Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease （MAFLD） is a common chronic liver disease with the pathological feature of lipid accumulation in the liver， and it is closely associated with liver metabolic disorders. The latest research has shown that the pathogenesis of MAFLD is associated with the abnormal expression of specific genes， especially the fat mass and obesity-associated （FTO） gene. The abnormal activity of the FTO gene may lead to an imbalance in liver lipid metabolism， which manifests as the increase in fatty acid synthesis and the reduction in fatty acid oxidation， thereby promoting liver fat deposition and inflammatory response. Therefore， regulating the expression or activity of the FTO gene is considered one of the potential strategies for the treatment of MAFLD. At present， drug research targeting the function of the FTO gene has achieved preliminary results， and inhibition of the activity of the FTO gene can help to regulate liver lipid metabolism and alleviate liver inflammatory injury. This article reviews the mechanism of action of the FTO gene in the development and progression of MAFLD， summarizes the advances in drug research on the FTO gene and related metabolic pathways in recent years， and analyzes their application prospect in research and treatment.

With Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum drug pair as the research object, supramolecular chemistry of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) was used to study differences between the compatibility of herbal medicine Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma with mineral medicine Gypsum Fibrosum and its main component CaSO_4·2H_2O, so as to preliminarily discuss the scientific connotation of compatibility of Gypsum Fibrosum in clinical application. A Malvern particle sizer, a scanning electron microscope(SEM), and a conductivity meter were used to observe and determine the physical properties such as microscopic morphology, particle size, and conductivity of Gypsum Fibrosum, CaSO_4·2H_2O, and water decoctions of them with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. An inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer(ICP-OES) was employed to detect the inorganic metal elements in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-CaSO_4·2H_2O. Isothermal titration calorimetry(ITC) was conducted to quantify the interactions of Gypsum Fibrosum and CaSO_4·2H_2O with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. A Fourier transform infrared spectrometer(FTIR) was used to analyze the characteristic absorption peak change of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-CaSO_4·2H_2O. X-ray diffraction(XRD) was performed to determine the crystal structure and phase composition of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-CaSO_4·2H_2O. Further, glycyrrhizic acid(GA) was substituted for Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma to co-decoct with Gypsum Fibrosum, CaSO_4·2H_2O, and freeze-dried powder of their respective water decoctions. The results of XRD were used for verification analysis. The results showed that although CaSO_4·2H_2O is the main component of Gypsum Fibrosum, there were significant differences between their decoctions and between the decoctions of them with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Specifically,(1) Both CaSO_4·2H_2O and Gypsum Fibrosum were amorphous fibrous. However, the particle size and conductivity were significantly different between the decoctions of CaSO_4·2H_2O and Gypsum Fibrosum alone.(2) Under SEM, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-CaSO_4·2H_2O was a hybrid system with various morphologies, while Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum presented uniform nanoparticles.(3) The particle sizes and conductivities of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-CaSO_4·2H_2O and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum were significantly different and did not follow the same tendency as those of the decoctions of CaSO_4·2H_2O and Gypsum Fibrosum alone.(4) Compared with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-CaSO_4·2H_2O, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum had stronger molecular binding ability and functional group structure change.(5) The crystal form was largely different between the freeze-dried powder of CaSO_4·2H_2O decoction and Gypsum Fibrosum decoction, and their crystal forms were also significantly different from those of the freeze-dried powder of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-CaSO_4·2H_2O and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum decoctions. The reason for the series of differences is that Gypsum Fibrosum is richer in trace elements than CaSO_4·2H_2O. The XRD results of GA-Gypsum Fibrosum and GA-CaSO_4·2H_2O decoctions further prove the importance of trace elements in Gypsum Fibrosum for supramolecule formation. This research preliminarily reveals the influence of compatibility of Gypsum Fibrosum or CaSO_4·2H_2O on decoction phase state, material form, and crystal form, providing a basis for the rational clinical application of Gypsum Fibrosum.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Calcium Sulfate/chemistry* ; Glycyrrhiza/chemistry* ; Crystallization ; Particle Size ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Rhizome/chemistry*

OBJECTIVES: To explore the status and risk factors of neuropsychological development in small for gestational age (SGA) infants at corrected 12-24 months of age. METHODS: Clinical data were retrospectively collected for 754 SGA infants at corrected ages 12-24 months in Shenzhen Bao'an Women and Children's Hospital between April 2018 and December 2023. Developmental quotient (DQ) levels were analyzed. According to the presence of global developmental delay (GDD), participants were divided into a GDD group (71 cases) and a control group (683 cases), and the incidence and influencing factors of GDD were investigated. RESULTS: In the high-risk preterm SGA group, the total DQ and DQ in all domains were lower than in the full-term SGA group (P<0.017). The overall incidence of GDD was 9.4% (71/754) and increased with decreasing gestational age (P<0.017). Compared with the control group, the GDD group had higher proportions of males; low-risk and high-risk preterm birth; mothers with less than a bachelor's degree; multiple birth; neonatal hypoglycemia; neonatal pneumonia; neonatal respiratory distress syndrome; bronchopulmonary dysplasia; and, at corrected 12-24 months, low body weight, growth retardation, and microcephaly. The length of neonatal hospital stay was longer in the GDD group than in the control group (P<0.05). The weight-for-age Z score, length-for-age Z score, and head circumference-for-age Z score at birth and at corrected 12-24 months were lower in the GDD group than in the control group (P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression showed that male sex and maternal education below a bachelor's degree were independent risk factors for GDD in SGA infants (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Neuropsychological development in preterm SGA infants is comparatively delayed; male SGA infants born to mothers with less than a bachelor's degree should receive priority attention.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Infant, Small for Gestational Age/psychology* ; Risk Factors ; Infant ; Retrospective Studies ; Child Development ; Developmental Disabilities/epidemiology* ; Infant, Newborn ; Child, Preschool

BACKGROUND: Prolonged occupational noise exposure poses potential health risks, but its impact on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage and methylation patterns remains unclear. METHOD: We recruited 306 factory workers, using average binaural high-frequency hearing thresholds from pure-tone audiometry to assess noise exposure. MtDNA damage was evaluated through mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and lesion rate, and mtDNA methylation changes were identified via pyrophosphate sequencing. RESULTS: There was a reduction in MT-RNR1 methylation of 4.52% (95% CI: -7.43% to -1.62%) among workers with abnormal hearing, whereas changes in the D-loop region were not statistically significant (β = -2.06%, 95% CI: -4.44% to 0.31%). MtDNAcn showed a negative association with MT-RNR1 methylation (β = -0.95, 95% CI: -1.23 to -0.66), while no significant link was found with D-loop methylation (β = -0.05, 95% CI: -0.58 to 0.48). Mediation analysis indicated a significant increase in mtDNAcn by 10.75 units (95% CI: 3.00 to 21.26) in those with abnormal hearing, with MT-RNR1 methylation mediating 35.9% of this effect. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that occupational noise exposure may influence compensatory increases in mtDNA content through altered MT-RNR1 methylation.
Humans ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; DNA Methylation ; Male ; Adult ; Noise, Occupational/adverse effects* ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Exposure/adverse effects* ; Biomarkers/blood* ; Female

Objectives: This study aimed to achieve expert consensus on menopause management in the Asia-Pacific region, taking into account patient diversity, the latest evidence, and current treatment options. Methods: A focused literature search was performed to identify clinical practice statements on menopause management. Menopause experts were nominated by members of the Asia-Pacific Menopause Federation (APMF) society. A modified Delphi methodology, involving iterative rounds of anonymous surveys, was employed until consensus was reached for each statement. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% of experts voting ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ for a given clinical practice statement. Results: A total of 39 participants from 14 different APMF member societies were involved. Eighty-five clinical practice statements reached a consensus. Based on the clinical practice statements, an algorithm was created as a tool to guide clinicians on menopause management. APMF experts agreed that, in addition to vasomotor symptoms, Asian women experiencing somatic or psychological symptoms may also benefit from treatment with menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). MHT should also be considered for the prevention of osteoporosis in asymptomatic peri- and postmenopausal women. Conclusions This APMF consensus statement supersedes the previous one published in 2008. It provides guidance to gynecologists, endocrinologists, family physicians, and other healthcare professionals in delivering optimal care to menopausal women in the ethnically and culturally diverse Asia-Pacific region.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with hepatitis B virus（HBV）-related primary hepatocellular carcinoma（HCC）who were treated in a multidisciplinary team（MDT）for liver cancer，so as to provide a basis for clinical optimization of the diagnosis and treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B（CHB）.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed for 482 HBV-related HCC patients who were treated with HCC-MDT every Thursday afternoon in The First Affiliated Hospital of the Army Medical University from January 2022 to May 2024，aged 18-87（55.54±10.84）years，86.93%（419/482）males and 13.07%（63/482）females. According to the different underlying liver diseases at the time of initial medical treatment and the different prognostic outcomes at the later follow-up，the differences in clinical characteristics between groups under different conditions were compared and analyzed，and the influencing factors of HCC prognosis were understood by Logistic regression analysis. Results:At the time of MDT presentation，the differences in HBeAg status（ χ2=6.311 ，P=0.043），γ-glutamyl traspeptidase（GGT）（ Z=6.277， P=0.043），alkaline phosphatase（ALP）（ Z=7.236 ，P=0.027），and model for end-stage liver disease（MELD）scores（ Z=6.111， P=0.047）among patients with different underlying liver diseases were statistically significant. At follow-up，6.75%（11/163）of HBV-related HCC patients who presented to MDT had a family history of HCC，and their cumulative mortality rate was as high as 60.8%（205/337）at least for 1 year. Mulitivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that different underlying liver disease at the time of initial medical treatment，HBV DNA replication level，MELD score and choice of anti-cancer treatment regimen were the influencing factors for the prognosis of HCC（all P<0.05）. The worse the degree of cirrhosis at the initial presentation，the higher the level of HBV DNA replication，and the higher the MELD score，the worse the prognosis for HCC. Conclusion:Advancing the diagnosis and treatment of CHB，maximizing the inhibition of HBV DNA replication，reducing the MELD score，and optimizing the anti-cancer treatment regimen can reduce the mortality rate of HBV-related HCC.

Objective:To summarize the early clinical outcomes of aortic valve replacement(AVR) using the Perceval sutureless aortic valve.Methods:This retrospective study included 50 patients who underwent AVR with the Perceval sutureless prostheses at Beijing Anzhen Hospital between June 2023 and January 2025. Surgical parameters, early clinical outcomes, valve function, and hemodynamic performance were evaluated to summarize clinical effectiveness.Results:The mean age of patients was(63.5±9.1) years, predominantly female(36/50). Severe aortic stenosis was present in 43 cases(86.0%). A preoperative aortic annulus dimension of 20.0(19.0, 21.0) mm measured in both anteroposterior and transverse diameters. Preoperative peak transvalvular gradient was(92.7±31.0)mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), with a mean gradient of (58.0±21.2) mmHg. All procedures were successfully completed using the Perceval sutureless prostheses. Isolated AVR was performed in 20 patients(40.0%), with cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times of 75.0(50.5, 99.5) min and 50.5(29.5, 71.5) min, respectively. Postoperative transesophageal echocardiography revealed an immediate reduction in the peak transvalvular gradient to 11.0(8.0, 18.0) mmHg, significantly lower compared to preoperative measurements( P<0.001). Two cases of paravalvular leakage and one case requiring permanent pacemaker implantation were reported postoperatively. All patients completed the 3-month follow-up, with one death during the follow-up period; the remaining patients exhibited normal prosthetic valve function without major adverse cardiovascular events. Significant postoperative reductions were observed in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(45.8 mm vs. 43.2 mm, P=0.003) and left atrial diameter(53.9 mm vs. 44.6 mm, P<0.001) compared with baseline. Conclusion:AVR using the Perceval sutureless prostheses demonstrated safe and effective early clinical outcomes with excellent hemodynamic performance and low incidence of postoperative paravalvular leakage and permanent pacemaker implantation. The sutureless technique represents a viable alternative strategy, particularly advantageous for patients with small aortic annuli or complex surgical conditions, warranting broader clinical adoption.

Objective Under the guidance of nurses,an intelligent medical waste temporary storage equipment was developed and its application effect was evaluated,aiming to optimize the medical waste recycling process and save human resources.Methods A research and development(R&D)team was established to analyze the issues in the current medical waste temporary storage process.An intelligent medical waste temporary storage device was developed,equipped with functions such as categorized disposal,permission scanning,barcode recognition,intelligent weighing,overflow alarm,and ozone disinfection.From January 19th to February 20th,2023,an intelligent medical waste storage equipment was placed in the medical waste storage room on the 7th to 9th floors of the outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in Wuhan city as an experimental group;traditional medical waste storage bins were placed on the 4th and 5th floors of the outpatient department as a control group.The daily disposal indicators and environmental hygiene monitoring indicators of 2 groups of medical waste were compared.Results With the application of the intelligent medical waste temporary storage device,the disinfection rate of medical waste increased from 5.00％to 100％;the overflow rate decreased from 42.52％to 0％;the handover time reduced from 4.98±2.21 minutes to 1.07±0.35 minutes;the standardization rate of handovers rose from 15.83％to 100％.All these differences were statistically significant(P＜0.001).Additionally,the pass rate of bacterial colonies on the inner walls of bins increased from 53.33％to 67.78％,with a statistically significant difference(P=0.012).Conclusion The application of the intelligent medical waste temporary storage equipment significantly improves the efficiency and quality of medical waste management;at the same time,it also plays an active role in improving the storage environment,which can safeguard the environmental hygiene of hospitals and the safety of patients.

Objective To evaluate the effect of dapagliflozin on myocardial function in early spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR)with layer-specific global longitudinal strain(GLS).Methods A total of 45 male SHR aged 6 weeks were randomly divided into control group(normal saline),dapagliflozin group[1 mg/(kg·day)],and losartan group[10 mg/(kg·day)].Fifteen male Wistar-Kyoto(WKY)rats at same age with normal blood pressure were subjected and served as blank control group.During 8 weeks of intervention,systolic blood pressure(SBP)was measured,and conventional echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography(2DSTE)were performed and the results were collected to acquire the longitudinal strain of each layer of left ventricular(LV)myocardium.The parameters were compared among the groups.The pathological changes of myocardium were observed in each group of rats.Results Compared with the WKY group,LV ejection fraction(LVEF)and LV fraction shortening(LVFS)at week 8 were decreased in the control group(P＜0.05),but no such decreases were observed in the dapagliflozin group and the losartan group.The GLS of endo-myocardium(GLSendo)at the 6th week was decreased,and GLSendo,GLSmid and GLSepi at the 8th week were all decreased in the control group than the WKY group(all P＜0.05).But there were no statistical differences in the above 3 indicators in the dapagliflozin and losartan groups when compared with the WKY group(all P＞0.05).The pathological results showed that myocardial interstitial fibrosis was observed in the control group at the 6th week.Conclusion Dapagliflozin can effectively improve myocardial function in early SHR.

Objectives: This study aimed to achieve expert consensus on menopause management in the Asia-Pacific region, taking into account patient diversity, the latest evidence, and current treatment options. Methods: A focused literature search was performed to identify clinical practice statements on menopause management. Menopause experts were nominated by members of the Asia-Pacific Menopause Federation (APMF) society. A modified Delphi methodology, involving iterative rounds of anonymous surveys, was employed until consensus was reached for each statement. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% of experts voting ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ for a given clinical practice statement. Results: A total of 39 participants from 14 different APMF member societies were involved. Eighty-five clinical practice statements reached a consensus. Based on the clinical practice statements, an algorithm was created as a tool to guide clinicians on menopause management. APMF experts agreed that, in addition to vasomotor symptoms, Asian women experiencing somatic or psychological symptoms may also benefit from treatment with menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). MHT should also be considered for the prevention of osteoporosis in asymptomatic peri- and postmenopausal women. Conclusions This APMF consensus statement supersedes the previous one published in 2008. It provides guidance to gynecologists, endocrinologists, family physicians, and other healthcare professionals in delivering optimal care to menopausal women in the ethnically and culturally diverse Asia-Pacific region.