BACKGROUND: Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the predominant form of chronic liver disease worldwide. This study was designed to investigate the proportion and characteristics of MAFLD within the general Chinese population and to identify the contributory risk factors for liver fibrosis among MAFLD individuals. METHODS: The participants were recruited from a cohort undergoing routine health evaluations at the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University between May 2019 and March 2023. The diagnosis of MAFLD was based on the established clinical practice guidelines. The fibrosis-4 index score (FIB-4) was employed to evaluate hepatic fibrosis, with a FIB-4 score of ≥1.3 indicating significant fibrosis. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to determine risk factors associated with significant hepatic fibrosis in MAFLD. RESULTS: A total of 22,970 participants who underwent comprehensive medical examinations were included in the analysis. The overall proportion of MAFLD was 28.77% (6608/22,970), with 16.87% (1115/6608) of these patients showing significant fibrosis as assessed using FIB-4. Independent risk factors for significant liver fibrosis in MAFLD patients were male (odds ratio [OR] = 0.676, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.558-0.821), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity (OR = 2.611, 95% CI: 1.557-4.379), body mass index ≥23.00 kg/m 2 (OR = 0.632, 95% CI: 0.470-0.851), blood pressure ≥130/85 mmHg (OR = 1.885, 95% CI: 1.564-2.272), and plasma glucose ≥5.6 mmol/L (OR = 1.815, 95% CI: 1.507-2.186) (all P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS The proportion of MAFLD in an urban Chinese population is 28.77%. About 16.87% of MAFLD patients presented with significant liver fibrosis. Independent risk factors for significant liver fibrosis in MAFLD patients should be noticed.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Liver Cirrhosis/pathology* ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Adult ; Fatty Liver/pathology* ; Aged ; China/epidemiology* ; Logistic Models ; Urban Population ; East Asian People

For middle-aged and elderly patients with conditions such as spinal fractures and degenerative spinal diseases, spinal internal fixation is a core surgical procedure for reconstructing spinal stability, heavily relying on the biomechanical stability provided by pedicle screw systems. Whereas, these patients are often complicated by osteoporosis that can significantly compromise the stability of the bone-pedicle screw interface, leading to a marked increase in pedicle screw loosening and surgical failure rates. The bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique, which involves injecting bone cement into the vertebral body or screw trajectory to optimize the mechanical properties of the bone-pedicle screw composite, has been proven to significantly enhance fixation strength and effectively prevent screw-related failures, thereby reducing the incidence of internal fixation failure in high-risk populations undergoing spinal fusion. However, the widespread clinical application of this technique has faced challenges such as inaccurate clinical decision-making (indication and contraindication selection), non-standardized operative practices, and insufficient awareness of complication prevention, resulting in considerable variability in clinical outcomes and even severe complications. To address this, Prof. Luo Fei from First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University initiated the project and the Chinese Association Orthopaedic Surgeons organized relevant experts to develop the Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique ( version 2025), based on current evidence. The guidelines put forward 8 recommendations regarding the clinical value, scope of application, and operational standards of the technique, aiming to provide evidence-based medical support and technical standardization for clinical decision-making.

Objective To analyze the molecular epidemiology of Candida tropicalis(C.tropicalis)isolates from bloodstream infections,and to investigate preliminarily the underlying mechanisms of fluconazole resistance.Methods Clinical C.tropicalis isolates were collected from bloodstream infections at West China Hospital,Sichuan University and other hospitals in Sichuan Province.All the collected isolates were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry,and the antifungal susceptibility test was performed by the broth microdilution method.Multilocus sequence typing(MLST)was conducted using the first generation sequencing technique.Genes associated with drug-resistance were sequenced and the mutation sites were identified.The relative expression levels of genes associated with drug-resistance were analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).Results A total of 39 C.tropicalis isolates from bloodstream infections were collected.The MLST phylogenetic tree showed that most of the strains clustered in the phylogenetic tree shared identical or similar minimal inhibitory concentrations(MICs).All MLST types were not matched with the isolates in the PubMLST database,representing new diploid sequence types(DSTs).A total of 3 sense mutations,including Ser154Phe,Tyr132Phe,and Tyr257His were identified in ERG11,and were present only in drug-resistant strains.UPC2 contained 4 sense mutations,including Ala251Thr,Gln289Leu,Ser279Glu,and Gln313His,which were also present only in drug-resistant strains.Ser279Glu and Gln313His were previously unreported.There were two sense mutations in ERG3,namely Ser112Gly and Ala48Ser,both being previously unreported,and Ser112Gly was found only in drug-resistant strains.The expression levels of ERG11(14.48 vs 7.109,P=0.003)and UPC2(1.922 vs 0.832,P=0.04)in non-sensitive group(MIC>2 mg/L)were higher than those in sensitive group(MIC≤2 mg/L),and the difference was statistically significant.Conclusion There may be a unique genetic relationship among C.tropicalis isolates from Sichuan province,and the MICs of fluconazole against C.tropicalis are associated with molecular typing.ERG11 mutations were the major mechanism underlying fluconazole resistance in C.tropicalis isolates.The upregulation of ERG11 and UPC2 was associated with fluconazole resistance in C.tropicalis.

Objective To preliminarily investigate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous microwave ab-lation(MWA)in patients with advanced breast cancer involving the skin or nipple-areola complex(NAC).Methods This study included breast cancer patients with skin or NAC involvement treated at the Fifth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2011 to August 2024.Patients underwent percutaneous MWA with water isolation technique to protect surrounding tissues.Clinical data were retrospectively collected,and the technical success rate,complications,prognosis,patient satisfaction with breast aesthetics,and quality of life improvement were analyzed.Results A total of 19 patients(24 lesions)meeting the inclusion and ex-clusion criteria were analyzed.The cases included 4 with T4N0M0,2 with T4N1M0,3 with T4N2M0,1 with T4N3M0,1 with T4N2M1,and 8 with T4N3M1.The average diameter of the 24 lesions was(4.9±3.4)cm,with an average of(1.6±0.6)ablation sessions per lesion.The median ablation time was 36.9(26.1,61.7)minutes,and the median ablation energy was 84.2(45.6,149.2)kJ.The technical success rate was 100%.Postoperatively,7 patients(7/19,36.8%)experienced skin burns around the lesion or nipple shedding,all of which healed naturally.The median overall survival was 35.0(17.0,45.5)months,and the median recur-rence-free survival was 17.0(11.0,38.5)months.Patient satisfaction with post-treatment breast aesthetics was 89.5%,and all patients reported significant improvement in their quality of life.Conclusions Percutane-ous microwave ablation for breast cancer involving the skin or NAC was preliminary demonstrates to be safe and effective,suggesting its potential as a viable treatment option for patients with inoperable breast cancer.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the biomechanical properties of four internal fixation methods in a lower cervical spine injury model using the finite element method. METHODS: Cervical CT data of a 28-year-old healthy adult male were utilized to establish a finite element model of the normal cervical spine and a lower cervical spine three-column injury model. Four internal fixation methods were then applied to the three-column injury model, resulting in four groups:Group A, anterior cervical locked-plate(ACLP) fixation system model(anterior approach);Group B, posterior cervical pedicle screw fixation model (posterior approach);Group C, combined anterior and posterior cervical pedicle screw fixation model; Group D, Novel composite anterior cervical internal fixation model. A 75 N axial compressive load and a 1.0 N·m pure moment were applied to the upper surface of the cervical spine model to simulate flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending movements. The intervertebral range of motion(ROM) and stress distribution of the internal fixators under different motion conditions were compared across all models. RESULTS: Compared with the normal model, the reductions in overall intervertebral ROM for each group under flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending were as follows:Group A, 24.04°, 23.12°, 6.24°, and 9.06°;Group B, 24.42°, 24.34°, 6.48°, and 9.20°;Group C, 25.43°, 25.29°, 7.17°, and 9.57°;Group D, 24.75°, 25.5°, 6.71°, and 9.12°. The peak stress values of the internal fixators in each group were:Group A, 53.9 MPa, 79.9 MPa, 61.4 MPa, and 80.3 MPa;Group B, 218.3 MPa, 105.4 MPa, 206.6 MPa, and 186.8 MPa;Group C, 40.8 MPa, 97.2 MPa, 47.1 MPa, and 39.4 MPa;Group D, 93.0 MPa, 144.0 MPa, 64.8 MPa, and 106.3 MPa. CONCLUSION The biomechanical properties of the novel composite anterior cervical internal fixation method are similar to those of the combined anterior-posterior fixation method, and superior to both the anterior cervical ACLP plate-screw fixation and posterior cervical pedicle screw fixation methods.
Humans ; Finite Element Analysis ; Cervical Vertebrae/physiopathology* ; Male ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Adult ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods* ; Range of Motion, Articular

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and technical advantages of modified laparoscopic ileal-neobladder fistula repair.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 4 patients who underwent radical cystectomy+orthotopic neobladder surgery and subsequently developed ileal-neobladder fistula and received modified repair surgery in our hospital during Jan.2019 and Dec.2023.Under laparoscopy,the ileum at both ends of the fistula was transected,and an end-to-end ileal anastomosis bypass was established.Results All 4 patients successfully completed the operation.Their age was 66,50,76 and 59 years,respectively.Ileal-neoblbladder fistula occurred 4,1,2 and 16 months after radical resection.The operation time was 129,98,105 and 90 minutes.The intraoperative blood loss was 50,60,70 and 50 mL.The postoperative exhaust time was 3,4,3 and 5 days.The postoperative hospital stay was 8,7,7 and 9 days,and the postoperative drainage tube indwelling time was 5,4,5 and 7 days.No obvious complications occurred after operation.During follow-up of 1 to 6 years,none recurrence or long-term stenosis of the intestinal anastomosis occurred.The symptoms of urinary tract infection improved significantly,and the bladder function remained stable.Conclusion The modified laparoscopic repair of ileal-neobladder fistula achieves minimally invasive repair by avoiding extensive adhesion separation.It has the advantages of safe operation,rapid recovery,and few complications,and is a safe option for the treatment of ileal-neobladder fistula.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and technical advantages of modified laparoscopic ileal-neobladder fistula repair.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 4 patients who underwent radical cystectomy+orthotopic neobladder surgery and subsequently developed ileal-neobladder fistula and received modified repair surgery in our hospital during Jan.2019 and Dec.2023.Under laparoscopy,the ileum at both ends of the fistula was transected,and an end-to-end ileal anastomosis bypass was established.Results All 4 patients successfully completed the operation.Their age was 66,50,76 and 59 years,respectively.Ileal-neoblbladder fistula occurred 4,1,2 and 16 months after radical resection.The operation time was 129,98,105 and 90 minutes.The intraoperative blood loss was 50,60,70 and 50 mL.The postoperative exhaust time was 3,4,3 and 5 days.The postoperative hospital stay was 8,7,7 and 9 days,and the postoperative drainage tube indwelling time was 5,4,5 and 7 days.No obvious complications occurred after operation.During follow-up of 1 to 6 years,none recurrence or long-term stenosis of the intestinal anastomosis occurred.The symptoms of urinary tract infection improved significantly,and the bladder function remained stable.Conclusion The modified laparoscopic repair of ileal-neobladder fistula achieves minimally invasive repair by avoiding extensive adhesion separation.It has the advantages of safe operation,rapid recovery,and few complications,and is a safe option for the treatment of ileal-neobladder fistula.

Objective To preliminarily investigate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous microwave ab-lation(MWA)in patients with advanced breast cancer involving the skin or nipple-areola complex(NAC).Methods This study included breast cancer patients with skin or NAC involvement treated at the Fifth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2011 to August 2024.Patients underwent percutaneous MWA with water isolation technique to protect surrounding tissues.Clinical data were retrospectively collected,and the technical success rate,complications,prognosis,patient satisfaction with breast aesthetics,and quality of life improvement were analyzed.Results A total of 19 patients(24 lesions)meeting the inclusion and ex-clusion criteria were analyzed.The cases included 4 with T4N0M0,2 with T4N1M0,3 with T4N2M0,1 with T4N3M0,1 with T4N2M1,and 8 with T4N3M1.The average diameter of the 24 lesions was(4.9±3.4)cm,with an average of(1.6±0.6)ablation sessions per lesion.The median ablation time was 36.9(26.1,61.7)minutes,and the median ablation energy was 84.2(45.6,149.2)kJ.The technical success rate was 100%.Postoperatively,7 patients(7/19,36.8%)experienced skin burns around the lesion or nipple shedding,all of which healed naturally.The median overall survival was 35.0(17.0,45.5)months,and the median recur-rence-free survival was 17.0(11.0,38.5)months.Patient satisfaction with post-treatment breast aesthetics was 89.5%,and all patients reported significant improvement in their quality of life.Conclusions Percutane-ous microwave ablation for breast cancer involving the skin or NAC was preliminary demonstrates to be safe and effective,suggesting its potential as a viable treatment option for patients with inoperable breast cancer.

For middle-aged and elderly patients with conditions such as spinal fractures and degenerative spinal diseases, spinal internal fixation is a core surgical procedure for reconstructing spinal stability, heavily relying on the biomechanical stability provided by pedicle screw systems. Whereas, these patients are often complicated by osteoporosis that can significantly compromise the stability of the bone-pedicle screw interface, leading to a marked increase in pedicle screw loosening and surgical failure rates. The bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique, which involves injecting bone cement into the vertebral body or screw trajectory to optimize the mechanical properties of the bone-pedicle screw composite, has been proven to significantly enhance fixation strength and effectively prevent screw-related failures, thereby reducing the incidence of internal fixation failure in high-risk populations undergoing spinal fusion. However, the widespread clinical application of this technique has faced challenges such as inaccurate clinical decision-making (indication and contraindication selection), non-standardized operative practices, and insufficient awareness of complication prevention, resulting in considerable variability in clinical outcomes and even severe complications. To address this, Prof. Luo Fei from First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University initiated the project and the Chinese Association Orthopaedic Surgeons organized relevant experts to develop the Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique ( version 2025), based on current evidence. The guidelines put forward 8 recommendations regarding the clinical value, scope of application, and operational standards of the technique, aiming to provide evidence-based medical support and technical standardization for clinical decision-making.