods:
This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance.
Results:
Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal.
Conclusions
The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.
7.Predictive Modeling of Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage Following Endovascular Thrombectomy: Insights From the Nationwide TREAT-AIS Registry
Jia-Hung CHEN ; I-Chang SU ; Yueh-Hsun LU ; Yi-Chen HSIEH ; Chih-Hao CHEN ; Chun-Jen LIN ; Yu-Wei CHEN ; Kuan-Hung LIN ; Pi-Shan SUNG ; Chih-Wei TANG ; Hai-Jui CHU ; Chuan-Hsiu FU ; Chao-Liang CHOU ; Cheng-Yu WEI ; Shang-Yih YAN ; Po-Lin CHEN ; Hsu-Ling YEH ; Sheng-Feng SUNG ; Hon-Man LIU ; Ching-Huang LIN ; Meng LEE ; Sung-Chun TANG ; I-Hui LEE ; Lung CHAN ; Li-Ming LIEN ; Hung-Yi CHIOU ; Jiunn-Tay LEE ; Jiann-Shing JENG ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):85-94
Background:
and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking.
Methods:
This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance.
Results:
Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal.
Conclusions
The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.
8.Investigation of tick species in Suizhou City, Hubei Province from 2023 to 2024
Huiya LU ; Fang GUO ; Yibin PAN ; Meng PENG ; Libang WU ; Ye LIN ; Xiaohui LIU ; Xuejie YU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(2):184-189
Objective To investigate the species of ticks in Suizhou City, Hubei Province, so as to provide insights into management of ticks and tick-borne diseases. Methods During the period between May 2023 and June 2024, livestock breeding farms and vegetation neighboring the place of residence of confirmed and suspected patients with tick-borne disease were selected as sampling points in rural areas from Yindian Township, Gaocheng Township, Wanhe Township, Wushan Township, Xiaolin Township, Xihe Township, Hedian Township and Beijiao Street in Suizhou City, Hubei Province, where confirmed and suspected cases with tick-borne diseases had been reported. The parasitic ticks on the body surface of free-range livestock were captured with tweezers in livestock breeding farms, and free ticks on the vegetation surface were captured with the flagging method. Morphological identification of tick samples was performed under a microscope, and the gender and developmental stage of ticks were determined. One engorged adult tick, 2 to 3 blood-feeding but non-engorged adult ticks, 10 to 15 unfed female ticks, 15 to 20 unfed male ticks, and 30 to 40 tick nymphs or larvae were assigned into a group, respectively. Genomic DNA was extracted from tick samples in each group, and mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene was amplified. Sequence analysis was performed with the DNASTAR software, and phylogenetic analysis was performed using the software MEGA 7.0. In addition, the phylogenetic tree was generated using the maximum likelihood method based on the Kimura 2 parameter model. Results A total of 2 438 ticks were captured from Suizhou City, Hubei Province during the period between May 2023 and June 2024, including 595 free ticks and 1 483 parasitic ticks. Three developmental stages of ticks were captured, including larvae, nymphs, and adults, and 75.18% (1 899/2 438) of captured ticks were adult, in which 79.04% (1 501/1 899) were female. Morphological and molecular biological assays identified one family, three genera and four species of captured ticks, including 2 425 Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks (99.47%) and one H. flava tick (0.04%) of the genus Haemaphysalis, 11 Rhipicephalus microplus ticks (0.45%) of the genus Rhipicephalus, and one Ixodes sinensis tick (0.04%) of the genus Ixodes in the family Ixodidae. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the H. longicornis sequence (SZ49) in this study was clustered with sequences from Yunnan Province (GenBank accession number: MH024510.1), Hebei Province (GenBank accession number: MK450606.1) and Henan Province (GenBank accession number: MZ230645.1) into a clade, and the H. flava sequence (SZ19) in this study was clustered with sequences from Japan (GenBank accession number: MW064044.1), South Korea (GenBank accession number: ON629585.1), and Jiangsu Province (GenBank accession number: PP494741.1) and Hebei Province of China (GenBank accession number: MH520685.1) into a clade, while the R. microplus sequence (SZ8) in this study was clustered with the sequences from India (GenBank accession number: MK621328.1), and Henan Province (GenBank accession number: MT555307.1) and Guizhou Province of China (GenBank accession number: PP446801.1) into a clade. The sequence of I. sinensis (SZ23) in this study had 99.51% homology with that (GenBank accession number: OM368265.1) of ticks sampled from Wuhan City, Hubei Province. Conclusion There are four tick species of H. longicornis, H. flava, R. microplus and I. sinensis in Suizhou City, Hubei Province, and H. longicornis is the dominant species. H. flava is firstly recorded in Suizhou City.
9.Bibliometric analysis of research process and current situation of brain aging and exosomes
Liting LYU ; Xia YU ; Jinmei ZHANG ; Qiaojing GAO ; Renfan LIU ; Meng LI ; Lu WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(7):1457-1465
BACKGROUND:In recent years,with the rapid development of biomedicine,the study of brain aging and exosomes has attracted more and more attention,but there is no bibliometrics analysis in this field. OBJECTIVE:To objectively analyze domestic and foreign literature on brain aging and exosomes in the past 15 years,to summarize the research status,hot spots,and development trends in this field. METHODS:Using the core database of Web of Science as a search platform,we downloaded the literature on brain aging and exosomes published from the establishment of the database to December 28,2022,and analyzed the data from the aspects of country or region,institution,author,keywords,and co-cited literature using CiteSpace 6.1.R6 visualization software. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 1 045 research articles were included,and the number of publications on brain aging and exosomes research both domestically and internationally was showing an increasing trend year by year.The United States ranked first with 429 papers,and China ranked second with 277 papers.Louisiana State University ranked first with 16 articles.Professor Lukiw Walter J from Louisiana State University in the United States was the author with the highest number of publications,and Professor Bartel DP from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology was the author with the most citations.The most prolific Journal was the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.Alzheimer's disease,microRNA,gene expression,extracellular vesicles,exosomes,oxidative stress,and biomarkers are the most relevant terms.According to the research on hot topics,biomarkers have become a new research hotspot.The above results indicate that the research on brain aging and exosomes has gradually increased in the past 15 years.The research direction has gradually shifted from the initial exploration of the expression of miRNAs in central nervous system diseases related to brain aging to the search for biomarkers that can identify and diagnose neurodegenerative diseases.The study of exocrine miRNAs to protect central nervous system from damage has emerged as promising therapeutic strategy.
10.Endoscopic spine surgery for obesity-related surgical challenges: a systematic review and meta-analysis of current evidence
Wongthawat LIAWRUNGRUEANG ; Watcharaporn CHOLAMJIAK ; Peem SARASOMBATH ; Yudha Mathan SAKTI ; Pang Hung WU ; Meng-Huang WU ; Yu-Jen LU ; Lo Cho YAU ; Zenya ITO ; Sung Tan CHO ; Dong-Gune CHANG ; Kang Taek LIM
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(2):292-310
Obesity presents significant challenges in spinal surgery, including higher rates of perioperative complications, prolonged operative times, and delayed recovery. Traditional open spine surgery often exacerbates these risks, particularly in patients with obesity, because of extensive tissue dissection and larger incisions. Endoscopic spine surgery (ESS) has emerged as a promising minimally invasive alternative, offering advantages such as reduced tissue trauma, minimal blood loss, lower infection rates, and faster recovery. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and outcomes of ESS techniques, including fully endoscopic and biportal endoscopic lumbar discectomy and decompression, in patients with obesity and lumbar spine pathologies. A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Scopus databases yielded 2,975 studies published between 2000 and 2024, of which 10 met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in pain relief (Visual Analog Scale) and functional outcomes (Oswestry Disability Index), with comparable results between patients with and without obesity. Patients who are obese experienced longer operative times and have a slightly higher risk of symptom recurrence; however, ESS demonstrated lower rates of wound infections, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery than traditional surgery. These findings position ESS as a viable and effective option for managing lumbar spine conditions in patients with obesity, addressing obesity-related surgical challenges while maintaining favorable clinical outcomes. However, limitations such as study heterogeneity and the lack of randomized controlled trials highlight the need for further high-quality research to refine ESS techniques and optimize patient care in this high-risk population.

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