1.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.
2.Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance: a health economic evaluation
Qi-Feng CHEN ; Xiong-Ying JIANG ; Song CHEN ; Jiongliang WANG ; Ming ZHAO
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):536-564
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) imposes a major health and economic burden worldwide, with disproportionate effects in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Surveillance in high-risk populations, typically using semiannual ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein testing, has been shown to be cost-effective by enabling earlier detection and improving survival. Yet, its overall value is reduced by poor adherence and the limited sensitivity of ultrasound, particularly in patients with metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease. Emerging approaches—including abbreviated magnetic resonance imaging, multi-biomarker models (e.g., gender, age, AFP, AFP-L3, and DCP), and liquid biopsy assays such as methylated DNA markers—demonstrate greater diagnostic accuracy and potential economic advantages compared with conventional methods. Integration of artificial intelligence into imaging may further enhance efficiency and reduce downstream costs. Moving toward precision surveillance, guided by individualized risk stratification that incorporates etiology, fibrosis stage, and molecular profiles, can optimize allocation of resources and maximize cost-effectiveness at the population level. Interventions to improve adherence, including mailed outreach and behavioral economic incentives, have shown both clinical benefit and cost savings, underscoring the role of implementation science. Because socioeconomic disparities influence both access and outcomes, economic models must explicitly address equity to achieve sustainable impact. Future research should prioritize prospective trials that evaluate not only clinical performance but also the real-world cost-effectiveness of novel technologies and stratified surveillance strategies. For LMICs, adapting proven models into affordable, context-appropriate programs is essential. By combining prevention, precision risk assessment, innovative technologies, and equitable implementation, HCC surveillance can deliver both clinical and economic value, reducing the global burden of disease.
3.Beyond diagnostic accuracy: Economic and clinical considerations for NC-MRI in late HCC recurrence surveillance: Letter to the editor on “Non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging for detection of late recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after curative treatment: a prospective multicenter comparison to contrast-enhanced computed tomography”
Qi-Feng CHEN ; Sui-Xing ZHONG ; Ming ZHAO
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):e175-e178
4.Research progress on the effect of influenza vaccination on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Shangyangzhi QI ; Junjie FENG ; Shujun WU ; Ming ZHAO ; Ting FANG ; Shanshan WANG
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(8):1489-1494
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, causing a significant socioeconomic burden. This article reviews the effects of influenza vaccination on COPD and finds that influenza vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of influenza infection, reduce the number of acute exacerbations, and reduce the hospitalization rate in patients with COPD. The vaccine has a favorable safety profile and significant economic benefits, which can reduce medical costs. Currently, influenza vaccination mainly faces challenges such as insufficient patient awareness, insufficient support from the medical system, and socio-cultural and economic factors. Efforts should be focused on reducing the acute exacerbation of COPD patients and providing a scientific basis for the prevention and management of COPD patients.
5.Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology(2nd edition)and their series interpretation(10):an overview and case study of quality assessment tools
Qingyong ZHENG ; Caihua XU ; Yongjia ZHOU ; Xiao TANG ; Mengjun ZHANG ; Jinzhi QI ; Ming LIU ; Ya GAO ; Feng SUN ; Jinhui TIAN
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(10):1113-1126
Methodological quality assessment is a pivotal link between primary studies and reliable evidence-based practice,and an essential pathway for operationalizing the core principles of the Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology(2nd edition).A prevalent challenge in practice,however,is the conflation of appraising methodological robustness(risk of bias assessment)with verifying reporting transparency(adherence to reporting guidelines).This paper systematically addresses this fundamental challenge,beginning with a clear distinction between the essence and boundaries of these two concepts.On this basis,the article provides a comprehensive review of mainstream quality assessment tools,covering the methodological features and evolutionary trajectory of numerous instruments for interventional(e.g.,RoB 2,ROBINS-I),observational(e.g.,NOS,the JBI/SIGN/NIH series),secondary(e.g.,AMSTAR 2),and other specific types of studies such as health economic evaluations.Furthermore,a complete case study is used to illustrate the practical application of the ROBINS-I tool.The paper's central thesis advocates for an"appraisal-informed design"philosophy,urging a conceptual shift from the retrospective critique of existing literature to the prospective quality control of new research by internalizing appraisal standards as design principles,while also exploring the emerging paradigm of artificial intelligence in assisting assessment.This paper provides a comprehensive methodological reference for researchers and practitioners to prudently select appropriate assessment tools and to conduct rigorous critical appraisals of pharmacoepidemiological evidence.
6.Analysis of the Effect and Prognostic Factors of Deep Brain Electrical Stimulation Therapy on Parkinson's Disease Patients with Frozen Gait
Kang MENG ; Xin-qi HU ; Zhao-hai FENG ; Jia-ming WANG ; Lei JIANG
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(12):1996-2002,2033
Objective:To analyze the effect of deep brain electrical stimulation therapy on Parkinson's disease patients with frozen gait and explore its prognostic factors.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 86 Parkinson's disease patients with frozen gait admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to December 2022.All patients received deep brain electrical stimulation therapy.Conduct a 2-year outpatient follow-up for all patients,and analyze the scores of the Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part 2(UPDRS Ⅱ),Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part 3(UPDRS Ⅲ),Fugl Meyer Lower Limb Motor Function Assessment Scale(FMA),and Schwab&England Daily Activity Scale(S&E)before and after medication opening and closing,6 months after surgery,1 year after surgery,and 2 years after surgery.And based on the 2-year follow-up results of the patients,the prognosis level of the patients was evaluated according to the S&E score during drug closure.60 patients with drug closure S&E score>70 were divided into a good prognosis group,and 26 patients with drug closure S&E score≤70 were divided into a poor prognosis group.Logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of deep brain electrical stimulation therapy in Parkinson's disease gait freezing patients.Results:At 6 months,1 year,and 2 years after surgery,the UPDRS Ⅱ and UPDRS Ⅲ scores of all patients were lower than those before surgery(P<0.05).The UPDRS Ⅱ and UPDRS Ⅲ scores of patients before surgery,6 months,1 year,and 2 years after surgery were lower than those of patients before surgery(P<0.05);At 6 months,1 year,and 2 years after surgery,the FMA and S&E scores of all patients were higher than those before surgery(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the FMA and S&E scores between 6 months,1 year,and 2 years after surgery(P>0.05).However,the FMA and S&E scores at 6 months,1 year,and 2 years after surgery were lower than those at the end of surgery(P<0.05);There was no significant difference between the gender,BMI,combined underlying disease,levodopa equivalent dose,preoperative UPDRSⅢ score before the on and off periods,and FMA scores before the on and off periods(P>0.05),Age,Parkinson's disease stage,preoperative UPDRS Ⅱ score between open and off period,and preoperative S&E score between the good prognosis and off prognosis groups(P<0.05);The UPDRS Ⅱ score(95%CI:1.353~5.782,OR value:2.462),S&E score(95%CI:1.658~4.687,OR value:2.789),and S&E score(95%CI:1.265~6.879,OR value:3.645)before opening surgery are independent influencing factors on deep brain electrical stimulation therapy in Parkinson's disease gait freezing patients(P<0.05).Conclusion:Deep brain electrical stimulation therapy can improve the condition and motor function of Parkinson's disease patients with frozen gait,but some patients may have poor prognosis due to the influence of UPDRS Ⅱ score before surgery and S&E scores during the opening and closing phases.
7.Clinical Study of MiR-125b-5p/HIF-1α Pathway in Involvement of Vitamin D Deficiency in Pathogenesis of Multiple Myeloma
Qian-Song CHENG ; Jing-Jing ZHOU ; Feng GUO ; Ming ZHU ; Liang HE ; Ting-Ting YUAN ; Mei-Qi DING
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(6):1650-1654
Objective:To detect the serum levels of 25(OH)D,miR-125b-5p,hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)and vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA)in patients with multiple myeloma(MM),and explore the role of miR-125b-5p/HIF-1α pathway in the involvement of vitamin D deficiency in the pathogenesis of MM.Methods:Fifty three newly diagnosed/relapsed MM patients admitted to the department of hematology of our hospital from October 2021 to December 2023 were included.Meanwhile,25 healthy individuals matched in gender and age from our hospital's Health Management Center were selected as controls.The serum level of 25(OH)D was monitored by mass spectrometry,the serum level of miR-125b-5p was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR,and serum levels of HIF-1α and VEGFA were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The levels of 25(OH)D,miR-125b-5p,HIF-1α,and VEGFA were compared between the two groups.According to the level of 25(OH)D,the MM patients were divided into vitamin D deficiency group(<20 ng/ml)and vitamin D non-deficiency group(≥ 20 ng/ml),and the levels of miR-125b-5p,HIF-1α,and VEGFA were compared between the two groups.The correlations between 25(OH)D,miR-125b-5p,HIF-1α and VEGFA were analyzed.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was used to determine the diagnostic value of25(OH)D combined with miR-125b-5p for newly diagnosed MM.Results:The level of 25(OH)D in MM patients was significantly lower than that in control group(P<0.01).There was no significant difference in 25(OH)D level between newly diagnosed and relapsed MM patients(P>0.05).Compared with the control group,the level of miR-125b-5p was significantly reduced in MM patients(P<0.01),while the levels of HIF-1α and VEGFA were significantly increased(both P<0.001).In MM patients,the miR-125b-5p level in the vitamin D deficiency group was significantly decreased than that in the non-deficiency group(P<0.01),while the levels of HIF-1 α and VEGFA were significantly increased(both P<0.05).In MM patients,25(OH)D was positively correlated with miR-125b-5p,while negatively correlated with HIF-1α and VEGFA(both P<0.05).Moreover,miR-125b-5p was negatively correlated with HIF-1α and VEGFA(both P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)for diagnosing MM with 25(OH)D,miR-125b-5p,and their combination were 0.699,0.751,and 0.791,respectively.Conclusion:The incidence of vitamin D deficiency is high in MM patients.Vitamin D deficiency may promote angiogenesis and participate in the occurrence and development of MM by downregulating miR-125b-5p and upregulating HIF-1α and VEGFA expression.
8.Preferences for achievements transformation of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)Preparation among medical staff in TCM hospitals in Beijing
Yi-xuan CHEN ; Xue-feng SHI ; Wan-jin YANG ; Xin-qi GENG ; Han-lin NIE ; Ming-li MA ; Xiao-wei NIU ; Yao-qi WANG
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(11):66-73
Objective:To analyze the preferences of medical staff in TCM hospitals in Beijing regarding the achievements transformation of hospital traditional Chinese medicine preparations,and to provide a reference for formulating incentive policies.Methods:233 medical staff from five TCM hospitals in Beijing were taken as the research objects,and surveyed with a questionnaire designed based on the discrete choice experiment(DCE).Mixed logit models and latent class models were then used to analyze their transformation preferences.Results:The mixed Logit model revealed that seven key attributes significantly influenced medical staff's preferences for the achievements transformation of traditional Chinese medicine preparations(P<0.05).Latent class analysis identified three distinct preference groups among respondents:an organization-dependent group(27.0%),a pro-transformation group(61.4%),and a conservative group(11.6%).Conclusions:Medical Staff preferred transformation conditions that increased monthly income;utilized"human use+re-experimentation";involved the hospital's achievements transformation department as the entity;were funded by the hospital;offered a 70%profit share;enabled promotion three years earlier,and assigned patents to the hospital.The study recommends implementing diverse incentive measures and developing differentiated strategies tailored to the distinct Medical Staff categories to facilitate the transformation of hospital traditional Chinese medicine preparations into new drugs.
9.Research progress on the effect of influenza vaccination on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Shangyangzhi QI ; Junjie FENG ; Shujun WU ; Ming ZHAO ; Ting FANG ; Shanshan WANG
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(8):1489-1494
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, causing a significant socioeconomic burden. This article reviews the effects of influenza vaccination on COPD and finds that influenza vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of influenza infection, reduce the number of acute exacerbations, and reduce the hospitalization rate in patients with COPD. The vaccine has a favorable safety profile and significant economic benefits, which can reduce medical costs. Currently, influenza vaccination mainly faces challenges such as insufficient patient awareness, insufficient support from the medical system, and socio-cultural and economic factors. Efforts should be focused on reducing the acute exacerbation of COPD patients and providing a scientific basis for the prevention and management of COPD patients.
10.Modulation of microglia by traditional Chinese medicine improves post-stroke depression
Qi LI ; Jing GAO ; Ming ZHANG ; Xu ZHANG ; Yachen FENG ; Rui PAN ; Chunxiao WANG ; Qiongdi REN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(18):2945-2952
Post-stroke depression(PSD),a common stroke complication characterized by depressed mood and diminished interest,severely affects patients'recovery and quality of life.Microglial abnormal activation and polarization play key roles in PSD pathogenesis,closely associated with neuroinflammation and imbalance in neu-rotransmitter metabolism.In contrast,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)demonstrates unique multi-target and multi-level mechanisms:regulating microglial function,ameliorating post-stroke neuroinflammatory environments,and promoting neuroplasticity,thereby potentially alleviating PSD symptoms.This review summarizes TCM's effects on microglial activation/polarization states and its therapeutic advances in PSD,providing novel perspectives and strategies for clinical management.

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