In November 2024， the Expert Group on Alcohol-related Liver Disease released a position statement on metabolic dysfunction and alcohol-related liver disease （MetALD）. MetALD is a new subtype of steatotic liver disease and refers to MASLD patients with a relatively large amount of alcohol consumption. The position statement points out the importance of accurate evaluation of alcohol consumption and recommends to quantify alcohol consumption using standard methods and alcohol biomarkers， and a comprehensive diagnosis should be made based on metabolic risk factors. In addition， the position statement analyzes the influence of drinking pattern on the diagnosis of MetALD and recommends to consider long-term drinking history during typing. The position statement also discusses the complex association between drinking and the diseases including metabolic syndrome， hepatic steatosis， fibrosis， and type 2 diabetes mellitus， and it is pointed out that the hierarchical management of patients should be optimized based on liver histological models and noninvasive models. The position statement elaborates on the definition of MetALD， drinking assessment， the interaction between alcohol use and metabolic dysfunction， and the methods for comprehensive management of MetALD， in order to facilitate learning and provide guidance for clinicians and researchers in clinical practice.

Objective:To further improve the understanding of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), we retrospectively analyzed and summarized the clinical characteristics, treatment status, and survival status of patients with PNH in Zhejiang Province.Methods:This study included 289 patients with PNH who visited 20 hospitals in Zhejiang Province. Their clinical characteristics, comorbidity, laboratory test results, and medications were analyzed and summarized.Results:Among the 289 patients with PNH, 148 males and 141 females, with a median onset age of 45 (16-87) years and a peak onset age of 20-49 years (57.8% ). The median lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) level was 1 142 (604-1 925) U/L. Classified by type, 70.9% (166/234) were classical, 24.4% (57/234) were PNH/bone marrow failure (BMF), and 4.7% (11/234) were subclinical. The main clinical manifestations included fatigue or weakness (80.8%, 235/289), dizziness (73.4%, 212/289), darkened urine color (66.2%, 179/272), and jaundice (46.2%, 126/270). Common comorbidities were hemoglobinuria (58.7% ), renal dysfunction (17.6% ), and thrombosis (15.0% ). Moreover, 82.3% of the patients received glucocorticoid therapy, 70.9% required blood transfusion, 30.7% used immunosuppressive agents, 13.8% received anticoagulant therapy, and 6.3% received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The 10-year overall survival (OS) rate was 84.4% (95% CI 78.0% -91.3% ) . Conclusion:Patients with PNH are more common in young and middle-aged people, with a similar incidence rate between men and women. Common clinical manifestations include fatigue, hemoglobinuria, jaundice, renal dysfunction, and recurrent thrombosis. The 10-year OS of this group is similar to reports from other centers in China.

With further in-depth studies on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),new evidence,concepts,and methods continue to emerge.Chinese Society of Hepatology,Chinese Medical Association,comprehensively updated and revised the previous guidelines based on the latest research advances in fatty liver disease in China and globally and released Clinical practice guideline of prevention and treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated(non-alcoholic)fatty liver disease(2024 edition).This article introduces the updates in the new edition of the guideline from the aspects of related terms(metabolic associated fatty liver disease[MAFLD]),clinical typing and staging,diagnostic criteria,and natural history.The guideline particularly emphasizes the importance of screening,assessment,and noninvasive diagnosis of progressive liver fibrosis in disease management and proposes active multidisciplinary collaboration in the management of MAFLD.With the implementation and application of the new edition of the guideline,the standardization of screening,diagnosis,treatment and follow-up of MAFLD patients in China will be further improved to improve the prognosis of the majority of patients.

Objective To observe the effect of Shenghui Granule on EC and CA1 regions of scopolamine-induced dementia rats and explore its mechanism based on p38 MAPK signal pathway.Methods 40 SD rats were randomly divided into four groups(blank group,model group,Shenghui granule group,donepezil group),and were treated with scopolamine.Morris water maze and open field test were used to evaluate the cognition and anxiety behavior of rats.The nerve injury of EC and CA1 was observed by HE staining.The activity of neurons in EC and CA1 regions was observed by c-Fos immunofluorescence staining.Western blot was used to detect p38 MAPK pathway related proteins.Results The behavioral experiment found that Shenghui Granule could improve the cognitive impairment and anxiety-like behavior of AD model rats.The results of HE staining showed that Shenghui granules had protective effects on EC and CA1 regions.The results of c-Fos immunofluorescence staining showed that Shenghui granules could increase the activity of neurons in EC and CA1 regions.Western blot results showed that Shenghui Granule could down-regulate the expression of Bax,reduce the levels of phosphorylated p38 and Tau,and increase the expression of Bcl-2.Conclusion Shenghui granule has protective effect on EC and CA1 regions of AD model rats,and may play a therapeutic role through p38 MAPK signal pathway.

The intestinal mucus layer is a barrier that separates intestinal contents and epithelial cells, as well as acts as the "mucus layer-soil" for intestinal flora adhesion and colonization. Its structural and functional integrity is crucial to human health. Intestinal mucus is regulated by factors such as diet, living habits, hormones, neurotransmitters, cytokines, and intestinal flora. The mucus layer's thickness, viscosity, porosity, growth rate, and glycosylation status affect the structure of the gut flora colonized on it. The interaction between "mucus layer-soil" and "gut bacteria-seed" is an important factor leading to the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and wash microbial transplantation are efficient methods for managing NAFLD, but their long-term efficacy is poor. FMT is focused on achieving the goal of treating diseases by enhancing the "gut bacteria-seed". However, a lack of effective repair and management of the "mucus layer-soil" may be a reason why "seeds" cannot be well colonized and grow in the host gut, as the thinning and destruction of the "mucus layer-soil" is an early symptom of NAFLD. This review summarizes the existing correlation between intestinal mucus and gut microbiota, as well as the pathogenesis of NAFLD, and proposes a new perspective that "mucus layer-soil" restoration combined with "gut bacteria-seed" FMT may be one of the most effective future strategies for enhancing the long-term efficacy of NAFLD treatment.
Humans ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/therapy* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Probiotics ; Prebiotics ; Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ; Bacteria ; Liver/pathology*

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of icariin on the recombinant Ras homolog family member A （RhoA）/Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase （ROCK） signaling pathway in rats with Alzheimer's disease （AD）， and to explore the mechanism of icariin in ameliorating the neuronal and dendritic damage. MethodThe β-amyloid 1-42 （Aβ_1-42， 2.5 g·L^-1） was used to induce AD in rats via lateral ventricle injection， and the rats were divided into a model group， a low-dose icariin group （0.03 g·kg^-1）， a middle-dose icariin group （0.06 g·kg^-1）， a high-dose icariin group （0.09 g·kg^-1）， and a control group. The control group and the model group were given an equal volume of normal saline at a dose of 10 mL·kg^-1. The cognitive function of rats was assessed by the Morris water maze. The pathological morphology of the rat hippocampal CA1 area was observed by Nissl staining. Dendritic spine density and dendritic length in the CA1 region of the hippocampus were observed by Golgi-Cox staining. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin （IL）-1β， IL-6， RhoA， ROCK1， and ROCK2 in the hippocampus. Western blot assay was used to detect the protein expression levels of TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， RhoA， ROCK1， and ROCK2 in the hippocampus. ResultAs compared with the control group， the escape latency of the rats in the model group was increased （P<0.01）， while the number of crossing the platform and the dwelling time in the target quadrant were decreased （P<0.01）. As compared with the model group， the escape latency of the rats in the middle and high-dose icariin groups was decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while the number of crossing the platform and the dwelling time in the target quadrant were increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. As compared with the control group， the number of neurons， dendritic spine density， and dendritic length in the hippocampal CA1 area of the rats in the model group were decreased （P<0.01）. As compared with the model group， the number of neurons， dendritic spine density， and dendritic length in the hippocampus of the rats in the middle and high-dose icariin groups were increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. As compared with the control group， the mRNA and protein expression levels of TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， RhoA， ROCK1， and ROCK2 in the hippocampus of the rats in the model group were increased （P<0.01）. As compared with the model group， the mRNA and protein expression levels of TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， RhoA， ROCK1， and ROCK2 in the hippocampus of the rats in the middle and high-dose icariin groups were decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionIcariin improves cognitive function and neuronal and dendritic damage in AD by inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the safety and mid-term efficacy of robotic versus laparoscopic total mesorectal excision surgery in rectal cancer.Methods:A total of 240 patients were diagnosed with rectal cancer at the Anorectal Department of Gansu Provincial Hospital from Aug 2015 to Mar 2021, 112 patients underwent laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (L-TME group) and 128 patients did robotic-assisted total mesorectal excision (R-TME group).Results:Compared to the R-TME group, the L-TME group had higher conversion rate (5.4% vs. 0.8%, χ2=4.417, P=0.036), higher incidence of complications (32.1% vs. 17.2%, χ2=7.290, P=0.007), higher circumferential resection margin involvement (7.1% vs. 1.6%, χ2=4.658, P=0.031), lower 3-year DFS and OS(74.1% vs. 85.2%, χ2=4.962, P=0.026) and (81.3% vs. 91.4%, χ2=5.494, P=0.019), lower 3-year DFS and OS in AJCC stage Ⅲ(52.5% vs. 76.1%, χ2=5.799, P=0.016) and (65.0% vs. 84.8%, χ2=4.787, P=0.029). Conclusion:R-TME can achieve better oncological outcomes and is more beneficial for RC patients compared with L-TME, especially for those with stage Ⅲ rectal cancers.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disease characterized by decreased bone density and deterioration of bone microstructure, leading to an increased probability of fragility fractures. Once segmental bone defect occurs, it is easy to cause delayed union and nonunion. METHODS: The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave (ESW) and teriparatideloaded hydrogel (T-Gel) combined strategy on the cell activity and differentiation of osteoporosis derived bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (OP-BMSCs) in vitro and bone regeneration in osteoporotic segmental bone defects in vivo. RESULTS: In vitro, the strategy of combining ESW and T-Gel significantly enhanced OP-BMSCs proliferation, survival, migration, and osteogenic differentiation by up-regulating the alkaline phosphatase activity, mineralization, and expression of runt-related transcription factor-2, type I collagen, osteocalcin, and osteopontin. In the segmental bone defect models of osteoporotic rabbits, MicroCT evaluation and histological observation demonstrated this ESW-combined with T-Gel injection significantly induced bone healing by enhancing the osteogenic activity of the local microenvironment in osteoporotic defects. CONCLUSION In conclusion, ESW-combined with T-Gel injection could regulate the poor osteogenic microenvironment in osteoporotic defects and show potential for enhancing fragility fractures healing.

Objective To compare effectiveness and short-term outcomes between robotic-assisted and laparoscopic surgery for radical resection of rectal cancer.Methods A total of 410 patients diagnosed with rectal cancer,undergoing robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) for rectal cancer (215 cases) and conventional laparoscopic surgery(CLS) for rectal cancer (195) from Jan 2016 to Dec 2018 were included into the present study.Operative characteristics,postoperative complications and pathologic parameters were evaluated between RAS and CLS group.Results The RAS group had less intraoperative blood loss[(107 ± 46) ml vs.(147 ±35)ml,t =3.695,P＜0.05],longer operation time[(209 ±55)min vs.(195 ± 55)min,t=2.508,P＜0.05],earlier first flatus[(3.4 ± 1.4)d vs.(5.3 ± 1.6)d,t =-14.952,P＜ 0.05],and first liquid diet time [(4.3 ± 1.5) d vs.(6.2 ± 2.6) d,t =-9.109,P ＜ 0.05],more number of dissected lymph nodes[(12.6 ± 4.3) vs.(10.6 ± 4.5),t =4.468,P ＜ 0.05] compared with those in the CLS group.But more expensive total hospitalization costs[(71 775 ±45 089) yuan vs.(66 789 ± 16 721) yuan,t =4.224,P ＜ 0.05].Conclusion Compared with laparoscopic surgery,robotic-assisted surgery has less blood loss,shorter time of first flatus,more lymph nodes yield.

Objective:To explore the quality of life of patients with advanced lung cancer and its influencing factors.Methods:A total of 220 patients with advanced lung cancer in Shanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital from June 2017 to June 2019 were selected. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 (QLQ-C30) and Quality and Life Questionnaire of Lung Cancer (QLQ-LC13) were used to evaluate the quality of life of patients. Combined with the clinicopathological data of the patients, multiple linear regression method was used to analyze the factors affecting the quality of life of patients with advanced lung cancer.Results:A total of 220 questionnaires were issued, and 184 (83.6%) valid questionnaires were returned. There were 102 cases (55.4%) of male and 82 cases (44.6%) of female. Among the 5 functional areas of QLQ-C30, the score of social function was low [(60.2±11.8) points], and the score of cognitive function was high [(78.5±13.4) points]; among the 3 symptom areas, the score of pain was high [(36.8±10.3) points]; among the 6 single items, the lack of appetite was more serious [(58.5±10.5) points]. Among the 10 symptom areas of QLQ-LC13, shortness of breath and cough were more prominent [(34.6±9.5) points and (33.6±6.8) points]. The quality of life of female patients, patients with older age, patients with fewer children, patients with more organ metastases, patients with other diseases and patients with chemotherapy was poor (all P < 0.05), while there was no correlation between smoking status, occupation and education level and the quality of life of advanced lung cancer patients (all P > 0.05). Conclusions:The quality of life of advanced lung cancer patients is closely related to gender, age, the number of children, the number of metastatic organs, with or without diseases and treatment methods. Targeted intervention measures are helpful to improve the quality of life of patients.