1.Effect and Mechanism of Liangyi Paste on Hepatic Lipid Deposition in Naturally Aged Mice with High-fat Diet via Cuproptosis/Oxidative Stress Pathway
Meiling ZHANG ; Yuanguang DONG ; Xiaofei SUN ; Jiaxin WANG ; Yu LIU ; Jingxuan ZHU ; Qun WANG ; Nan SONG ; Guoyuan SUI ; Lianqun JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):91-99
ObjectiveTaking the cuproptosis/oxidative stress pathway as the entry point, this study investigated the effect and mechanism of Liangyi Paste on hepatic lipid deposition in naturally aged mice fed with a high-fat diet. MethodsAfter adaptive feeding, 80 ten-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were used. Thirty of them were randomly divided into three groups (10 mice per group): The 12-month-old control group (12MCON), the 15-month-old control group (15MCON), and the 15-month-old group with a high-fat diet (15MHFD). The 12MCON and 15MCON groups were continuously fed a standard diet, while the 15MHFD group started receiving a high-fat diet at 12 months of age. Tissue samples were collected at the corresponding time points for each group. The remaining 50 mice were randomly divided into five groups (10 mice per group): the 20-month-old control group (20MCON), the model group, and the low-, medium-, and high-dose Liangyi Paste groups (2.91 , 5.82 , 11.64 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively). The 20MCON group was continuously fed a standard diet, while the other groups started receiving a high-fat diet at 15 months of age. At 18 months of age, the Liangyi Paste groups were administered the corresponding doses of Liangyi Paste by gavage, while the 20MCON and model groups were given an equal volume of saline by gavage. After 8 weeks of continuous gavage (when the mice reached 20 months of age), tissue samples were collected. Hepatic TG levels were measured using assay kits; liver histology and lipid deposition were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and oil red O staining; reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); Cu2+, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured by colorimetry; mRNA and protein expression of genes related to cuproptosis and oxidative stress pathways were analyzed by Real-time polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Wes automated protein expression system. ResultsCompared with 12MCON, the 15MCON group showed significantly increased hepatic TG, Cu2+, ROS, and MDA levels (P<0.01), decreased SOD (P<0.01), hepatocyte swelling, and disordered arrangement. The mRNA and protein levels of ferredoxin 1 (FDX1), dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (DLAT), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD), pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 subunit-β (PDHB), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) were significantly elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with 15MCON group, the 15MHFD and 20MCON groups exhibited further increases in TG, Cu2+, ROS, and MDA (P<0.01), reduced SOD (P<0.01), and aggravated hepatocyte swelling and disorder. There were increased lipid droplets with mild vacuolization in the 15MHFD group, and no significant lipid deposition was observed in the 20MCON group. FDX1, DLAT, HSP70, DLD, PDHB, Nrf2, and PPARγ mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with 20MCON group, the model group demonstrated markedly elevated TG, Cu2+, ROS, and MDA (P<0.01), reduced SOD (P<0.01), severe hepatic steatosis, and upregulated expression of FDX1, DLAT, HSP70, DLD, PDHB, Nrf2, and PPARγ mRNA and proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). All abnormalities were significantly reversed after Liangyi Paste treatment. ConclusionLiangyi paste can ameliorate hepatic lipid deposition in naturally aged mice with a high-fat diet by modulating the cuproptosis/oxidative stress pathway.
2.Quantitative Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer MRI for Diagnosing Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy Activity: A Prospective Feasibility Study
YunMeng WANG ; WeiYi ZHOU ; YuanYuan CUI ; JianKun DAI ; YuXin CHENG ; QingQing WEN ; TianYi XING ; HongBiao SUN ; Song JIANG ; MeiLing XU ; ZhenHuan WANG ; Yan SONG ; Tuo LI ; Yi XIAO
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(2):161-173
Objective:
This prospective study evaluated the feasibility of chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI for assessing disease activity in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO).
Materials and Methods:
A total of 88 patients with active TAO, 76 with inactive TAO, and 30 healthy controls were enrolled. CEST MRI-derived magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) and MTR asymmetry (MTRasym) at 1 ppm, 2 ppm, and 3.5 ppm were calculated. Clinical data, MTR, and MTRasym values for the extraocular muscles (one representative muscle per eye, yielding two measurements per participant) were compared among the groups. Spearman’s correlation was used to examine associations between imaging parameters and the clinical activity score (CAS) in patients with TAO. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent associations between imaging parameters and disease activity in patients with TAO (active vs. inactive). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performance for discriminating active from inactive TAO.
Results:
Patients with active TAO showed lower MTR values (P < 0.001) and higher MTRasym (1 ppm), MTRasym (2 ppm), and MTRasym (3.5 ppm) (all P < 0.001) compared with those with inactive TAO. MTR was negatively correlated with CAS (r = -0.402; P < 0.001), while MTRasym (1 ppm), MTRasym (2 ppm), and MTRasym (3.5 ppm) were positively correlated with CAS (r = 0.369, 0.350, and 0.349, respectively;all P < 0.001). MTR and MTRasym (1 ppm) were independently associated with TAO activity. The areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) for MTR and MTRasym (1 ppm) in discriminating active from inactive TAO were 0.772 and 0.730, respectively. Combining MTR with MTRasym (1 ppm) significantly improved diagnostic performance compared with either parameter alone, achieving an AUC of 0.805 (P = 0.029 and 0.001).
Conclusion
MTR and MTRasym (1 ppm) were independently associated with TAO activity. Their combination further enhanced diagnostic performance in distinguishing active from inactive TAO, suggesting their potential as quantitative imaging biomarkers to guide treatment in patients with TAO.
3.TCM Data Hub: A traditional Chinese medicine data platform powered by YiYuan large language models
Chongyun ZHOU ; Qin LI ; Tangming CUI ; Chaohui CUI ; Peiyu WANG ; Meiling SUN ; Ying NIE ; Yichen BAI ; Haiyan LI
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(2):140-151
The digitization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has generated vast amounts of data. However, these data are characterized by significant heterogeneity and complex semantic structures, posing substantial challenges for systematic integration and intelligent analysis, and limiting its potential for modern clinical and computational research. To address the challenges posed by the high heterogeneity and complex structure in TCM data, we designed and developed the TCM Data Hub platform, which is powered by the YiYuan large language models (LLMs). This platform aims to enhance intelligent data processing capabilities and unlock the potential for clinical application of TCM data through systematic integration and efficient utilization, thereby bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern computational research. This study first analyzed the heterogeneity and complexity of TCM information with respect to data types, structures, and semantics. A standardized data framework was constructed to enhance data integration and interoperability. Based on the TCM Intelligent Computing Platform of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, we trained the YiYuan LLMs to acquire domain-specific semantic understanding of TCM, thereby improving the platform’s comprehension of specialized terminology and knowledge systems. Leveraging the natural language processing capabilities of the LLMs, we developed a human-in-the-loop data processing system to enable efficient extraction, cleansing, and structured organization of TCM data. In addition, utilizing Vue and Java technologies, we developed multiple LLM-powered intelligent agents and systems, including a human-in-the-loop data processing system, as well as automated prescription mining and network pharmacology analysis agents. Task-specific agents tailored to TCM data processing were developed to enhance the model’s effectiveness in clinical knowledge discovery. System functionality and platform infrastructure were implemented using Java and Vue technologies.The TCM Data Hub platform has completed system construction and core functionality implementation. It supported integrated management and efficient access to 8 key types of TCM data: prescriptions, materia medica, ingredients, targets, diseases (Western medicine), diseases (TCM), syndromes, and therapeutic methods. The human-in-the-loop data processing system achieved an accuracy of 95.34% in structuring TCM data and supported annotation for data requiring manual labeling. The intelligent agent-driven big-data analytics module enabled 1-click, end-to-end workflows for TCM prescription mining, herb-syndrome association analysis, network pharmacology, and molecular biology research, completing a full data mining task in approximately 30 minutes. Users can interact with and manipulate data through a visual front-end interface. The system demonstrated stable performance, strong scalability, and a user-friendly experience. Empowered by the YiYuan LLMs, the TCM Data Hub platform significantly improves the accessibility, usability, and intelligence of TCM data. It effectively bridges traditional TCM knowledge with modern intelligent technologies, providing robust data support and intelligent tools for TCM research and clinical applications.
5.Decreased neurotensin induces ovulatory dysfunction via the NTSR1/ERK/EGR1 axis in polycystic ovary syndrome.
Dongshuang WANG ; Meiling ZHANG ; Wang-Sheng WANG ; Weiwei CHU ; Junyu ZHAI ; Yun SUN ; Zi-Jiang CHEN ; Yanzhi DU
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(1):149-169
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the predominant cause of subfertility in reproductive-aged women; however, its pathophysiology remains unknown. Neurotensin (NTS) is a member of the gut-brain peptide family and is involved in ovulation; its relationship with PCOS is unclear. Here, we found that NTS expression in ovarian granulosa cells and follicular fluids was markedly decreased in patients with PCOS. In the in vitro culture of cumulus-oocyte complexes, the neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) antagonist SR48692 blocked cumulus expansion and oocyte meiotic maturation by inhibiting metabolic cooperation and damaging the mitochondrial structure in oocytes and surrounding cumulus cells. Furthermore, the ERK1/2-early growth response 1 pathway was found to be a key downstream mediator of NTS/NTSR1 in the ovulatory process. Animal studies showed that in vivo injection of SR48692 in mice reduced ovulation efficiency and contributed to irregular estrus cycles and polycystic ovary morphology. By contrast, NTS partially ameliorated the ovarian abnormalities in mice with dehydroepiandrosterone-induced PCOS. Our findings highlighted the critical role of NTS reduction and consequent abnormal NTSR1 signaling in the ovulatory dysfunction of PCOS, suggesting a potential strategy for PCOS treatment.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/physiopathology*
;
Female
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Animals
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Neurotensin/metabolism*
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Receptors, Neurotensin/antagonists & inhibitors*
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Mice
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Ovulation/drug effects*
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Humans
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Granulosa Cells/metabolism*
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Adult
;
Oocytes/metabolism*
;
MAP Kinase Signaling System
;
Signal Transduction
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Follicular Fluid/metabolism*
;
Disease Models, Animal
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Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/analogs & derivatives*
6.Molecular Epidemiological Investigation of the Fourth Human Case of Eurasian Avian-like H1N1 Swine Influenza Virus Infection in Yunnan Province
Yanhong SUN ; Yaoyao CHEN ; Jienan ZHOU ; Meiling ZHANG ; Zhaosheng LIU ; Xiaonan ZHAO
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(4):20-28
Objective To conduct a unique and pioneering molecular epidemiological investigation of a case of Eurasian avian-like H1N1 swine influenza identified in Yunnan Province in 2022(the fourth such case in the province)and to understand its genetic characteristics so as to reveal its potential impact on human health.Methods Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR detection technology was used for the nucleic acid testing of the case's pharyngeal swab samples,close contacts,and environmental samples from the living area.Positive samples were subjected to virus isolation using MDCK cells.Cell cultures were authenticated using erythrocyte agglutination assay with guinea pig blood and real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR.Whole genome sequencing was performed using the Illumina MiseqNext-generation sequencing platform,and a phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA 7.0 software to analyze the genetic molecular characteristics.Results The first G5 genotype Eurasian avian-like H1N1 swine influenza virus in Yunnan Province was successfully isolated,and the whole genome sequence of the virus was obtained.This virus possessed the molecular characteristics associated with increased adaptability,virulence,or transmissibility in mammals and had a nucleotide consistency of 99.2%~99.7%with a porcine strain isolated in Jiangsu province.These findings underscored the potential threat this virus poses to human health.Conclusion The study underscores the importance of further monitoring swine influenza in preventing new influenza virus subtypes that can infect humans.
7.Predictive value of serum sEC and COX-2 levels for postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer
Zhaohui ZHU ; Xu QIAN ; Meiling XUE ; Aijun SUN ; Weimin SUN
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(5):671-677
Objective:To explore the value of serum soluble E-cadherin (sEC) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) levels in predicting postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer.Methods:198 female breast cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment in Huai’an Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University (Huai’an Second People’s Hospital) From Mar. 2023 to Mar. 2025 were selected and followed up for 3 years. The recurrence and metastasis were counted. Patients with recurrence and metastasis were included in the poor prognosis group, and patients without recurrence and metastasis were included in the good prognosis group. The general data, preoperative serum sEC and COX-2 levels were compared between the two groups. The influencing factors of recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer after operation were analyzed. The dose-response relationship and predictive value of serum sEC and COX-2 levels with recurrence and metastasis were analyzed. Logistic regression equation (LR) model 1 was constructed according to conventional influencing factors, and LR model 2 was constructed according to conventional influencing factors combined with serum sEC and COX-2. The predictive efficacy and accuracy of the two models were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and calibration curve. According to the ratio of 7∶3, another 85 female breast cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment in Huai’an Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University (Huai’an Second People’s Hospital) from May. 2023 to May. 2025 were selected for external validation (validation set) .Results:Among 198 breast cancer patients who underwent postoperative follow-up for 3 years, 3 cases were lost to follow-up, and the recurrence and metastasis rate among the 195 patients who completed the 3-year postoperative follow-up was 26.15% (51/195). In the good prognosis group, the proportion of TNM stage III was 20.14%, the proportion of lymph node metastasis was 11.81%, the preoperative serum carbohydrate antigen 153 (CA153) level was (54.19±10.84) U/mL, the carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) level was (46.03±10.27) U/mL, the sEC level was (1987.65±191.37) ng/mL, and the COX-2 level was (17.85±5.21) ng/mL. In the poor prognosis group, the proportion of TNM stage III was 45.10%, the proportion of lymph node metastasis was 35.29%, the preoperative serum CA153 level was (65.87±12.23) U/mL, the CA125 level was (57.76±11.51) U/mL, the sEC level was (2 295.37±261.48) ng/mL, and the COX-2 level was (10.42±3.16) ng/mL. Compared with the good prognosis group, they were increased ( t/χ 2=12.00, 14.11, 6.39, 6.79, 8.92, 12.00, P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that TNM stage III ( OR=2.078, 95%CI =1.569-2.751, P<0.05), lymph node metastasis ( OR=2.435, 95 %CI=1.843-3.216, P<0.05), serum CA153 ( OR= 1.180,95 %CI=1.026-1.357, P<0.05), CA125 ( OR=1.206,95 %CI=1.033-1.408, P<0.05), sEC ( OR=1.011,95 %CI= 1.007-1.015, P<0.05), COX-2 ( OR=1.378,95 %CI=1.128-1.683, P<0.05) were independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis showed that serum sEC and COX-2 levels were positively correlated with the risk of recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer ( P<0.05). ROC analysis showed that serum sEC (AUC=0.762,95 %CI=0.696-0.820, P<0.05) and COX-2 (AUC=0.757,95 %CI=0.691-0.815, P<0.05) could be used as biological indicators to predict postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer. The AUC of LR model 1 in predicting postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer was 0.862 (95 %CI=0.805-0.907, P<0.05). The AUC of LR model 2 in predicting postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer was 0.965 (95 %CI= 0.891-0.983, P<0.05), which was significantly larger than that of LR model 1 ( Z=2.015, P<0.05). The calibration curve analysis showed that the calibration degree of LR model 1 in predicting postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer was good, and the prediction results were in good agreement with the actual observation results. The calibration degree of LR model 2 was high, and the prediction results were in good agreement with the actual observation results. The results of external validation showed that the sensitivity of LR model 2 in predicting postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer was 82.61%, the specificity was 93.55%, the accuracy was 90.59%, and the Kappa value was 0.762 (95 %CI: 0.549-0.974) . Conclusions:Preoperative serum sEC and COX-2 levels are independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer. They can be used as biological indicators to predict postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer. Combined with conventional indicators, they can significantly improve the predictive efficacy.
8.Expression levels of miR-21 and Th1/Th2 cytokines in peripheral blood of asthma children complicated with respiratory tract infections of viruses and their significance
Xiaoqiao CHEN ; Meiling REN ; Zhiwei SUN ; Xin XUE ; Ke SHI
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(6):904-908
OBJECTIVE To explore the expression levels of microribonucleic acid-21(miR-21)and helper T cell(Th)1/Th2 cytokines in peripheral blood of the asthma children complicated with respiratory tract infections of vi-ruses and analyze the significance.METHODS A total of 90 asthma children with respiratory tract infections of vi-ruses(the infection group)and 43 asthma children without respiratory tract infections of viruses(the no infection group)who were treated in the 904th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of The People's Liberation Ar-my of China were enrolled in the study,and the clinical data were collected from the enrolled patients.The distri-bution of viruses from the children of the infection group was analyzed.The levels of peripheral blood miR-21,Th1 cytokines[interferon-γ(IFN-γ),interleukin(IL)-2]and Th2 cytokines[IL-4,IL-5]were compared between the two groups.The children of the infection group were divided into the mild group,the moderate group and the severe group according to the severity of disease.The levels of the above indexes were compared among the chil-dren with the various degree of illness condition.The association of the illness condition with miR-21,IFN-γ,IL-2,IL-4 and IL-5 was analyzed.RESULTS Respiratory syncytial virus was dominant among the respiratory tract vi-ruses in the infection group,accounting for 32.22%.The levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 of the infection group were low-er than those of the no infection group(P<0.05),the levels of miR-21,IL-4 and IL-5 of the infection group were higher than those of the no infection group(P<0.05).The levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 of the severe group were lower than those of the mild group and the moderate group(P<0.05),while the levels of miR-21,IL-4 and IL-5 of the severe group were higher than those of the mild group and the moderate group(P<0.05);the levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 of the moderate group were lower than those of the mild group(P<0.05),and the levels of miR-21,IL-4 andIL-5 of the moderate group were higher than those of the mild group(P<0.05).Spearman correlation analysis showed that the illness condition of the children was positively correlated with miR-21,IL-4 and IL-5(P<0.05),which was negatively correlated with IFN-γ and IL-2(P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS The respiratory tract infections of viruses may aggravate the abnormal rise of peripheral blood miR-21 and the imbalance of Th1/Th2.The above indexes are closely associated with the illness condition of the children.
9.Expert consensus on the management of low anterior resection syndrome in patients after rectal cancer surgery
Hongyan LI ; Jianan SUN ; Qing ZHANG ; Yanjun WANG ; Meiling WANG ; Haiyan HU ; Quan WANG ; Kaili HU ; Yingjiang YE ; Jieman HU ; Ying LIU ; Hui WANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(11):1285-1288
Objective To establish an expert consensus on the management of low anterior resection syndrome(LARS)in patients with rectal cancer post-surgery(hereinafter referred to as"consensus"),aiming to standardize the related work of medical institutions in the context of post-operative LARS.Methods A comprehensive search of domestic and international databases was conducted to collect guidelines,expert consensuses,systematic reviews,evidence summaries,and original research related to post-operative LARS in rectal cancer published from the establishment of the databases until August 2024.Based on clinical practice experience,a preliminary draft of the"consensus"was formed.From September to November 2024,22 experts were invited to participate in 2 rounds of expert consultations,during which the draft content was revised and improved,and the final version of the"consensus"was determined through expert validation.Results A total of 22 experts responded,achieving a response rate of 100%.The effective recovery rate of the consultation questionnaires in both rounds was 100%,with an expert authority coefficient of 0.89,a judgment coefficient of 0.97,and a familiarity degree of 0.84.The Kendall harmony coefficients for the 2 rounds of expert consultations were 0.122 and 0.136,respectively(P<0.001).This consensus covers 5 main aspects:definition,assessment,prevention,treatment,and follow-up management of LARS.Conclusion This consensus demonstrates a high level of scientific rigor and can provide a strong reference for clinical nursing personnel in the specialized care of rectal cancer patients with post-operative LARS.
10.The impact of two-stage Turnbull-Cutait pull-through coloanal anastomosis on anal function and surgical safety in the treatment of low rectal cancer
Hanxiao ZHAO ; Yuchen GUO ; Liang HE ; Luyao ZHANG ; Jia'nan SUN ; Xuan SUN ; Yinquan ZHAO ; Yanpeng XING ; Yanjun WANG ; Meiling WANG ; Yang GONG ; Quan WANG
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;40(2):101-107
Objective:To explore the anal function and postoperative complications of 2-stage Turnbull-Cutait pull-through coloanal anastomosis (TCA) for low rectal cancer.Methods:Patients undergoing radical rectal cancer resection from Feb 2023 to Nov 2024 in the First Hospital of Jilin University were divided into the TCA surgery group and the low anterior resection combined with prophylactic stoma (LAR) surgery group.Results:Among the 102 patients, there were 50 cases in the TCA group and 52 cases in the LAR group. In the single-arm analysis of the TCA group, the overall complication rate was 44%. The incidence rates of severe LARS at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery were 97%, 77%, and 64% respectively. There was no significant difference in the complication rate within 30 days after surgery between the two groups,(44% vs. 38%, χ2=0.135, P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence rate of severe LARS between the TCA group and the LAR group (77% vs. 69%, χ2=0.202, P>0.05), and there was not significant difference in the incidence rate of severe LARS between the two groups at the 6th month after surgery,(64% vs. 48%, χ2=1.132, P>0.05). Conclusion:In patients who underwent TCA surgery, the LARS symptoms gradually decreased over time. Compared with patients undergoing low anterior resection and stoma reversal, there were no significant differences in complications within 30 days after surgery and LARS symptoms within half a year.

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