Despite significant advances in the field of critical care medicine over the past three decades, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) remains the primary temporary mechanical circulatory support modality for patients with acute severe circulatory failure. With the accumulation of clinical experience and the increasing maturity of operational techniques in V-A ECMO, its technical management—particularly hemodynamic management—has become a key factor influencing patient outcomes. To further improve patient survival, the Chinese Critical Care Ultrasound Study Group, in collaboration with the Hemodynamic Therapy of Critical Care Collaborative Group and the Critical Care Medicine Branch of the China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care, organized experts in critical care medicine to develop the Consensus on Hemodynamic Management in Adult Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (2026 Edition). Based on years of clinical experience and the latest evidence-based medical evidence, this consensus formulates 15 systematic recommendations covering the entire process of V-A ECMO, including initiation, management during support, and weaning, aiming to promote standardized application of hemodynamic management in V-A ECMO.

Objective:To investigate the clinical significance of monitoring SIL::TAL1 fusion transcripts in the evaluation of treatment response and prognosis of children with T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 46 newly diagnosed pediatric T-ALL with SIL::TAL1 fusion transcripts treated at Beijing Children′s Hospital Capital Medical University from November 2004 to December 2022. The SIL::TAL1 fusion transcripts were quantitatively detected at the initial diagnosis (TP0) and early stage of induction therapy (TP1), at the end of induction remission therapy (TP2), before consolidation therapy (TP3) and subsequent treatment. Patients were divided into negative and positive groups on SIL::TAL1 fusion transcripts level, differences of clinical features and survival among groups at TP0 to TP3 were analyzed. The χ2 test or Fisher exact test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the clinical difference. Survival analysis was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method with Log-Rank testing. Multivariate analysis was conducted by Cox proportional hazards models. Results:Among the 46 children with SIL::TAL1 fusion transcripts, 36 were males and 10 were females, with the onset age of 6.8 (3.4, 9.5) years. The negative rates of SIL::TAL1 fusion transcripts for TP1,TP2, TP3, before delayed intensification Ⅰ treatment (TP4), before maintenance therapy (TP5) were 36% (13/36), 78% (32/41), 76% (32/42), 15/16, and 12/12, respectively. No significant difference was found on clinical features and prednisone response between groups at TP0-TP3 (all P>0.05). The 5-year events free survival (EFS) rate of patients classified as negative (32 cases) and positive (9 cases) groups at TP2 was (78±8)% and (33±16)%, respectively ( χ2=9.86, P=0.002), the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was (81±7)% and (44±17)%, respectively ( χ2=6.40, P=0.011). The 5-year EFS rate of patients classified as negative (32 cases) and positive (10 cases) groups at TP3 was (78±8)% and (30±15)%, respectively ( χ2=13.04, P<0.001) and the 5-year OS rate was (84±6)% and (30±15)%, respectively ( χ2=15.95, P<0.001). Cox multivariate regression showed that positive of SIL::TAL1 transcript at TP3 was adverse independent prognostic factors for EFS and OS (EFS: HR=6.70, 95% CI 2.01-22.35, P=0.002; OS: HR=10.73, 95% CI 2.50-46.09, P=0.001). Conclusions:Monitoring SIL::TAL1 fusion transcripts can reflect the clinical treatment response. The level of SIL::TAL1 fusion transcripts at early period can predict long-term outcomes of these patients.

Turning to critical illness is a common stage of various diseases and injuries before death. Patients usually have complex health conditions, while the treatment process involves a wide range of content, along with high requirements for doctor′s professionalism and multi-specialty teamwork, as well as a great demand for time-sensitive treatments. However, this is not matched with critical care professionals and the current state of medical care in China. Telemedicine, which shortens the distance of medical professionals and the gap of disease diagnosis and treatments in various regions through electronic information, can effectively solve the current problem. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a standardized, high-quality visualization telemedicine round system .Therefore, experts have been organized to search domestic and foreign literature on telemedicine round for critically ill patients and to form this consensus based on clinical experiences so as to further improve the level of critical care treatments in regions.

Objective:To investigate the anatomical characteristics of the atlantoaxial joint associated with nonuniform settlement of the C 2 lateral mass (C 2LM-NUS) and its correlation with atlantoaxial osteoarthritis. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical and imaging data of 522 hospitalized patients (288 males, 234 females; mean age 60.8±11.2 years; range 18-83 years) who underwent CT scans of the head/neck or cervical spine at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022. Multiplanar reconstruction of CT data was performed to measure the settlement of the C 2 lateral mass (C 2LMS). Patients with a difference in bilateral C 2LMS (d-C 2LMS) >1.4 mm were classified into the C 2LM-NUS group (137 cases; 71 males, 66 females; mean age 63.3±11.6 years), while the normal group included 385 patients (217 males, 168 females; mean age 59.9±11.0 years). Imaging parameters of the atlantoaxial joint were measured, including the C 1, 2 coronal inclination angle (C 1, 2 CI), atlanto-dental interval (ADI), lateral atlanto-dental interval (LADI), coronal deviation angle of the odontoid (Od-CDA), and C 1, 2 relative rotation angle (C 1, 2 RRA). Osteoarthritis prevalence was recorded. A normal C 0-C 3 finite element (FE) model was constructed using CT data from a 48-year-old female in the normal group. A C 2LM-NUS FE model was developed based on anatomical differences between the C 2LM-NUS and normal groups, and stress distribution on the C 2 lateral mass articular surface was analyzed under flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation torques. Results:The C 2LM-NUS group exhibited asymmetric atlantoaxial joint morphology, with bilateral differences in C 1, 2CI and LADI of 8.5°(5.8°, 11.3°) and 0.8(0.1, 1.4) mm, respectively, significantly greater than those in the normal group [1.7°(0.8°, 2.7°) and 0.2(0.1, 0.5) mm, P<0.05]. Od-CDA and C 1, 2RRA were 3.9°(2.0°, 5.4°) and 7.2°(5.0°, 10.0°) in the C 2LM-NUS group, exceeding the normal group's values [0°(0°, 1.0°) and 0°(0°, 5.5°), P<0.05]. The prevalence of C 2LM-NUS was 37.8% in the atlantoaxial osteoarthritis group, significantly higher than in the non-osteoarthritis group (22.8%, P<0.05). Significant differences were observed in age (68.3±9.4 vs. 58.6±10.8 years), sex distribution (50/69 vs. 238/165), and C 1, 2RRA [5.6°(0°, 8.2°) vs. 3.8°(0°, 6.2°)] between the osteoarthritis and non-osteoarthritis groups ( P<0.05). After adjusting for age, sex, and C 1, 2RRA, binary logistic regression identified C 2LM-NUS as an independent risk factor for atlantoaxial osteoarthritis [ OR=2.024, 95% CI (1.300, 3.150), P<0.001]. FE analysis demonstrated a reduced C 1, 2 range of motion in the C 2LM-NUS model, with elevated stress concentrations on the settled side lateral mass during simulated flexion-extension, lateral bending, and rotation. Conclusions:The study indicated that C 2LM-NUS is associated with asymmetric anatomical changes in the atlantoaxial joint, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis. Stress concentration on the C 2 lateral mass articular surface, caused by C 2LM-NUS, is a biomechanical contributor to this heightened risk.

The aim of this updated guideline is to provide comprehensive recommendations for the management of gout in patients with common comorbidities, such as chronic kidney disease(CKD), cardiovascular disease(CVD), diabetes, osteoarthritis(OA), and gastrointestinal disorders. This guideline was developed by a multidisciplinary expert panel consisting of specialists in endocrinology, rheumatology, nephrology, cardiology, gastroenterology, and methodology. The development process adhered to standard methodologies, including PICO(population, intervention, comparator, and outcomes) question deconstruction, systematic literature review, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation(GRADE) for evidence and recommendation evaluation, Delphi voting, and expert consensus. The guideline presents 26 evidence-based recommendations addressing 7 clinical questions for patients with hyperuricemia and gout in the context of comorbidities. Key recommendations include the maintenance of strict serum urate targets, particularly for patients with CKD stage≥3, chronic gouty arthritis, and OA, in order to prevent disease progression. In patients with CVD or diabetes, intra-articular triamcinolone is preferred over systemic glucocorticoids. Prioritized anti-inflammatory treatments for patients with CKD, gastrointestinal diseases and OA are recommended. The guideline also introduces emerging therapies, such as interleukin-1 inhibitors and selective urate transport inhibitors, as potential treatment options for refractory cases. The update offers a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to managing gout, particularly in individuals with associated comorbidities. Multidisciplinary collaboration and emerging new treatments and evidence ensure the optimization of the recommendations.

Objective:To investigate the plasma level of interleukin(IL)-37 and assess its regulatory effects on monocyte activity in type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM) patients.Methods:This prospective study included 57 T1DM patients and 21 healthy controls who were continuously enrolled from December 2022 to January 2024 at Xinxiang Central Hospital. Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated. IL-37 and soluble interleukin 1 receptor 8(IL-1R8) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Levels of IL-37 receptor subunits in monocytes were analyzed via flow cytometry. Purified monocytes were stimulated with recombinant IL-37 and co-cultured with a human pancreatic β-cell line to assess cytotoxicity, measured by target cell death and cytokine levels. Additionally, monocytes were co-cultured with autologous CD4 + T cells to evaluate antigen presentation by measuring interferon-γ(IFN-γ) and IL-17A secretion. Results:Plasma IL-37 level and IL-37 receptor subunit expression in monocytes were significantly lower in T1DM patients compared to controls(both P<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in soluble IL-1R8 levels between the groups( P=0.457). Monocytes from T1DM patients exhibited increased cytotoxicity, as indicated by higher target cell death and elevated levels of granzyme A, granzyme B, granzyme H, IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α( P<0.05). Additionally, monocyte-induced secretion of IFN-γ and IL-17A by CD4 + T cells was elevated in T1DM patients(all P<0.05). Stimulation of T1DM monocytes with recombinant IL-37 reduced target cell death and decreased granzyme B secretion compared to unstimulated monocytes(both P<0.05). However, IL-37 stimulation had no significant effect on other cytokine levels or monocyte-induced IFN-γ and IL-17A secretion( P>0.05). Conclusions:Monocytes exhibit enhanced cytotoxicity and antigen-presenting capacity in T1DM patients. IL-37 reduces monocyte cytotoxicity by inhibiting granzyme B secretion, but does not affect antigen presenting function in T1DM.

Objective To observe the value of ultrashort echo time(UTE)-MRI for evaluating pulmonary nodules.Methods Totally 58 patients with pulmonary nodules detected with CT were prospectively enrolled,and UTE-MRI was performed.Taken CT as the referent standard,the value of UTE-MRI for evaluating the diameter,composition,lung imaging reporting and data system(Lung-RADS)type and radiographic signs of pulmonary nodules was analyzed.Results CT detected 66 pulmonary nodules with a diameter of(11.60±5.20)mm in 58 patients,including 29 solid nodules,24 partially solid nodules and 13 ground-glass nodules.There were 14 Lung-RADS type 2,12 type 3,12 type 4A,11 type 4B and 17 type 4X lung nodules,among which 12 were found with lobulated sign,and 14 were found with spiculated sign.UTE-MRI detected 63 nodules with a diameter of(11.34±4.82)mm,including 25 solid nodules,28 partially solid nodules and 10 ground-glass nodules.There were 12 Lung-RADS type 2,12 type 3,12 type 4A,11 type 4B and 16 type 4X lung nodules.Among which 10 nodules were found with lobulated sign and 11 were found with spiculated sign.No significant difference of the measured diameters of lung nodules was found between UTE-MRI and CT(P=0.803),and the results of UTE-MRI and CT had good correlation and consistency(rs=0.953,ICC=0.946),which also had good consistency for assessing nodule composition and Lung-RADS type(Kappa=0.871,0.960).Meanwhile,no significant difference of the display rates of lobulated nor spiculated signs was noticed between UTE-MRI and CT(both P＞0.05).Conclusion UTE-MRI was helpful for evaluating pulmonary nodules,with efficacy comparable to CT.

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/Aims: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disease with severe inflammatory processes associated with numerous gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, we investigated the relationship between NAFLD and IBD and the possible risk factors associated with the diagnosis of IBD. Methods: This longitudinal nationwide cohort study investigated the risk of IBD in patients with NAFLD alone. General characteristics, comorbidities, and incidence of IBD were also compared. Results: Patients diagnosed with NAFLD had a significant risk of developing IBD compared to control individuals, who were associated with a 2.245-fold risk of the diagnosis of IBD and a 2.260- and 2.231-fold of increased diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, respectively (P< 0.001). The cumulative risk of IBD increased annually during the follow-up of patients with NAFLD (P< 0.001). Conclusions Our results emphasize that NAFLD significantly impacts its incidence in patients with NAFLD. If patients with NAFLD present with risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, these conditions should be properly treated with regular follow-ups. Furthermore, we believe that these causes may be associated with the second peak of IBD.