OBJECTIVE To form an expert consensus on the clinical application of parenteral direct thrombin inhibitors （DTIs） in patients during the perioperative period. METHODS Led by Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital （the Affiliated Hospital of UESTC）， a multidisciplinary working group was established. Through literature review and the Delphi method， clinical questions related to the rational perioperative use of parenteral DTIs were identified. A structured design was adopted using the “Population-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome” framework； systematic searches were conducted in CNKI， Medline， Embase and other databases. Relevant evidence from randomized controlled trials and cohort studies was included and synthesized. Evidence quality was assessed using the Grades of Recommendations Assessment，Development and Evaluation （GRADE） approach， and recommendations were formulated through multiple rounds of Delphi surveys and expert consensus meetings. RESULTS &CONCLUSIONS Seven recommendations （each with an expert consensus rate exceeding 90%） on the use of parenteral DTIs in perioperative patients were developed. These recommendations specify drug selection， dosing ranges， key monitoring points， and safety management strategies for parenteral DTIs in various scenarios， including the perioperative period of ventricular assist device implantation， the perioperative period of cardiac surgery， perioperative patients with lower-extremity atherosclerotic disease， the perioperative period of percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute coronary syndrome， the perioperative period of carotid artery stenting in patients with carotid stenosis， the perioperative period of patients with right heart thrombosis， and patients who develop related thrombosis and dysfunction after a central venous catheter insertion. In addition， warning and management pathways for perioperative bleeding and thrombotic events were proposed. This expert consensus， which is formulated based on the best available evidence， provides evidence-based guidance for standardized and individualized use of parenteral DTIs in perioperative period.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting approximately 32%-38% of the adult population and posing a growing public health burden. MASLD represents a continuous disease spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), progressive hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathological core of MASLD lies in disruption of hepatic lipid metabolic homeostasis, characterized by an imbalance among de novo lipogenesis, fatty acid β-oxidation, and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-mediated lipid export. This metabolic disequilibrium subsequently drives inflammatory injury and fibrotic progression. Among the multiple regulatory pathways involved, thyroid hormone (TH) signaling has emerged as a central regulator of hepatic metabolic homeostasis. The liver is a major peripheral target organ of TH action, where TH predominantly exerts its metabolic effects through thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ). Large-scale epidemiological studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated that hypothyroidism is significantly associated with increased MASLD prevalence, more severe histological injury, and advanced hepatic fibrosis, suggesting that dysregulation of TH signaling may participate throughout the entire MASLD disease spectrum. At the molecular level, TH regulates hepatic lipid metabolism by coordinating suppression of lipogenesis, enhancement of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, and promotion of VLDL assembly and secretion through integrated genomic actions of the T3-TRβ axis and non-genomic signaling pathways. Across different stages of MASLD, TH signaling exerts stage-dependent protective effects. In the steatosis stage, TH improves metabolic flexibility by modulating insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and lipid droplet clearance, thereby alleviating early lipotoxic stress. During progression to MASH, TH attenuates inflammatory amplification by improving mitochondrial homeostasis, suppressing activation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and modulating the gut-liver axis microenvironment. In advanced stages, TH signaling influences hepatic stellate cell activation and extracellular matrix deposition, partly through interaction with the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/SMAD pathway, while alterations in intrahepatic TH availability, mediated by dynamic changes in iodothyronine deiodinase 1 (DIO1), contribute to fibrosis progression and hepatocellular dedifferentiation. In hepatocellular carcinoma, coordinated downregulation of TRβ and DIO1 establishes a tumor-associated hypothyroid state that promotes metabolic reprogramming and tumor progression. The clinical relevance of TH signaling in MASLD has been underscored by the recent approval of Resmetirom, a liver-targeted TRβ‑selective agonist, for the treatment of non-cirrhotic MASH with moderate-to-severe fibrosis (F2-F3). This approval represents a landmark transition from mechanistic understanding to metabolism-centered precision therapy in MASLD. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Resmetirom not only improves key histological endpoints, including MASH resolution and fibrosis regression, but also favorably modulates atherogenic lipid profiles, highlighting the therapeutic potential of selectively targeting hepatic TH pathways. This review systematically summarizes the multidimensional regulatory roles of TH across the MASLD disease spectrum and discusses emerging diagnostic and therapeutic implications of TH-based interventions, aiming to inform future mechanistic research and optimize clinical management strategies.

Background: and Purpose In patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO), intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) frequently alters thrombus location; however, the clinical impact of this phenomenon remains unclear. We aimed to compare post-IVT thrombus dynamics between tenecteplase and alteplase and to evaluate the association between thrombus dynamics and 3-month outcomes. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed prospectively collected, multicenter data from consecutive patients with LVO who underwent bridging therapy between January 2022 and December 2024. Thrombus dynamics were classified as resolution, migration, or stability. Analyses incorporated propensity score matching with weighting to balance baseline characteristics. Results: Of the 806 initially included patients, 746 were included after matching (373 treated with tenecteplase and 373 treated with alteplase). The incidence of thrombus migration was significantly higher in the tenecteplase group than in the alteplase group (19.3% vs. 11.3%; odds ratio [OR]: 1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27–2.91). The advantage of tenecteplase over alteplase was restricted to patients with an IVT-to-puncture time of <60 minutes (18.6% vs. 6.2%; p=0.001) and was no longer significant when the interval ≥60 minutes (19.7% vs. 15.0%; p=0.204; pinteraction=0.043). Additionally, thrombus migration was associated with a better functional outcome (OR: 1.62; 95% CI 1.04–2.53). Finally, tenecteplase was associated with improved functional independence compared with alteplase (OR: 1.43; 95% CI 1.04–1.95). Conclusions Tenecteplase demonstrated superior efficacy in inducing thrombus migration compared with alteplase, particularly within 60 minutes of IVT administration. Thrombus migration independently predicted improved functional independence. These findings support the preferential use of tenecteplase for bridging therapy in patients with LVO.

AIM: To compare the differences in intraocular pressure and anterior segment biometric parameters among Tibetan populations permanent residing at different altitudes in Xizang autonomous region, and to explore the impact of high-altitude environments on ocular characteristics.

METHODS:This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Data were collected from Tibetan patients who visited the People's Hospital of Xizang Autonomous Region from September 2019 to October 2021. Participants were divided into two groups based on their permanent residence altitude: a higher altitude group(2 500-3 750 m)and a very high-altitude group(>3 750 m). The eye with better best corrected visual acuity was selected for each participant. Intraocular pressure, refractive error, and anterior segment biometric measurements \〖white-to-white corneal diameter(WTW), central corneal thickness(CCT), anterior chamber depth(ACD), lens thickness(LT), axial length(AL)\〗 were recorded and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS: A total of 43 Tibetan patients(43 eyes)were enrolled in this study, comprising 23 males and 20 females, with a mean age of 57.88±13.90 y. There were 19 patients(19 eyes)in the very high-altitude group and 24 patients(24 eyes)in the higher altitude group. The mean intraocular pressure in the very high-altitude group was 11.79±1.72 mmHg, which was significantly lower than 13.44±2.43 mmHg in the higher altitude group(P=0.019). CCT in the very high-altitude group was 482.70±23.76 μm, significantly thinner than 503.00±31.09 μm in the higher altitude group(P=0.012). AL in the very high-altitude group was 22.96±0.96 mm, significantly shorter than 23.64±1.10 mm in the higher altitude group(P=0.020). No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in WTW, ACD, LT, or refractive error(all P>0.05).

CONCLUSION:Among the Tibetan population in Xizang autonomous region, as the altitude of residence increases, intraocular pressure significantly decreases, CCT becomes thinner and AL shortens. These morphological changes suggest possible adaptive remodelling of the eye in very high-altitude environments, and a thinner cornea may be an important factor contributing to the lower measured intraocular pressure values.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations. Methods: This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits. Results: Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01). Conclusion Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations. Methods: This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits. Results: Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01). Conclusion Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.

Ventricular assist devices(VADs)have emerged as a pivotal therapeutic option for end-stage heart failure,undergoing significant technological advancements from pneumatic membrane pumps to continuous-flow centrifugal pumps.This review provides a detailed overview of several VAD models,including HeartMate Ⅲ,EVAHEART 2,and Heart Con.The initial generation of VADs established a foundation for subsequent developments,despite the occurrence of frequent complications.The second generation of VADs demonstrated a notable improvement in patient prognosis but carried the risk of ventricular collapse.The third generation of VADs represents a further reduction in size,incorporating magnetic levitation technology to enhance durability and blood compatibility.In the future,the development of VADs will focus on better emulating the physiological function of the native heart,improving pulsatility,and extending device longevity.As technology advances,VADs are expected to offer heart failure patients with a greater range of treatment options and a higher quality of life.

Objective Metabolomics combined with machine learning algorithms was used to systematically study the preoperative serum metabolites of patients with early postoperative cognitive dysfunction(POCD)after heart valve replacement,so as to screen biomarkers that may predict early POCD after heart valve replacement and explore the corresponding metabolic regulatory mechanisms.Methods A total of 60 patients underwent heart valve replacement under extracorporeal circulation were selected and divided into early-POCD group(group P)and non-POCD group(group N)according to whether POCD occurred or not.Metabolomic analysis was performed on preoperative serum samples of patients in group P and group N to screen the differential metabolites and metabolic pathways.The biomarkers related to early POCD were identified by random forest algorithm.Results A total of 532 differential metabolites were detected by metabonomics analysis,and 5 biomarkers were screened by random forest algorithm,namely quinoline,3'-sialyllactose,sphingomyelin(d18∶1/20∶0),lysophosphatidylcholine[P-18∶1(9Z)]and 25-hydroxycholesterol.Among them,the main metabolic pathways were phenylalanine metabolism,primary bile acid biosynthesis,ascorbic acid and aldonate metabolism,pentose and glucuronate interconversion,tryptophan metabolism,drug metabolism-cytochrome P450,porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism.Conclusion Many metabolic pathways in patients with early POCD after heart valve replacement under extracorporeal circulation have changed before operation,which may lead to the occurrence of early POCD.Quinoline,3'-sialyllactose,sphingomyelin(d18∶1/20∶0),lysophosphatidylcholine[P-18∶1(9Z)]and 25-hydroxycholesterol may be biomarkers for predicting early POCD.