Zhou Kou Shi

Researchers are evaluating whether the drugs retatrutide and tirzepatide can prevent major adverse liver outcomes (MALO) in adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) who are at high risk. This Phase 3 trial enrolls about 4,500 adults with MASLD identified by non-invasive tests indicating an increased likelihood of developing serious liver problems. The study aims to understand how these treatments might affect liver health over time compared to a placebo. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either retatrutide, tirzepatide, or a placebo, all given by subcutaneous injection. The study will last approximately 224 weeks, during which participants may attend 25 to 30 clinic visits for monitoring and assessment. After the main study, eligible participants can join an optional 2-year extension where all will receive either retatrutide or tirzepatide regardless of their original group. Throughout the trial, participants’ liver function and disease progression will be closely monitored through various health assessments. Researchers will track the time to the first major adverse liver event as the main outcome. Safety and health status will be evaluated regularly during clinic visits, ensuring thorough observation over the long study period.

Researchers are evaluating a facial image-based artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm to screen for coronary artery disease (CAD) in high-risk community groups. These groups include people with diabetes, hypertension, or those over 65 years old. The study aims to verify if the AI can effectively separate individuals into high-risk and low-risk categories by comparing the actual prevalence of CAD in these groups. It also seeks to compare the CAD detection rate using the AI screening method against the natural detection rate in a real-world population. Participants will not receive any intervention as part of this study. Instead, the AI algorithm analyzes facial images to assess CAD risk. The study focuses on high-risk community populations without altering their standard care. The AI screening method is being evaluated as a tool to identify individuals at risk without invasive procedures or treatments. During the study, researchers will monitor participants for up to six months to measure differences in the prevalence of CAD between those the AI classifies as high-risk and low-risk. They will collect data on CAD detection rates using this AI-based screening compared to usual detection in the community. Participant involvement mainly includes providing facial images and health information related to their risk factors. Safety and adherence are monitored as part of the observational study design.

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a common cause of secondary high blood pressure, but its best diagnosis and treatment methods are still difficult to establish. This research thoroughly evaluates adrenal venous sampling (AVS), focusing on important clinical, technical, and methodological questions. The goal is to understand how AVS-guided care affects long-term health and biochemical results to improve patient outcomes and management. The study involves patients with PA undergoing adrenal venous sampling through either the antecubital or femoral vein to identify whether aldosterone overproduction is coming from one side or both sides of the adrenal glands. This procedure helps classify the subtype of PA, which guides treatment decisions including potential adrenalectomy. The study also aims to refine AVS protocols and standardize clinical practice. Participants will be monitored for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) for one year after the AVS procedure. Researchers will assess clinical and biochemical outcomes to better understand the impact of AVS-guided management on patient prognosis. The study collects detailed information to optimize diagnosis, treatment decisions, and long-term care for individuals with primary aldosteronism.

Researchers are evaluating the long-term safety and effectiveness of drug-coated balloon (DCB) strategies compared to drug-eluting stent (DES) only treatment in patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the coronary arteries after successful reopening of the artery. This study aims to provide high-quality evidence by directly comparing DCB alone or combined with DES (hybrid strategy) against DES-only treatment. The goal is to improve treatment strategies, reduce the use of stents, lower complication risks, and enhance patient outcomes for these complex heart artery blockages. The trial involves two groups: one receiving DCB angioplasty with possible provisional DES implantation if necessary, and the other receiving standard DES implantation. Both treatments use devices sized to the vessel diameter and cover the blocked segment plus surrounding healthy areas. DCB balloons are inflated to deliver medication, while stents are deployed with appropriate pressure to ensure vessel support. All patients receive standard medical therapy including at least 12 months of dual antiplatelet therapy and are followed for 36 months after the procedure. Participants will undergo assessments including angiographic imaging to measure late lumen loss at 9 months by a blinded core lab, as well as monitoring for clinical outcomes such as cardiac events, repeat procedures, and quality of life. An independent committee adjudicates clinical events. The study uses intention-to-treat analysis to compare safety and efficacy between groups. This comprehensive follow-up and evaluation plan aims to provide valuable insights into optimizing CTO treatment.

Primary liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at BCLC stage C, is a common and serious cancer where many patients are not eligible for surgery due to advanced disease. Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness and safety of two treatments: drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) alone versus DEB-TACE followed by hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAIC). This study aims to see if combining these treatments provides better outcomes for patients with unresectable advanced liver cancer. The trial compares two groups: one receiving DEB-TACE alone and the other receiving DEB-TACE followed by sequential HAIC using a FOLFOX-based chemotherapy regimen. DEB-TACE uses drug-loaded beads to block tumor blood supply and release chemotherapy slowly, while HAIC delivers chemotherapy directly into the liver artery. This combination is designed to enhance the anti-tumor effect while potentially reducing side effects. Treatment is administered in a multi-center setting with careful monitoring. Participants will be monitored from the first DEB-TACE treatment up to 36 months or until disease progression or death. Assessments include imaging scans to evaluate tumor response according to mRECIST criteria, laboratory tests, and safety evaluations. Researchers will measure progression-free survival, which is the time without tumor growth or death. Participants must cooperate with treatment, complete scheduled visits, and provide informed consent, with an estimated life expectancy of at least 3 months.

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with ischemic stroke being the most common type. The current best treatment for acute ischemic stroke is intravenous thrombolysis using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) given within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. However, some patients experience stroke progression or early blood vessel reocclusion after thrombolysis, which worsens neurological function and outcomes. This is believed to be caused by increased platelet activation after thrombolysis, which peaks within the first 2 hours. This clinical trial is testing whether starting oral aspirin early after intravenous thrombolysis can improve functional outcomes without causing more bleeding problems. Patients are randomly assigned to receive either 300 mg aspirin tablets or matching placebo tablets as soon as possible after enrollment. If swallowing is difficult, tablets can be crushed and given through a nasogastric tube. Both groups receive best medical management according to guidelines. The study is a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Participants will be followed for 90 days after stroke to measure their functional recovery using the modified Rankin scale (mRS). Researchers will check if patients have a good outcome defined as an mRS score of 0 or 1 at 90 days. During the study, patients undergo assessments including neurological exams and imaging to confirm eligibility and monitor safety. The trial aims to determine if early aspirin treatment after thrombolysis is safe and can help prevent neurological decline and improve recovery.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness and safety of a home-based structured physical exercise program in adults who have experienced an acute ischemic stroke within the past 14 days. This randomized controlled trial compares participants receiving exercise guidance with those who do not, aiming to understand how these interventions may impact recovery after stroke. Participants in both groups will continue to receive standard medical care according to current guidelines from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: the exercise intervention group or the control group. Those in the exercise group will receive individualized home-based physical exercise guidance tailored to their condition, lasting for 90 days. The control group will not receive structured exercise guidance but will be encouraged to maintain regular physical activity. Both groups will follow standard medical management. During the study, researchers will assess participants' walking ability using the 6-Minute Walk Test, measuring changes from the start of the study to 90 days later. Participants will be monitored for safety and adherence, with evaluations focusing on physical function and recovery progress. The total participation duration for each individual is 90 days after starting the assigned intervention.

The study population are patients with acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke and planned to undergo endovascular treatment. All participants are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the tocilizumab group or the placebo group. In tocilizumab group, participants will receive tocilizumab combined endovascular treatment. And in placebo group, participants will receive placebo combined endovascular treatment. All participants will be visited immediately postoperatively, at 24 hours, 7 days, and 90 days after randomization.

This research aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an interleukin-6 receptor inhibitor called tocilizumab combined with endovascular therapy in patients who have experienced an acute posterior circulation large-vessel occlusion stroke. This phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial is investigator-initiated and conducted at multiple centers. The goal is to see if adding tocilizumab can improve outcomes for these stroke patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either tocilizumab or a placebo. The tocilizumab dose is 240 mg diluted in saline to a total volume of 100 mL, given intravenously immediately after randomization within 30 minutes, infused over more than one hour. The placebo group will receive an equivalent volume of saline solution under the same conditions. All participants will undergo emergency endovascular treatment as part of their stroke care. During the study, patients will be monitored and assessed for their recovery using the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days to determine the proportion achieving scores of 0 to 3, indicating favorable outcomes. Researchers will also observe safety and other clinical measures throughout the trial. The study involves obtaining informed consent and careful follow-up to evaluate treatment effects and patient safety over the course of the study period.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness and safety of Linperlisib, a PI3K delta inhibitor, in patients with relapsed or refractory large granular T lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGLL). This is a phase 2, multicenter, single-arm, open-label study focusing on this rare blood cancer where abnormal T cells survive and multiply abnormally. The study aims to see if blocking the PI3K pathway with Linperlisib can help reduce disease activity and induce remission. Participants will receive Linperlisib, which targets the PI3K delta enzyme thought to help the cancerous T cells avoid normal cell death. The drug is given as a treatment during the study with no comparison group. This treatment approach is based on laboratory findings showing that inhibiting this pathway can cause harmful T cells to die. The study does not mention specific dosing schedules but focuses on monitoring response and safety over time. During the study, participants will be closely monitored for hematologic remission between 8 and 12 weeks of treatment. Assessments will include blood tests and clinical evaluations to track disease response and any side effects. Participants must be at least 18 years old and will be followed to evaluate how well they respond and tolerate the drug. The study also includes safety monitoring and requires participants to provide informed consent and comply with study procedures throughout their involvement.