Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is the fastest-growing cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting approximately 30% of the global population.Imaging is vital for detecting, quantifying, and monitoring hepatic steatosis—the defining abnormality of MASLD—and subsequent fibrosis—the key determinant of liver-related outcomes. This review summarizes the principles, clinical usage, efficacy, and advancements in various imaging modalities for the noninvasive assessment of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, with an emphasis on ultrasound, CT, and MRI. Additionally, this review explores the evolving landscape of MASLD diagnostic approaches, including machine-learning techniques, opportunistic screening, standardized imaging guidelines, and therapies, emphasizing the pivotal role that radiologists can play in shaping these developments.

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Feixin decoction treats hypoxic pulmonary hypertension （HPH） by regulating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma （PPARγ）/nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB）/NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 （NLRP3） signaling pathway. MethodsForty-eight male SD rats were randomly allocated into normal， hypoxia， and low-， medium- and high-dose （5.85， 11.7， 23.4 g·kg^-1， respectively） Feixin decoction groups， with 8 rats in each group. Except the normal group， the remaining five groups were placed in a hypoxia chamber with an oxygen concentration of （10.0±0.5）% for 8 h per day， 28 days， and administrated with corresponding drugs during the modeling process. After 4 weeks of treatment， echocardiographic parameters ［pulmonary artery acceleration time （PAT）， pulmonary artery ejection time （PET）， right ventricular anterior wall thickness （RVAWd）， and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion （TAPSE）］ were measured for each group. The right ventricular systolic pressure （RVSP） was measured by the right heart catheterization method， and the right ventricular hypertrophy index （RVHI） was calculated by weighing the heart. The pathological changes in pulmonary arterioles were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The co-localization of α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） with NLRP3， N-terminal gasdermin D （N-GSDMD）， and cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 （Caspase-1） in pulmonary arteries was detected by immunofluorescence. The protein levels of PPARγ， NF-κB， NLRP3， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD （ASC）， N-GSDMD， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-18（IL-18）， and cleaved Caspase-1 in the lung tissue was determined by Western blot. The ultrastructural changes in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells （PASMCs） were observed by transmission electron microscopy. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the hypoxia group showed increased RVSP and RVHI （P<0.01）， decreased right heart function （P<0.01）， increased pulmonary vascular remodeling （P<0.01）， increased co-localization of α-SMA with NLRP3， N-GSDMD， and Caspase-1 in pulmonary arterioles （P<0.01）， up-regulated protein levels of NF-κB， NLRP3， ASC， N-GSDMD， IL-1β， IL-18， and cleaved Caspase-1 in the lung tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）， a down-regulated protein level of PPARγ （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and pyroptosis in PASMCs. Compared with the hypoxia group， Feixin decoction reduced RVSP and RVHI， improved the right heart function and ameliorated pulmonary vascular remodeling （P<0.05， P<0.01）， decreased the co-localization of α-SMA with NLRP3， N-GSDMD， and Caspase-1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， down-regulated the protein levels of NF-κB， NLRP3， ASC， N-GSDMD， IL-1β， IL-18， and cleaved Caspase-1 in the lung tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）， up-regulated the protein level of PPARγ （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and alleviated pyroptosis in PASMCs. ConclusionFeixin decoction can ameliorate pulmonary vascular remodeling and right heart dysfunction in chronically induced HPH rats by regulating pyroptosis in PASMCs through the PPARγ/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of the suture anchor technique without knots for reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) combined with the reinforcement of the inferior extensor retinaculum in treating chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). METHODS: The clinical data of 31 patients with CLAI who were admitted between August 2017 and December 2023 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. There were 18 males and 13 females, with an age range from 20 to 48 years (mean, 34.6 years). All patients had a history of repeated ankle sprain, with a disease duration of 6-18 months (mean, 9.65 months). The anterior drawer test and inversion stress test were positive, and tenderness was present in the ligament area. Stress X-ray films of the ankle joint showed a talar tilt angle of (10.00±2.78)° and an anterior talar displacement of (9.48±1.96) mm on the affected side. MRI revealed discontinuity, tortuosity, or disappearance of the ATFL structure. Preoperatively, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 5.2±2.1, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 62.9±7.1. All patients underwent arthroscopic debridement of the ankle joint followed by reconstruction of the ATFL using the suture anchor technique without knots combined with reinforcement of the inferior extensor retinaculum. Postoperatively, pain and function were assessed using the VAS and AOFAS scores. Stress X-ray films were taken to measure the talar tilt angle and anterior talar displacement to evaluate changes in ankle joint stability. Patient satisfaction was assessed according to the Insall criteria. RESULTS: All 31 surgeries were successfully completed. One case had wound exudation, while the remaining surgical incisions healed by first intention. Two cases experienced numbness on the lateral aspect of the foot, which disappeared within 1 month after operation. All patients were followed up 15-84 months (mean, 47.2 months). No complication such as anchor loosening, recurrent lateral ankle instability, superficial peroneal nerve injury, rejection reaction, or wound infection occurred postoperatively. The anterior drawer test and inversion stress test were negative at 3 months after operation. Stress X-ray films taken at 3 months after operation showed the talar tilt angle of (2.86±1.72)° and the anterior talar displacement of (2.97±1.32) mm, both of which were significantly different from the preoperative values ( t=12.218, P<0.001; t=15.367, P<0.001). At last follow-up, 2 patients had ankle swelling after exercise, which resolved spontaneously with rest; all 31 patients returned to their pre-injury level of sports or had no significant discomfort in daily activities. At last follow-up, 25 patients were pain-free, 4 had mild pain after exercise, and 2 had mild pain after walking more than 2 000 meters. The VAS score was 0.8±0.9 and the AOFAS score was 91.6±4.1, both of which were significantly different from the preoperative scores ( t=10.851, P<0.001; t=-19.514, P<0.001). According to the Insall criteria, 24 patients were rated as excellent, 4 as good, and 3 as fair, with a satisfaction rate of 90.3%. CONCLUSION The suture anchor technique without knots for reconstruction of the ATFL combined with reinforcement of the inferior extensor retinaculum provides satisfactory short- and mid-term effectiveness in treating CLAI.
Humans ; Male ; Adult ; Female ; Joint Instability/surgery* ; Lateral Ligament, Ankle/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Ankle Joint/diagnostic imaging* ; Young Adult ; Suture Anchors ; Treatment Outcome ; Suture Techniques ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Chronic Disease ; Ankle Injuries/surgery*

Addressing the enduring challenge of evaluating traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), the integrated evidence chain-based effectiveness evaluation of TCMs (Eff-iEC) has emerged. This paper explored its capacity through a demonstration study that evaluated the effectiveness evidence of six commonly used anti-hepatic fibrosis Chinese patent medicines (CPMs), including Biejiajian Pill (BP), Dahuang Zhechong Pill (DZP), Biejia Ruangan Compound (BRC), Fuzheng Huayu Capsule (FHC), Anluo Huaxian Pill (AHP), and Heluo Shugan Capsule (HSC), using both Eff-iEC and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The recognition of these CPMs within the TCM academic community was also assessed through their inclusion in relevant medical documents. Results showed that the evidence of BRC and FHC received higher assessments in both Eff-iEC and GRADE system, while the assessments for others varied. Analysis of community recognition revealed that Eff-iEC more accurately reflects the clinical value of these CPMs, exhibiting superior evaluative capabilities. By breaking through the conventional pattern of TCMs effectiveness evaluation, Eff-iEC offers a novel epistemology that better aligns with the clinical realities and reasoning of TCMs, providing a coherent methodology for clinical decision-making, new drug evaluations, and health policy formulation.

Objective : To explore the differences in oxidative stress levels between patients with and without non-suicidal self-injury(NSSI) behavior in depressive disorders, and their correlation with depressive symptoms, disease duration, and self-injury frequency. Methods : A total of 95 subjects were included in the study, including 65 patients with depression(patient group). They were divided into NSSI subgroup(31 cases) and Non-NSSI subgroup(34 cases) based on whether they had NSSI. 30 healthy control group cases(HC). Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT), malondialdehyde(MDA), glutathione peroxidase(GPX), and oxidized low-density lipoprotein(OxLDL) in the peripheral blood of the subjects. The Hamilton depression rating scale(HAMD-17) was used to assess the patient′s condition, and the Ottawa self-injury inventory(OSI) was used to quantitatively evaluate the self-injury frequency of NSSI group patients. Results : The levels of SOD, CAT,MDA,GPX and OxLDL in the patient group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05). The levels of SOD, CAT, MDA,GPX and OxLDL in the NSSI subgroup were significantly higher than those in the Non-NSSI subgroup and the control group(P<0.05).The duration of the NSSI subgroup was positively correlated with the levels of SOD,CAT,and MDA(r=0.504,P=0.004; r=0.568,P=0.001; r=0.404,P=0.024),and the HAMD-17 score was positively correlated with the levels of SOD,CAT,and MDA(r=0.573,P=0.001; r=0.577,P=0.001; r=0.477,P=0.007). The frequency of self-injury was positively correlated with the levels of SOD and MDA(r=0.558,P=0.001; r=0.494,P=0.005). Conclusion The OS level of patients with depression is significantly higher than that of the healthy population,and among them,patients with depression accompanied by NSSI have a more significant increase in oxidative stress level. Elevated levels of OS may affect the severity,duration,and frequency of self-injurious behavior in patients with depression accompanied by NSSI.

Diabetic neurogenic bladder(DNB)is an autonomic neuropathy,which is a common complication of diabetes mellitus(DM)with a high disability rate.Emphysematous cystitis(EC)is a rare and life-threatening urological disease.A patient with DNB and EC was admitted to our hospital,who was complicated with bilateral hydronephrosis and double ureters.After comprehensive treatment with indwelling catheterization,intravenous application of broad-spectrum antibiotics,and Ins hypoglycemic therapy,the re-examination of urinary CT showed that bilateral hydronephrosis,double ureters,and bladder gas disappeared,and the indicators were improved compared with before.Due to the severe condition of the patient with DNB,the residual urine volume of the bladder increased day by day after the catheter was removed,which led to long-term indwelling catheter after discharge.

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of 3D-printed metal augment or integrated acetabular prostheses for reconstruction of bone defects in hip revision.Methods:A total of 11 patients who underwent total hip revision in Zhengzhou Orthopaedic Hospital from June 2021 to July 2023 were retrospectively analysed. There were 5 males and 6 females, age 64.8±10.7 years (range, 58-75 years), and body mass index 23.3±4.8 kg/m 2 (range, 21-27 kg/m 2). Paprosky classification of acetabular bone defects: 3 cases of type IIA, 4 cases of type IIB, 3 cases of type IIIA, 1 case of type IIIB. Reasons for revision: 8 cases of aseptic loosening, 3 cases after infection exclusion procedure. A 3D-printed metal augment was used in 9 cases (8 cases of aseptic loosening and 1 case of infected exclusion procedure) and a 3D-printed integrated acetabulum was used in 2 cases (infected exclusion procedure). The time from primary total hip arthroplasty to revision was 11.8±5.6 years (range, 5-17 years). Harris hip score and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the improvement of hip function and pain recovery. The leg length discrepancy, vertical height and horizontal position of the hip rotation center were measured on pelvic anteroposterior X-ray films. Results:All patients successfully completed the operation. The operation time was 145.9±35.5 min (range, 110-159 min), and the intraoperative blood loss was 950.5±310.8 ml (range, 680-1,450 ml). The postoperative Harris hip function score was significantly higher than that before operation ( F=554.085, P<0.001). One year after operation, the Harris hip function score was 74.36±5.16, which was higher than that before operation 32.18±4.07, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The VAS scores of all patients decreased after operation, and the difference was statistically significant compared with that before operation ( F=177.717, P<0.001). The VAS score at 1 year after operation was 1.27±0.65, which was lower than that before operation 6.18±1.17, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The preoperative leg length discrepancy was 1.97±0.71 cm, which was greater than 0.69±0.52 cm at the last follow-up, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=4.824, P<0.001). The vertical height of the hip rotation center was 1.88±0.46 cm on the affected side and 1.67±0.35 cm on the healthy side, showing no significant difference ( t=1.205, P=0.242). The postoperative horizontal position of the hip rotation center was 3.48±0.55 cm on the affected side and 3.54±0.32 cm on the healthy side, and the difference was no statistically significant ( t=-0.313, P=0.758). One case had an intraoperative greater trochanteric fracture that healed 3 months after reduction and internal fixation. All patients were followed up for 21.3±9.5 months (range, 15-31 months). All incisions healed in one stage, and all patients were fully weight-bearing at 3 months after operation. At the last follow-up, there was no case of loosening, dislocation or infection of the prosthesis; 4 cases had mild claudication, 1 case had heterotopic ossification, and the patients had good hip flexion and extension functions, which did not affect daily life without further treatment. Conclusion:The clinical efficacy of 3D-printed metal augment or integrated acetabular prosthesis for reconstruction of acetabular bone defects is satisfactory, which can restore the normal center of rotation of the hip joint and has a low incidence of postoperative complications.

Objective:To explore the surgical treatment strategies for Mason type III radial head fractures complicated with adult Bado type II Monteggia fractures.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 25 adult patients with Mason type III radial head fractures complicated with adult Bado type II Monteggia fractures, admitted to the Upper Extremity Orthopaedics Department of Zhengzhou Orthopaedic Hospital from June 2013 to June 2023. There were 15 males and 10 females, with an average age of 43.5±14.7 years (range: 20-67 years). Among them, 5 cases were complicated with humeroulnar joint dislocation. The patients were divided into two groups: 17 cases were treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of radial head fractures combined with ORIF of proximal ulnar fractures (open reduction group), and 8 cases were treated with radial head replacement combined with ORIF of proximal ulnar fractures (radial head replacement group). At the last follow-up, elbow joint range of motion was recorded, and pain, elbow function, and subjective upper limb function were evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scale. The incidence of complications was also recorded.Results:All 25 patients were followed up for an average of 25.6±9.0 months (range: 12-45 months). At the last follow-up, the affected elbows in the open reduction group had a flexion of 124.47°±12.59° (range, 90°-140°), extension of 21.12°±10.07° (range, 10°-50°), pronation of 48.59°±11.62° (range, 20°-61°), and supination of 48.53°±8.43° (range, 30°-60°). In the radial head replacement group, the affected elbows showed flexion of 128.75°±13.17° (range, 100°-140°), extension of 14.00°±7.71° (range, 0°-25°), pronation of 61.25°±10.26° (range, 60°-80°), and supination of 71.88°±10.33° (range, 60°-80°). The MEPS score in the open reduction group was 82(75, 85) points (range, 55-90 points), the VAS pain score was 1(1, 2) points (range, 0-3 points), and the DASH score was 9(8, 14) points. In the radial head replacement group, the MEPS score was 90(85, 90) points (range, 85-90 points), the VAS pain score was 1(0, 1) points (range, 0-1 points), and the DASH score was 5(5, 6) points. Complications included 5 cases of heterotopic ossification, 1 case of incision infection, 1 case of nonunion, 1 case of ulnar nerve injury combined with traumatic arthritis, and 1 case of proximal radioulnar bone bridge formation.Conclusions:Both radial head replacement and open reduction internal fixation combined with proximal ulnar fracture fixation can effectively treat Mason type III radial head fractures complicated with adult Bado type II Monteggia fractures. There was no significant difference in postoperative flexion and extension, but the radial head replacement group demonstrated better forearm rotation and DASH scores postoperatively.

Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy of the reamer-irrigator-aspirator (RIA) technique and iliac crest bone grafting (ICBG) in the treatment of adult noninfectious long bone nonunion of the lower extremity, and to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the RIA technique.Methods:A retrospective review was conducted of 42 adult patients with noninfectious long bone nonunion of the lower extremity treated surgically at Zhengzhou Orthopaedic Hospital from January 2021 to June 2024. The cohort included 33 men and 9 women with a mean age of 47.0±14.4 years (range, 18-62 years). Twenty-three patients had nonunion on the left side and 19 on the right. Initial surgical fixation methods included plate fixation (19 cases), intramedullary nail (16 cases), external fixator (5 cases), and combined plate-and-nail fixation (2 cases). Revision procedures included debridement and freshening of the nonunion ends, revision or adjustment of internal fixation, and autologous bone grafting. Nineteen patients underwent graft harvesting with the RIA technique (RIA group), and 23 received autograft harvested from the iliac crest (iliac group). Baseline and perioperative variables compared between the two groups included sex, age, body-mass index, preoperative comorbidities, anatomical site of the nonunion (tibial or femoral), duration from the index fracture operation to the current revision, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, volume of blood transfusion and rate of perioperative complications, nonunion fracture sites, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score at the fracture site, donor-site morphology and functional appearance scores, and radiographic union score for tibial fractures (RUST).Results:There was no significant difference in age between the RIA and ICBG groups (45.1±14.1 vs. 48.5±14.7 years, t=0.746, P=0.449). However, intraoperative blood loss was higher in the RIA group [300 (150, 720) ml, Z=-3.072, P=0.002] and the transfusion rate was higher (14/19 vs. 8/23, χ 2=6.313, P=0.012). The harvested bone volume was very similar [40(35, 60) cm 2vs. 40(35, 40) cm 2, Z=-1.077, P=0.281]. All patients were followed for a mean of 16.5±2.8 months (range, 7-40 months). VAS scores at the surgical site showed no significant difference between groups at 3 months (3.2±1.0 vs. 3.3±1.4, t= 4.754, P=0.720) and 6 months (1.6±0.8 vs. 1.8±1.2, t=6.841, P=0.542). Donor-site morphology and functional scores were significantly better in the RIA group at 3 months [14.5(13.0, 15.5) vs. 9.0(7.0, 10.0), Z=-3.748, P<0.001] and 6 months [15.5(15.0, 16.0) vs. 11.0(10.0, 13.0), Z=-3.782, P<0.001]. At 12 months postoperatively, RUST scores did not differ significantly between groups (10.6±1.2 vs. 10.4±1.5, t=0.483, P=0.632). The incidence of perioperative complications was comparable [42%(8/19) vs. 30%(7/23), χ 2=0.617, P=0.432]. Conclusions:Both RIA and ICBG achieved favorable clinical outcomes in the treatment of adult noninfectious lower-extremity long bone nonunion. Although RIA was associated with greater intraoperative blood loss, it resulted in less donor-site morbidity and better cosmetic and functional outcomes. Bone healing capacity and overall complication rates did not differ significantly between the two groups. These findings suggest that the RIA technique is safe and effective for use in the Chinese patient population.