1.Residual Inflammatory Risk and Intracranial Atherosclerosis Plaque Vulnerability: Insights From High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Ying YU ; Rongrong CUI ; Xin HE ; Xinxin SHI ; Zhikai HOU ; Yuesong PAN ; Mingyao LI ; Jiabao YANG ; Zhongrong MIAO ; Yongjun WANG ; Rong WANG ; Xin LOU ; Long YAN ; Ning MA
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(2):207-216
Background:
and Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association between residual inflammatory risk (RIR) and vulnerable plaques using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS).
Methods:
This retrospective study included 70%–99% symptomatic ICAS patients hospitalized from January 2016 to December 2022. Patients were classified into four groups based on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C): residual cholesterol inflammatory risk (RCIR, hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), RIR (hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L), residual cholesterol risk (RCR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), and no residual risk (NRR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L). Vulnerable plaque features on HRMRI included positive remodeling, diffuse distribution, intraplaque hemorrhage, and strong enhancement.
Results:
Among 336 included patients, 21, 60, 58, and 197 were assigned to the RCIR, RIR, RCR, and NRR groups, respectively. Patients with RCIR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.606; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.346–9.662; P=0.011) and RIR (aOR, 3.361; 95% CI, 1.774–6.368, P<0.001) had higher risks of strong enhancement than those with NRR. Additionally, patients with RCIR (aOR, 2.965; 95% CI, 1.060–8.297; P=0.038) were more likely to have intraplaque hemorrhage compared with those with NRR. In the sensitivity analysis, RCR (aOR, 2.595; 95% CI, 1.201–5.608; P=0.015) exhibited an additional correlation with an increased risk of intraplaque hemorrhage.
Conclusion
In patients with symptomatic ICAS, RIR is associated with a higher risk of intraplaque hemorrhage and strong enhancement, indicating an increased vulnerability to atherosclerotic plaques.
2.Residual Inflammatory Risk and Intracranial Atherosclerosis Plaque Vulnerability: Insights From High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Ying YU ; Rongrong CUI ; Xin HE ; Xinxin SHI ; Zhikai HOU ; Yuesong PAN ; Mingyao LI ; Jiabao YANG ; Zhongrong MIAO ; Yongjun WANG ; Rong WANG ; Xin LOU ; Long YAN ; Ning MA
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(2):207-216
Background:
and Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association between residual inflammatory risk (RIR) and vulnerable plaques using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS).
Methods:
This retrospective study included 70%–99% symptomatic ICAS patients hospitalized from January 2016 to December 2022. Patients were classified into four groups based on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C): residual cholesterol inflammatory risk (RCIR, hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), RIR (hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L), residual cholesterol risk (RCR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), and no residual risk (NRR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L). Vulnerable plaque features on HRMRI included positive remodeling, diffuse distribution, intraplaque hemorrhage, and strong enhancement.
Results:
Among 336 included patients, 21, 60, 58, and 197 were assigned to the RCIR, RIR, RCR, and NRR groups, respectively. Patients with RCIR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.606; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.346–9.662; P=0.011) and RIR (aOR, 3.361; 95% CI, 1.774–6.368, P<0.001) had higher risks of strong enhancement than those with NRR. Additionally, patients with RCIR (aOR, 2.965; 95% CI, 1.060–8.297; P=0.038) were more likely to have intraplaque hemorrhage compared with those with NRR. In the sensitivity analysis, RCR (aOR, 2.595; 95% CI, 1.201–5.608; P=0.015) exhibited an additional correlation with an increased risk of intraplaque hemorrhage.
Conclusion
In patients with symptomatic ICAS, RIR is associated with a higher risk of intraplaque hemorrhage and strong enhancement, indicating an increased vulnerability to atherosclerotic plaques.
3.A practice guideline for therapeutic drug monitoring of mycophenolic acid for solid organ transplants.
Shuang LIU ; Hongsheng CHEN ; Zaiwei SONG ; Qi GUO ; Xianglin ZHANG ; Bingyi SHI ; Suodi ZHAI ; Lingli ZHANG ; Liyan MIAO ; Liyan CUI ; Xiao CHEN ; Yalin DONG ; Weihong GE ; Xiaofei HOU ; Ling JIANG ; Long LIU ; Lihong LIU ; Maobai LIU ; Tao LIN ; Xiaoyang LU ; Lulin MA ; Changxi WANG ; Jianyong WU ; Wei WANG ; Zhuo WANG ; Ting XU ; Wujun XUE ; Bikui ZHANG ; Guanren ZHAO ; Jun ZHANG ; Limei ZHAO ; Qingchun ZHAO ; Xiaojian ZHANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Rongsheng ZHAO
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(9):897-914
Mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active moiety of both mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS), serves as a primary immunosuppressant for maintaining solid organ transplants. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) enhances treatment outcomes through tailored approaches. This study aimed to develop an evidence-based guideline for MPA TDM, facilitating its rational application in clinical settings. The guideline plan was drawn from the Institute of Medicine and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Using the Delphi method, clinical questions and outcome indicators were generated. Systematic reviews, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence quality evaluations, expert opinions, and patient values guided evidence-based suggestions for the guideline. External reviews further refined the recommendations. The guideline for the TDM of MPA (IPGRP-2020CN099) consists of four sections and 16 recommendations encompassing target populations, monitoring strategies, dosage regimens, and influencing factors. High-risk populations, timing of TDM, area under the curve (AUC) versus trough concentration (C0), target concentration ranges, monitoring frequency, and analytical methods are addressed. Formulation-specific recommendations, initial dosage regimens, populations with unique considerations, pharmacokinetic-informed dosing, body weight factors, pharmacogenetics, and drug-drug interactions are covered. The evidence-based guideline offers a comprehensive recommendation for solid organ transplant recipients undergoing MPA therapy, promoting standardization of MPA TDM, and enhancing treatment efficacy and safety.
Mycophenolic Acid/administration & dosage*
;
Drug Monitoring/methods*
;
Humans
;
Organ Transplantation
;
Immunosuppressive Agents/administration & dosage*
;
Delphi Technique
4.Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve physiological metabolism and ameliorate root damage of Coleus scutellarioides under cadmium stress.
Yanan HOU ; Fan JIANG ; Shuyang ZHOU ; Dingyin CHEN ; Yijie ZHU ; Yining MIAO ; Kai CENG ; Yifang WANG ; Min WU ; Peng LIU
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(2):680-692
Soil cadmium pollution can adversely affect the cultivation of the ornamental plant, Coleus scutellarioides. Upon cadmium contamination of the soil, the growth of C. scutellarioides is impeded, and it may even succumb to the toxic accumulation of cadmium. In this study, we investigated the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the adaptation of C. scutellarioides to cadmium stress, by measuring the physiological metabolism and the degree of root damage of C. scutellarioides, with Aspergillus oryzae as the test fungi. The results indicated that cadmium stress increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline (Pro) within the cells of C. scutellarioides, but inhibited mycorrhizal infestation rate, root vigour and growth rate to a great degree. With the same cadmium concentration, the inoculation of AMF significantly improved the physiological indexes of C. scutellarioides. The maximum decrease of MDA content was 42.16%, and the content of secondary metabolites rosemarinic acid and anthocyanosides could be increased by up to 27.43% and 25.72%, respectively. Meanwhile, the increase of root vigour was as high as 35.35%, and the DNA damage of the root system was obviously repaired. In conclusion, the inoculation of AMF can promote the accumulation of secondary metabolites, alleviate root damage, and enhance the tolerance to cadmium stress in C. scutellarioides.
Cadmium/toxicity*
;
Mycorrhizae/physiology*
;
Plant Roots/drug effects*
;
Soil Pollutants/toxicity*
;
Stress, Physiological
;
Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism*
5.Residual Inflammatory Risk and Intracranial Atherosclerosis Plaque Vulnerability: Insights From High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Ying YU ; Rongrong CUI ; Xin HE ; Xinxin SHI ; Zhikai HOU ; Yuesong PAN ; Mingyao LI ; Jiabao YANG ; Zhongrong MIAO ; Yongjun WANG ; Rong WANG ; Xin LOU ; Long YAN ; Ning MA
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(2):207-216
Background:
and Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association between residual inflammatory risk (RIR) and vulnerable plaques using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS).
Methods:
This retrospective study included 70%–99% symptomatic ICAS patients hospitalized from January 2016 to December 2022. Patients were classified into four groups based on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C): residual cholesterol inflammatory risk (RCIR, hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), RIR (hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L), residual cholesterol risk (RCR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), and no residual risk (NRR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L). Vulnerable plaque features on HRMRI included positive remodeling, diffuse distribution, intraplaque hemorrhage, and strong enhancement.
Results:
Among 336 included patients, 21, 60, 58, and 197 were assigned to the RCIR, RIR, RCR, and NRR groups, respectively. Patients with RCIR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.606; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.346–9.662; P=0.011) and RIR (aOR, 3.361; 95% CI, 1.774–6.368, P<0.001) had higher risks of strong enhancement than those with NRR. Additionally, patients with RCIR (aOR, 2.965; 95% CI, 1.060–8.297; P=0.038) were more likely to have intraplaque hemorrhage compared with those with NRR. In the sensitivity analysis, RCR (aOR, 2.595; 95% CI, 1.201–5.608; P=0.015) exhibited an additional correlation with an increased risk of intraplaque hemorrhage.
Conclusion
In patients with symptomatic ICAS, RIR is associated with a higher risk of intraplaque hemorrhage and strong enhancement, indicating an increased vulnerability to atherosclerotic plaques.
6.Ethical considerations in the application of artificial intelligence health monitoring devices
Ruyi HOU ; Tingyu DUAN ; Miao HE
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(9):1191-1198
Artificial intelligence (AI) health monitoring devices use AI technology and non-invasive sensors to collect individual data, compare it with big data, and provide real-time monitoring and data analysis of users’ physiological and psychological health, so as to provide personalized health recommendations and health risk warnings. AI health monitoring devices greatly enhance individuals’ self-health management abilities and improve their quality of life through round-the-clock uninterrupted monitoring and tracking. However, they also harbor a series of ethical risks, such as user privacy breaches, the digitization of physical sensations, and potential impacts on human subjectivity. Therefore, under the guidance of the principles of privacy and data protection, inclusiveness and fairness, transparency, and explainability, relevant departments should protect personal privacy with perfect laws and regulations, reduce algorithmic bias, ensure disclosure and transparency to promote user understanding, while adhering to the people-oriented principle approach and conducting responsible research and development of interpretable algorithm models for AI health monitoring devices.
7.Association of serum γ-glutamyltransferase with stroke severity and outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Ruining DAI ; Xufei HOU ; Run MIAO ; Aimei WU ; Chi ZHANG ; Ping WANG
International Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;33(4):246-251
Objective:To investigate the association of serum γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) with stroke severity and outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).Methods:Patients with AIS admitted to the Department of Neurology, Hefei Second People's Hospital (Guangde Road Branch) from January 2023 to December 2023 were included retrospectively. According to the baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, the patients were divided into mild stroke group (≤8) and moderate to severe stroke group (>8); According to the modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months after onset, the patients were divided into a good outcome group (0-2) and a poor outcome group (>2). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent influencing factors of stroke severity and outcome, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of serum GGT for poor outcome. Results:A total of 136 patients with AIS were included, with 42 patients (30.88%) in the mild stroke group and 94 (69.12%) in the moderate to severe stroke group; 80 patients (58.82%) in the good outcome group and 56 (41.18%) in the poor outcome group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher serum GGT was an independent related factor for moderate to severe stroke (odds ratio [ OR] 1.075, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.017-1.135; P<0.05) and poor outcome ( OR 1.131, 95% CI 1.069-1.197; P<0.05). The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve for predicting poor outcome by serum GGT was 0.820 (95% CI 0.747-0.892). Conclusion:Serum GGT is significantly correlated with the severity of stroke in patients with AIS, and has certain predictive value for poor short-term outcome.
8.Construction and evaluation of a nomogram prognostic model for patients of prostate cancer with high tumor load bone metastases
Xin HUANG ; Yakun HOU ; Ning TAO ; Tao ZHUO ; Aihaiti RENAGULI ; Kaige ZHANG ; Miao YAO ; Hengqing AN
Journal of Modern Urology 2024;29(3):205-211
【Objective】 To identify the risk factors of patients of bone metastatic prostate cancer with high tumor load progressed to castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), establish a nomogram prediction model and evaluate its consistency and accuracy. 【Methods】 A total of 164 patients diagnosed by puncture and imaging during 2012 and 2022 were included.The general characteristics were analyzed with IBM SPSS software; the variables were screened with Cox regression; the multivariate risk factors with P<0.05 were included in the nomogram prediction model.The consistency and prediction accuracy of the model were evaluated with C-index, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration chart. 【Results】 In univariate analysis, initial prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD), Gleason score, T stage, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were correlated with CRPC (P<0.05).Multivariate analysis showed that initial PSA, Gleason score, T stage, ALP and LDH were independent risk factors of CRPC (P<0.05).Based on the above five risk factors, a nomogram prediction model was constructed.The C-index was 0.801, the area under ROC curve (AUC) of 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 0.701 (0.608-0.794), and the AUC of 2-year PFS was 0.857 (0.767-0.947).The calibration chart showed that the prediction probability of the model was in good agreement with the actual probability. 【Conclusion】 Initial PSA, Gleason score, T stage, ALP and LDH are independent risk factors of CRPC.The predictive model may be an effective tool for the initial diagnosis of high tumor load bone metastatic prostate cancer, but more data are needed for internal and external validation.
9.Biparametric magnetic resonance imaging radiomics for predicting biochemical recurrence in elderly prostate cancer patients after radical prostatectomy
Wen LIU ; Miao WANG ; Zhengtong LYU ; Huimin HOU ; Miaomiao WANG ; Chunmei LI ; Ming LIU
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2024;43(2):180-186
Objective:To investigate the predictive value of a radiomics model based on biparametric magnetic resonance imaging(bpMRI)for biochemical recurrence(BCR)after radical prostatectomy(RP)in elderly prostate cancer patients(≥60 years old).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 175 patients treated at Beijing Hospital from August 2017 to December 2021.Based on pathological results, image segmentation was performed on preoperative bpMRI T2, diffusion weighted imaging(DWI), and apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)sequences.Pyradiomics was utilized to extract radiomic features, and Cox regression, Spearman correlation coefficient, and LASSO regression were employed for feature dimensionality reduction, leading to the construction of radiomic labels.Clinical models and image-clinical combined models were developed using multifactorial Cox regression analysis, and the performance of these models in predicting BCR was evaluated using the concordance index(C-index).Results:The 175 patients were randomly divided into a training set(122 cases)and a test set(53 cases)at a ratio of 7∶3, with 24 cases(19.7%, 24/122)and 11 cases(20.8%, 11/53)experiencing BCR, respectively.A total of 5 775 radiomic features were extracted from the three sequences, and after dimensionality reduction, 5 features were selected to construct the radiomic labels.The radiomics model exhibited C-index values of 0.764(95% CI: 0.655-0.872)and 0.769(95% CI: 0.632-0.906)in the training and test sets, respectively.Multifactorial Cox regression analysis revealed serum prostate-specific antigen(PSA)( HR=1.032, 95% CI: 1.010-1.054), postoperative pathology International Society of Urological Pathology(ISUP)grade grouping( HR=1.682, 95% CI: 1.039-2.722), and positive surgical margins( HR=2.513, 95% CI: 1.094-5.774)as independent predictors of BCR.The clinical model exhibited C-index values of 0.751(95% CI: 0.655-0.846)and 0.753(95% CI: 0.630-0.877)in the training and test sets, respectively.Following combined modeling of clinical factors and radiomic labels, the image-clinical combined model demonstrated the highest C-index values, namely 0.782(95% CI: 0.679-0.874)and 0.801(95% CI: 0.677-0.915)in the training and test sets, respectively. Conclusions:The radiomics model based on bpMRI can predict the occurrence of BCR after RP in elderly prostate cancer patients.Combined modeling of clinical factors and radiomic labels can enhance predictive efficiency.
10.Comparative analysis of endoscopic treatment and conservative treatment in 197 cases of gastric stones
Rong SU ; Ruirui HOU ; Xiangkun MENG ; Yu MIAO ; Feixiong ZHANG ; Jigang RUAN ; Shaoqi YANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(10):1389-1395
Objective To compare different treatment methods for patients with gastric calculi and provide data support for clinical treatment.Methods A total of 197 patients diagnosed with gastric calculi by gastroscopy at the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University and Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease Hospital of General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from July 2013 to January 2024 were enrolled.The study collected general information and other data of the patients,and divided them into groups based on the selected treatment method using a real-world research approach.The subjects were divided into four groups:drug conservative treatment group,endoscopic homemade snare treatment group,disposable snare treatment group,and stone fragmentation treatment group.Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance.Results Gastric calculi were more common in men,with an average age of(55.45±14.21).85.3%of the patients had a history of eating persimmon,86.3%had ulcers,and 65.9%were located in the gastric angle.The self-made snare group had the lowest treatment cost,while the stone fragmentation group had the highest.There was no significant difference in the remission time of clinical symptoms among the three endoscopic treatment methods.The self-made snare had the highest patient satisfaction,but the drug combined with carbonated beverage group had the longest remission time of clinical symptoms and the lowest patient satisfaction.The frequency and duration of endoscopic treatment of dark green gastric stones were significantly higher than those of mottled and golden yellow gastric stones.Conclusion When treating patients with gastric stones,it is important to consider the size and color of the stone,as well as the patient's preferences.Patients should be fully informed about their condition and the advantages of different treatments.For patients with larger stones(about 5 cm),endoscopic snare treatment is recommended as the first choice.

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