Objective To investigate the perioperative safety of patients with myasthenia gravis who take high doses of oral glucocorticoids. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with myasthenia gravis who received oral glucocorticoids and underwent thoracoscopic thymectomy at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital from April 2013 to October 2019. Patients were divided into a high-dose steroid group and a medium-to-low dose steroid group based on the dosage of oral steroids, and the clinical data of the two groups were compared. Results A total of 102 patients were included, including 19 (18.62%) males and 83 (81.37%) females, with an average age of (32.25±9.83) years. There were 75 patients in the medium-to-low dose steroid group and 27 patients in the high-dose steroid group. All patients in both groups successfully completed the surgery without major intraoperative bleeding, conversion to open chest surgery, delayed extubation, severe infection, or perioperative death. The daily oral steroid dose for the high-dose steroid group was (35.81±4.29) mg, and for the medium-to-low dose steroid group it was (15.29±2.17) mg. There was no statistical difference in the operation time [(124.69±23.51) min vs. (117.89±21.46) min, P=0.172] and intraoperative blood loss [(21.19±3.48) mL vs. (20.56±3.41) mL, P=0.419] between the two groups. Postoperatively, 12 (11.76%) patients developed complications: one patient of myasthenic crisis (the medium-to-low dose steroid group), which was improved after short-term respiratory support and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment; 11 patients of respiratory/swallowing difficulties (9 in the medium-to-low dose steroid group and 2 in the high-dose steroid group), which were improved after anticholinergic treatment to reduce oral secretions and sputum suction, and the patients were discharged smoothly. There was no statistical difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups (P=0.637). Conclusion On the basis of good perioperative management, it is safe and feasible for patients with myasthenia gravis who take high dose of oral steroids to undergo thymectomy, and they have the same perioperative safety as patients with medium-to-low dose steroids.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of different exercise interventions on metabolism and liver parameters in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease （MAFLD）， and to provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical exercise rehabilitation. MethodsThis study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines， and the protocol was registered on the PROSPERO platform， with a registration number of CRD42025641717. PubMed， Web of Science， Scopus， Wiley Online Library， CNKI， Wanfang Data， and VIP were searched for related articles published up to September 2024. The Cochrane tool for assessing risk of bias was used to assess the quality of articles， and Stata MP 17.0 was used to perform the network meta-analysis. ResultsA total of 57 articles were included， involving 2 648 patients. The results showed that aerobic exercise combined with resistance exercise had the best effect in improving body mass index （mean difference ［WMD］=-0.97， 95% confidence interval ［CI］： -1.66 to -0.28］， P<0.05， surface under the cumulative ranking curve ［SUCRA］=85.4） and triglycerides （WMD=-29.6， 95%CI： -46.66 to 12.54， P<0.05， SUCRA=87.3）； resistance exercise was the optimal intervention method for improving total cholesterol （WMD=-15.99， 95%CI： -24.19 to -7.79， P<0.05， SUCRA=79.9） and glutamine transaminase （WMD=-8.08， 95%CI： -12.13 to -4.02， P<0.05， SUCRA=87.3）； low-intensity aerobic exercise had the best effect in improving aspartate aminotransferase （WMD=-4.3， 95%CI： -8.45 to -0.15， P<0.05， SUCRA=73.5）， gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase （GGT） （WMD=-3.26， 95%CI： -7.79 to 1.27， P>0.05， SUCRA=82.3）， and glycated hemoglobin （HbA1c） （WMD=-0.6， 95%CI： -2.02 to 0.82， P>0.05， SUCRA=78.8）； moderate-intensity aerobic exercise was the optimal intervention modality to improve Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance （WMD=-0.92， 95%CI： -1.51 to -0.33， P<0.05， SUCRA=69.4）. It should be noted that there were no significant differences in HbA1c and GGT across different exercise interventions （all P>0.05）， suggesting that there was currently no sufficient statistical evidence to support that exercise could improve these two indicators. ConclusionBased on the comprehensive league table and cumulative probability ranking， aerobic exercise combined with resistance exercise， resistance exercise， and low- and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise may be the best exercise modality for improving key indicators in MAFLD patients， and targeted exercise modalities should be selected for intervention against different indicators； however， due to limitations of the original studies， further studies are needed for validation and exploration.

Purpose: Postoperative complications following gastric cancer surgery significantly impact patient outcomes, yet standardized definitions for these events have not been consistently applied across institutions in Korea. This study aimed to develop a consensus-based, standardized complication classification system specific to gastrectomy for gastric cancer as part of the Korean Quality Improvement Platform in Surgery (K-QIPS) initiative. Methods: As part of K-QIPS, a dedicated task force team (TFT) was formed with surgical experts from fourteen high-volume hospitals across Korea. The TFT conducted ten formal meetings to review existing literature and international guidelines, and incorporated findings from randomized controlled trials. The final complication list was developed through expert consensus and structured into a standardized framework. A Data Entry Manual was created to support consistent data collection by surgical clinical reviewers. Results: The TFT defined specific postoperative complications following gastrectomy for gastric cancer, including anastomotic leakage, duodenal stump leakage, pancreatic fistula, intra-abdominal and luminal bleeding, delayed gastric emptying, and internal hernia. Notably, internal hernia was described in standardized form for the first time. General complications were developed first and overlapped in part with the gastric cancer-specific list. The task force also produced a Data Entry Manual that provides practical instructions to ensure consistency and accuracy in complication reporting. Conclusion This nationwide consensus initiative established the first standardized complication classification system for gastric cancer surgery in Korea. The proposed definitions and data entry system are expected to improve complication reporting, enable multicenter research, support surgical quality benchmarking, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the detection ability of quality of life (QoL) changes and responsiveness of the KOrean QUality of life in Stomach cancer patients Study group (KOQUSS)-40 and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ). Materials and Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted to evaluate QoL changes after various gastrectomies between January 2021 and April 2022. Participants were instructed to complete the KOQUSS-40 and EORTC QLQ-C30/STO22 preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. QoL changes over time and QoL responsiveness were assessed for each questionnaire. Results: Data from 491 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer at 22 institutions were analyzed. The summary scores of the KOQUSS-40 and EORTC QLQ-STO22 showed significant differences between the total and proximal gastrectomy groups (p=0.044 and p=0.038, respectively), but no difference was observed for the EORTC QLQ-C30. Dysphagia on the KOQUSS-40 was significantly different between the total and proximal gastrectomy groups (p=0.031); however, dysphagia on the EORTC QLQ-STO22 did not differ. The responsiveness of the KOQUSS-40 was similar to that of the EORTC QLQ in patients who experienced ≥ 10% body weight loss, but approximately 10% less in patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy than the EORTC QLQ. Conclusion KOQUSS-40 has several advantages over EORTC QLQ-C30/STO22 when comparing QoL between the total and proximal gastrectomy groups. The findings provide information for researchers investigating the QoL of patients who have undergone curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Objective: This study aims to review the application of dobutamine stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (DSCMR) for patients with anomalous inter-arterial coronary arteries. Materials and Methods: Consecutive adult patients (≥18 years) with anomalous inter-arterial coronary arteries and DSCMR performed in a quaternary referral center from January 2020 to December 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. Examination details, including medication and complications, were reviewed. Radiological findings, such as wall motion abnormality, perfusion defect and late myocardial enhancement were evaluated. Post-examination management and outcomes were assessed. Results: A total of 31 patients (17 females [54.8%]; age 53.6±11.7 years) with anomalous inter-arterial coronary arteries were included. Most patients (n=25, 80.6%) had anomalous right coronary artery. There were significant differences in peak heart rate (p<0.001) and blood pressure (p<0.001) when compared to the baseline. Only one patient (3.2%) experienced minor adverse event with chest pain during the examination. Her cardiac enzymes and electrocardiogram were normal. All other patients (n=30, 96.8%) had no examination-related complications. Left ventricular stroke volume (78.3 [interquartile range, IQR 15.8] mL) and ejection fraction (63.2% [IQR 9.2%]) were normal. No wall motion abnormality, perfusion defect nor late myocardial enhancement were identified. Median follow-up after DSCMR was 21.0 (IQR 28.0) months. One patient underwent reimplantation of right coronary artery due to recurrent syncope. Conservative management was adopted for all other patients (n= 30, 96.8%). Most (n=28, 90.3%) were asymptomatic post-examination. No major adverse cardiovascular events were reported. Conclusion DSCMR can be safely performed for patients with anomalous inter-arterial coronary arteries and can help guide management plan.

Objective: To characterize perioperative dynamic changes in immune-cell phenotypes and inflammatory cytokines in patients undergoing CPB (cardiopulmonary bypass) cardiac surgery, and to explore their associations with postoperative outcomes. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 120 adult patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery under CPB at West China Hospital from May 2022 to March 2023 were enrolled. Perioperative immune-cell phenotypes and concentrations of 40 inflammation-related cytokines were measured. The primary outcomes were the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score at 24 h after surgery and ΔSOFA (the peak SOFA score within 48 h after surgery minus the preoperative SOFA score). Secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), acute kidney injury (AKI), respiratory failure, severe liver injury, and infection. Results: The mean age of enrolled patients was 57±10 years. Of these, 52% (62/120) were male and 90% (108/120) underwent valve surgery. During the rewarming to the end of CPB, neutrophil counts rapidly increased (7.39×10 /L vs preoperative 3.07×10 /L, P<0.001), with significant upregulation of CD11b (7.30×10 /L vs preoperative 3.05×10 /L, P<0.001) and CD54 (7.15×10 /L vs preoperative 2.99×10 /L, P<0.001). Lymphocyte counts increased at the end of CPB (1.75×10 /L vs preoperative 1.12×10 /L, P<0.001) but decreased significantly at 24 h after surgery (0.59×10 /L vs preoperative 1.12×10 /L, P<0.001). Plasma analysis showed that multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines increased during CPB and remained elevated up to 24 h after surgery; five chemokines and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 peaked at the end of CPB. The SOFA score increased from 1 (1, 2) preoperatively to 7 (5, 10) at 24 h after surgery, with a ΔSOFA of 6 (4, 8). Within 30 days after surgery, 48 patients (40.0%) developed AKI, 17 (14.2%) developed infection, 4 (3.3%) developed severe liver injury, 3 (2.5%) developed respiratory failure, and 3 (2.5%) experienced MACE. During the 2-year follow-up, 8 patients (6.7%) experienced MACE and 5 (4.2%) died. Conclusion: Multi-organ dysfunction is common after cardiac surgery under CPB (median ΔSOFA, 6), accompanied by perioperative activation of multiple immune-cell subsets and upregulation of pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and chemotactic mediators. This study provides data-driven evidence and research clues for further investigation of the associations between CPB-related immune perturbations and postoperative organ dysfunction and clinical outcomes.

Mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes(MAMs)are crucial structural links between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, formed by a complex protein network. They play a central role in cellular calcium signaling homeostasis, mitochondrial stability, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and inflammatory response. In recent years, advances in subcellular ultrastructure research techniques have gradually uncovered the relationship between MAMs dysfunction and blinding ocular diseases. Studies indicate that structural or functional impairments in MAMs can disrupt retinal pigment epithelial cells homeostasis, compromise the survival microenvironment of retinal ganglion cells, and trigger corneal endothelial cells apoptosis, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of various blinding ocular diseases including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, and glaucoma. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms linking MAMs in common blinding ocular diseases.

N-glycosylation is a crucial posttranslational modification of proteins that can modulate their functions and plays key roles in various biological processes. Current research has revealed that alterations in protein N-glycosylation are closely associated with the pathogenesis and progression of multiple ocular diseases. N-glycosylation detection methods can identify changes in N-glycans on proteins; therefore, understanding these techniques and their application value in ocular diseases is important. This article provides a systematic review of the current state of N-glycosylation detection methods, including techniques such as capillary electrophoresis, liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry. It also offers a detailed discussion on the specific applications of these technologies in the study of various ocular diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and vernal keratoconjunctivitis/atopic keratoconjunctivitis.

Contemporary bioethics （including medical ethics） encompasses three distinctly different theories： principlism， pluralistic casuistry， and ritual reconstruction. They differ in many respects， but the primary distinction lies in their respective starting points for ethical thinking： principlism begins with principles， pluralistic casuistry starts with cases， while ritual reconstruction is grounded in rituals. In fact， the first two theories have gained popularity worldwide， while the third theory requires us to construct it based on Confucian classical ethics. This paper explores how the characteristics of ritual guidance and the doctrine of the mean in Confucian classical ethics inspire us to propose this new theory， outlining its main points.

ObjectiveThe widespread adoption of portable fundus cameras for primary care and community screening is hindered by limitations in current autofocus(AF) technologies. Image-based methods relying on sharpness evaluation require iterative searches, resulting in slow convergence, while projection-based techniques are susceptible to optical artifacts and calibration errors. To address these challenges, this study introduces a novel AF system based on direct wavefront sensing, designed to deliver simultaneous high speed, high precision, and operational robustness within the compact form factor essential for portable ophthalmic devices. MethodsOur approach fundamentally reimagines the AF process by directly measuring the ocular wavefront aberration. We developed a custom portable fundus camera integrating a miniaturized Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor (SHWS) into the optical path. An 850 nm laser diode projects a point source onto the retina via oblique illumination to minimize corneal reflections. Light scattered from this spot carries the eye’s refractive error through the imaging optics and is directed to the SHWS, positioned at a plane optically conjugate to the primary color CMOS imaging sensor. A microlens array within the SHWS samples the incident wavefront, generating a pattern of focal spots on a CCD. Real-time centroid analysis of these spots provides a map of local wavefront slopes. These measurements are processed through a singular value decomposition (SVD) algorithm to fit a Zernike polynomial basis set, enabling real-time reconstruction of the wavefront phase. The defocus component (S) is extracted from the second-order Zernike coefficients, providing a direct, quantitative measure of the refractive error in diopters. This value serves as a precise error signal in a closed-loop control system, which commands a voice-coil actuated focusing lens to its null position in a single, deterministic step, eliminating the need for iterative search algorithms. ResultsComprehensive evaluation demonstrated the system’s high performance. Testing on a calibrated model eye (OEMI-7) established a highly linear relationship between the computed defocus S and the focusing lens position across a ±20 Diopter (D) compensation range, achievable within a 5 mm mechanical travel. The system achieved a focusing precision of 0.08 D, corresponding to an 18-fold improvement over a conventional projection spot-size method tested under identical conditions. The total focus acquisition time, encompassing wavefront measurement, computation, and lens actuation, averaged under 0.5 s. Clinical validation with 25 human volunteers (50 eyes, refractive range -15 D to +10 D) confirmed practical efficacy. The wavefront-sensing AF succeeded in 92% of attempts with a mean time of 0.5 s, substantially outperforming a projection-based benchmark which achieved only a 32% success rate with an average time of 4.25 s. The system provided instantaneous directional guidance and maintained stability during minor ocular movements. Objective assessment of image quality, via amplitude contrast of retinal vasculature, showed consistent and significant enhancement following AF correction across the entire tested diopter range. ConclusionThis work successfully implements and validates a direct wavefront-sensing autofocus paradigm for portable fundus cameras. By directly quantifying and compensating for the optical defocus aberration, this method bypasses the fundamental limitations of image-processing and projection-based techniques, enabling rapid, precise, and deterministic diopter compensation. The developed system delivers an exceptional combination of a wide operational range (±20 D), high accuracy (0.08 D), fast convergence (0.5 s), and a compact physical footprint. This technology provides a practical and high-performance focusing solution capable of enhancing the reliability, throughput, and diagnostic utility of portable retinal imaging in large-scale screening applications. Future efforts will be directed towards system cost optimization and performance adaptation for diverse ocular conditions.