Despite of the widespread use of hydrogen and methane breath test, the variability in testing protocols, gas measurement techniques, and interpretation criteria continues to challenge the reproducibility and comparability across centers, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. The Asian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association hence presents the first Asian monograph guiding application and interpretation of breath test. The monograph was formulated according to the framework of indications, preparatory process, performance, and interpretation of results, as well as future direction for research.

ObjectiveTo investigate the incidence， glucolipid metabolism characteristics， and associated factors of postoperative overweight/obesity in children and adolescent with craniopharyngioma. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted using follow-up data from 44 patients （aged 0-18 years） diagnosed with craniopharyngioma who underwent surgical treatment and received follow-up care at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital， Sun Yat-sen University， between January 2006 and February 2024. The incidence and glucolipid metabolism characteristics of overweight/obesity were summarized， and potential influencing factors were analyzed. ResultsA total of 44 patients were enrolled. The mean age at surgery was （8.57 ± 4.25） years， and the mean age at last follow-up was （16.02 ± 5.36 ）years. The mean follow-up duration was （7.45 ± 4.64） years （range， 8 months to 17.5 years）. The preoperative incidence of overweight/obesity was 40.91% （predominantly overweight， 27.27%）， which increased to 68.18% postoperatively （predominantly obesity， 50.00%）. Postoperatively， all patients （44/44， 100%） underwent fasting plasma glucose （FPG） testing， among whom 2 （4.55%） had impaired fasting glucose （IFG）. Fasting insulin （FINS） was measured in 20 patients， and insulin resistance was identified in 11 （55.00%）. Oral glucose tolerance testing （OGTT） with insulin release assessment was performed in 12 patients， and all （100%） exhibited abnormal insulin secretion， including 5 （41.67%） with hyperinsulinemia and 3 （25.00%） diagnosed with diabetes mellitus （DM）. All patients （44/44， 100%） underwent lipid profile assessment. The incidence of dyslipidemia was 81.82% （36/44）， including elevated non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （29/44， 65.91%）， hypertriglyceridemia （29/44， 65.91%）， low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （22/44， 50.00%）， and mixed hyperlipidemia （13/44， 29.55%）. Logistic regression analysis indicated that preoperative overweight/obesity and postoperative abnormal glucose metabolism were significant factors associated with postoperative overweight/obesity. Compared with normal-weight patients， those with postoperative overweight/obesity had higher FINS levels （14.22 mU/L vs. 3.57 mU/L）， higher insulin resistance index（HOMA-IR） （2.88 vs. 0.52）， and a higher incidence of abnormal glucose metabolism （77.78% vs. 23.08%）. However， no significant difference was observed in the incidence of dyslipidemia （94.44% vs. 73.08%）. ConclusionsChildren and adolescent with craniopharyngioma exhibit a higher incidence of overweight/obesity than healthy peers preoperatively， which becomes more pronounced after surgery. This is accompanied by a high incidence of glucolipid metabolic disorders， placing these patients at increased risk of metabolic syndrome， which warrants clinical attention and regular metabolic assessment. In patients who develop postoperative obesity， particular attention should be given to the risk of glucose metabolism abnormalities， and further monitoring of glucose homeostasis is recommended.

Venous malformation is a common congenital, non-tumor vascular malformation, accounting for about 60% of all vascular malformations, of which 40% occur in the head and neck. Due to the complex anatomical structure of the oral and maxillofacial region and the diverse classification of venous malformations, their clinical treatment poses certain difficulties and challenges. This article systematically elaborates on the etiology, clinical manifestations, imaging features, and clinical treatment strategies of venous malformations in the oral and maxillofacial region. Molecular genetic studies have shown that the occurrence and development of venous malformations are closely related to abnormal activation of the ANGPT/TIE2/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway; its clinical manifestations are gradually growing blue purple masses and its histological features are tortuous venous ducts; and clinical imaging examinations have high specificity, among which digital subtraction angiography classification has important clinical guidance value for the treatment of venous malformation sclerosis. According to different classifications, strategies, such as sclerosis treatment, surgical treatment, and laser treatment, can be applied separately or in combination. This article also explores the advantages and disadvantages of targeted therapy in the treatment of venous malformations, with a focus on improving clinical outcomes while reducing complications. At the same time, through the analysis of typical clinical cases, it summarizes the key points of diagnosis and treatment and treatment plans, in order to provide a reference for improving the clinical efficacy of venous malformation treatment and reducing treatment complications.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the independent and combined effects of air pollutants, meteorological factors, and greenspace exposure on new tuberculosis (TB) cases. METHODS: TB case data from Shanghai (2013-2018) were obtained from the Shanghai Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Environmental data on air pollutants, meteorological variables, and greenspace exposure were obtained from the National Tibetan Plateau Data Center. We employed a distributed-lag nonlinear model to assess the effects of these environmental factors on TB cases. RESULTS: Increased TB risk was linked to PM _2.5, PM ₁₀, and rainfall, whereas NO ₂, SO ₂, and air pressure were associated with a reduced risk. Specifically, the strongest cumulative effects occurred at various lags: PM _2.5 ( RR = 1.166, 95% CI: 1.026-1.325) at 0-19 weeks; PM ₁₀ ( RR = 1.167, 95% CI: 1.028-1.324) at 0-18 weeks; NO ₂ ( RR = 0.968, 95% CI: 0.938-0.999) at 0-1 weeks; SO ₂ ( RR = 0.945, 95% CI: 0.894-0.999) at 0-2 weeks; air pressure ( RR = 0.604, 95% CI: 0.447-0.816) at 0-8 weeks; and rainfall ( RR = 1.404, 95% CI: 1.076-1.833) at 0-22 weeks. Green space exposure did not significantly impact TB cases. Additionally, low temperatures amplified the effect of PM _2.5 on TB. CONCLUSION Exposure to PM _2.5, PM ₁₀, and rainfall increased the risk of TB, highlighting the need to address air pollutants for the prevention of TB in Shanghai.
China/epidemiology* ; Humans ; Air Pollutants/analysis* ; Tuberculosis/epidemiology* ; Incidence ; Meteorological Concepts ; Particulate Matter/adverse effects* ; Environmental Exposure ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Air Pollution ; Middle Aged

Objective To assess the intervention effect of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) on the mouse model of hematotoxicity induced by subacute benzene exposure. Methods Benzene exposure and NMN intervention were adopted in a 2×2 factorial design, as benzene exposure and non-exposure, and NMN intervention and non-intervention. Male specific pathogen-free C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to negative control group, NMN control group, simple benzene exposure group and NMN intervention group, with 12 mice in each group. Benzene exposure of mice in simple benzene exposure group and NMN intervention group was conducted by dynamic inhalation of benzene at a concentration of 325 mg/m³ for six hours per day, five days per week for four weeks (28 days). Mice in the negative control and NMN control group inhaled clean air. During benzene exposure, mice in the NMN control group and NMN intervention group received NMN in drinking water at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight. Peripheral blood samples of mice were collected for complete blood count analysis and calculation of composite inflammatory indices after 28 days. Results Interaction analysis showed that the counts of peripheral white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet of mice in the simple benzene exposure group were lower than those in the negative control group (all P<0.05). Neutrophil and platelet counts in the NMN intervention group were higher than those in the simple benzene exposure group (all P<0.05). The results of main effect analysis showed that the monocyte count of peripheral blood, systemic inflammatory index, systemic inflammatory response index, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio of mice in the benzene exposure group increased (all P<0.05), and the basophil count and lymphocyte/monocyte ratio decreased (all P<0.05), compared with the control group. Conclusion Oral NMN alleviates subacute benzene-induced decreases in peripheral neutrophil and platelet counts in mice. This protective effect may be related to the targeted intervention of NMN on mitochondrial energy metabolism disorder and oxidative damage induced by benzene exposure in male mice.

Objective:To compare bowel function 12 months after surgery between side-to-end anastomosis (SEA) and end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) groups of patients who had undergone rectal cancer resection.Methods:This single-center, prospective, open-label, phase III randomized controlled trial was approved by the Ethics Committee of Peking University People's Hospital (2018PHB040-01) and registered at ClinicalTrials. org (NCT03669237). Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) histologically confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma; (2) tumor located 0 to 12 cm from the anal verge; (3) age≥18 years; and (4) planned R0 resection with primary reconstruction. Exclusion criteria included: (1) emergency surgery; (2) cognitive impairment; (3) non-primary anastomosis; (4) history of left-sided colonic or anorectal surgery; and (5) preexisting chronic defecation dysfunction. Eligible rectal cancer patients scheduled for elective sphincter-preserving surgery at Peking University People's Hospital were prospectively enrolled between October 2018 and March 2021 and randomly assigned to either the EEA group or the SEA group via computer-generated numbers prior to entering the operating room. All patients underwent standard radical tumor resection. Bowel function was evaluated by the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) questionnaire. It consists of five single-choice questions and yields a total score ranging from 0 to 42. Defecation function is categorized into three levels: no LARS (0-20 points), minor LARS (21-29 points), and major LARS (30-42 points). The primary endpoint was the LARS score 12 months after surgery. Secondary endpoints included LARS scores from 1 to 11 months and during long-term follow-up(>12 months). The final follow-up was completed in July 2022. All randomized patients were included in the intention-to-treat set (ITTS). The full analysis set (FAS) was defined as ITTS patients with valid outcome data. All primary statistical analyses were performed in the FAS, and results were further compared in the per-protocol set (PPS) based on the actual treatment received.Results:A total of 323 patients underwent eligibility assessment, of whom 71 did not meet the inclusion criteria and 52 declined to participate. Ultimately, 200 patients were randomized. Median age was 64 years and 85 were women. The SEA and EEA groups comprised 102 and 98 patients, respectively. A total of 181 patients (90.5%) were included in the FAS, and 170 (85.0%) were included in the PPS. Among these, the 12-month LARS score was evaluated in 178 patients (98.3%) in the FAS and in 167 (98.2%) in the PPS. Median LARS score at 1–12 months were significantly lower in the SEA group in both the FAS dataset [12 months:8 (interquartile range [IQR], 0–22) vs. 14 (IQR, 8–29); Z=2.687, P=0.007] and the PPS dataset [12 months: 8 (IQR, 0–22) vs. 14 (IQR, 6–29); Z=2.543, P=0.011]. During long-term follow-up, the median LARS score was also significantly lower in the SEA group in the FAS dataset [2 (IQR, 0–4) vs. 11 (IQR, 2–23); Z=2.968, P=0.003] and the PPS dataset [2 (IQR, 0–14) vs. 11 (2, 27); Z=2.687, P=0.007]. Conclusion:Compared with the EEA group, bowel function was superior in the SEA group 1 year after surgery and during long-term follow-up.

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

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the disease burden of melanoma among middle-aged and elderly populations in China, and to predict the future trend. METHODS: Data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 were utilized to collect incidence and mortality rates of melanoma, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and corresponding age crude rates among the middle-aged and elderly population in China during 1990 and 2021. Additionally, the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was employed to assess the temporal trends. Age-period-cohort (APC) and Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) models were utilized to compute age, period, and cohort effects on incidence and mortality rates of melanoma, as well as to predict future trends up to 2035. RESULTS: During 1990-2021, the incidence rate of melanoma for males was higher than that for females among the middle-aged and elderly population in China, and the overall incidence rate increased annually with an EAPC of 2.13 (1.90-2.36), while the overall mortality rate and DALY rate showed a declining trend with an EAPC of －0.28 (－0.41-－0.15) and －0.54 (－0.68-－0.41), respectively. The results of the APC model analysis revealed that age effects on both incidence and mortality rates of melanoma in China's middle-aged and elderly population were significant, with both increasing with age. Period and cohort effects showed an upward trend for incidence rates but a downward trend for mortality rates. Moreover, the period and cohort effects for mortality rates were not significant among females. In the BAPC prediction model, the number of incidences of melanoma in middle-aged and elderly people in China would increase dramatically. By 2035, the number of incidence cases is expected to reach approximately 9600 (males) and 10 300 (females), corresponding to an incidence rate of 2.66/10⁵ and 2.67/10⁵, respectively. The number of deaths is projected to be about 2600 (males) and 3500 (females) by 2035, corresponding to a mortality rate of 0.72/10⁵ and 0.91/10⁵, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The disease burden of melanoma among the middle-aged and elderly population in China remains substantial and is expected to increase over the next decade.
Humans ; Melanoma/mortality* ; China/epidemiology* ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; Incidence ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Bayes Theorem ; Cost of Illness ; Skin Neoplasms/epidemiology*

Mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active moiety of both mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS), serves as a primary immunosuppressant for maintaining solid organ transplants. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) enhances treatment outcomes through tailored approaches. This study aimed to develop an evidence-based guideline for MPA TDM, facilitating its rational application in clinical settings. The guideline plan was drawn from the Institute of Medicine and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Using the Delphi method, clinical questions and outcome indicators were generated. Systematic reviews, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence quality evaluations, expert opinions, and patient values guided evidence-based suggestions for the guideline. External reviews further refined the recommendations. The guideline for the TDM of MPA (IPGRP-2020CN099) consists of four sections and 16 recommendations encompassing target populations, monitoring strategies, dosage regimens, and influencing factors. High-risk populations, timing of TDM, area under the curve (AUC) versus trough concentration (C₀), target concentration ranges, monitoring frequency, and analytical methods are addressed. Formulation-specific recommendations, initial dosage regimens, populations with unique considerations, pharmacokinetic-informed dosing, body weight factors, pharmacogenetics, and drug‍-‍drug interactions are covered. The evidence-based guideline offers a comprehensive recommendation for solid organ transplant recipients undergoing MPA therapy, promoting standardization of MPA TDM, and enhancing treatment efficacy and safety.
Mycophenolic Acid/administration & dosage* ; Drug Monitoring/methods* ; Humans ; Organ Transplantation ; Immunosuppressive Agents/administration & dosage* ; Delphi Technique