Background/Aims: Treatment indications for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remain contentious, particularly for patients with mild alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation. We aimed to evaluate treatment effects in this patient population. Methods: This rollover study extended a placebo-controlled trial that enrolled non-cirrhotic patients with CHB and ALT levels below two times the upper limit of normal. Following 3 years of randomized intervention with either tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) or placebo, participants were rolled over to open-label TDF for 3 years. Liver biopsies were performed before and after the treatment to evaluate histopathological changes. Virological, biochemical, and serological outcomes were also assessed (NCT02463019). Results: Of 146 enrolled patients (median age 47 years, 80.8% male), 123 completed the study with paired biopsies. Overall, the Ishak fibrosis score decreased in 74 (60.2%), remained unchanged in 32 (26.0%), and increased in 17 (13.8%) patients (p<0.0001). The Knodell necroinflammation score decreased in 58 (47.2%), remained unchanged in 29 (23.6%), and increased in 36 (29.3%) patients (p=0.0038). The proportion of patients with an Ishak score ≥ 3 significantly decreased from 26.8% (n=33) to 9.8% (n=12) (p=0.0002). Histological improvements were more pronounced in patients switching from placebo. Virological and biochemical outcomes also improved in placebo switchers and remained stable in patients who continued TDF. However, serum HBsAg levels did not change and no patient cleared HBsAg. Conclusions In CHB patients with minimally raised ALT, favorable histopathological, biochemical, and virological outcomes were observed following 3-year TDF treatment, for both treatment-naïve patients and those already on therapy.

Background: and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking. Methods: This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance. Results: Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal. Conclusions The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.

Purpose: This study assessed the performance of the ultrasound-guided attenuation parameter (UGAP) in diagnosing and grading hepatic steatosis in patients with metabolic dysfunctionassociated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) served as the reference standard. Methods: Patients with hepatic steatosis were enrolled in this prospective study and underwent UGAP measurements. MRI-PDFF values of ≥5%, ≥15%, and ≥25% were used as references for the diagnosis of steatosis grades ≥S1, ≥S2, and S3, respectively. Spearman correlation coefficients and area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were calculated. Results: Between July 2023 and June 2024, the study included 88 patients (median age, 40 years; interquartile range [IQR], 36 to 46 years), of whom 54.5% (48/88) were men and 45.5% (40/88) were women. Steatosis grades exhibited the following distribution: 22.7% (20/88) had S0, 50.0% (44/88) had S1, 21.6% (19/88) had S2, and 5.7% (5/88) had S3. The success rate for UGAP measurements was 100%. The median UGAP value was 0.74 dB/cm/MHz (IQR, 0.65 to 0.82 dB/ cm/MHz), and UGAP values were positively correlated with MRI-PDFF (r=0.77, P<0.001). The AUCs of UGAP for the diagnoses of ≥S1, ≥S2, and S3 steatosis were 0.91, 0.90, and 0.88, respectively. In the subgroup analysis, 98.4% (60/61) of patients had valid controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) values. UGAP measurements were positively correlated with CAP values (r=0.65, P<0.001). Conclusion Using MRI-PDFF as the reference standard, UGAP demonstrates good diagnostic performance in the detection and grading of hepatic steatosis in patients with MASLD.

Purpose: This study assessed the performance of the ultrasound-guided attenuation parameter (UGAP) in diagnosing and grading hepatic steatosis in patients with metabolic dysfunctionassociated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) served as the reference standard. Methods: Patients with hepatic steatosis were enrolled in this prospective study and underwent UGAP measurements. MRI-PDFF values of ≥5%, ≥15%, and ≥25% were used as references for the diagnosis of steatosis grades ≥S1, ≥S2, and S3, respectively. Spearman correlation coefficients and area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were calculated. Results: Between July 2023 and June 2024, the study included 88 patients (median age, 40 years; interquartile range [IQR], 36 to 46 years), of whom 54.5% (48/88) were men and 45.5% (40/88) were women. Steatosis grades exhibited the following distribution: 22.7% (20/88) had S0, 50.0% (44/88) had S1, 21.6% (19/88) had S2, and 5.7% (5/88) had S3. The success rate for UGAP measurements was 100%. The median UGAP value was 0.74 dB/cm/MHz (IQR, 0.65 to 0.82 dB/ cm/MHz), and UGAP values were positively correlated with MRI-PDFF (r=0.77, P<0.001). The AUCs of UGAP for the diagnoses of ≥S1, ≥S2, and S3 steatosis were 0.91, 0.90, and 0.88, respectively. In the subgroup analysis, 98.4% (60/61) of patients had valid controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) values. UGAP measurements were positively correlated with CAP values (r=0.65, P<0.001). Conclusion Using MRI-PDFF as the reference standard, UGAP demonstrates good diagnostic performance in the detection and grading of hepatic steatosis in patients with MASLD.

Purpose: This study assessed the performance of the ultrasound-guided attenuation parameter (UGAP) in diagnosing and grading hepatic steatosis in patients with metabolic dysfunctionassociated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) served as the reference standard. Methods: Patients with hepatic steatosis were enrolled in this prospective study and underwent UGAP measurements. MRI-PDFF values of ≥5%, ≥15%, and ≥25% were used as references for the diagnosis of steatosis grades ≥S1, ≥S2, and S3, respectively. Spearman correlation coefficients and area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were calculated. Results: Between July 2023 and June 2024, the study included 88 patients (median age, 40 years; interquartile range [IQR], 36 to 46 years), of whom 54.5% (48/88) were men and 45.5% (40/88) were women. Steatosis grades exhibited the following distribution: 22.7% (20/88) had S0, 50.0% (44/88) had S1, 21.6% (19/88) had S2, and 5.7% (5/88) had S3. The success rate for UGAP measurements was 100%. The median UGAP value was 0.74 dB/cm/MHz (IQR, 0.65 to 0.82 dB/ cm/MHz), and UGAP values were positively correlated with MRI-PDFF (r=0.77, P<0.001). The AUCs of UGAP for the diagnoses of ≥S1, ≥S2, and S3 steatosis were 0.91, 0.90, and 0.88, respectively. In the subgroup analysis, 98.4% (60/61) of patients had valid controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) values. UGAP measurements were positively correlated with CAP values (r=0.65, P<0.001). Conclusion Using MRI-PDFF as the reference standard, UGAP demonstrates good diagnostic performance in the detection and grading of hepatic steatosis in patients with MASLD.

Background: and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking. Methods: This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance. Results: Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal. Conclusions The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.

Background/Aims: Treatment indications for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remain contentious, particularly for patients with mild alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation. We aimed to evaluate treatment effects in this patient population. Methods: This rollover study extended a placebo-controlled trial that enrolled non-cirrhotic patients with CHB and ALT levels below two times the upper limit of normal. Following 3 years of randomized intervention with either tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) or placebo, participants were rolled over to open-label TDF for 3 years. Liver biopsies were performed before and after the treatment to evaluate histopathological changes. Virological, biochemical, and serological outcomes were also assessed (NCT02463019). Results: Of 146 enrolled patients (median age 47 years, 80.8% male), 123 completed the study with paired biopsies. Overall, the Ishak fibrosis score decreased in 74 (60.2%), remained unchanged in 32 (26.0%), and increased in 17 (13.8%) patients (p<0.0001). The Knodell necroinflammation score decreased in 58 (47.2%), remained unchanged in 29 (23.6%), and increased in 36 (29.3%) patients (p=0.0038). The proportion of patients with an Ishak score ≥ 3 significantly decreased from 26.8% (n=33) to 9.8% (n=12) (p=0.0002). Histological improvements were more pronounced in patients switching from placebo. Virological and biochemical outcomes also improved in placebo switchers and remained stable in patients who continued TDF. However, serum HBsAg levels did not change and no patient cleared HBsAg. Conclusions In CHB patients with minimally raised ALT, favorable histopathological, biochemical, and virological outcomes were observed following 3-year TDF treatment, for both treatment-naïve patients and those already on therapy.

Background: and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking. Methods: This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance. Results: Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal. Conclusions The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.

Objective:To explore the predictive value of platelet aggregation function for acute kidney injury (AKI) in sepsis patients based on decision curve.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to collect and analyze the clinical data of 120 sepsis patients admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University from January 2021 to December 2023. According to the incidence of AKI during hospitalization, they were divided into AKI group (37 cases) and non-AKI group (83 cases). The general data, platelet aggregation function index (platelet aggregation rate) and other laboratory indexes of the two groups were collected and compared. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between AKI and main indexes of platelet aggregation function in patients with sepsis. The area under the curve (AUC) was obtained by drawing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the predictive value of platelet aggregation function on AKI in patients with sepsis was analyzed. R language software was used to construct a nomogram model of platelet aggregation function combined with other main indicators to predict AKI in patients with sepsis. Based on the decision curve, the predictive efficacy of the model on AKI in patients with sepsis was analyzed.Results:The platelet aggregation rate in the AKI group was lower than that in the non-AKI group: (56.23 ± 7.86)% vs. (68.79 ± 8.54)%, and the thrombin time was longer than that in the non-AKI group: 17.00 (16.50, 18.00) s vs. 16.00 (15.00, 17.00) s. The levels of D-dimer, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin were higher than those in the non-AKI group: (1.55 ± 0.45) mg/L vs. (1.32 ± 0.41) mg/L, (107.53 ± 18.41) mg/L vs. (99.86 ± 17.25) mg/L, (3.10 ± 0.46) μg/L vs. (2.88 ± 0.42) μg/L, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The results of constructing a Logistic regression model showed that AKI in sepsis patients may be related to abnormal levels of platelet aggregation rate, thrombin time, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin ( P<0.05). The ROC curve was drawn to obtain the corresponding AUC: the AUC of platelet aggregation rate predicting sepsis complicated with AKI was 0.860 (95% CI 0.789 to 0.931), which had certain predictive value. When the platelet aggregation rate was set to 62.84%, the best predictive value can be obtained, with sensitivity, specificity, and Jorden index of 83.80%, 80.70%, and 0.645, respectively. The nomogram model of platelet aggregation function assisting other major indicators in predicting AKI in sepsis patients had a C-index of 0.904 (95% CI 0.851 to 0.957), indicating good discrimination of the model. Through decision curve analysis of the clinical net benefit of the model, the results showed that the clinical net benefit of the model was higher than that of platelet aggregation rate and other major indicators when applied alone. When the risk threshold was within the range of 0 to 0.81 and 0.97 to 1.00, the model could provide a significant increase in clinical net benefit rate. Conclusions:Platelet aggregation function (platelet aggregation rate) can serve as an early auxiliary predictive indicator for the risk of AKI in sepsis patients, and can assist other major indicators to improve the predictive value of AKI in sepsis patients.

Objective:To investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics, prognostic factors, and treatment outcomes of bladder adenocarcinoma.Methods:The data of 177 bladder adenocarcinoma patients treated at Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from January 2003 to December 2023, and 2 687 bladder adenocarcinoma patients from the SEER database (2000—2021) were reviewed retrospectively. The clinicopathological and prognostic characteristics were compared between the two cohorts. Patients with urachal adenocarcinoma or primary bladder adenocarcinoma were included, while metastatic bladder adenocarcinoma from other sites and urothelial carcinoma with glandular components were excluded. The Chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data, and propensity score matching (1∶1) was applied to match baseline data between the Renji and SEER cohorts. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated, and log-rank tests were used for comparisons. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed using the survival R package, with P-values calculated via Wald tests. Results:The proportion of localized bladder adenocarcinoma was significantly higher in the Renji cohort than in the SEER cohort [61.0% (108/177) vs. 19.4% (521/2 687), P<0.001], and mucinous adenocarcinoma was more common in Renji cohort [33.3% (59/177) vs. 22.6% (607/2 687), P<0.001]. After matching for baseline factors, including SEER stage and pathological grade, survival analysis revealed that the Renji cohort patients had slightly better survival compared to the SEER cohort [median survival: 55.4 (24.1, 196.2) months vs. 39.2 (13.6, 137.4)months, P=0.033]. Multivariate Cox analysis identified SEER stage [Renji cohort: HR=3.83 (95% CI 1.62-9.07), P=0.002; SEER cohort: HR=3.67 (95% CI 3.13-4.31), P<0.001] and pathological grade [Renji cohort: HR = 2.76 (95% CI 1.54-4.95), P=0.001; SEER cohort: HR=1.46 (95% CI 1.29-1.65), P<0.001] as independent prognostic factors. In the Renji cohort, no significant differences were observed in the median progression-free survival [40.1 (19.5, 91.6) months vs. 40.9 (12.8, not reached)months, P=0.976] and overall survival [79.3 (37.1, 195.8) months vs. 53.9 (16.4, 129.5)months, P=0.374] between patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy and those not receiving it. However, among patients with lymph node-positive bladder adenocarcinoma, adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved both progression-free survival [40.1 (38.2, 75.4) months vs. 12.2 (3.1, 12.2)months, P=0.004] and overall survival [68.2 (46.2, 84.5)months vs. 28.1 (4.3, 28.3)months, P=0.006]. Conclusions:Bladder adenocarcinoma is rare and associated with poor prognosis. Compared to the SEER cohort, Renji cohort patients had more localized disease, with no significant differences in other features. SEER stage and pathological grade were independent prognostic factors in both cohorts. Lymph node-positive bladder adenocarcinoma patients in the Renji cohort benefited significantly from adjuvant chemotherapy.