Hepatitis D virus （HDV）， as a defective virus， relies on the envelope protein of hepatitis B virus （HBV） to complete replication and transmission. Chronic hepatitis B （CHB） patients comorbid with HDV infection may experience significant acceleration of liver disease progression and a significantly higher risk of serious complications such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） compared with the patients with CHB alone， which poses a serious threat to the life and health of patients. At present， the coverage rate of HDV screening needs to be improved， and some patients with HBV/HDV co-infection have not been found in time. Therefore， strengthening the understanding of HDV among clinicians， expanding the scope of HDV screening， identifying patients with infection in a timely manner， and performing standardized antiviral therapy and long-term follow-up management are of great significance for improving the prognosis of patients， reducing disease burden， improving the quality of life of patients， and achieving the global goal of “eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030”.

The rapid emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants that evade immunity elicited by vaccination has posed a global challenge to the control of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Therefore, developing countermeasures that broadly protect against SARS-CoV-2 and related sarbecoviruses is essential. Herein, we have developed a lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated mRNA (mRNA-LNP) encoding the full-length Spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 (termed RG001), which confers complete protection in a non-human primate model. Intramuscular immunization of two doses of RG001 in Rhesus monkey elicited robust neutralizing antibodies and cellular response against SARS-CoV-2 variants, resulting in significantly protected SARS-CoV-2-infected animals from acute lung lesions and complete inhibition of viral replication in all animals immunized with low or high doses of RG001. More importantly, the third dose of RG001 vaccination elicited effective neutralizing antibodies against current epidemic XBB and JN.1 strains and similar cellular response against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants (BA.1, XBB.1.16, and JN.1) were observed in immunized mice. All these results together strongly support the great potential of RG001 in preventing the infection of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs).

Objective:This study aims to evaluate the quality and explore the preliminary clinical applications of a domestically developed hepatitis D virus nucleic acid quantification reagent (abbreviated as"domestic HDV RNA reagent").Methods:The sensitivity and accuracy of the reagent were evaluated in accordance with the WHO HDV RNA international standard, employing the Bio-Rad CFX Opus 96 real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR analysis system. Serial dilutions of pseudo-viruses or cell culture-derived virus were used to determine the linear range of the domestic HDV RNA reagent. Specificity was assessed using positive samples of HAV, HBV, HCV infection, and HEV national reference materials. Precision was evaluated with samples at both high and low concentrations. In a comparative analysis, 30 HDV IgG positive samples were tested using both the domestic HDV RNA reagent and the RoboGene HDV RNA kit based on the ABI 7500 FAST DX system. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to examine the correlation between the two reagents.Results:The domestic HDV RNA reagent demonstrated a high sensitivity of up to 6 IU/ml, consistent with that of the comparator reagent. The calibration curve for WHO HDV RNA standards had a slope of -3.286, with an amplification efficiency of 101.6%. The linear detection range spanned from 10 to 10 8 IU/ml for eight HDV genotypes. The domestic HDV RNA reagent exhibited exceptional specificity, without cross-reactivity observed with HAV, HBV, HCV, or HEV. Accuracy assessments at five concentration levels met the required standards, with intra-assay precision coefficient of variation ( CV) ranging from 1.20% to 4.20%, and inter-assay precision CV from 1.20% to 7.90%. The detection results for HDV IgG positive samples were highly correlated with the comparator reagent ( r=0.984, P<0.001), achieving a diagnostic accuracy of 100% compared to sequencing results. Conclusion:In this study, the domestic HDV RNA reagent possesses excellent specificity, accuracy, precision, and a broad linear range, attaining a sensitivity level on par with international reagents of the same type.

Objective:To explore the clinical features of fatty liver disease (FLD) from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD), so as to elucidate its clinical application value under three renames.Methods:Patients who were hospitalized in the Department of Hepatology, Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, from January 2020 to September 2023 and met the diagnosis of NAFLD, metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), or MASLD were selected as the research subjects. The clinical indicators differences among the three groups of patients were compared, mainly including general information (age, gender, body mass index, past history, etc.), serological indicators (liver and kidney function, blood lipids, blood sugar, coagulation function, etc.), non-invasive liver fibrosis indicators, fat attenuation parameters, etc. Measurement data were analyzed using ANOVA and the rank sum test, while count data were analyzed using the χ2 test. Results:NAFLD, MAFLD, and MASLD prevalence rates among 536 cases were 64.0%, 93.7%, and 100%, respectively. 318 cases (59.3%) met the three fatty liver names at the same time among them. Male population proportions in NAFLD, MAFLD, and MASLD were 30.9%, 55.8%, and 53.9%, respectively. The alcohol consumption history proportion was 0, 36.7%, and 36.0%, respectively. The smoking history proportion was 7.0%, 31.9%, and 30.6%, respectively. The body mass index was (27.66 ± 3.97), (28.33 ± 3.63), and (27.90 ± 3.89) kg/m 2, respectively. The γ-glutamyltransferase levels were 26.6 (18.0, 47.0) U/L, 31.0 (20.0, 53.0) U/L, and 30.8 (19.8, 30.8) U/L, respectively. The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were 1.07 (0.90, 1.23) mmol/L, 1.02 (0.86, 1.19) mmol/L, and 1.03 (0.87,1.21) mmol/L, respectively. Sequentially measured uric acid was (322.98 ± 84.51) μmol/L, (346.57 ± 89.49) μmol/L, and (344.89 ±89.67) μmol/L, respectively. Sequentially measured creatinine was 69.6 (62.9, 79.0) μmol/L, 73.0 (65.0, 83.5) μmol/L, and 73.0 (65.0, 83.0) μmol/L, respectively. The sequential analysis of obesity proportion was 74.3%, 81.7%, and 76.5%, respectively, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Compared with the NAFLD population, the MAFLD and MASLD populations were predominantly male, obese, and had a history of smoking and drinking. The levels of γ-glutamyltransferase, uric acid, and creatinine were slightly higher, while the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were lower. MASLD appeared in NAFLD and MAFLD on the basis of inheritance and progression, emphasizing once again the important role of metabolic factors in a fatty liver.

Autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP)is an immune-mediated,special type of chronic pancreatitis,which can involve multiple organs.The clinical manifestation of AIP is complex and varied,making the diagnosis and treatment challenging.With reference to the latest guidelines and studies from both domestic and international sources,this guideline comprises 20 recommendations regarding the diagnosis,treatment,follow-up,and prognosis of AIP.The aim of this guideline is to promote the care capability and improve the outcome of patients with AIP in China.

Objective To discuss the clinical diagnosis and treatment value of double-balloon enteroscopy for small intestinal bleeding diseases.Methods Retrospective collection of clinical data from 87 patients who underwent double-balloon enteroscopy for small bowel bleeding in Shantou Central Hospital from August 2019 to May 2023,and analysis of the diagnosis and treatment of small bowel bleeding causes by double-balloon enteroscopy.Results Totally 87 cases of small intestinal bleeding patients underwent a total of 117 double-balloon enteroscopy examinations,with 29 performed orally and 28 performed anally,and 30 cases simultaneously underwent both oral and anal bilateral enteroscopy examinations,with the depth of oral examination greater than that of anal examination,and the duration of oral examination shorter than that of anal examination.Among them,with a diagnostic rate of double-balloon enteroscopy at 83.91％and a pathological diagnostic accuracy rate at 83.78％.Small intestinal tumors were the main cause of small intestinal bleeding in this study,with gastrointestinal stromal tumors being the most common pathological type among small intestinal tumors.The frequency of occurrence for small intestinal tumors in individuals over 40 years old was higher than those under or equal to 40 years old group,showing statistical significance.Crohn's disease occurred more frequently in the ileum compared to jejunum,and its frequency was higher in individuals under or equal to 40 years old compared to those over 40 years old group,both differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).A total of cases of small intestinal bleeding patients successfully underwent endoscopic hemostasis via double-balloon enteroscopy without any complications such as gastrointestinal perforation or severe bleeding during surgery.Conclusion Double balloon enteroscopy has a high diagnostic value for small intestinal bleeding and can provide basis for clinical treatment.

The incidence of osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral fracture (OTLVF) in the elderly is gradually increasing. The kyphotic deformity caused by various factors has become an important characteristic of OTLVF and has received increasing attention. Its clinical manifestations include pain, delayed nerve damage, sagittal imbalance, etc. Currently, the definition and diagnosis of OTLVF with kyphotic deformity in the elderly are still unclear. Although there are many treatment options, they are controversial. Existing guidelines or consensuses pay little attention to this type of fracture with kyphotic deformity. To this end, the Lumbar Education Working Group of the Spine Branch of the Chinese Medicine Education Association and Editorial Committee of Chinese Journal of Trauma organized the experts in the relevant fields to jointly develop Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral fractures with kyphotic deformity in the elderly ( version 2024), based on evidence-based medical advancements and the principles of scientificity, practicality, and advanced nature, which provided 18 recommendations to standardize the clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection among patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in some regions of China. Methods Serum samples were collected from 3 131 patients with chronic HBV infection in 10 provinces, cities, and autonomous regions of China from March 2021 to June 2022, and anti-HDV IgG ELISA was used for the detection of all serum samples. Nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (nRT-PCR) was used to detect HDV RNA in anti-HDV IgG-positive samples, and the nRT-PCR amplification products of HDV RNA-positive samples were sequenced and analyzed to determine HDV genotype. The clinical features of anti-HDV IgG-positive patients were analyzed. The Mann-Whitney U rank sum test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test or the Fisher's exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. Results The positive rate of anti-HDV IgG in the 3 131 patients with chronic HBV infection was 0.70% (22/3 131), and that in the patients with chronic HBV infection in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Beijing, and Hunan Province was 1.81% (16/886), 0.88% (2/226), 0.28% (2/708), and 1.00% (2/200), respectively; the patients with chronic HBV infection in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region had a significantly higher positive rate of anti-HDV IgG than those in Beijing ( P =0.004), and there was no significant difference between the other regions ( P > 0.05). Clinical features of the patients with chronic HBV infection in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region showed that compared with the anti-HDV IgG-negative group, the anti-HDV IgG-positive group had a significantly higher proportion of patients with Mongol nationality ( P =0.001), abnormal alanine aminotransferase ( P =0.007), or antiviral treatment ( P =0.029), as well as a significantly lower median HBV DNA level ( P =0.030). A total of 19 HDV RNA-positive samples were identified, all of which had HDV genotype 1. Conclusion The prevalence rate of HDV varies greatly across different regions of China, with a higher prevalence rate of HDV in patients with chronic HBV infection from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. HDV genotype 1 is the predominant genotype in some provinces and cities of northern China.

Objective:To investigate the clinical diagnostic value of autotaxin(ATX) and its product lysophosphatidic acid(LPA) in patients with pancreatic cancer.Methods:Peripheral blood samples and related clinical data of 114 patients with pancreatic cancer (pancreatic cancer group) and 94 patients with benign pancreatic disease (benign pancreatic disease group) diagnosed in the Northern Theater General Hospital from January 2015 to May 2021 were collected, and peripheral blood of 120 healthy volunteers was used as control group. Patients′ gender, age, smoking history, history of alcohol consumption, family history of pancreatic cancer, tumor site and size, lymph node metastasis or not, peripheral nerve infiltration and the like were all recorded. Serum ATX, LPA and CA19-9 level was detected by ELISA. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) of ATX alone, LPA alone and(or) combined with CA19-9 for the clinical diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was plotted, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Maximal Youden index method was used to determine the cutoff, and the sensitivity and specificity were calculated.Results:There were 54(47.3%) patients with high sugar diet and 60(52.6%) patients with smoking in pancreatic cancer group, which were higher than 15(16.1%) and 11(11.7%) in benign pancreatic disease group, and 24(20%) and 26(21.7%) in control group ( n=120). The serum ATX, LPA and CA19-9 of early and advanced pancreatic cancer [294.9(262, 1 455)ng/ml, 15.75(8.3, 92)μg/ml and 131.1(23, 289)U/ml; 422(312, 1 620)ng/ml, 24.6(9.5, 97.3)μg/ml and 217.4(32, 970)U/ml] were all greatly increased, and all the differences were statistically significant (all P value<0.05). The AUC values of serum ATX for early and advanced pancreatic cancer were 0.71 (95% CI 0.52-0.87) and 0.92 (95% CI 0.81-0.98), respectively; the Youden index was 0.57, the cutoff was 286 ng/ml, and the sensitivity was 65.3% and 89.6%, respectively; the specificity was 80%. The AUC values of LPA were 0.75 (95% CI 0.67-0.91) and 0.95 (95% CI 0.89-0.99); the Youden index was 0.48, the cutoff was 10.7 μg/ml, and the sensitivity was 80.7% and 95.7%, respectively; the specificity was 69.4%. The AUC values of CA19-9 were 0.82 (95% CI 0.71-0.85) and 0.86 (95% CI 0.78-0.93); the Youden index was 0.47, the cutoff was 57 U/ml, and the sensitivity was 77.3% and 82.3%, respectively; the specificity was 75.0%. Compared to control group and benign pancreatic disease group, the predictive efficiency of serum ATX+ CA19-9 and CA19-9+ ATX+ LPA for the diagnosis of early pancreatic cancer was significantly higher than that of CA19-9 alone, and the difference was statistically significant (all P value<0.05), while the predictive efficiency of serum ATX+ CA19-9 and CA19-9+ ATX+ LPA for the diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cancer was not significantly different from that of CA19-9 alone. Conclusions:The combined detection of serum LPA, ATX and CA19-9 can improve the diagnostic efficiency of early pancreatic cancer.

Liver cirrhosis is a major global health burden worldwide due to its high risk of morbidity and mortality. Role of terlipressin for the management of liver cirrhosis-related complications has been recognized during recent years. This paper aims to develop evidence-based clinical practice guidance on the use of terlipressin for liver cirrhosis-related complications. Hepatobiliary Study Group of Chinese Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Committee of Chinese Research Hospital Association invited gastroenterologists, hepatologists, infectious disease specialists, surgeons, and clinical pharmacists to formulate the clinical practice guidance based on comprehensive literature review and experts' clinical experiences. Overall, 10 major statements regarding efficacy and safety of terlipressin in liver cirrhosis - related complications were proposed. Terlipressin can be beneficial for the management of cirrhotic patients with acute gastroesophageal variceal bleeding and hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). However, the evidence regarding the use of terlipressin in cirrhotic patients with ascites, post-paracentesis circulatory dysfunction and bacterial infections, as well as in those undergoing hepatic resection and liver transplantation remains insufficient. Terlipressin - related adverse events, mainly including gastrointestinal symptoms, electrolyte disturbance, and cardiovascular and respiratory adverse events, should be closely monitored. The current clinical practice guidance supports the use of terlipressin for gastroesophageal variceal bleeding and HRS in liver cirrhosis. High-quality studies are needed to further clarify its potential effects in other liver cirrhosis-related complications.