1.Olfactory Receptors Expressed in The Intestine and Their Functions
Pei-Wen YANG ; Meng-Meng YUAN ; Ying ZHOU ; Peng LI ; Gui-Hong QI ; Ying YANG ; Zhong-Yi MAO ; Meng-Sha ZHOU ; Xiao-Shuang MAO ; Jian-Ping XIE ; Yi-Nan YANG ; Shi-Hao SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):534-549
Olfactory receptors (ORs) form the largest superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Traditionally recognized for their role in the nasal olfactory epithelium, where they mediate the sense of smell, accumulating evidence has firmly established their ectopic expression in non-olfactory tissues, including the intestine, lungs, and kidneys. The intestine, as the primary site for nutrient digestion and absorption, harbors a highly complex chemical environment. To adapt to this environment, the gut employs a sophisticated network of “chemosensors” to monitor luminal contents and maintain homeostasis. Among these sensors, intestinal ORs have emerged as crucial functional components, serving as a molecular bridge that connects environmental chemical signals—such as food-derived odorants—to specific physiological responses. This discovery has significantly deepened our understanding of how dietary flavors and compounds influence intestinal physiology at the molecular level. This review systematically summarizes the expression profiles, ligand classification, and biological functions of ORs within the gastrointestinal tract. Studies indicate that intestinal ORs exhibit distinct spatial distribution patterns across different gut segments and display cell-type specificity, particularly within enterocytes and enteroendocrine cells. These receptors function as versatile sensors capable of recognizing a wide variety of ligands, including exogenous dietary components, gut microbiota metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, and endogenous small molecules like azelaic acid. Upon activation by specific ligands, intestinal ORs trigger intracellular signaling cascades, primarily involving the AC-cAMP-PKA pathway or calcium influx channels. A major focus of this review is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these receptors regulate the secretion of gut hormones. Activation of specific ORs in enteroendocrine cells has been shown to stimulate the release of hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and serotonin (5-HT), thereby modulating systemic energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and gastrointestinal motility. Furthermore, the review addresses the critical roles of ORs in immune regulation and pathology. Evidence suggests that specific ORs contribute to the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis and may offer protection against inflammation. Beyond their involvement in inflammatory responses, ORs such as Olfr78 have been shown to regulate the differentiation and function of intestinal endocrine cells. Similarly, Olfr544 has been demonstrated to alleviate intestinal inflammation by remodeling the gut microbiome and metabolome. These findings collectively suggest that specific ORs hold promise as therapeutic targets for mitigating intestinal inflammation and maintaining gut homeostasis. Additionally, the review explores the emerging role of ORs in cancer. Although OR expression is often downregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal mucosa, activation of specific ORs by certain ligands can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis via pathways such as MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK. Conversely, other receptors, such as OR7C1, may serve as biomarkers for cancer-initiating cells. In conclusion, intestinal ORs represent a vital component of the gut’s sensory network. The review also discusses the translational potential of these findings. By elucidating the precise pairing relationships between dietary components and specific ORs, novel therapeutic strategies could be developed. Intestinal ORs may thus emerge as promising targets for nutritional and pharmacological interventions in metabolic diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and malignancies.
2.Clinical application of minimally invasive mitral valvuloplasty in patients with infective endocarditis complicated with mitral valve insufficiency
Yubin ZHONG ; Yunqing SHI ; Quanlin YANG ; Songyi QIAN ; Limin XIA ; Kai SONG ; Sun PAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(05):778-783
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive mitral valvuloplasty (MVP) in the treatment of infective endocarditis (IE) with mitral regurgitation (MR). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients who underwent MVP for IE with MR at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from 2016 to 2020. Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical incision: those with a right mini-thoracotomy were classified as a minimally invasive surgery (MIS) group, and those with a median sternotomy (MS) were classified as an MS group. All patients had isolated mitral valve involvement. Perioperative data were analyzed, and mid- to long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 86 patients were included, with 40 in the MIS group [22 males and 18 females, with a mean age of (39.78±15.36) years ranging from 14 to 75 years] and 46 in the MS group [27 males and 19 females, with a mean age of (49.94±16.13) years ranging from 14 to 71 years]. The patients in the MIS group were relatively younger (P=0.004) with better preoperative cardiac function (P=0.004). There was no statistical difference in preoperative fever, gender, or comorbidities between the two groups (P>0.05). The MIS group had shorter postoperative ventilation times, less postoperative 24-hour drainage, less blood transfusion, and shorter total hospital stays compared to the MS group (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in cardiopulmonary bypass times or ICU stays between the two groups (P>0.05). The perioperative complication rates and mortality rates were not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05). Follow-up was conducted for 11-92 months, with a mean duration of (49±19) months and an overall follow-up rate of 91.9%. During the follow-up, 3 patients in each group required reoperation for mitral valve issues, with no statistical difference in incidence (7.5% vs. 6.5%, P=0.691). There were no warfarin-related complications, recurrences, or deaths in either group during follow-up. Multivariate regression analysis identified age, preoperative cardiac function, and surgeon experience as influencing factors for the choice of surgical approach. Conclusion Minimally invasive MVP for IE with MR is relatively safe in the perioperative period and shows significant efficacy, with clear mid- to long-term outcomes. It is recommended for younger patients with better preoperative cardiac function and when performed by surgeons with extensive experience in mitral valvuloplasty.
3.Telpegfilgrastim for chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in breast cancer: A multicenter, randomized, phase 3 study.
Yuankai SHI ; Qingyuan ZHANG ; Junsheng WANG ; Zhong OUYANG ; Tienan YI ; Jiazhuan MEI ; Xinshuai WANG ; Zhidong PEI ; Tao SUN ; Junheng BAI ; Shundong CANG ; Yarong LI ; Guohong FU ; Tianjiang MA ; Huaqiu SHI ; Jinping LIU ; Xiaojia WANG ; Hongrui NIU ; Yanzhen GUO ; Shengyu ZHOU ; Li SUN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(4):496-498
4.A new perspective on quality control of traditional Chinese medicine based on characteristics of "physical phase structure".
Zhong-Huan QU ; Yan-Jun YANG ; Bing YANG ; Ru-Yu SHI ; Mao-Mao ZHU ; Lu SUN ; Xiao-Bin JIA ; Liang FENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(13):3579-3588
Quality control is a key link in the modernization process of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). Studies have shown that the effects of active components in TCM depend on not only their chemical composition but also their suitable physical forms and states. The physical phase structures, such as micelles, vesicles, gels, and nanoparticles, can improve the solubility, delivery efficiency, and targeting precision of active components. These structures significantly enhance the pharmacological activity while reducing the toxicity and side effects, demonstrating functional activity surpassing that of active components and highlighting the key effects of "structures" on "functions" of active components. Taking the physical phase structure as a breakthrough point, this paper outlines the common types of TCM physical phase structures. Furthermore, this paper explores how to realize the quality upgrading of TCM through the precise regulation of physical phase structures based on the current applications and potential of TCM physical phase structures in processing to increase the efficacy and reduce the toxicity, compounding and decocting processes, drug delivery systems, and quality control, aiming to provide novel insights for the future quality control of TCM.
Quality Control
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/standards*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards*
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Humans
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Drug Delivery Systems
5.Silencing PTPN2 with nanoparticle-delivered small interfering RNA remodels tumor microenvironment to sensitize immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Fu WANG ; Haoyu YOU ; Huahua LIU ; Zhuoran QI ; Xuan SHI ; Zhiping JIN ; Qingyang ZHONG ; Taotao LIU ; Xizhong SHEN ; Sergii RUDIUK ; Jimin ZHU ; Tao SUN ; Chen JIANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):2915-2929
Protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 2 (PTPN2) is a promising target for sensitizing solid tumors to immune checkpoint blockades. However, the highly polar active sites of PTPN2 hinder drug discovery efforts. Leveraging small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology, we developed a novel glutathione-responsive nano-platform HPssPT (HA/PEIss@siPtpn2) to silence PTPN2 and enhance immunotherapy efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HPssPT showed potent transfection and favorable safety profiles. PTPN2 deficiency induced by HPssPT amplified the interferon γ signaling in HCC cells by increasing the phosphorylation of Janus-activated kinase 1 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1, resulting in enhanced antigen presentation and T cell activation. The nano-platform was also able to promote the M1-like polarization of macrophages in vitro. The unique tropism of HPssPT towards tumor-associated macrophages, facilitated by hyaluronic acid coating and CD44 receptor targeting, allowed for simultaneous reprogramming of both tumor cells and tumor-associated macrophages, thereby synergistically reshaping tumor microenvironment to an immunostimulatory state. In HCC, colorectal cancer, and melanoma animal models, HPssPT monotherapy provoked robust antitumor immunity, thereby sensitizing tumors to PD-1 blockade, which provided new inspiration for siRNA-based drug discovery and tumor immunotherapy.
6.Clinical characteristics combined with inflammatory markers for predicting prognosis of patients with acute ischemic stroke after mechanical thrombectomy
Lingling ZHOU ; Xuchen MENG ; Weijie ZHONG ; Zhaoliang SUN ; Xiaohong SHI ; Tanjun DENG ; Zixian MEI ; Jiexi XIAO ; Dingzhong TANG ; Yi LI
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(10):1290-1296
Objective To explore the potential prognostic factors of patients with acute ischemic stroke(AIS)after undergoing endovascular mechanical thrombectomy and to construct an effective predictive model.Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical data was conducted on 202 patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion AIS from 2 stroke centers.All patients received endovascular mechanical thrombectomy treatment,with treatment and follow-up lasting at least 90 d.Basic demographic characteristics,medical records,and baseline blood biomarker data were collected,and the potential prognostic indicators for AIS after 90 d were screened using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)-logistic regression analysis.Results It was found that alcohol drinking(P=0.029),hypertension(P=0.001),diabetes mellitus(P=0.021),stroke or transient ischemic attack(P=0.049),systolic blood pressure on admission(P=0.009),diastolic blood pressure on admission(P=0.038),blood glucose(P=0.003),white blood cell count(P=0.001),neutrophil count(P=0.001),fibrinogen(P=0.010),systemic immune-inflammation index(P=0.008)and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)(P<0.001)were associated with adverse clinical outcomes.Nine significant prognostic determinants were screened through LASSO-logistic regression analysis.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that male sex(P=0.008),smoking history(P=0.013),hypertension(P=0.011),lymphocyte(P=0.028),fibrinogen(P=0.016),and NLR(P<0.001)were significant predictive factors for poor prognosis in AIS patients after endovascular thrombectomy treatment.The constructed prognostic model had an accuracy of 76.2%,a sensitivity of 78.2%,a specificity of 71.7%,and a positive predictive value of 86.7%.Conclusion The predictive model established in this study can assist clinicians in identifying high-risk patients with AIS who have undergone endovascular thrombectomy,and it provide guidance for formulating individualized treatment strategies.
7.Comparison of short-term clinical efficacy between CO external fixation and internal fixation with steel plate in the treatment of unstable distal radius fractures.
Min-Rui FU ; Chang-Long SHI ; Yong-Zhong CHENG ; Ming-Ming MA ; Zheng-Lin NIU ; Hai-Xiang SUN ; Jing-Hua GAO ; Zhong-Kai WU ; Yi-Ming XU
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(1):10-17
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the short-term clinical efficacy of external fixation and internal fixation with steel plate in the treatment of unstable distal radius fractures (AO-23C type), based on the principles of Chinese osteosynthesis (CO).
METHODS:
Forty-eight patients with unstable distal radius fractures between January 2022 and February 2023 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into the CO external fixation group and internal fixation group. CO external fixation group consisted of 25 patients, including 7 males and 18 females, aged from 37 to 56 years old with an average of ( 52.6±11.3) years old. Among them, there were 7 patients of traffic accidents and 18 patients of falls, resulting in a total of 25 patients of closed fractures and no open fractures, the treatment was conducted using closed reduction and CO external fixation. The internal fixation group consisted of 23 patients, comprising 8 males and 15 females, age ranged from 41 to 59 years old, with an average age of(53.3±13.7) years old. Among them, 8 patients resulted from car accidents while the remaining 15 patients were caused by falls. All 23 patients were closed fractures without any open fractures observed. The technique of open reduction and internal fixation with steel plate was employed. The perioperative data, including injury-operation time, operation duration, blood loss, and length of hospital stay, were assessed in both groups. Additionally, the QuickDASH score and visual analogue scale (VAS) were evaluated. Range of motion and grip strength assessment, imaging findings such as palmar inclination angle, ulnar declination angle, radius length, articular surface step, intra-articular space measurements were also examined along with any complications.
RESULTS:
The follow-up duration ranged from 0 to 24 months, with an average duration of (16.0±3.8) months. The CO external fixation exhibited significantly shorter time from injury to operation (2.4±3.3) d vs (7.4±3.7) d, shorter operation duration (56.27±15.23) min vs (74.10±5.26) min, lower blood loss (14.52±6.54) ml vs (32.32±10.03) ml, and reduced hospitalization days (14.04±3.24 )d vs (16.45±3.05) d compared to the internal fixation group (P<0.05). The QuickDASH score at 12 months post-operation was (8.21±1.64) in the CO external fixation group, while no significant difference was observed in the internal fixation group (7.04±3.64), P>0.05. There were no statistically significant differences in VAS between two groups at 6 weeks, as well as 1 and 3 months post-surgery (P>0.05). Additionally, there were no significant disparities observed in terms of range of motion and grip strength between two groups at the 2-year follow-up after the operation (P>0.05). After 12 months of surgery, the CO external fixation group exhibited a significantly smaller palmar inclination angle (17.90±2.18) ° vs (19.87±3.21) °, reduced articular surface step (0.11±0.03) mm vs (0.17±0.02) mm, and shorter radius length (8.16±1.11) mm compared to the internal fixation group (9.59±1.02) mm, P<0.05. The ulnar deviation angle and intra-articular space did not show any significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). The reduced fell within the allowable range between the CO external fixation group (23 out of 25 cases) and the internal fixation group (21 out of 23 cases) was not statistically significant (P=0.29). There was no significant difference in complications between the two groups(P>0.05).
CONCLUSION
Both the CO external fixation and open reduction with plate internal fixation demonstrate clinical efficacy in managing unstable distal radius fractures. The CO external fixation offers advantages in shorter injury-to-operation times, reduced intraoperative blood loss, and decreased surgical durations, while radial shortening is more effectively controlled by internal fixation.
Humans
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Male
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Female
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Middle Aged
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Radius Fractures/physiopathology*
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Adult
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Bone Plates
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Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods*
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External Fixators
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Retrospective Studies
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Fracture Fixation/methods*
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Wrist Fractures
8.Protocol for development of Guideline for Interventions on Cervical Spine Health.
Jing LI ; Guang-Qi LU ; Ming-Hui ZHUANG ; Xin-Yue SUN ; Ya-Kun LIU ; Ming-Ming MA ; Li-Guo ZHU ; Zhong-Shi LI ; Wei CHEN ; Ji-Ge DONG ; Le-Wei ZHANG ; Jie YU
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(10):1083-1088
Cervical spine health issues not only seriously affect patients' quality of life but also impose a heavy burden on the social healthcare system. Existing guidelines lack sufficient clinical guidance on lifestyle and work habits, such as exercise, posture, daily routine, and diet, making it difficult to meet practical needs. To address this, relying on the China Association of Chinese Medicine, Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences took the lead and joined hands with more than ten institutions to form a multidisciplinary guideline development group. For the first time, the group developed the Guidelines for Cervical Spine Health Intervention based on evidence-based medicine methods, strictly following the standardized procedures outlined in the World Health Organization Handbook for Guideline Development and the Guiding Principles for the Formulation/Revision of Clinical Practice Guidelines in China (2022 Edition). This proposal systematically explains the methods and steps for developing the guideline, aiming to make the guideline development process scientific, standardized, and transparent.
Humans
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Practice Guidelines as Topic/standards*
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Cervical Vertebrae
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China
9.Structural equation analysis and modeling of upper limb WMSDs and their adverse ergonomic factors
Siwu ZHONG ; Ning JIA ; Xin SUN ; Meibian ZHANG ; Qing XU ; Huadong ZHANG ; Ruijie LING ; Yimin LIU ; Gang LI ; Yan YIN ; Hua SHAO ; Jue LI ; Hengdong ZHANG ; Bing QIU ; Dayu WANG ; Qiang ZENG ; Rugang WANG ; Yan YE ; Bin XIAO ; Hua ZOU ; Jianchao CHEN ; Dongxia LI ; Yongquan LIU ; Qinghua SHI ; Jixiang LIU ; Enfei JIANG ; Jun QI ; Liangying MEI ; Xianfeng ZHAO ; Mimi YANG ; Xinwei GUO ; Zhi WANG ; Zhongxu WANG
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2025;43(4):254-263
Objective:To explore the structural relationship between WMSDs in the upper limbs and various risk factors in the occupational population in China, based on a large sample epidemiological survey and structural equation analysis, and to establish a structural equation model, so as to lay a foundation for the prevention and control of such diseases.Methods:The Chinese version of the Musculoskeletal Disorders Electronic Questionnaire was used to conduct a nationwide survey on the prevalence of WMSDs in the upper extremity. Six factors related to WMSDs in the upper extremity were extracted by the classification standard of adverse ergonomic factors and their source and confirmatory factor analysis, including work organization, work type, upper extremity work posture, individual factors, upper extremity fatigue and upper extremity WMSDs. The structural equation analysis was carried out and the structural equation model was established.Results:The incidence of WMSDs and fatigue in the upper limbs was 24.44% and 43.76%, respectively. The adjusted structural equation model fitting indicators were generally up to the standard (GFI=1.000, AGFI=1.000, RMSEA=0.043, NFI=0.808, TLI=0.784) . The four exogenous latent variables of work organization, work type, upper limb work posture and individual factors were correlated. There was a strong positive correlation between job type and upper limb work posture ( r=0.865) , a moderate positive correlation between work organization and job type and upper limb work posture ( r=0.570, 0.490) , and a weak negative correlation between individual factors and the other three exogenous latent variables. Upper limb work posture and individual factors had direct effects on upper limb WMSDs, and the effect coefficients were 0.10 and 0.06, respectively. Upper limb fatigue played a mediating role between work organization, work type, upper limb work posture and upper limb WMSDs. The effect coefficient was 0.46, and the composition ratios of indirect effects were 100.0%, 100.0%, and 38.3%, respectively. The direct path effect of upper limb work posture, individual factors and upper limb WMSDs was weaker than the mediating path through upper limb fatigue. Conclusion:When carrying out the prevention and control of upper limbWMSDs, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the pathogenesis path of upper limb muscle fatigue and upper limb WMSDs caused by work organization, work type, and upper limb work posture, so as to provide theoretical reference for improving the prevention and control level of such diseases.
10.Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization for middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms: a multicenter retrospective study
Mengyan FAN ; Jing LI ; Chuanzhi DUAN ; Huaizhang SHI ; Aihua LIU ; Xiaochuan SUN ; Feng FAN ; Jinyi LI ; Chao LIU ; Haowen XU ; Linyu WANG ; Zhiqiang YAO ; Hailong ZHONG ; Xiaowen ZHANG ; Rijin LIN ; Jiaxin WAN ; Nan ZHANG ; Huixiang LIU ; Jiamei ZHANG ; Sheng GUAN
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2025;24(2):141-146
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization in patients with middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed; the clinical data of 46 patients with middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms accepted Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization in First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Beijing Tiantan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University and First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2022 to March 2024 were collected. There were 28 ruptured aneurysms (60.87%) and 18 unruptured aneurysms (39.13%). Follow-up was performed for more than 3 months; Raymond-Roy grading was used to evaluate the aneurysm embolization immediately after embolization and during follow-up; perioperative hemorrhagic or ischemic complications were recorded; modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to evaluate the prognosis of the patients at discharge and during follow-up (mRS score≤2: good prognosis, and mRS score>2: poor prognosis).Results:Coil embolization was successful in all 46 patients. DSA immediately after embolization showed that 41 patients (89.13%) had completely occluded aneurysms (Raymond-Roy grading I), 2 patients (4.35%) had residual aneurysm neck (Raymond-Roy grading Ⅱ) and 3 patients (6.52%) had partially occluded aneurysms (Raymond-Roy grading Ⅲ). Perioperative complications occurred in 5 patients, including 2 with postoperative cerebral infarction, 1 with hydrocephalus, 1 with postoperative pneumonia leading to respiratory failure, and 1 with stent thrombosis during embolization. Both at discharge and 3 months after embolization, 43 patients (93.48%) had good prognosis and 3 patients (6.52%) had poor prognosis. No obvious ischemic complications (such as stent restenosis) or hemorrhagic complications (such as re-rupture of the aneurysms) were found in all patients. Thirty patients (65.22%) had imaging follow-up for 6-12 months: 26 (86.67%) had Raymond-Roy grading I, 3 (10.00%) had Raymond-Roy grading II, and 1 (3.33%) had Raymond-Roy grading III.Conclusion:Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization has good short-term efficacy and high safety in middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms, but long-term follow-up observation is still needed to verify its efficacy.

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