1.Association between exposure to heatwave and sudden death among residents in Jiangsu Province,China
Changkui OU ; Yanling ZHONG ; Rui LI ; Yi LIN ; Ruijun XU ; Tingting LIU ; Tingting WANG ; Hong SUN ; Yuewei LIU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):22-28
Objective To quantitatively assess the exposure-response association between exposure to heatwave and sudden death, estimate the attributable excess deaths, and identify potential vulnerable subgroups. Methods A time-stratified case-crossover study was conducted among residents who died from sudden death in Jiangsu Province, China between 2015 and 2021. Heatwave events in Jiangsu Province, defined using varying relative temperature thresholds and durations, were identified using temperature data from the China Meteorological Administration Land Data Assimilation System (CLDAS V2.0). Individual heatwave exposure was assessed based on each subject's residential address. The exposure-response association between heatwave and sudden death was evaluated using conditional logistic regression model combined with a Distributed Lag Nonlinear Model(DLNM). Heatwave-attributable excess deaths were estimated. Stratified analyses by sex and age were performed to assess potential effect modifications. Results Under all definitions, exposure to heatwave was significantly associated with an increased risk of sudden death, and the risk increased with the intensity of heatwave. Using the P95_3d definition (temperature exceeding the 95th percentile for ≥3 consecutive days), heatwave was significantlyassociated with a 56% increased risk of sudden death (95% CI: 31%, 86%). The population-attributable fraction of sudden death due to heatwave exposure was 1.45% (95% CI: 0.97%, 1.90%). Stratified analyses indicated no statistically significant differences in the association between heatwave exposure and sudden death across age or sex subgroups. Conclusion Heatwave exposure was associated with an increased risk of sudden death. Reducing heatwave exposure during summer may help lower the occurrence of sudden death.
2.Clinical research progress on cell therapy induced immune tolerance in liver transplantation
Chenliang SHAO ; Li PANG ; Chao LIU ; Leibo XU
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(2):205-211
Liver transplantation is the preferred treatment for end-stage liver disease, but recipients require long-term immunosuppressive therapy to control rejection, which may lead to complications and affect their long-term survival. Immune tolerance refers to the ability of organ transplant recipients to maintain their immune system's tolerance to the graft without relying on long-term immunosuppressants. Immune tolerance is an ideal goal pursued in the field of organ transplantation, which can reduce adverse drug reactions and improve long-term survival rates. Cell therapy has emerged as a promising strategy to induce such tolerance after liver transplantation. Therefore, this article reviews the application progress of cell therapies such as regulatory T cells, regulatory dendritic cells, mesenchymal stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, etc. in inducing immune tolerance after liver transplantation, in order to provide reference for the clinical application of immune tolerance induction after liver transplantation.
3.Construction and evaluation of the performance management system for pharmacy practice based on the balanced scorecard
Xia LUO ; Yuyan LUO ; Lifen XU ; Ye LI ; Haiyan MAI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1473-1477
OBJECTIVE To establish a scientific, systematic, multi-dimensional performance management system for pharmacy practice, so as to improve the efficiency and quality of pharmacy practice performance management in public hospitals. METHODS Based on the four dimensions of the balanced scorecard theory, finance, customer, internal process, learning and growth, reference indicators for pharmacy practice performance management were summarized. The Delphi method was used to screen indicators, and the analytic hierarchy process was applied to determine the weights of indicators. A pharmacy practice performance management system was then constructed. Based on this system, action plans were formulated and implemented. The effectiveness was evaluated from two aspects: customer reviews and changes in pharmacy practice outcomes. RESULTS A total of 28 reference indicators were summarized, and a performance management system for pharmacy practice was constructed, consisting of 4 primary indicators, 9 secondary indicators, and 20 tertiary indicators. Compared with action plans implementation before, the satisfaction of clinical departments was significantly improved, and 11 pharmacy practice performance management indicators were optimized after implementation. CONCLUSIONS A scientific and systematic performance management system for pharmacy practice has been successfully established, which can provide a reference for the innovation of hospital pharmacy practice management and the high quality development of pharmacy practice.
4.The correlation between serum sTREM2 levels and cognitive impairment in patients with cerebral small vessel disease
Hanfang CUI ; Fangyuan DING ; Zhixiu XU ; Qing LI ; Yifan ZHANG ; Sen ZHANG ; Mengke GAO ; Yuhui CHEN ; Xiaowen ZHAO ; Jialu ZHAO ; Chengbiao LU ; Shaomin LI ; Jianhua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(11):976-982
Objective:To explore the correlation between serum soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (sTREM2) and cognitive impairment in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), and the role of deep medullary vein (DMV) score in this process.Methods:A total of 140 patients with CSVD admitted to the Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan Medical University from December 2022 to August 2024 were selected as the research objects. The basic data statistics, head magnetic resonance imaging examination, cognitive function assessment, serum sTREM2 detection and DMV score were performed. All data were analyzed by SPSS 29.0 software and GraphPad Prism 10.0 software packages. Logistic regression model was used to explore the influencing factors of cognitive impairment. Structural equation model was used to analyze the mediating effect of DMV score on the association between serum sTREM2 and cognitive impairment. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of serum sTREM2 level and DMV score for cognitive impairment in CSVD patients.Results:Serum sTREM2 level ( B=0.017, OR=1.017, 95% CI=1.003-1.031), DMV score ( B=0.375, OR=1.455, 95% CI=1.175-1.802) and years of education ( B=-0.248, OR=0.780, 95% CI=0.635-0.958) were risk factors for cognitive impairment (all P<0.05). sTREM2 not only directly affected cognitive function, but also indirectly affected cognitive function through DMV score. The direct effect (effect size=-0.022) and mediating effect (effect size=-0.007) accounted for 75.9% and 24.1% of the total effect (effect size=-0.029), respectively. The areas under the ROC curve of serum sTREM2 level, DMV score, and their combination for predicting cognitive impairment in CSVD patients were 0.880, 0.891, and 0.910, respectively (all P<0.001). Conclusion:Serum sTREM2 not only directly affects the cognitive function of patients with cerebral small vessel disease, but also indirectly affects cognitive function through DMV score. The combination of serum sTREM2 levels and DMV score has high predictive value for the risk of CSVD-related cognitive impairment.
5.The correlation between serum sTREM2 levels and cognitive impairment in patients with cerebral small vessel disease
Hanfang CUI ; Fangyuan DING ; Zhixiu XU ; Qing LI ; Yifan ZHANG ; Sen ZHANG ; Mengke GAO ; Yuhui CHEN ; Xiaowen ZHAO ; Jialu ZHAO ; Chengbiao LU ; Shaomin LI ; Jianhua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(11):976-982
Objective:To explore the correlation between serum soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (sTREM2) and cognitive impairment in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), and the role of deep medullary vein (DMV) score in this process.Methods:A total of 140 patients with CSVD admitted to the Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan Medical University from December 2022 to August 2024 were selected as the research objects. The basic data statistics, head magnetic resonance imaging examination, cognitive function assessment, serum sTREM2 detection and DMV score were performed. All data were analyzed by SPSS 29.0 software and GraphPad Prism 10.0 software packages. Logistic regression model was used to explore the influencing factors of cognitive impairment. Structural equation model was used to analyze the mediating effect of DMV score on the association between serum sTREM2 and cognitive impairment. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of serum sTREM2 level and DMV score for cognitive impairment in CSVD patients.Results:Serum sTREM2 level ( B=0.017, OR=1.017, 95% CI=1.003-1.031), DMV score ( B=0.375, OR=1.455, 95% CI=1.175-1.802) and years of education ( B=-0.248, OR=0.780, 95% CI=0.635-0.958) were risk factors for cognitive impairment (all P<0.05). sTREM2 not only directly affected cognitive function, but also indirectly affected cognitive function through DMV score. The direct effect (effect size=-0.022) and mediating effect (effect size=-0.007) accounted for 75.9% and 24.1% of the total effect (effect size=-0.029), respectively. The areas under the ROC curve of serum sTREM2 level, DMV score, and their combination for predicting cognitive impairment in CSVD patients were 0.880, 0.891, and 0.910, respectively (all P<0.001). Conclusion:Serum sTREM2 not only directly affects the cognitive function of patients with cerebral small vessel disease, but also indirectly affects cognitive function through DMV score. The combination of serum sTREM2 levels and DMV score has high predictive value for the risk of CSVD-related cognitive impairment.
6.Safety experiment of Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Dipyridamole Injection
Zhaoyun LIU ; Xiaojun LÜ ; Sen WU ; Ju ZHANG ; Pinghui WANG ; Yan LI ; Xiaoling XU ; Jiate SHEN ; Kaiyong HE
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(2):203-212
Objective:To explore the improvement of the quality standard of Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Dipyridamole Injection and conduct safety tests including abnormal toxicity test,allergic reaction test,hemolysis and coagulation test.Methods:Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Dipyridamole Injection from 3 different manufactures(A,B and C)were tested respectively through abnormal toxicity test and acute toxicity test in mice,active systemic anaphylaxis test in guinea pigs and hemolysis test in vitro.Five mice were used in each batch for abnormal toxicity test according to the abnormal toxicity test method in general notice of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 Volume Ⅳ(1141),and 50 mice were selected in each batch for acute toxicity test to determine the median lethal dose(LD50)or maximum tol-erable dose(MTD)of Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Dipyridamole Injection,which were used to establish the method of abnormal toxicity experiment.The anaphylaxis of Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Dipyridamole Injection was evaluated by active systemic anaphylaxis test in guinea pigs,which was used to establish the method of allergic test.The hemoly-sis test of Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Dipyridamole Injection was studied by conventional tube method in vitro(macro-scopic observation)and improved hemolysis method in vitro(spectrophotometric method),which were used to establish the method of hemolysis and coagulation test.Results:① In manufacture A,the results of abnormal toxicity test were showed that LD50 was20.8 mL·kg-1and MTD was 16.5 mL·kg-1.No death or abnormal reac-tions were observed in mice tested for abnormal toxicity of 2 manufactures(B and C),and MTD was 50 and 40 mL·kg-1,respectively.②The no-observed-adverse-effect dose of Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Dipyridamole Injec-tion from 3 manufactures to guinea pig intravenous was 0.83 mL·kg-1,and no allergic reaction symptoms were observed when Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Dipyridamole Injection was diluted 4 times to challenge the sensitized guinea pigs(equivalent to human clinical dosage).③Differences were observed in the hemolytic effects of Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Dipyridamole Injection from 3 manufactures,but no obvious hemolytic reaction occurred when it was diluted 1.2 times(equivalent to 5%of the maximum clinical concentration).Conclusion:It is recommended to add abnormal toxicity test,allergic reaction test,hemolysis and coagulation test in the quality standard of Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Dipyridamole Injection as safety test items to control the risk.The proposed method is diluting Ginkgo Leaf Extract and Dipyridamole Injection by 5 times,4 times and 1.2 times to perform abnormal toxicity test,allergic reaction test,hemolysis test and coagulation test respectively.
7.Longitudinal Association of Changes in Metabolic Syndrome with Cognitive Function: 12-Year Follow-up of the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study
Yu Meng TIAN ; Wei Sen ZHANG ; Chao Qiang JIANG ; Feng ZHU ; Ya Li JIN ; Shiu Lun Au YEUNG ; Jiao WANG ; Kar Keung CHENG ; Tai Hing LAM ; Lin XU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):60-79
Background:
The association of changes in metabolic syndrome (MetS) with cognitive function remains unclear. We explored this association using prospective and Mendelian randomization (MR) studies.
Methods:
MetS components including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), waist circumference (WC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and triglycerides were measured at baseline and two follow-ups, constructing a MetS index. Immediate, delayed memory recall, and cognitive function along with its dimensions were assessed by immediate 10- word recall test (IWRT) and delayed 10-word recall test (DWRT), and mini-mental state examination (MMSE), respectively, at baseline and follow-ups. Linear mixed-effect model was used. Additionally, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of MetS was conducted and one-sample MR was performed to assess the causality between MetS and cognitive function.
Results:
Elevated MetS index was associated with decreasing annual change rates (decrease) in DWRT and MMSE scores, and with decreases in attention, calculation and recall dimensions. HDL-C was positively associated with an increase in DWRT scores, while SBP and FPG were negatively associated. HDL-C showed a positive association, whereas WC was negatively associated with increases in MMSE scores, including attention, calculation and recall dimensions. Interaction analysis indicated that the association of MetS index on cognitive decline was predominantly observed in low family income group. The GWAS of MetS identified some genetic variants. MR results showed a non-significant causality between MetS and decrease in DWRT, IWRT, nor MMSE scores.
Conclusion
Our study indicated a significant association of MetS and its components with declines in memory and cognitive function, especially in delayed memory recall.
8.Combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS With Second-Line Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Using Sulfur Hexafluoride or Perfluorobutane for Diagnosing Hepatocellular Carcinoma in High-Risk Patients
Yu LI ; Sheng LI ; Qing LI ; Kai LI ; Jing HAN ; Siyue MAO ; Xiaohong XU ; Zhongzhen SU ; Yanling ZUO ; Shousong XIE ; Hong WEN ; Xuebin ZOU ; Jingxian SHEN ; Lingling LI ; Jianhua ZHOU
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(4):346-359
Objective:
The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB).
Materials and Methods:
This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB.
Results:
In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%).
Conclusion
The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.
9.Combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS With Second-Line Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Using Sulfur Hexafluoride or Perfluorobutane for Diagnosing Hepatocellular Carcinoma in High-Risk Patients
Yu LI ; Sheng LI ; Qing LI ; Kai LI ; Jing HAN ; Siyue MAO ; Xiaohong XU ; Zhongzhen SU ; Yanling ZUO ; Shousong XIE ; Hong WEN ; Xuebin ZOU ; Jingxian SHEN ; Lingling LI ; Jianhua ZHOU
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(4):346-359
Objective:
The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB).
Materials and Methods:
This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB.
Results:
In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%).
Conclusion
The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.
10.Longitudinal Association of Changes in Metabolic Syndrome with Cognitive Function: 12-Year Follow-up of the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study
Yu Meng TIAN ; Wei Sen ZHANG ; Chao Qiang JIANG ; Feng ZHU ; Ya Li JIN ; Shiu Lun Au YEUNG ; Jiao WANG ; Kar Keung CHENG ; Tai Hing LAM ; Lin XU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):60-79
Background:
The association of changes in metabolic syndrome (MetS) with cognitive function remains unclear. We explored this association using prospective and Mendelian randomization (MR) studies.
Methods:
MetS components including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), waist circumference (WC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and triglycerides were measured at baseline and two follow-ups, constructing a MetS index. Immediate, delayed memory recall, and cognitive function along with its dimensions were assessed by immediate 10- word recall test (IWRT) and delayed 10-word recall test (DWRT), and mini-mental state examination (MMSE), respectively, at baseline and follow-ups. Linear mixed-effect model was used. Additionally, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of MetS was conducted and one-sample MR was performed to assess the causality between MetS and cognitive function.
Results:
Elevated MetS index was associated with decreasing annual change rates (decrease) in DWRT and MMSE scores, and with decreases in attention, calculation and recall dimensions. HDL-C was positively associated with an increase in DWRT scores, while SBP and FPG were negatively associated. HDL-C showed a positive association, whereas WC was negatively associated with increases in MMSE scores, including attention, calculation and recall dimensions. Interaction analysis indicated that the association of MetS index on cognitive decline was predominantly observed in low family income group. The GWAS of MetS identified some genetic variants. MR results showed a non-significant causality between MetS and decrease in DWRT, IWRT, nor MMSE scores.
Conclusion
Our study indicated a significant association of MetS and its components with declines in memory and cognitive function, especially in delayed memory recall.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail