1.Zuoguiwan Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Rat Model of Hyperthyroidism Due to Kidney-Yin Deficiency via DRD4/NOX4 Pathway
Ling LIN ; Qianming LIANG ; Changsheng DENG ; Li RU ; Zhiyong XU ; Chao LI ; Mingshun SHEN ; Yueming YUAN ; Muzi LI ; Lei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):43-51
ObjectiveTo decipher the mechanism by which Zuoguiwan (ZGW) treat hyperthyroidism in rats with kidney-Yin deficiency based on the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe rat model of kidney-Yin deficiency was induced by unilateral intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (0.35 mg·kg-1). After successful modeling, the rats were randomized into model, methimazole (positive control, 5 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.85, 3.70, 7.40 g·kg-1, respectively) ZGW, and normal control groups. After 21 days of continuous gavage, the behavioral indexes and body weight changes of rats were evaluated. The pathological changes of the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The serum levels of thyroid hormones [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)], renal function indexes [serum creatine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)], energy metabolism markers [cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)], and oxidative stress-related factors [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and NADPH)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of DRD4, NOX4, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex proteins [NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4 (NDUFS4) and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 (COX4)], and inflammation-related protein [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)] pathway in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed mental malaise, body weight decreases (P<0.01), inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal tissue, a few residual parotid glands in the thyroid, elevations in serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA, and NADPH (P<0.01), down-regulation in protein levels of TSH, SOD, and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulation in expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ZGW increased the body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced the infiltration of renal interstitial inflammatory cells, restored the thyroid structure and follicle size, lowered the serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA and NADPH (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the expression of TSH, SOD and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, high-dose ZGW outperformed methimazole (P<0.05). ConclusionBy activating DRD4, ZGW can inhibit the expression of NOX4 mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response, thereby ameliorating the pathological state of hyperthyroidism due to kidney-Yin deficiency. This study provides new molecular mechanism support for the clinical application of ZGW.
2.Interpretation of the CONSORT 2025 statement: Updated guideline for reporting randomized trials
Geliang YANG ; Xiaoqin ZHOU ; Fang LEI ; Min DONG ; Tianxing FENG ; Li ZHENG ; Lunxu LIU ; Yunpeng ZHU ; Xuemei LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(06):752-759
The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement aims to enhance the quality of reporting for randomized controlled trial (RCT) by providing a minimum item checklist. It was first published in 1996, and updated in 2001 and 2010, respectively. The latest version was released in April 2025, continuously reflecting new evidence, methodological advancements, and user feedback. CONSORT 2025 includes 30 essential checklist items and a template for a participant flow diagram. The main changes to the checklist include the addition of 7 items, revision of 3 items, and deletion of 1 item, as well as the integration of multiple key extensions. This article provides a comprehensive interpretation of the statement, aiming to help clinical trial staff, journal editors, and reviewers fully understand the essence of CONSORT 2025, correctly apply it in writing RCT reports and evaluating RCT quality, and provide guidance for conducting high-level RCT research in China.
3.Cost-effectiveness of angiographic quantitative flow ratio-guided coronary intervention: A multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled trial.
Yanyan ZHAO ; Changdong GUAN ; Yang WANG ; Zening JIN ; Bo YU ; Guosheng FU ; Yundai CHEN ; Lijun GUO ; Xinkai QU ; Yaojun ZHANG ; Kefei DOU ; Yongjian WU ; Weixian YANG ; Shengxian TU ; Javier ESCANED ; William F FEARON ; Shubin QIAO ; David J COHEN ; Harlan M KRUMHOLZ ; Bo XU ; Lei SONG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(10):1186-1193
BACKGROUND:
The FAVOR (Comparison of Quantitative Flow Ratio Guided and Angiography Guided Percutaneous Intervention in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease) III China trial demonstrated that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) lesion selection using quantitative flow ratio (QFR) measurement, a novel angiography-based approach for estimating fractional flow reserve, improved two-year clinical outcomes compared with standard angiography guidance. This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of QFR-guided PCI from the perspective of the current Chinese healthcare system.
METHODS:
This study is a pre-specified analysis of the FAVOR III China trial, which included 3825 patients randomized between December 25, 2018, and January 19, 2020, from 26 centers in China. Patients with stable or unstable angina pectoris or those ≥72 hours post-myocardial infarction who had at least one lesion with a diameter stenosis between 50% and 90% in a coronary artery with a ≥2.5 mm reference vessel diameter by visual assessment were randomized to a QFR-guided strategy or an angiography-guided strategy with 1:1 ratio. During the two-year follow-up, data were collected on clinical outcomes, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), estimated costs of index procedure hospitalization, outpatient cardiovascular medication use, and rehospitalization due to major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). The primary analysis calculated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) as the cost per MACCE avoided. An ICER of ¥10,000/MACCE event avoided was considered economically attractive in China.
RESULTS:
At two years, the QFR-guided group demonstrated a reduced rate of MACCE compared to the angiography-guided group (10.8% vs . 14.7%, P <0.01). Total two-year costs were similar between the groups (¥50,803 ± 21,121 vs . ¥50,685 ± 23,495, P = 0.87). The ICER for the QFR-guided strategy was ¥3055 per MACCE avoided, and the probability of QFR being economically attractive was 64% at a willingness-to-pay threshold of ¥10,000/MACCE avoided. Sensitivity analysis showed that QFR-guided PCI would become cost-saving if the cost of QFR were below ¥3682 (current cost: ¥3800). Cost-utility analysis yielded an ICER of ¥56,163 per QALY gained, with a 53% probability of being cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of ¥85,000 per QALY gained.
CONCLUSION:
In patients undergoing PCI, a QFR-guided strategy appears economically attractive compared to angiographic guidance from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03656848.
Humans
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Cost-Benefit Analysis
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Percutaneous Coronary Intervention/methods*
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Male
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Female
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Coronary Angiography/methods*
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Middle Aged
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Aged
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Coronary Artery Disease/surgery*
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Quality-Adjusted Life Years
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Fractional Flow Reserve, Myocardial/physiology*
4.Vitamin D supplementation inhibits atherosclerosis through repressing macrophage-induced inflammation via SIRT1/mTORC2 signaling.
Yuli WANG ; Qihong NI ; Yongjie YAO ; Shu LU ; Haozhe QI ; Weilun WANG ; Shuofei YANG ; Jiaquan CHEN ; Lei LYU ; Yiping ZHAO ; Meng YE ; Guanhua XUE ; Lan ZHANG ; Xiangjiang GUO ; Yinan LI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(21):2841-2843
5.Review of chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, and quality control status of Eucommiae Cortex and prediction of its Q-markers.
Meng-Fan PENG ; Bao-Song LIU ; Pei-Pei YAN ; Cai-Xia LI ; Xiao-Fang ZHANG ; Yi ZHENG ; Ya-Gang SONG ; Tong LIU ; Lei YANG ; Ming-San MIAO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(4):946-958
Eucommiae Cortex, the dried bark of Eucommia ulmoides( Eucommiaceae), has both medicinal and edible values.Modern research has shown that Eucommiae Cortex contains various components such as flavonoids, lignans, iridoids, phenolic acids,terpenoids, and steroids, which have anti-osteoporosis, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, blood glucose-lowering, and gastrointestinal tract-protecting effects. Eucommiae Cortex has applications in multiple fields such as healthcare, industry, and animal husbandry,demonstrating broad development prospects. This article reviews the chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, and quality control status of Eucommiae Cortex. Furthermore, according to the concept of quality marker(Q-marker), this article predicts the Q-markers of Eucommiae Cortex from traditional medicinal properties, traditional medicinal effects, new medicinal effects, measurability of chemical components, compatibility, harvesting periods, and geographical origins. The components such as pinoresinol diglucoside,chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, baicalein, baicalin, olivil, coniferyl ferulate, and kaempferol can be used as Q-markers for Eucommiae Cortex, which provide reference for establishing a systematic quality control system for Eucommiae Cortex.
Eucommiaceae/chemistry*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Quality Control
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Humans
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Animals
6.Role of miR-140-5p/BCL2L1 in apoptosis and autophagy of HFOB1.19 and effect of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction.
Tong-Ying CHEN ; Sai FU ; Xiao-Yun LI ; Shu-Hua LIU ; Yi-Fu YANG ; Dong-Sheng YANG ; Yun-Jie ZENG ; Yang-Bo LI ; Dan LUO ; Hong-Xing HUANG ; Lei WAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(3):583-589
Osteoporosis(OP) is a senile bone disease characterized by an imbalance between bone remodeling and bone formation. Targeting pathogenesis of kidney deficiency, spleen deficiency, and blood stasis, Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction has a significant effect on the treatment of OP by tonifying kidney, invigorating spleen, and activating blood circulation. MicroRNA(miRNA) and the anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma-2-like protein 1(BCL2L1) are closely related to bone cell metabolism. Therefore, in this study, the binding of miR-140-5p to BCL2L1 was detected by dual luciferase assay and polymerase chain reaction(PCR). After silencing or overexpressing miR-140-5p, the apoptosis, autophagy, and osteogenic function of human fetal osteoblast cell line 1.19(HFOB1.19) were observed by flow cytometry and Western blot. Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction-containing serum was prepared by intragastric administration of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction in rats. Different concentrations of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction-containing serum were used to treat HFOB1.19 with or without miR-140-5p mimic. The expression of osteogenic proteins in each group was observed, and the role of miR-140-5p/BCL2L1 in apoptosis and autophagy of HFOB1.19 was studied, along with the effect of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction on these processes. As indicated by the dual luciferase assay, miR-140-5p bound to BCL2L1. Flow cytometry and Western blot showed that miR-140-5p promoted apoptosis and inhibited autophagy in HFOB1.19. After intervention with high, medium, and low doses of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction-medicated serum, compared with the miR-140-5p NC group, the expression of osteocalcin(OCN), osteopontin(OPN), Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2), and transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1) decreased in the miR-140-5p mimic group, while the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2) showed no significant difference under high-dose intervention. Therefore, miR-140-5p/BCL2L1 can promote apoptosis and inhibit autophagy in HFOB1.19. Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction can affect the osteogenic effect of miR-140-5p through BMP2.
MicroRNAs/metabolism*
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Autophagy/drug effects*
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
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Humans
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Animals
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Cell Line
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bcl-X Protein/metabolism*
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Osteoblasts/metabolism*
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Rats
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Osteoporosis/physiopathology*
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Male
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Osteogenesis/drug effects*
7.Zfp335 regulates the proportion of effector Treg and tumor immunity.
Xiaonan SHEN ; Wenhua LI ; Xiaoxuan JIA ; Biao YANG ; Xin WANG ; Haiyan LIU ; Anjun JIAO ; Lei LEI ; Xiaofeng YANG ; Baojun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(5):385-390
Objective Zinc finger protein 335 (Zfp335) plays a crucial role in the early development of thymic T cells and the differentiation of peripheral T cell subpopulations. The objective of this study is to investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of Zfp335 in the regulation of regulatory T cell (Treg) within tumor immunity. Methods The Zfp335 gene was specifically knocked out in Treg using tamoxifen (Zfp335fl/fl FOXP3creERT2), and the MC38 tumor model was established. On the 7th day after tumor inoculation, tumor size was observed and measured. Tumor size was monitored and recorded daily starting from day 7 post-inoculation. On day 12, tumors were harvested, and the proportions of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and Treg were analyzed by flow cytometry. Additionally, the mitochondrial function of effector regulatory T cell (eTreg) was assessed. Results From day 10 post-tumor inoculation, tumor volume in the Zfp335CKO group was significantly reduced compared to that of the wild-type (WT) group. Furthermore, the infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, along with their respective effector cells, was significantly higher in the Zfp335CKO group than in the WT group. The proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells producing interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were also significantly increased in the Zfp335CKO group compared to that of the WT group. In addition, the percentage of CD8+ T cells secreting granzyme B (GzmB) was significantly higher in the Zfp335CKO group than that in the WT group. In contrast, the proportion of Treg and inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS)+ Treg in the Zfp335CKO group was significantly lower than that in the WT group. Finally, the expression level of Mitotracker Deep Red in eTreg from the Zfp335CKO group was significantly reduced compared to that in the WT group. Conclusion During tumorigenesis, the specific deletion of Zfp335 impairs Treg activation, which is related to decreased mitochondrial function in eTreg. In Zfp335CKO mice. Tumors exhibit increased infiltration of effector T cells, accompanied by elevated levels of cytotoxic cytokines, ultimately enhancing resistance to tumor progression.
Animals
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T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism*
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Mice
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology*
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Neoplasms/genetics*
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Mice, Knockout
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DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics*
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Female
8.The observational chart for traumatic limb swelling enhances diagnostic accuracy for osteofascial compartment syndrome.
Zhi-Wei YANG ; Zhao-Di WANG ; Jun-Sheng YANG ; Liang-Cheng TONG ; Lei ZHAO ; Wei DAI ; Kun PANG ; Ying LI
Chinese Journal of Traumatology 2025;28(6):454-461
PURPOSE:
To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the observational chart for traumatic limb swelling (OCTLS) for osteofascial compartment syndrome (OCS).
METHODS:
This was a descriptive-longitudinal study. Data of 316 patients who underwent surgical treatment for tibial fractures in our department from January 2015 to December 2023 were collected. Patients with Gustilo type II or higher open fractures, vascular injury, or bilateral fractures were excluded from the study. Two groups of double-blinded investigators independently assessed patients for the presence of OCS using 2 distinct diagnostic methods. Three senior orthopedic trauma surgeons evaluated patients with post-fracture calf swelling for OCS and the need for fasciotomy based on clinical signs and their extensive clinical experience. Subsequently, fasciotomy was performed according to their judgment, followed by postoperative examination of muscle and soft tissue conditions. Additionally, a follow-up evaluation was conducted to assess for complications such as ischemic muscle contracture. Another 3 trained researchers used OCTLS to grade swelling severity and determine the need for fasciotomy. The final diagnostic gold standard of OCS was determined by referring to whether there was escape of muscles at fasciotomy and/or color change in the muscles or muscle necrosis intraoperatively, and neurological abnormality or contracture at the last follow-up. The results of the 2 diagnostic methods were compared with the final diagnostic result. Kappa consistency test, paired χ2 test (McNemar test), and receiver operating characteristic curve were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the 2 diagnostic methods.
RESULTS:
Of the 316 patients, 211 were finally included in the study, including 160 males and 51 females, with an average follow-up time of (14.5 ± 2.7) months. Among the 211 patients with tibial fracture-associated swelling, 42 were definitively diagnosed with OCS. Based on clinical symptoms and signs judgment, among the 65 fasciotomy patients, 38 were confirmed as correct, while among the 146 non-fasciotomy patients, 4 developed ischemic muscle contractures. Based on the OCTLS for assessment, fasciotomy was correctly recommended in 36 out of 43 cases, while 6 out of 168 non-fasciotomy patients developed OCS. Compared to the use of the gold standard, clinical signs judgment showed moderate consistency (McNemar's test p < 0.001, Kappa = 0.618, p < 0.001), whereas OCTLS demonstrated strong agreement (McNemar's test p = 1.000, Kappa = 0.808, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed higher diagnostic accuracy for OCTLS (area under curve = 0.908, 95% CI: 0.843 - 0.972) compared to clinical signs judgment (area under curve = 0.872, 95% CI: 0.812 - 0.933). OCTLS achieved superior accuracy (93.8% vs. 85.3%, χ2 = 8.221, p < 0.001) and a lower fasciotomy rate (20.4% vs. 30.8%, χ2 = 6.023, p = 0.014).
CONCLUSION
Compared to clinical signs judgment, OCTLS significantly reduces unnecessary fasciotomy, improves diagnostic accuracy for OCS, and enables non-invasive, dynamic, and quantitative assessment, making it a valuable tool for clinical practice.
Humans
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Compartment Syndromes/etiology*
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Male
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Female
;
Adult
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Tibial Fractures/surgery*
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Middle Aged
;
Fasciotomy
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Edema/etiology*
;
Longitudinal Studies
;
Aged
;
Young Adult
9.Exploring urban versus rural disparities in atrial fibrillation: prevalence and management trends among elderly Chinese in a screening study.
Wei ZHANG ; Yi CHEN ; Lei-Xiao HU ; Jia-Hui XIA ; Xiao-Fei YE ; Wen-Yuan-Yue WANG ; Xin-Yu WANG ; Quan-Yong XIANG ; Qin TAN ; Xiao-Long WANG ; Xiao-Min YANG ; De-Chao ZHAO ; Xin CHEN ; Yan LI ; Ji-Guang WANG ; FOR THE IMPRESSION INVESTIGATORS AND COORDINATORS
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(2):246-254
BACKGROUND:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia in the elderly. This study aimed to evaluate urban-rural disparities in its prevalence and management in elderly Chinese.
METHODS:
Consecutive participants aged ≥ 65 years attending outpatient clinics were enrolled for AF screening using handheld single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) from April 2017 to December 2022. Each ECG rhythm strip was reviewed from the research team. AF or uninterpretable single-lead ECGs were referred for 12-lead ECG. Primary study outcome comparison was between rural and urban areas for the prevalence of AF. The Student's t-test was used to compare mean values of clinical characteristics between rural and urban participants, while the Pearson's chi-square test was used to compare between-group proportions. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the association between AF and various patient characteristics.
RESULTS:
The 29,166 study participants included 13,253 men (45.4%) and had a mean age of 72.2 years. The 7073 rural participants differed significantly (P ≤ 0.02) from the 22,093 urban participants in several major characteristics, such as older age, greater body mass index, and so on. The overall prevalence of AF was 4.6% (n = 1347). AF was more prevalent in 7073 rural participants than 22,093 urban participants (5.6% vs. 4.3%, P < 0.01), before and after adjustment for age, body mass index, blood pressure, pulse rate, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and prior medical history. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified overweight/obesity (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.17-1.54) in urban areas and cigarette smoking (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.20-2.17) and alcohol consumption (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.04-1.93) in rural areas as specific risk factors for prevalent AF. In patients with known AF in urban areas (n = 781) and rural areas (n = 338), 60.6% and 45.9%, respectively, received AF treatment (P < 0.01), and only 22.4% and 17.2%, respectively, received anticoagulation therapy (P = 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
In China, there are urban-rural disparities in AF in the elderly, with a higher prevalence and worse management in rural areas than urban areas. Our study findings provide insight for health policymakers to consider urban-rural disparity in the prevention and treatment of AF.
10.Advances in immunoPET/SPECT imaging: The role of Fab and F(ab')2 fragments in theranostics.
Wenpeng HUANG ; Jingwei ZHOU ; Yanchen LIU ; Yihan YANG ; Rachel J SALADIN ; Jessica C HSU ; Weibo CAI ; Lei KANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(8):3888-3924
With the advent of precision medicine and personalized treatment, targeted therapies have become pivotal in oncology. Noninvasive molecular imaging, especially immunoPET/SPECT, plays a crucial role in refining cancer diagnostics and treatment monitoring by visualizing biological processes at the molecular level. This review explores the dynamic field of immunoPET/SPECT imaging using Fab and F(ab')2 fragments, characterized by advantageous pharmacokinetics and swift clearance from the bloodstream, making them suitable for same-day imaging procedures. We examine contemporary strategies for radiolabeling these fragments with PET and SPECT radionuclides and discuss potential advancements and the challenges anticipated in the further development of Fab and F(ab')2 fragments. Despite the complexities involved in their development, these fragments hold significant promise for advanceing personalized cancer treatment. Keys to this advancement are innovative radiolabeling techniques, site-specific conjugation chemistries, and short-lived radionuclides, all of which are crucial for overcoming existing limitations and enhancing the clinical utility of these imaging agents. As research progresses, Fab and F(ab')2 fragments are expected to become central to the future of cancer diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring, thereby improving patient management and contributing significantly to the evolution of personalized medicine.

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