ObjectiveTo investigate whether visceral fat area （VFA） is an independent risk factor for significant liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD） based on clinical data， and to establish an effective diagnostic model. MethodsA total of 222 NAFLD patients who attended Department of Hepatology， Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine， from January 2021 to April 2025 were enrolled， and according to liver stiffness measurement （≥8 kPa or not）， they were divided into significant fibrosis group and non-significant fibrosis group. Propensity score matching （PSM） was performed at a ratio of 1∶1 to balance the baseline data between the two groups. The independent-samples t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups； the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. A Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation of VFA and other indicators with significant liver fibrosis； univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify whether VFA was an independent risk factor for significant liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients， and the receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve was plotted to assess the predictive performance of related indicators. ResultsA total of 45 patients with significant liver fibrosis and 177 patients without significant liver fibrosis were enrolled， and after PSM， 90 patients （45 pairs） were finally included in analysis. Compared with the non-significant fibrosis group， the significant fibrosis group had significantly higher levels of body mass index （BMI）， fasting blood glucose （FBG）， glycated hemoglobin （HbA1c）， uric acid （UA）， alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase （GGT）， controlled attenuation parameter （CAP）， and VFA， as well as a significantly higher proportion of patients with visceral fat obesity or three or more metabolic risk factors （all P<0.05）. VFA， BMI， AST， and HbA1c were strongly correlated with significant liver fibrosis （all r>0.5， all P <0.05）， and ALT， GGT， UA， FBG， and CAP were significantly positively correlated with significant liver fibrosis （r=0.3　—　0.5， all P<0.05）. VFA （odds ratio ［OR］=1.040， 95% confidence interval ［CI］： 1.018　—　1.062， P<0.05）， FBG （OR=2.372， 95%CI： 1.199　—　4.691， P<0.05）， and AST （OR=1.032， 95%CI： 1.003　—　1.058， P<0.05） were independent risk factors for significant liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients. The new diagnostic model based on VFA， FBG， and AST （with an area under the ROC curve ［AUC］ of 0.907） had a significantly better performance than aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index （AUC=0.834）， fibrosis-4 （AUC=0.660）， triglyceride-glucose index （AUC=0.656）， and NAFLD fibrosis score （AUC=0.768） in predicting significant liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients （all P<0.05）. ConclusionVFA is an independent risk factor for significant liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients， and the noninvasive diagnostic model based on VFA， FBG， and AST can effectively predict the onset of significant liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory impairment in clinical. Currently, there are no effective treatments for AD. In recent years, a variety of therapeutic approaches from different perspectives have been explored to treat AD. Although the drug therapies targeted at the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) had made a breakthrough in clinical trials, there were associated with adverse events. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of AD. Continuous neuroinflammatory was considered to be the third major pathological feature of AD, which could promote the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. At the same time, these toxic substances could accelerate the development of neuroinflammation, form a vicious cycle, and exacerbate disease progression. Reducing neuroinflammation could break the feedback loop pattern between neuroinflammation, Aβ plaque deposition and Tau tangles, which might be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating AD. Traditional Chinese herbs such as Polygonum multiflorum and Curcuma were utilized in the treatment of AD due to their ability to mitigate neuroinflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and indomethacin had been shown to reduce the level of inflammasomes in the body, and taking these drugs was associated with a low incidence of AD. Biosynthetic nanomaterials loaded with oxytocin were demonstrated to have the capability to anti-inflammatory and penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively, and they played an anti-inflammatory role via sustained-releasing oxytocin in the brain. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells could reduce neuroinflammation and inhibit the activation of microglia. The secretion of mesenchymal stem cells could not only improve neuroinflammation, but also exert a multi-target comprehensive therapeutic effect, making it potentially more suitable for the treatment of AD. Enhancing the level of TREM2 in microglial cells using gene editing technologies, or application of TREM2 antibodies such as Ab-T1, hT2AB could improve microglial cell function and reduce the level of neuroinflammation, which might be a potential treatment for AD. Probiotic therapy, fecal flora transplantation, antibiotic therapy, and dietary intervention could reshape the composition of the gut microbiota and alleviate neuroinflammation through the gut-brain axis. However, the drugs of sodium oligomannose remain controversial. Both exercise intervention and electromagnetic intervention had the potential to attenuate neuroinflammation, thereby delaying AD process. This article focuses on the role of drug therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, gut microbiota therapy, exercise intervention, and brain stimulation in improving neuroinflammation in recent years, aiming to provide a novel insight for the treatment of AD by intervening neuroinflammation in the future.

Objective To analyze and preliminarily verify key genes and pathways in the transcriptome of peripheral blood of lung adenocarcinoma patients with metastasis bone pain(MBP),and to explore its underlying mechanism.Methods Nine lung adenocarcinoma patients with bone metastasis treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from May 2020 to May 2021 were selected for retrospective analysis,including 4 patients with typical MBP clinical manifestations and visual analogue scale(VAS)≥4(MBP group)and 5 patients without suffering any pain(control group).Peripheral blood mRNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs),followed by functional pathways analysis and protein-protein interaction(PPI)network analysis.The most significant modules and hub genes were confirmed and visualized using Cytoscape software.The target miRNAs regulating these hub genes were predicted using Targetscan database,and long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)interacting with these miRNAs were also predicted using lncBase database.The relationships among lncRNA,miRNA and mRNA were visualized to construct a competing endogenous RNA(ceRNA)network through Cytoscape software,and the nodes of this network were verified using quantitative PCR(qPCR).Results A total of 1466 DEGs were identified,including 666 up-regulated genes and 800 down-regulated genes.Chemokine receptor 3(CXCR3),pro-opiomelanocortin(POMC),neuromedin U receptor 1(NMUR1),chemokine ligand 2(CCL2)and endocannabinoid receptor 1(CNR1)were identified as hub genes.The most significant enriched processes and pathways of DEGs included osteoclast differentiation,NOD like receptor signal transduction pathway,type Ⅰinterferon signal pathway,nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)signal pathway,apoptosis/autophagy pathway,chemokine signal pathway,interleukin(IL)-1β pathway.Two ceRNA networks were identified:MALAT1-hsa-miR-124-3p.2-CCL2 and NEAT1-hsa-miR-325-3p-CXCR3.qPCR results showed that the expression levels of CCL2,CXCR3,MALAT1,NEAT1 and hsa-miR-325 were higher in MBP group than these in control group(P<0.05).Conclusions CXCR3,POMC,NMUR1,CCL2 and CNR1 may serve as key genes in the occurrence of MBP and could be important regulatory targets for MBP.The development of MBP in lung adenocarcinoma may be associated with the dysregulation of the networks:MALAT1-hsa-miR-124-3p.2-CCL2 and NEAT1-hsa-miR-325-3p-CXCR3.

Objective This study aimed to investigate natural infection of rodents with Ehrlichia and Neoehrlichia at major Chinese land-border ports along the"Belt and Road".Methods In 2022,rodents were monitored in 10 ports in northern and southern China and identified based on diagnostic morphological characteristics.The 16S rRNA genes of Ehrlichia and Neoehrlichia were detected by PCR using universal primers from rodent samples and phylogenetic analysis was performed based on the sequences of the detected positive pathogens.Results A total of 356 rodents were sampled,including 2 orders,5 families,15 genera,and 20 species.Predominantly,73,61,56,and 58 were Meriones unguiculatus(20.51%),Rattus norvegicus(17.13%),Apodemus agrarius(15.73%),and Microtus gregalis(16.29%).Only one Microtus fortis from Suifenghe Port was infected with Ehrlichia sp.Moreover,12 rodents were infected with Neoehrlichia spp.(overall positivity rate:3.37%).Conclusions Natural infections with Ehrlichia spp.and Neoehrlichia spp.were demonstrated in rodents at important Chinese land-border ports.The positivity rate of Neoehrlichia spp.was high in some ports,indicating that surveillance for ticks and their prevention and control measures should be intensified in these regions.

Objective:To analyze the effects of Mulligan technique combined with isokinetic exercise training (IET) on isokinetic muscle strength and neuromuscular control ability in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted. A total of 49 patients with KOA who underwent IET at Honghui Hospital Affiliated to Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2021 to January 2022 were included in the control group. An additional 49 patients with KOA who received Mulligan technique and IET at the same hospital from June 2022 to June 2023 were included in the observation group. Both groups were treated for 8 successive weeks. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, Lysholm score, proprioception metrics [including average track error (ATE) and test time execution (TTE)], isokinetic muscle strength [peak torque (PT) and average power (AP) for flexors and extensors at 60°/s, 90°/s, and 120°/s)]were compared between the two groups before and after 4 and 8 weeks of intervention. Additionally, Visual Analog Scale score was compared between the two groups at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention.Results:There was no statistically significant difference in WOMAC score, Lysholm score, or PT and AP levels for flexor and extensor muscles at 60°/s, 120°/s, and 180°/s between the two groups before intervention (all P > 0.05). After 4 and 8 weeks of intervention, the levels of PT and AP for both flexors and extensors at 60°/s, 120°/s, and 180°/s, as well as the Lysholm scores, were significantly higher in the observation group compared with the control group [PT level: t = -0.10, -3.03, -3.85, -0.35, -3.62, -3.95, -0.27, -5.51, -6.52, -1.13, -2.74, -3.68, -0.09, -2.91, -5.79, -0.13, -4.66, -6.05; AP level: t = -0.23, -4.77, -6.15, 0.01, -3.10, -3.75, -0.13, -3.73, -3.44, 0.16, -2.09, -4.05, -0.17, -3.71, -3.51, -0.27, -3.26, -3.69; Lysholm score: t = -7.17, -6.44; all P < 0.05]. After 4 and 8 weeks of intervention, the WOMAC score, ATE, and TTE in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group [WOMAC score: t = 3.68, 0.64; ATE level: t = 3.88, 4.13; TTE level: t = 4.86, 4.60; all P < 0.05]. After 8 weeks of intervention, both groups had lower Visual Analog Scale scores compared with their scores before the intervention (U control group = -8.75, U observation group = -8.63), with the observation group showing significantly lower scores than the control group ( U = -5.95, P < 0.001). Conclusions:The Mulligan technique combined with IET can effectively alleviate knee joint pain in patients with KOA, promote the recovery of knee joint function, enhance proprioceptive recovery, and improve neuromuscular control abilities.

Objective To observe conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)manifestations of Ewing sarcoma(ES)in children.Methods Fifteen children with pathologically confirmed ES were retrospectively collected.Conventional ultrasound and CEUS characteristics of lesions were analyzed.Results Among 15 cases,ES of bone(ESB)was found in 7 cases,while extraskeletal ES(EES)was observed in the other 8 cases.Solitary tumor was noticed in 14 cases,with a median maximum diameter of 7.50 cm,while multiple abdominal masses were found in 1 case.The tumors had irregular shapes and poorly defined boundaries,with medium echogenicity in 7 cases,low echogenicity in 6 cases,while in other 2 cases present as cystic-solid lesions.CDFI showed sparse blood flow in 11 cases,abundant or slightly abundant blood flow in 2 and 1 case,respectively,while no obvious blood flow was observed in 1 case.Rapid high enhancement and rapid washout were found in all 7 cases underwent CEUS,while patchy no-enhancement areas were detected in 4 cases.Conclusion Conventional ultrasonic manifestations of ES had certain specificities,which demonstrated a rapid enhancement and rapid washout pattern during CEUS and may be accompanied by necrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the associations between eight serum per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and regional fat depots, we analyzed the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018 cycles. METHODS: Multiple linear regression models were developed to explore the associations between serum PFAS concentrations and six fat compositions along with a fat distribution score created by summing the concentrations of the six fat compositions. The associations between structurally grouped PFASs and fat distribution were assessed, and a prediction model was developed to estimate the ability of PFAS exposure to predict obesity risk. RESULTS: Among females aged 39-59 years, trunk fat mass was positively associated with perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Higher concentrations of PFOS, perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorodecanoate (PFDeA), perfluorononanoate (PFNA), and n-perfluorooctanoate (n-PFOA) were linked to greater visceral adipose tissue in this group. In men, exposure to total perfluoroalkane sulfonates (PFSAs) and long-chain PFSAs was associated with reductions in abdominal fat, while higher abdominal fat in women aged 39-59 years was associated with short-chain PFSAs. The prediction model demonstrated high accuracy, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9925 for predicting obesity risk. CONCLUSION PFAS exposure is associated with regional fat distribution, with varying effects based on age, sex, and PFAS structure. The findings highlight the potential role of PFAS exposure in influencing fat depots and obesity risk, with significant implications for public health. The prediction model provides a highly accurate tool for assessing obesity risk related to PFAS exposure.
Humans ; Fluorocarbons/blood* ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Environmental Pollutants/blood* ; Abdominal Fat ; Nutrition Surveys ; Alkanesulfonic Acids/blood* ; Obesity ; Environmental Exposure

OBJECTIVE: To investigate chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection's effect on gestational liver function, pregnancy and delivery complications, and neonatal development. METHODS: A total of 157 HCV antibody-positive (anti-HCV[+]) and HCV RNA(+) patients (Group C) and 121 anti-HCV(+) and HCV RNA(-) patients (Group B) were included as study participants, while 142 anti-HCV(-) and HCV RNA(-) patients (Group A) were the control group. Data on biochemical indices during pregnancy, pregnancy complications, delivery-related information, and neonatal complications were also collected. RESULTS: Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) rates in Group C during early, middle, and late pregnancy were 59.87%, 43.95%, and 42.04%, respectively-significantly higher than Groups B (26.45%, 15.70%, 10.74%) and A (23.94%, 19.01%, 6.34%) ( P < 0.05). Median ALT levels in Group C were significantly higher than in Groups A and B at all pregnancy stages ( P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in neonatal malformation rates across groups ( P > 0.05). However, neonatal jaundice incidence was significantly greater in Group C (75.16%) compared to Groups A (42.25%) and B (57.02%) ( χ ² = 33.552, P < 0.001). HCV RNA positivity during pregnancy was an independent risk factor for neonatal jaundice ( OR = 2.111, 95% CI 1.242-3.588, P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS Chronic HCV infection can affect the liver function of pregnant women, but does not increase the pregnancy or delivery complication risks. HCV RNA(+) is an independent risk factor for neonatal jaundice.
Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Adult ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Infant, Newborn ; Viremia/virology* ; Hepatitis C ; Hepacivirus/physiology* ; Hepatitis C, Chronic/virology* ; Young Adult ; Alanine Transaminase/blood*

OBJECTIVE: To identify the key features of facial and tongue images associated with anemia in female populations, establish anemia risk-screening models, and evaluate their performance. METHODS: A total of 533 female participants (anemic and healthy) were recruited from Shuguang Hospital. Facial and tongue images were collected using the TFDA-1 tongue and face diagnosis instrument. Color and texture features from various parts of facial and tongue images were extracted using Face Diagnosis Analysis System (FDAS) and Tongue Diagnosis Analysis System version 2.0 (TDAS v2.0). Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression was used for feature selection. Ten machine learning models and one deep learning model (ResNet50V2 + Conv1D) were developed and evaluated. RESULTS: Anemic women showed lower a-values, higher L- and b-values across all age groups. Texture features analysis showed that women aged 30-39 with anemia had higher angular second moment (ASM)and lower entropy (ENT) values in facial images, while those aged 40-49 had lower contrast (CON), ENT, and MEAN values in tongue images but higher ASM. Anemic women exhibited age-related trends similar to healthy women, with decreasing L-values and increasing a-, b-, and ASM-values. LASSO identified 19 key features from 62. Among classifiers, the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model achieved the best performance [area under the curve (AUC): 0.849, accuracy: 0.781]. The ResNet50V2 model achieved comparable results [AUC: 0.846, accuracy: 0.818]. CONCLUSION Differences in facial and tongue images suggest that color and texture features can serve as potential TCM phenotype and auxiliary diagnostic indicators for female anemia.
Humans ; Female ; Tongue/diagnostic imaging* ; Adult ; Anemia/diagnosis* ; Middle Aged ; Face/diagnostic imaging* ; Young Adult ; Machine Learning