ObjectiveTo investigate the association of hepatic steatosis with the level of viral replication and the progression of hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B （CHB） through a real-world study， and to determine the independent influencing factors for hepatic fibrosis. MethodsA total of 887 CHB patients who attended the outpatient service and inpatient ward of Hepatology in The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from July 2021 to March 2025 were enrolled as subjects， and according to the presence or absence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease （MASLD）， they were divided into CHB group with 560 patients and CHB+MASLD group with 327 patients. The association between hepatic steatosis and HBV load in CHB patients was analyzed， as well as the impact of varying degrees of hepatic steatosis on hepatic fibrosis. The t-test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups； the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups； a Spearman correlation analysis was performed； a Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate influencing factors. ResultsThe patients enrolled received antiviral therapy according to viral load； of all patients， 275 （31%） received nucleos（t）ide analogue combined with pegylated interferon-α， 532 （60%） received nucleos（t）ide analogue monotherapy， and 80 （9%） did not receive antiviral therapy. A total of 44 patients （5.0%） who were receiving PEG-IFN-α therapy and had marked thrombocytopenia were excluded， and finally 843 patients were included for comparison of aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index （APRI） and fibrosis-4 index （FIB-4）. Compared with the CHB group， the CHB+MASLD group had a significantly higher proportion of male patients （χ²=5.917， P<0.05） and a significant increase in CAP value （t=21.646， P<0.05）. The median values of liver function parameters for the population enrolled were within the normal range， and no significant inflammatory activity was observed. The virological analysis showed that compared with the CHB group， the CHB+MASLD group had significantly lower serum level of pregenomic RNA （Z=-2.894， P<0.05） and HBeAg positivity rate （χ²=8.725， P<0.05）， and CAP was significantly negatively correlated with pgRNA （r=-0.117， P<0.05）. In the HBeAg-negative subgroup， compared with the CHB group， the CHB+MASLD group had a significantly lower level of hepatitis B surface antigen （Z=-0.765， P<0.05）； in the HBeAg-positive subgroup， the CHB+MASLD group had a significantly higher level of HBV DNA than the CHB group （Z=-2.509， P<0.05）. The analysis of hepatic fibrosis showed that the CHB+MASLD group had significantly lower values of APRI （Z=-3.418， P<0.05） and FIB-4 （Z=-6.237， P<0.05）. Compared with the CHB group， the CHB+MASLD S1 group had a significantly higher proportion of patients without fibrosis and a significantly lower proportion patients with liver cirrhosis （χ²=7.935， P<0.05）； in the CHB+MASLD S2 group， there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with different fibrosis stages； the CHB+MASLD S3 group had a significantly lower proportion of patients without fibrosis and a significantly higher proportion of patients with early-stage fibrosis （χ²=9.101， P<0.05）. The Logistic regression analysis showed that an increase in CAP （odds ratio ［OR］=1.08， 95% confidence interval ［CI］： 1.03 — 1.13， P<0.05）， an increase in age （OR=1.02， 95%CI： 1.01 — 1.04， P<0.05）， male sex （OR=1.77， 95%CI： 1.19 — 2.64， P<0.05）， an increase in HBV DNA （OR=1.35， 95%CI： 1.15 — 1.57， P<0.001）， an increase in aspartate aminotransferase （OR=1.02， 95%CI： 1.01 — 1.03， P<0.001）， and an increase in gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase （OR=1.00， 95%CI： 1.00 — 1.01， P=0.028） were independent influencing factors for hepatic fibrosis. The risk of hepatic fibrosis in S3 patients was higher than that in patients without steatosis （OR=5.05， 95%CI： 2.48 — 10.29， P<0.001）. ConclusionThere is a lower level of HBV replication in CHB patients comorbid with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis is associated with HBV-related virological markers and the progression of hepatic fibrosis， and severe fatty liver disease may promote the progression of hepatic fibrosis in CHB patients.

Laboratory animals serve as the cornerstone in life science research, acting as surrogate models for human physiology, pathology, and disease treatment. They play an irreplaceable role in basic research, drug development, and translational medicine. Gut microbiota, a complex microbial community comprising bacteria, fungi, viruses, and unicellular organisms, colonizes the host's intestinal tract and is closely associated with the maintenance of normal physiological metabolism and overall health. Studies have shown that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota can lead to various diseases, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, inflammatory bowel disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, conducting characteristic analyses of the gut microbial composition of laboratory animals can not only enhance the reliability of experimental outcomes but also facilitate their translational application. Sex differences represent a critical variable in biological research, significantly influencing the physiological functions, metabolic traits, and gut microbial composition of laboratory animals. However, a pronounced sex bias has been widely observed in many biological studies, thereby limiting the generalizability of results. This study focused on ten commonly used laboratory animals in life sciences, including mice, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, dogs, cats, non-human primates, miniature pigs, and chickens. Their gut microbial composition was summarized and related sex-specific differences of certain species were analyzed. Furthermore, by comparing the gut microbiota of laboratory animals with that of humans, this study offers novel perspectives for comparative medical research. In summary, this study not only deepens researchers' understanding of gut microbiota characteristics and sex-dependent variations across laboratory animal species but also provides practical guidance for selecting appropriate laboratory animals, constructing sex-specific disease models, and interpreting experimental results in scientific studies.

Laboratory animals serve as the cornerstone in life science research, acting as surrogate models for human physiology, pathology, and disease treatment. They play an irreplaceable role in basic research, drug development, and translational medicine. Gut microbiota, a complex microbial community comprising bacteria, fungi, viruses, and unicellular organisms, colonizes the host's intestinal tract and is closely associated with the maintenance of normal physiological metabolism and overall health. Studies have shown that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota can lead to various diseases, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, inflammatory bowel disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, conducting characteristic analyses of the gut microbial composition of laboratory animals can not only enhance the reliability of experimental outcomes but also facilitate their translational application. Sex differences represent a critical variable in biological research, significantly influencing the physiological functions, metabolic traits, and gut microbial composition of laboratory animals. However, a pronounced sex bias has been widely observed in many biological studies, thereby limiting the generalizability of results. This study focused on ten commonly used laboratory animals in life sciences, including mice, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, dogs, cats, non-human primates, miniature pigs, and chickens. Their gut microbial composition was summarized and related sex-specific differences of certain species were analyzed. Furthermore, by comparing the gut microbiota of laboratory animals with that of humans, this study offers novel perspectives for comparative medical research. In summary, this study not only deepens researchers' understanding of gut microbiota characteristics and sex-dependent variations across laboratory animal species but also provides practical guidance for selecting appropriate laboratory animals, constructing sex-specific disease models, and interpreting experimental results in scientific studies.

Objective:To summarize the surgical management strategy for pediatric pancreatic tumors.Methods:Clinical data of 17 children with pancreatic tumors who underwent surgical treatment in Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University from January 2018 to April 2024 were retrospectively analyzed, including 6 males and 11 females, ranging in age from 1 month to 13 years, with a median age of 10 years and 2 months. The data of tumor length and diameter, tumor location, surgical method and postope-rative pathology were analyzed. The prognostic data of all children were followed up by regular telephone and outpatient follow-up.Results:In 17 cases, the tumor diameter was (7.3±2.2) cm, 10 cases were located in the head of the pancreas, 7 cases were located in the tail of the pancreatic body, 1 case was accompanied by liver metastasis, and 1 case was accompanied by left adrenal invasion. Among these cases, 10 cases had pancreatic head tumor, 6 cases had simple pancreatic tumor resection, 1 case had laparoscopic pancreatic tumor resection, and 3 cases had pancreatic head resection plus pancreato-jejunal Roux-en-Y anastomosis. Among the 7 cases of pancreatic body and tail tumors, 3 cases underwent pancreatic body and tail resection, 1 case underwent laparoscopic pancreatic body and tail resection, 1 case underwent tumor resection, 1 case underwent pancreatic body and tail resection plus splenectomy plus hepatic metastasis resection, 1 case underwent pancreatic body and tail resection plus left adrenal resection plus splenectomy. Postoperative pathology showed that there were 13 cases of solid pseudopapilloma, 3 cases of pancreatic blastoma, and 1 case of pancreatic cyst. The median follow-up time was 36 months (2-71 months). All patients survived well.Conclusion:Solid pseudopapillary of the pancreas is the most common type of pancreatic tumor in children, with surgical resection being the first choice of of treatment, offering a favorable prognosis postope-ratively.

Objective To explore the correlation between the systemic immune-inflammation index(SII)and the clinical and pathological characteristics of patients with IgA nephropathy(IgAN).Methods A total of 350 patients who underwent renal biopsy and were initially diagnosed with primary IgAN were selected.The clinical and pathological data of the patients were collected,and SII was calculated.According to the median SII level of 554.78 in peripheral blood,the IgAN patients were divided into the low SII group(SII≤554.78,175 cases)and the high SII group(SII>554.78,175 cases).Based on the presence or absence of endocapillary hyperplastic(E)lesion,350 patients were also divided into the E0 group(279 cases,79.7%)and the E1 group(71 cases,20.3%).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the influencing factors of E1 in IgAN patients.A predictive model was established,and the predictive value of the model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results There were higher systolic blood pressure(SBP),platelet count(PLT),neutrophil count(NEU),neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR),total cholesterol(TC),serum creatinine(Scr),serum C3 and 24-hour urine protein levels in the high SII group than those of the low SII group,while the lymphocyte count(LYM)was lower(P＜0.05).In terms of pathological manifestations,the proportion of E1 was higher in the high SII group than that of the low SII group(P＜0.05).There were lower PLT,NEU,NLR,PLR,Scr and 24-hour urine protein in patients of the E0 group than those of the E1 group,while higher Hb,LYM and ALB levels in the E0 group than those of the E1 group(P＜0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that elevated SII,Scr and 24-hour urine protein levels were independent risk factors for E1 lesion in IgAN patients(P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of the predictive model for E1 lesion in IgAN patients was 0.781(95%CI:0.722-0.840).Conclusion SII can reflect the clinical and pathological severity in IgAN patients,providing new insights for clinical evaluation of the disease progression in IgAN patients.

Objective To observe the value of conventional ultrasound(US)and contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)for diagnosing partially cystic papillary thyroid carcinomas(PCPTC).Methods Thirty patients with PCPTC(32 nodules)and 50 patients with benign partially cystic thyroid nodules(PCTN)(52 nodules)were retrospectively enrolled.US and CEUS manifestations were compared between groups,and the efficacy of US and US combined with CEUS for diagnosing PCPTC were analyzed.Results Significant differences of margin,solid part echo,liquid part location,microcalcification and blood flow distribution of the nodules showed with US,as well as enhancement phase,enhancement intensity,enhancement uniformity,peripheral high-enhancement ring and regression mode of lesions shown on CEUS were found between groups(all P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of US combined with CEUS for diagnosing PCPTC was 0.942,significantly higher than that of US alone(0.750,P＜0.001).Conclusion US had certain value for diagnosing PCPTC.Combining with CEUS could effectively improve diagnostic efficacy of US for PCPTC.

Objective To explore the feasibility of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery(VATS)in the treatment of congenital pulmonary airway malformation(CPAM)or pulmonary isolation complicated with ipsilateral mediastinal bronchogenic cyst in children.Methods From July 2019 to July 2024,VATS was carried out to treat CPAM or pulmonary isolation with ipsilateral mediastinal bronchogenic cyst in 7 children.A three-hole thoracoscopic surgery via lateral thoracic approach was performed.The patients were placed in a healthy lateral position.The observation hole was located at the intersection of the subscapular line and the 5th intercostal space,and the operating hole was established according to the surgical requirements in combination with the lumboscopic diamond rule.A 5 mm trocar was used for all three holes.The pressure of CO2 pneumothorax was 4 mm Hg and the flow rate was 2 L/min,which was adjusted at any time according to the intraoperative conditions of the children.The operation was mainly designed for lung operation.The pulmonary operation was conducted firstly,and then the bronchogenic cyst was treated.If necessary,block resection was applied to avoid serious complications of trachea.Results All the operations were performed under thoracoscopy without conversion to open surgery.The operation time was 37-191 min(median,101 min).The intraoperative bleeding volume was 1-15 ml(median,5 ml).One case was not given a closed chest drainage tube placed,and the other 6 cases were placed a closed chest drainage for 1-5 d(median,3d).Postoperative pathology showed 5 cases of CPAM combined with bronchogenic cysts,including 4 cases of type 2(bronchiole type)and 1 case of type 3(bronchiole/alveolar type),and 2 cases of extralobular pulmonary isolation combined with bronchogenic cysts.All the 7 cases were followed up for 6-57 months(median,27 months),and chest CT showed no recurrence of lesions.Conclusions CPAM or pulmonary isolation may be accompanied by bronchogenic cysts.Preoperative imaging examination should correspond to surgical observation,and careful exploration should be conducted to avoid missed diagnosis.VATS is safe and feasible for treating CPAM or pulmonary isolation with ipsilateral mediastinal bronchogenic cysts.

Objective:To examine the funding landscape of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)concerning research focused on the elderly as a specific demographic group.It seeks to analyze prevailing research hotspots and to offer insightful research ideas for scholars in this field.Methods:The study employed a retrospective research design.It involved retrieving data on approved projects related to the elderly from the NSFC's official database, covering the period from 2000 to 2020.The data set included variables such as funding year, project title, project category, supporting institution, and funding amount(application codes: H1901, H1902, H1903).Statistical analysis was conducted using Excel software, while visual analysis was performed using CiteSpace software.Results:Between 2000 and 2020, a total of 710 projects focused on geriatrics received funding, amounting to RMB 361, 032, 300, 000.This period exhibited a fluctuating upward trend in both the number of projects and the total funding amount.The primary funding categories were face-to-face projects and youth science fund projects, which together accounted for 44.4%(315/710), 34.4%(244/710)respectively.The distribution of project-relying units demonstrated significant regional imbalance, with Beijing, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Shanghai being the predominant areas.Notably, Nanjing Medical University, Peking University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University ranked as the top three institutions, with funding percentages of 5.9%(42/710), 5.4%(38/710), and 4.5%(32/710), respectively.The research themes encompassed nucleoplasmic interactions, brain networks, and bioinformatics, among others.Conclusions:The NSFC has consistently provided funding for in-depth research in the critical field of geriatrics.The primary research directions focus on aspects such as the mechanisms of aging and the pathogenesis of neurological diseases associated with aging.With the application of innovative technologies and methodologies, significant breakthroughs and achievements are anticipated in geriatrics, contributing to the improvement of health outcomes and the enhancement of the quality of life for the elderly.

Objectives:This study aimed to explore the association between perceived mental stress (MS), lymphocyte subset variations, and coronary lesion severity in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).Methods:Patients with CAD were enrolled in this study from September 2023 to May 2024. Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS-14) was used to evaluate MS during the last 1 month. Lymphocyte subsets were analyzed, including the percentage and absolute counts of CD3 +, CD3 +CD4 +, CD3 +CD8 +, CD3 -CD19 +, CD3 -CD56 +16 +, and the Th/Ts ratio. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 24.0. Results:This study recruited patients with 323 CAD, with an average age of 61 (56, 68) years, including 203 males and 120 females. According to the PSS-14, a score of 14-42 and 43-70 were categorized as normal and increased MS, respectively. Patients with CAD with increased MS had significantly higher Gensini scores than those with normal MS [37(19,64) vs. 28(12,50), Z=-2.19, P=0.029]. Male CAD patients with increased MS exhibited significantly higher Gensini scores [39(20, 58) vs. 26(12, 45), Z=-2.37, P=0.018], levels of CD3 +CD8 +%[28.3%(23.6%,36.6%) vs. 25.9%(21.0%,32.4%), Z=-2.05, P=0.041], and CD3 +CD8 +absolute value [485 (346, 675) vs. 396 (309, 510) cells/μl, Z=-2.55, P=0.011] than those with normal MS. In male patients with CAD, a positive correlation was observed between Gensini scores (correlation coefficient: 0.181, P=0.011), PSS-14 scores, and CD3 +CD8 +absolute value (correlation coefficient: 0.162, P=0.038). Conclusion:This study reveals a positive correlation between MS and coronary stenosis severity, with notable sex differences. In male patients with CAD, higher levels of MS are associated with more severe coronary stenosis. The potential underlying mechanism may involve the regulation of lymphocyte subsets .

Objective:To summarized the clinical characteristics and surgical management of anterior cervical enterogenic in pediatric patients. Methods:Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed for 9 children with pathologically confirmed anterior cervical enterogenic cysts（including bronchogenic and esophagogenic subtypes） treated at the Children's Hospital of Shandong University（Jinan Children's Hospital） between January 1, 2020, and November 30, 2023. Results:Nine patients（6 males and 3 females） were involved in this study, aged 14 days to 10 years old. There were 4 cases on the left side, 4 on the right side, and 1 in the middle of the neck. All patients presented with neck masses. The patients were followed up from 3 months to 35 months after surgery and recovered well, with no recurrence or complications observed. Conclusion:①Anterior intestinal cysts in children are rare and easy to be misdiagnosed. ②Concurrent branchial cleft fistulas or associated anomalies may coexist, necessitating comprehensive evaluation. ③Preoperative diagnosis is not easy and mainly depends on pathological diagnosis. ④The treatment of anterior cervical enterogenic cysts in children is surgical resection of the lesion.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Child ; Retrospective Studies ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; Neck ; Cysts/surgery*