Hepatic fibrosis refers to excessive accumulation and abnormal proliferation of fibrous connective tissue in the liver triggered by multiple pathogenic factors， and it may progress to liver cirrhosis， portal hypertension， and liver cancer. The pathological mechanisms of hepatic fibrosis involve hepatocyte injury， inflammatory cell infiltration with the release of inflammatory mediators， hepatic stellate cell activation， and extracellular matrix deposition. Recent studies have focused on mitochondrial dysfunction in disease progression， including the molecular pathways for hepatic fibrosis driven by metabolic disorders， energy deficiency， oxidative stress， mitochondrial dynamic imbalance， and autophagic dysfunction， all of which can induce liver injury. This article reviews the latest advances in hepatic fibrosis， in order to provide new therapeutic strategies for clinical management.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy， safety， and cost-effectiveness of posaconazole for the prevention of invasive fungal infections （IFIs）. METHODS PubMed， Embase， CNKI， Wanfang data and other Chinese and English databases were searched， as well as the official websites of related health technology assessment （HTA）. Systematic review （SR）/meta-analysis， pharmacoeconomic studies， and HTA reports of posaconazole for the prevention of IFIs were collected. The retrieval time limit was from the establishment of the database to November 1， 2025. After screening the literature， extracting the data， and evaluating the quality of the literature， the results of the included studies were descriptively analyzed. RESULTS A total of 45 studies were included， involving 17 SR/meta-analyses， 26 pharmacoeconomic studies， 1 SR/meta-analysis combined with a pharmacoeconomic study， and 1 HTA report. In terms of effectiveness， posaconazole was significantly superior to other antifungal drugs （eg.， fluconazole， itraconazole） in reducing the incidence of IFIs， the incidence of invasive aspergillosis， all-cause mortality， and IFI-related mortality （ P ＜0.05）. In terms of safety， posaconazole was significantly superior to other antifungal drugs in the incidence of total adverse reactions （ P ＜0.05）， but there was no significant difference in the incidence of serious adverse reactions， the incidence of gastrointestinal advers e reactions， drug-induced liver injury， and the withdrawal rate due to adverse drug reactions （ P ＞0.05）. In terms of cost-effectiveness， most studies have shown that posaconazole possesses more cost-effectiveness advantages. CONCLUSIONS Posaconazole demonstrates favorable efficacy， safety， and cost-effectiveness in preventing IFIs.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of cholesterol absorption inhibitors （ezetimibe and hybutimibe） combined with statins for the treatment of dyslipidemia. METHODS Randomized controlled trials （RCTs） about above-mentioned drug combination in patients with dyslipidemia were retrieved from CNKI，PubMed and other Chinese and English databases. The retrieval time limit was from the establishment of the database to October 2025. After screening the literature，extracting the data，and evaluating the quality of the literature，network meta-analysis was performed using R software. RESULTS A total of 36 RCTs were included. Results showed that in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C） and total cholesterol （TC）， ezetimibe+statins and hybutimibe+statins were significantly superior to statins+placebo and placebo alone （ P ＜0.05）. The top two interventions according to surface under the cumulative ranking curve （SUCRA） rankings were both ezetimibe+statins and hybutimibe+statins. In terms of triglyceride （TG） lowering， both hybutimibe+statins and ezetimibe+statins were significantly better than statins alone， statins+placebo and placebo alone （ P ＜0.05）， with hybutimibe+statins and ezetimibe+statins ranking top two by SUCRA. For apolipoprotein B （ApoB） reduction， ezetimibe+statins was significantly superior to statins alone and placebo alone （ P ＜0.05）， and the top two SUCRA rankings were ezetim ibe+statins and statins+placebo. In terms of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C） increase， placebo was significantly better than statins alone， hybutimibe+statins， statins+placebo， and ezetimibe+statins （ P ＜0.05）， and the top two SUCRA rankings were placebo alone and statins alone.There was no statistically significant difference in the overall incidence of adverse reactions among the interventions （ P ＞0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Ezetimibe combined with statins shows significant advantages in reducing LDL-C， TC and ApoB， while the hybutimibe combined with statins may have potential advantages in lowering TG； both combination regimens have good safety.

Objective: To explore the longitudinal associations between dietary macronutrients and lung function in schoolaged children, so as to provide the nutritional research evidence for promoting children s lung health. Methods: In November 2021, two primary schools located in Chengdu, Sichuan Province were selected from the Southwest China Childhood Nutrition and Growth (SCCNG) cohort by a stratified cluster random sampling method, enrolling a total of 1 112 school aged children aged 8 to 13 years. At baseline, the dietary and sociodemographic characteristics of the children were assessed. One year later, the forced vital capacity (FVC) of the children was measured and converted into Z scores (FVC- Z ), while the vital capacity index (VCI) was also calculated. Generalized linear regression analysis was employed to examine the associations between dietary macronutrients and lung function, considering interactions with gender and age, followed by stratified analysis. Results: After adjusting for confounding factors, the analysis results of the generalized linear regression model showed that the carbohydrate energy ratio was negatively correlated with FVC- Z ( β =-0.02) and VCI ( β =-0.16), while the fat energy ratio showed a positive correlation with FVC- Z ( β =0.03) and VCI ( β =0.23) ( P <0.05). The protein energy ratio was positively correlated with FVC- Z ( β =0.09) and VCI ( β =0.60) specifically in girls ( P <0.05). Additionally, there was an interaction effect of age on the associations between macronutrients and lung function ( P <0.01); in children aged 8-9 and 10-11, the carbohydrate energy supply ratio was negatively correlated with FVC- Z ( β =-0.04, -0.03) and VCI ( β =-0.29, -0.21), and fat energy supply ratio was positively correlated with FVC- Z ( β =0.07, 0.05) and VCI ( β =0.46, 0.32) ( P <0.05). Conclusions There are age and sex differences in the association of dietary macronutrients with lung function, with a low carbohydrate, high fat diet promoting lung function in children. Additionally, protein intake appears to have a positive influence on the lung function of girls. The early school age period may represent a critical window for dietary interventions aimed at promoting lung health.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs174575 and rs2845574 of the fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) gene and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: A total of 1 514 pregnant women who visited West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2021 were enrolled in this study. Among them, 583 were diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM group), and 931 had normal pregnancies (control group). The SNPs rs174575 and rs2845574 of the FADS2 gene were analyzed using Sanger DNA sequencing. Plasma levels of insulin (INS), apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) and apolipoprotein B (apoB) were measured using enzymatic methods, chemiluminescence and immunoturbidimetry. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University (Ethics No.: 2020-036). RESULTS: The main genotype at the rs174575 C/G and rs2845574 C/T loci were CC in both GDM and control groups. No significant difference was found between the GDM and control groups regarding the genotypic or allelic frequencies of rs174575 and rs2845574 sites (P > 0.05). Among the GDM group, individuals with the GG genotype at the rs174575 site had lower plasma HDL-C levels compared to those with the CC genotype (P < 0.05), and had higher atherogenic indices (AI) compared with the CC and CG genotype (P < 0.05; P < 0.05). Individuals with the TT genotype at the rs2845574 site had higher AI compared with the CT genotype (P < 0.05). Among the control group, individuals with the GG genotype had lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP) compared to those with the CC genotype (P < 0.05). Additional subgroup analysis demonstrated that the rs174575 polymorphism was associated with AI levels in obesity subgroup of GDM, TG levels in non-obese subgroup of control and DBP levels in the obese subgroup of control (P < 0.05; P < 0.05; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The FADS2 rs174575 and rs2845574 polymorphisms in GDM patients are associated wit HDL-C and AI levels, and the FADS2 rs174575 polymorphisms was also associated with DBP levels in normal pregnant women. The AI and DBP levels have a BMI-dependent effect.
Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Fatty Acid Desaturases/genetics* ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Adult ; Diabetes, Gestational/blood* ; Blood Pressure/genetics* ; Lipids/blood* ; Genotype ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease

The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents in China is rising at an alarming rate,with projections indicating that the national obesity rate will reach 15.1%by 2030.This trend not only affects physical development during childhood and adolescence but also has long-term implications for adult health outcomes.In response,the Chinese government has prioritized improving nutrition and preventing chronic diseases among children and adolescents.Facing this public health challenge,governments at all levels have implemented measures such as disseminating knowledge and skills for preventing overweight and obesity and improving sports facilities to foster a supportive environment conducive to the prevention of overweight and obesity.Schools contribute by improving food offerings and ensuring adequate time for physical activity when children attend school.Families play a critical role,with parents and caregivers guiding children toward healthy eating habits and monitoring their growth and weight.Children and adolescents are encouraged to adopt balanced diets,actively participate in physical exercise,and maintain psychological well-being to develop a positive and healthy mindset that supports their growth and long-term health.Despite these efforts,challenges persist,including unequal access to health resources and increasingly obesogenic environments.Future efforts should focus on utilizing digital technologies to develop precision intervention instruments and on formulating integrated strategies that engage society,schools,families,and individuals through policy guidance.Such comprehensive approaches aim to reduce the risks of obesity and its complications,enhance physical and mental health,and reduce healthcare and socioeconomic burdens.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with blade needle therapy for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: A total of 60 patients with KOA were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases each group. The control group received acupuncture at Neixiyan (EX-LE4)，Dubi (ST35), Yinlingquan (SP9), Liangqiu (ST34), Xuehai (SP10), Yanglingquan (GB34) and Zusanli (ST36) on the affected side, once every other day, 3 times a week. The observation group received blade needle therapy on the basis of the treatment in the control group, once every 3 days, 2 times a week. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. Before treatment, after 2, 4 weeks of treatment, and after 1 month of treatment completion (in follow-up), the scores of pain visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and Lequesne index were observed in the two groups, and the clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated. RESULTS: After 2, 4 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the pain VAS scores, Lequesne index scores, and pain, stiffness, function scores of WOMAC in both groups were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and the VAS scores, Lequesne index scores and pain, function scores of WOMAC in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The effective response rate in the observation group was 76.7% (23/30), while that in the control group was 70.0% (21/30), there was no statistically significant difference in the effective response rates between the two groups (P>0.05). No adverse reactions were observed in either group. CONCLUSION Acupuncture combined with blade needle therapy could alleviate pain and promote functional recovery in KOA patients, and achieve long-lasting improvements.
Humans ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Acupuncture Points ; Treatment Outcome ; Adult ; Needles ; Combined Modality Therapy

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2023.08.006.].

To evaluate the therapeutic effect of baicalein topical preparation on atopic dermatitis, we first constructed two atopic dermatitis-like mouse models induced by calcipotriol and 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene to assess their therapeutic effect with skin tissue staining and other experiments. It was found that topical preparation of baicalein could alleviate epidermal thickening of diseased skin tissues, repair damaged skin barrier proteins, and inhibit T helper 2 cells (Th2) infiltration and mast cell infiltration and activation in lesional sites. Cyberpharmacology was utilized to analyze whether baicalein could treat atopic dermatitis by interfering with multiple pathogenesis-associated pathways. Results indicated that baicalein reduced the mRNA levels of inflammatory factors and inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and STAT1 proteins in keratinocyte cells. Together, the topical preparation of baicalein may be effective in alleviating atopic dermatitis-like symptoms in mice by down-regulating the phosphorylation level of NF-κB in keratinocytes, thereby decreasing the expression of inflammatory factors in keratinocytes, which provides an idea and a theoretical basis for the topical preparation of baicalein for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis.

ObjectiveTo investigate the awareness and clinical practice of guidelines for the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B （2022 edition） among clinicians. MethodsFrom July 19 to December 31， 2024， a self-designed electronic questionnaire was distributed via the WeChat mini program to collect related data from 1 588 clinicians nationwide， including their awareness and practice based on 18 questions regarding testing and referral， diagnosis and treatment， and follow-up. ResultsAmong all respondents， only 350 clinicians correctly understood all the updated key points of antiviral indications and treatment for special populations in the 2022 edition of guidelines for the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B， with an overall awareness rate of 22.0%. Only 20% ‍—‍ ‍40% of the patients with positive HBV DNA and an age of >30 years receive antiviral therapy， while 80% ‍—‍ ‍100% of the patients with positive HBV DNA and a family history of hepatitis B cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma receive antiviral therapy. The median follow-up rates at 1 year， 3 years， and 5 years were 67.5% 57.5% and 47.5%，respectively， showing a trend of gradual reduction， which might be associated with the influencing factors such as insufficient time for follow-up management by clinicians， insufficient awareness of the disease among patients， and poor adherence to follow-up. ConclusionThere is a gap between the awareness and practice of guidelines for the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B （2022 edition） among clinicians. It is recommended to further strengthen training and focus on the whole process of “detection， diagnosis， treatment， and management” for patients with chronic hepatitis B in healthcare institutions， in order to promote the implementation of the guidelines.