ObjectiveTo evaluate the methodological quality and reporting quality of published guidelines/consensuses on traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）/integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine diagnosis and treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD）， and to provide a basis for formulating guidelines/consensuses on TCM/integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD in the future. MethodsDatabases including PubMed， Embase， Web of Science， CNKI， Wanfang Data， and CBM and the websites of China Association of Chinese Medicine and China Association of Integrative Medicine were searched for related articles published up to September 1， 2024. Two clinical researchers independently assessed the methodological quality and reporting quality of the guidelines/consensuses on TCM/integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD by using Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation Ⅱ （AGREE Ⅱ） and Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare （RIGHT）. ResultsA total of nine guidelines/consensuses were included after literature screening， with four guidelines and five expert consensuses. The scores of different domains assessed by AGREE Ⅱ for the nine guidelines/consensuses were as follows： scope and purpose （47.1%）， stakeholder involvement （41.0%）， rigor of development （21.6%）， clarity of presentation （40.2%）， applicability （19.0%）， and editorial independence （19.6%）. The recommendation level of the articles was B level （recommended after revision） for four articles and C level （not recommended） for five articles. The RIGHT assessment showed high reporting rates for “Basic Information” and “Background”， while other areas needed to be improved. Currently， there was no international standard for the guidelines/consensuses on TCM/integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD， and the quality of these guidelines/consensuses needed to be enhanced to ensure comprehensiveness and credibility. ConclusionThere is still potential for improving the quality of guidelines/consensuses on TCM/integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD， and AGREE Ⅱ and RIGHT checklists should be strictly followed to ensure the fairness， scientific rigor， and transparency of these guidelines/consensuses.

Chronic hepatitis B-associated liver fibrosis is the key pathological stage in disease progression to liver cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Although antiviral therapy can effectively inhibit HBV replication， reversal of liver fibrosis remains a significant challenge in contemporary clinical practice， and some patients still face the risk of disease progression. With the distinctive advantages of “multiple targets and holistic regulation”， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has gradually formed a comprehensive prevention and treatment strategy integrating traditional theories and modern scientific research evidence. “Weakened body resistance and blood stasis” are the core pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and exist throughout the course of the disease， and therefore， the treatment of this disease should focus on stage-specific differentiation and address both the symptoms and root causes. In recent years， significant progress has been achieved in both clinical and basic research. This article systematically reviews the clinical effect and mechanism of action of classic TCM prescriptions （such as Biejia Decoction Pill， Dahuang Zhechong Pill， and Xiaochaihu Decoction）， modern Chinese patent drugs， and core TCM drugs （such as Salvia miltiorrhiza， Astragalus membranaceus， and Bupleurum chinense） in the treatment of liver fibrosis. It also analyzes the current challenges in evidence quality and precise medication and proposes future research directions. It is recommended to enhance the role of TCM in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases by deepening research on the “disease-syndrome-prescription-effect-target” association and conducting high-level clinical trials and real-world studies.

Objective:To investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on weight loss efficacy and insulin resistance (IR) in obese patients.Methods:It was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 190 obese patients with vitamin D deficiency were selected from the obesity clinic of Tianjin Union Medical Center from March to December in 2023. The patients were divided into control group (95 cases) and vitamin D group (95 cases) according to random number table. The control group was given energy-limited high-protein diet combined with moderate intensity exercise, and the vitamin D group was supplemented with vitamin D on the basis of the control group, 14 000 U/week for 24 weeks. A total of 25 dropped out of the study from the two groups for various reasons. Finally, 79 cases in the control group and 86 cases in the vitamin D group were included in the analysis. Independent sample t test and rank sum test were used to compare serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25 (OH) D] level, body weight, body mass index, fat mass, visceral fat area, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin and glycated hemoglobin (HbA 1c) between the two groups at baseline and after intervention. Homeostasis model insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was used to evaluate the degree of insulin resistance (IR), and the effects of vitamin D supplementation on weight loss efficiency and IR in those patients were analyzed. Results:There was no significant differences in serum 25(OH)D level between the two groups before intervention ( P>0.05); the serum 25(OH)D level in the vitamin D group was significantly higher than that in the control group after intervention [(30.90±7.55) vs (16.00±4.34) μg/L] ( t=-15.35, P<0.001). The body weight, body mass index, fat mass, visceral fat area, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, HbA 1c, and HOMA-IR were all significantly lower after the intervention than those before the intervention in both groups [control group: (93.32±13.47) vs (98.95±14.31) kg, (33.74±5.09) vs (35.80±5.52) kg/m 2, (39.77±11.87) vs (44.12±12.79) kg, (183.76±40.95) vs (204.01±32.18) m 2, 5.00 (4.55, 5.67) vs 5.24 (4.68, 6.42) mmol/L, 16.78 (13.94, 24.30) vs 22.56 (15.95, 31.2) mU/L, 5.55%±0.53% vs 6.05%±0.99%, 4.11 (3.14, 5.57) vs 5.51 (3.61, 8.49); vitamin D group: (88.14±17.66) vs (104.43±22.02) kg, (31.02±5.10) vs (36.66±5.98) kg/m 2, (35.51±12.87) vs (46.67±13.33) kg, (166.50±49.50) vs (213.64±40.14) m 2, 4.70 (4.35, 5.07) vs 5.17 (4.77, 6.30) mmol/L, 13.18 (9.87, 18.84) vs 21.67 (15.78. 32.74) mU/L, 5.43%±0.48% vs 6.21%±1.22%, 2.88 (1.99, 4.21) vs 5.19 (3.82, 9.27)], and the body weight, body mass index, adiposity, visceral fat area, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR were all significantly lower in vitamin D group than those in the control group [(88.14±17.66) vs (93.32±13.47) kg, (31.02±5.10) vs (33.74±5.09) kg/m 2, (35.51±12.87) vs (39.77±11.87) kg, (166.50±49.50) vs (183.76±40.95) m 2, 4.70 (4.35, 5.07) vs 5.00 (4.55, 5.67) mmol/L, 13.18 (9.87, 18.84) vs 16.78 (13.94, 24.30) mU/L, and 2.88 (1.99, 4.21) vs 4.11 (3.14, 5.57), respectivley] (all P<0.05). The IR remission rate was significantly higher in the vitamin D group than that in the control group after the intervention (37.3% vs 15.3%) ( χ2=8.071, P=0.002). Conclusion:Supplementation of vitamin D on the basis of energy-limited high-protein diet combined with moderate intensity exercise can significantly improve the efficacy of weight loss and IR in obese patients with vitamin D deficiency.

Objective:To construct a new model for assessing insulin resistance(IR) in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients by combining anthropometry parameters and biochemical parameters.Methods:A total of 677 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients were included in this study. Clinical data, biochemical indicators, and body composition measurements were collected, and a predictive model was constructed using logistic regression analysis.Results:The IR prediction model was constructed based on five indicators: triglycerides(TG), fasting plasma glucose(FPG), visceral fat area(VFA), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), and uric acid(UA). The formula for the new predictive model was as follows: y=-17.765+ 1.389×ln VFA+ 1.045×ln UA+ 0.91×ln ALT+ 2.167×ln FPG+ 0.805×ln TG. The receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC) area under the curve(AUC) for the model was 0.82, with an optimal cutoff value of 1.67, sensitivity of 0.80, and specificity of 0.71. The AUC values for the triglyceride glucose(TyG) index, lipid accumulation product(LAP), and triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio(THR) were 0.75, 0.75, and 0.70, respectively. The corresponding sensitivities were 0.66, 0.84, and 0.71, and the specificities were 0.71, 0.59, and 0.60. The optimal cutoff values were 1.81, 30.31, and 1.14, respectively. Conclusion:The new model constructed using TG, FPG, VFA, ALT, and UA as indicators showed high predictive value and can serve as a new model for assessing IR in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients.

Objective:To explore the safety and efficacy of prophylactic superdrainage using superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) in delayed single-pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction.Methods:The clinical data of all patients who underwent single-pedicle DIEP flap delayed breast reconstruction in Department of Comprehensive Breast Plasty Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College from May 2018 to August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether SIEV-internal thoracic vein anastomosis was performed, they were divided into superdrainaged group and non-superdrainaged group. The diameter of SIEV and the time required for anastomosis were recorded. The total operation time, flap ischemia time, hospital stay, the rates of flap diffuse congestion, overall complications and second operation were compared between the two groups. The relative risks of flap diffuse congestion, complications and second operation were calculated. SPSS 24.0 software was used for data analysis. Measurement data was expressed as Mean±SD, independent sample t test was used for analysis. Counting data was expressed as %, and χ2 test was used for analysis. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 45 patients were included, including 26 patients in the non-superdrainaged group and 19 patients in the superdrainaged group. The total operation time was (7.7±1.9) h and (8.4±1.5) h, the flap ischemia time was (89.5±10.4) min and (92.6±12.3) min, and the hospital stay was (6.6±1.8) d and (6.6±2.0) d, respectively. There were no significant differences ( P>0.05). In the superdrainaged group, the diameter of SIEV was (2.5±0.3) mm, and manual suture was used. The time required for anastomosis of one SIEV was (12.2±2.3) min. The rates of diffuse congestion, recipient site complications, donor site complications and second operation were 7.7%(2/26), 15.4%(4/26), 7.7%(2/26) and 15.4%(4/26) in the non-superdrainaged group, and 0(0/19), 5.3%(1/19), 10.5%(2/19) and 5.3%(1/19) in the superdrainaged group, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups ( P>0.05). The relative risks were 3.7, 2.9, 0.7 and 2.9, respectively. Conclusion:Prophylactic superdrainage using SIEV is safe and effective. It can minimize the potential rate of diffuse venous congestion and secondary surgery, and not at the expense of increased flap ischemia time and abdominal complications in the meanwhile.

In deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction, diffuse venous congestion caused by non-pedicle causes, such as lack of effective communication between deep and superficial venous systems, is very rare. In this paper, a case of young woman who underwent DIEP breast reconstruction after breast cancer mastectomy was reported. Imaging findings showed the absence of bilateral dominant perforators and the lack of communication between the deep and superficial venous system. During operation, the superficial inferior epigastric vessels were dissected in advance. Indocyanine green angiography showed arterial perfusion insufficiency and venous congestion.The flap was successfully salvaged by supercharging/draining with superficial inferior epigastric vessels, preserving the abdominal function of the young patient to the greatest extent.

Objective:To introduce the efficacy and surgical experience of barbed sutures in wound closure of abdominoplasty.Methods:A prospective study of patients who underwent abdominoplasty in Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College from August to December 2021 was carried out. Barbed sutures and corresponding techniques were used for wound closure. These patients were included in the study group. Also, patients who underwent abdominoplasty from January to Jule 2021 and did not use barbed sutures were retrospectively included in the control group. Baseline data, surgical details, and follow-up records were reviewed and collected for statistical analysis. Normal distribution measurement data were expressed as Mean±SD, and independent sample t-test was used for comparison between the two groups. Count data were expressed as cases (%) and analyzed by Chi-square test or Fisher exact test. Results:Twenty female patients aged 31-51 years old with body mass index (BMI) of (23.2±2.5) kg/m 2 were included in the study group, followed up for 6-8 months. The control group included 18 female patients, aged 32-55 years old, with BMI of (23.9±3.7) kg/m 2, and were followed up for 6-12 months. The abdominoplasty incision length of the study group was (36.5±4.5) cm and that of the control group was (35.0±3.4) cm, and there was no statistical significance between the two groups ( P>0.05). The closure time of the study group was (51±7) min, significantly shorter than that of the control group [(98±15) min]( P<0.01). In the study group, 2 patients [10.0%(2/20)] had delayed wound healing caused by incision fat liquefaction. In the control group, delayed wound healing occurred in three patients (3/18), which was caused by incision fat liquefaction (1 case) and suture extrusion (2 cases). There was no significant difference in postoperative wound complication rates between the two groups ( P>0.05). The Vancouver scar scale at three-month follow-up was scored (5.9±1.3) in the study group, (5.6±1.2) in the control group, with no significant difference ( P>0.05). The follow-up visits observed no abdominal wall bulge, hernia, or hypertrophic scar. All patients reported satisfying aesthetic outcomes. Conclusion:Barbed sutures significantly shorten the wound closure time in abdominoplasty. The described closure technique is safe and beneficial for efficiency.

Objective:This study aimed to explore the clinical application value of the indication selection criteria for bi-pedicled deep inferior epigastric arterial perforator flap(DIEP) versus pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap(TRAM) combined with DIEP for breast reconstruction.Methods:The clinical data of patients who underwent delayed bi-pedicled abdominal flap breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery in the Department of Oncoplastic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery and Department of Mammoplasty, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2008 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the indications for each procedure, corresponding blood supply source was selected. Subsequently, patients were divided into two groups: bi-pedicled DIEP group and pedicled TRAM+ DIEP combined flap group according to the type of blood supply source. The indication selection criteria for pedicled TRAM+ DIEP combined flap was as follows: lack of two groups of recipient vessels; no dominant perforator in the abdominal donor site; previous abdominal liposuction or abdominal surgery with large dissection range and severe scar; patients were unable to tolerate prolonged surgery or had high risk factors for microsurgery. A comparison of breast reconstruction surgery characteristics was conducted between the two groups. Independent-samples t-test, rank sum test, Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact probability method were used to analyze various data including age, body mass index (BMI), time interval between breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction surgery, history of radiotherapy, history of chemotherapy, history of smoking, history of lower abdominal surgery, history of hypertension, original surgical incision type, length and width of flap, hospitalization length, preoperative and postoperative conditions, as well as postoperative complications. Statistical significance was defined at P<0.05. Results:A total of 54 patients who underwent unilateral breast reconstruction were included in this study with a mean age of 42.2 years (range, 30-59 years). The pedicled TRAM+ DIEP combined flap group consisted of 21 patients with a mean age of 42.7 years (range, 33-56 years) while the bi-pedicled DIEP group comprised 33 patients with a mean age of 41.8 years (30-59 years). Out of the 54 patients, a total of 38 were eventually followed up, comprising 14 in the pedicled TRAM+ DIEP combined flap group and 24 in the bi-pedicled DIEP group. The average follow-up duration for the pedicled TRAM+ DIEP combined flap group was 42 months (range, 6-69 months). Abdominal bulge occurred in one patient, while another patient experienced abdominal hernia. The average follow-up duration for the bi-pedicled DIEP group was 47 months (6-179 months), with no reported cases of abdominal bulge or abdominal hernia. There were no statistically significant differences observed between the two groups regarding age, BMI, time interval between breast cancer surgery and breast reconstruction surgery, history of radiotherapy or chemotherapy, history of smoking, history of lower abdominal surgery, history of hypertension, original surgical incision type, length and width of flap, hospitalization length or time to ambulation (all P>0.05). However, there was a statistically significant difference noted in duration of surgery between the pedicled TRAM+ DIEP combined flap group and bi-pedicled DIEP group [6.0(5.5-6.5) hours vs. 8.5(8.0-8.8) hours] ( P<0.01). Comparison analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in terms of partial flap necrosis (0/21 vs. 1/33), abdominal incision dehiscence (2/21 vs. 2/33), abdominal bulge (1/14 vs. 0 /24) or abdominal hernia (1/1 vs. 0/24) between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:For patients who needed bilateral vascular pedicled lower abdominal wall for breast reconstruction, utilizing a pedicled TRAM+ DIEP combined flap did not increase surgical complication risks. The proposed indication selection criteria for using a pedicled TRAM + DIEP combined flap outlined in this study could serve as guidance when choosing methods for bi-pedicled abdominal flap breast reconstruction.

Objective:To analyze the reported cases of breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC) and to explore the diagnosis and treatment of BIA-SCC.Methods:BIA-SCC related literature published in PubMed database and Wanfang Medical database until March 2023 were searched. The country and year of publication, gender and age of patients, duration from initial implant placement to presentation, implant type, clinical manifestations, whether the tumor invaded extracapsular tissue, treatment, histopathological findings and follow-up result were analyzed.Results:Twelve BIA-SCC articles (15 cases in total) were included, including 11 cases from the United States, 2 cases from China, 1 case from Australia and 1 case from Japan. One case was published in 1992 and 14 cases from 2015 to 2023. There were 1 male and 14 female patients. Patient age of onset was (55.3±9.6) years. The time from implant insertion to onset of BIA-SCC was (24.5±9.4) years. Implant types include smooth implants, textured implants, silicone gel implants, saline implants, and liquid silicone gel. All 15 patients had breast pain and swelling. Four cases presented erythema, thin or broken skin; and capsular contracture was found in 7 cases. Three tumors were confined to the capsule, 10 invaded the outer capsule (most of them had distant metastases), and 2 were unspecified. During the treatment, breast implants were removed and capsulectomy was performed, followed by radiotherapy (7 cases) or chemotherapy (8 cases). Post-operative histopathologic findings suggested squamous cell carcinoma, or a transition from atypical squamous metaplasia to increased cell atypia and abnormal immature keratinization. After the operation, 9 cases were followed up for 3 months to more than 8 years, of which 5 cases did not have obvious recurrence, and 4 cases had multiple metastasis, died or received palliative end-of-life treatment.Conclusion:BIA-SCC should be excluded if breast swelling and pain occur many years after breast prosthesis implantation, and adequate systemic evaluation should be conducted to check whether there is distant metastasis. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination of the tumor, timely removal of implants, extensive resection of the tumor, and systematic treatment combined with other auxiliary methods.

Humans ; Intra-Abdominal Fat/diagnostic imaging* ; Coronary Artery Disease ; Body Mass Index