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.

ObjectiveMigraine is a leading neurological disorder and the fourth most common cause of years lived with disability worldwide, affecting nearly 116 million individuals. Although pharmacological treatments are available, their efficacy is often limited by side effects and variable response rates. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) offers a safe, non-invasive alternative for migraine management. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly how rTMS modulates local cortical excitability and distributed pain-related circuits, remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment protocols and improving clinical outcomes. MethodsThis study employed concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to investigate neuroplastic and neurocircuitry mechanisms of DLPFC-rTMS in migraine. Study 1 compared 30 migraineurs and 28 healthy controls to identify abnormalities in TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and significant current density (SCD) within sensory-discriminative regions including the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and posterior insula (pINS), cognitive-affective regions including the anterior insula (aINS) and midcingulate cortex (MCC), and a descending modulatory region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Study 2 used a single-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design in 34 healthy participants. Each participant received both active (10 Hz, 80% RMT, 1 500 pulses) and sham DLPFC-rTMS in counterbalanced order. TMS-EEG and cold pain tolerance were assessed before and after each session. ResultsIn Study 1, migraineurs showed a significantly less negative N120 amplitude compared to healthy controls (P=0.027, Cohen’s d=0.60), indicating local intracortical disinhibition. No group differences were observed for N40, P60, or P180 components. At the source level, migraineurs exhibited significantly higher SCD in the S1, pINS, aINS, and MCC (allQ<0.05), but not in the ventroposterior thalamus (vpTHAL), mediodorsal thalamus (mdTHAL), or PAG. In Study 2, active rTMS significantly reduced SCD from pre- to post-stimulation in the S1, aINS, and MCC (all Q<0.05). Sham stimulation also reduced SCD in the S1 (Q<0.05) but not in the aINS or MCC. Although no significant group-level analgesic effect was observed between active and sham conditions (P=0.107), correlation analyses revealed that greater SCD reductions in the S1 and MCC were significantly associated with higher post-rTMS pain tolerance (R=-0.487 and -0.495, both Q<0.01) and larger improvements in pain tolerance(R=-0.487 and -0.451, both Q<0.05). No such correlations were found following sham stimulation, suggesting that the behavioural relevance of neural changes is specific to active rTMS. ConclusionThis study provides novel evidence that migraineurs exhibit both local neuroplastic abnormalities (reduced N120 amplitude) and hyperactivity in key pain-processing regions (S1, pINS, aINS, MCC). A single session of DLPFC-rTMS reduced hyperactivity in the aINS, MCC, and S1. Notably, greater reductions in the S1 and MCC were associated with improved pain tolerance. These findings identify distinct cortical circuitries, particularly within the cognitive-affective pain network, that may serve as potential biomarkers for optimizing rTMS treatment in migraine and other chronic pain conditions. Future studies should validate these results in patient populations experiencing spontaneous migraine attacks and explore multi-session or accelerated rTMS protocols.

Objective To report the diagnosis and treatment of a case of acute pulmonary embolism caused by thrombus detachment within a popliteal venous aneurysm and conduct a literature review,aiming to enhance the understanding of the disease.Methods The case data of a patient with pulmonary embolism caused by thrombus detachment within a popliteal venous aneurysm who was admitted to the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University were retrospectively analyzed.The relevant literature published from July 2014 to July 2023 in the CNKI and PubMed databases was retrieved,and the diagnosis and treatment methods of the disease were summarized.Results The patient in this case was a 61-year-old male,who was admitted was admitted to the hospital due to"intermittent chest tightness and shortness of breath for 5 days".Color Doppler ultrasound examination and pulmonary artery CT angiography(CTA)suggested popliteal venous aneurysm combined with intramural thrombus and pulmonary embolism.Therefore,the pulmonary embolism and popliteal venous aneurysm were treated surgically in stages.The patient recovered well after the operation and there were no symptoms of chest tightness or shortness of breath after discharge.A total of 11 literatures were retrieved,involving 11 patients,all of whom underwent surgical treatment;Among them,4 patients were treated with inferior vena cava filter placement,and 2 patients underwent popliteal venous aneurysm surgery after filter placement.Through literature review,it can be known that the etiology of popliteal venous aneurysm remains unclear,and there is no unified standard for diagnosis and treatment.Up to now,surgery is still the preferred option for treatment.Conclusions Patients with popliteal venous aneurysms may be asymptomatic but can lead to deep vein thrombosis of the lower limbs and subsequent pulmonary embolism.Surgical intervention is an effective treatment option.For patients with combined pulmonary embolism,especially those with recurrent pulmonary embolism,it is recommended to perform surgical treatment following placement of an inferior vena cava filter.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease involving multiple inflammatory cells and cytokines. Its pathogenesis is complex, involving various cells and cytokines. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory suggests that the pathogenesis of asthma is closely related to the dysfunction of internal organs such as the lungs, spleen, and kidneys. In contrast, modern immunological studies have revealed the central role of T helper 1(Th1)/T helper 2(Th2) and T helper 17(Th17)/regulatory T(Treg) cellular immune imbalance in the pathogenesis of asthma. Th1/Th2 imbalance is manifested as hyperfunction of Th2 cells, which promotes the synthesis of immunoglobulin E(IgE) and the activation of eosinophil granulocytes, leading to airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation.Meanwhile, Th17/Treg imbalance exacerbates the inflammatory response in the airways, further contributing to asthma pathology.Currently, therapeutic strategies for asthma are actively exploring potential targets for regulating the balance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg immune responses. These targets include cytokines, transcription factors, key proteins, and non-coding RNAs. Precisely regulating the expression and function of these targets can effectively modulate the activation and differentiation of immune cells. In recent years,traditional Chinese medicine active ingredients have shown unique potential and prospects in the field of asthma treatment. Based on this, the present study systematically summarizes the efficacy and specific mechanisms of TCM active ingredients in treating asthma by regulating Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg immune balance through literature review and analysis. These active ingredients, including flavonoids, terpenoids, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and phenolic acids, exert their effects through various mechanisms, such as inhibiting the activation of inflammatory cells, reducing the release of cytokines, and promoting the normal differentiation of immune cells. This study aims to provide a solid foundation for the widespread application and in-depth development of TCM in asthma treatment and to offer new ideas for clinical research and drug development of asthma.
Asthma/genetics* ; Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Th2 Cells/drug effects* ; Th17 Cells/drug effects* ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/drug effects* ; Th1 Cells/drug effects* ; Animals ; Cytokines/immunology* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Asthma, a chronic inflammatory airway disease with a high global prevalence, has a complex pathogenesis, in which airway remodeling plays a key role in the chronicity of the disease. Airway remodeling involves a series of pathophysiological changes, including airway epithelial damage, proliferation of mucous glands and goblet cells, subepithelial fibrosis, proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. These complex pathological changes significantly increase airway resistance and responsiveness, forming an important pathological basis for refractory asthma. Currently, the regulatory mechanisms of airway remodeling focus on signaling pathways and regulatory targets. The signaling pathways include phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt), nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB), transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)/Smads, and mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK). The regulatory targets include microRNAs(miRNAs), competing endogenous RNAs(ceRNAs), long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs), and circular RNAs(circRNAs). Key proteins involved in these processes include TGF-β1, silencing information regulator 2-related enzyme 1(SIRT1), chitinase 3-like protein 1(YKL-40), and adenosine deaminase-metalloproteinase 33(ADAM33). In recent years, the potential of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of asthma has become increasingly evident. Its active ingredients, extracts, and complexes can inhibit airway remodeling in asthma through multiple pathways, demonstrating a variety of effects, including anti-inflammatory actions, inhibition of smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, attenuation of fibrosis and basement membrane thickening, reduction of mucus secretion, inhibition of vascular remodeling, modulation of immune imbalance, and antioxidative stress. This paper aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the pathogenesis and therapeutic targets of asthma, offering theoretical support and innovative strategies for clinical research and drug development in the treatment of asthma.
Asthma/pathology* ; Humans ; Airway Remodeling/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Animals ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism*

Objective:To study the strategies in the diagnosis and treatment of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas in children.Methods:The clinical data of 16 children with SPN managed at the Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University (Hunan Children's Hospital) from January 2015 to December 2022 were retrospectively studied. There were 9 males and 7 females, ranged from 7 years and 5 months to 13 years and 3 months, with a median age of 10 years and 7 months. The clinical performance and types of the tumor (type Ⅰ, tumor located in the tail of pancreas; Type Ⅱ, the tumor located in the pancreatic body; Type Ⅲ, tumor located in the head of the pancreas), surgical methods, complications (pancreatic fistula, intestinal obstruction, hemorrhage) were analyzed. The recurrence was followed up by outpatient review or telephone after surgery.Results:The main clinical characteristics included abdominal pain (12 cases), abdominal trauma examination findings (2 cases), and physical examination findings (2 cases). The results of abdominal ultrasound, enhanced CT and/or MRI examinations showed that 4 cases of cystic tumors, 7 cases of solid tumors, and 5 cases of cystic solid tumors. Among of all patients, 2 cases were clinical classification type Ⅰ, 8 cases were type Ⅱ, and 6 cases were type Ⅲ. Among 6 cases with tumor located in the head of the pancreas, 3 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy, 1 patient underwent resection of the head of the pancreas with preservation of the duodenum, 1 patient underwent laparoscopic resection of pancreatic head tumor, 1 patient underwent biopsy of pancreatic head tumor. The other 10 cases with tumor located in the body and tail of the pancreas, 6 patients underwent laparoscopic splenic preservation pancreatic body-tail resection, 1 patient underwent laparoscopic resection of pancreatic body-tail and splenectomy, combined with autologous splenic transplantation, 1 patient underwent laparoscopic removal of the splenic venous thrombus, splenic preservation pancreatic body-tail, 1 patient underwent laparoscopic enucleation of a dorsal tumor in the middle part of the pancreas, and 1 patient underwent open resection of spleen-preserving pancreatic body-caudal. Postoperative complications included pancreatic fistula (grade B) with massive hemorrhage (1 case), biochemical leakage (1 case), post-operative pancreatitis (1 case), intestinal obstruction (1 case), and reactive thrombocytosis (1 case). The patient pancreatic fistula (grade B) with massive hemorrhage and pancreatic leakage required emergency surgery, while the remaining patients recovered with conservative treatment. All patients were followed up for 22 to 90 months (median follow-up period of 70 months), two cases relapsed and were successfully re-treated surgically at 36 months and 33 months post-surgery, respectively. One patient with high grade transformation SPN and obstructive jaundice withdrew treatment (missed follow-up), while the remaining patients without recurrence after surgery.Conclusion:Children SPN has no specific clinical features, and preoperative abdominal ultrasound, CT and/or MRI can be located and diagnosed. Surgery is the preferred treatment, and the prognosis is well.

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of conversion therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)with macrovascular invasion.Methods A total of 149 patients with advanced HCC with macrovascular invasion who were treated at our hospital from Jul.2019 to Jun.2021 were enrolled.All patients received systemic therapy combined with local therapy,and were assigned to conversion therapy group(n=42)and non-conversion therapy group(n=107)according to whether they ultimately underwent surgical treatment.The long-term prognosis and adverse reactions of these patients after conversion therapy were analyzed.Results The median event-free survival of 149 patients was 15.5 months,and the median overall survival had not been reached.The median event-free survival in the conversion therapy and non-conversion therapy groups were 19.8 months and 10.7 months,respectively,with the median overall survival being not reached and 28.2 months,respectively.Multifactor Cox regression analysis showed that conversion therapy was a protective factor for overall survival(hazard ratio[HR]=0.125,95％confidence interval[CI]0.016-0.966),but not for event-free survival.The 1-year and 2-year overall survival rates of the conversion therapy and non-conversion therapy groups were 100.0％,96.4％and 72.1％,53.4％,respectively,and the difference in survival curves between the 2 groups was statistically significant(P=0.003).The 1-year and 2-year event-free survival rates were 77.5％,33.8％and 47.3％,31.5％,respectively.There was no significant difference in survival curves between the 2 groups(P=0.070).The differences of the overall incidences of targeted and immunotherapy-related adverse reactions in the conversion therapy group and non-conversion therapy group(66.7％[28/42]vs 72.0％[77/107],P=0.524)and the incidences of grade Ⅲ to Ⅳ adverse reactions(23.8％[10/42]vs 27.1％[29/107],P=0.681),were not statistically significant.Conclusion For patients with advanced HCC with macrovascular invasion,conversion therapy can significantly improve the prognosis without serious adverse reactions.

To guide clinical blood transfusion practices for pediatric patients, the National Health Commission has issued the health standard "Guideline for pediatric transfusion" (WS/T 795-2022). Blood transfusion is one of the most commonly used supportive treatments for children with hematological diseases. This guideline provides guidance and recommendations for blood transfusions in children with aplastic anemia, thalassemia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, acute leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. This article presents the evidence and interpretation of the blood transfusion provisions for children with hematological diseases in the "Guideline for pediatric transfusion", aiming to assist in the understanding and implementing the blood transfusion section of this guideline.
Humans ; Child ; Hematologic Diseases/therapy* ; Blood Transfusion/standards* ; Practice Guidelines as Topic

To guide clinical blood transfusion practices for pediatric patients, the National Health Commission has issued the health standard "Guideline for pediatric transfusion" (WS/T 795-2022). Blood transfusion for children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is highly complex and challenging. This guideline provides recommendations on transfusion thresholds and the selection of blood components for these children. This article presents the evidence and interpretation of the transfusion provisions for children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, with the aim of enhancing the understanding and implementation of the "Guideline for pediatric transfusion".
Humans ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Child ; Blood Transfusion/standards* ; Practice Guidelines as Topic

To guide clinical blood transfusion practices for pediatric patients, the National Health Commission has issued the health standard "Guideline for pediatric transfusion" (WS/T 795-2022). Critically ill children often present with anemia and have a higher demand for transfusions compared to other pediatric patients. This guideline provides guidance and recommendations for blood transfusions in cases of general critical illness, septic shock, acute brain injury, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, non-life-threatening bleeding, and hemorrhagic shock. This article interprets the background and evidence of the blood transfusion provisions for critically ill and severely bleeding children in the "Guideline for pediatric transfusion", aiming to enhance understanding and implementation of this aspect of the guidelines. Citation:Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics, 2025, 27(4): 395-403.
Humans ; Critical Illness ; Blood Transfusion/standards* ; Child ; Hemorrhage/therapy* ; Practice Guidelines as Topic