As new evidence emerges, treatment strategies toward the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B are evolving. In 2019, a panel of national hepatologists published a Consensus Statement on the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B. Currently, an international group of hepatologists has been assembled to evaluate research since the publication of the original consensus, and to collaboratively develop the updated statements. The 2.0 Consensus was aimed to update the original consensus with the latest available studies, and provide a comprehensive overview of the current relevant scientific literatures regarding functional cure of hepatitis B, with a particular focus on issues that are not yet fully clarified. These cover the definition of functional cure of hepatitis B, its mechanisms and barriers, the effective strategies and treatment roadmap to achieve this endpoint, in particular new surrogate biomarkers used to measure efficacy or to predict response, and the appropriate approach to pursuing a functional cure in special populations, the development of emerging antivirals and immunomodulators with potential for curing hepatitis B. The statements are primarily intended to offer international guidance for clinicians in their practice to enhance the functional cure rate of chronic hepatitis B.

As new evidence emerges, treatment strategies toward the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B are evolving. In 2019, a panel of national hepatologists published a Consensus Statement on the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B. Currently, an international group of hepatologists has been assembled to evaluate research since the publication of the original consensus, and to collaboratively develop the updated statements. The 2.0 Consensus was aimed to update the original consensus with the latest available studies, and provide a comprehensive overview of the current relevant scientific literatures regarding functional cure of hepatitis B, with a particular focus on issues that are not yet fully clarified. These cover the definition of functional cure of hepatitis B, its mechanisms and barriers, the effective strategies and treatment roadmap to achieve this endpoint, in particular new surrogate biomarkers used to measure efficacy or to predict response, and the appropriate approach to pursuing a functional cure in special populations, the development of emerging antivirals and immunomodulators with potential for curing hepatitis B. The statements are primarily intended to offer international guidance for clinicians in their practice to enhance the functional cure rate of chronic hepatitis B.

As new evidence emerges, treatment strategies toward the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B are evolving. In 2019, a panel of national hepatologists published a Consensus Statement on the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B. Currently, an international group of hepatologists has been assembled to evaluate research since the publication of the original consensus, and to collaboratively develop the updated statements. The 2.0 Consensus was aimed to update the original consensus with the latest available studies, and provide a comprehensive overview of the current relevant scientific literatures regarding functional cure of hepatitis B, with a particular focus on issues that are not yet fully clarified. These cover the definition of functional cure of hepatitis B, its mechanisms and barriers, the effective strategies and treatment roadmap to achieve this endpoint, in particular new surrogate biomarkers used to measure efficacy or to predict response, and the appropriate approach to pursuing a functional cure in special populations, the development of emerging antivirals and immunomodulators with potential for curing hepatitis B. The statements are primarily intended to offer international guidance for clinicians in their practice to enhance the functional cure rate of chronic hepatitis B.

ObjectiveTo analyze the incidence and trend of stroke in Beilun District, so as to provide evidence for identifying influencing factors and reducing stroke incidence. MethodsStroke cases from 2012 to 2023 were extracted from the Ningbo Chronic Disease Collaborative Management System. Population information of Beilun District during the same period was also collected. The annual incidence and trends of stroke were analyzed. ResultsFrom 2012 to 2023, the age-standardized incidence rate of stroke in Beilun District, Ningbo City was 317.68/100 000, showing an increasing trend with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of 2.267% (P=0.034). Among all subdistricts in Beilun District, two showed a downward trend in incidence, while the rest showed an upward trend. The crude incidence rate of stroke was significantly higher in males than that in females (P<0.001). The age-standardized incidence rate in males was 406.08/100 000, showing an increasing trend (AAPC=3.956%, P<0.001). The incidence of stroke also showed an increasing trend in the following age groups: 30‒<45 years (AAPC=6.340%, P=0.004), 45‒<60 years (AAPC=4.997%, P<0.001), and 60‒<75 years (AAPC=3.282%, P=0.042). Across all years, males had higher crude incidence rates in both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke than females (P<0.05). The age-standardized incidence rate of ischemic stroke showed a rising trend in both males and the general population (male AAPC=4.905%, P<0.001; overall population AAPC=3.065%, P=0.001). ConclusionThe age-standardized incidence of stroke in Beilun District is on the rise, with higher crude incidence rate in males than that in females. The onset age of stroke is gradually declining. The age-standardized incidence rate of male ischemic stroke shows a clear upward trend.

Objective:In chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with previous 96-week treatment with tenofovir amibufenamide (TMF) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), we investigated the efficacy of sequential TMF treatment from 96 to 144 weeks.Methods:Enrolled subjects who were previously assigned (2:1) to receive either 25 mg TMF or 300 mg TDF with matching placebo for 96 weeks received extended or switched TMF treatment for 48 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated based on virological, serological, biological parameters, and fibrosis staging. Statistical analysis was performed using the McNemar test, t-test, or Log-Rank test according to the data. Results:593 subjects from the initial TMF group and 287 subjects from the TDF group were included at week 144, with the proportions of HBV DNA<20 IU/ml at week 144 being 86.2% and 83.3%, respectively, and 78.1% and 73.8% in patients with baseline HBV DNA levels ≥8 log10 IU/ml. Resistance to tenofovir was not detected in both groups. For HBeAg loss and seroconversion rates, both groups showed a further increase from week 96 to 144 and the 3-year cumulative rates of HBeAg loss were about 35% in each group. However, HBsAg levels were less affected during 96 to 144 weeks. For patients switched from TDF to TMF, a substantial further increase in the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization rate was observed (11.4%), along with improved FIB-4 scores.Conclusion:After 144 weeks of TMF treatment, CHB patients achieved high rates of virological, serological, and biochemical responses, as well as improved liver fibrosis outcomes. Also, switching to TMF resulted in significant benefits in ALT normalization rates (NCT03903796).

Objective:In chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with previous 96-week treatment with tenofovir amibufenamide (TMF) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), we investigated the safety profile of sequential TMF treatment from 96 to 144 weeks.Methods:Enrolled subjects that previously assigned (2:1) to receive either 25 mg TMF or 300 mg TDF with matching placebo for 96 weeks received extending or switching TMF treatment for 48 weeks. Safety profiles of kidney, bone, metabolism, body weight, and others were evaluated.Results:666 subjects from the initial TMF group and 336 subjects from TDF group with at least one dose of assigned treatment were included at week 144. The overall safety profile was favorable in each group and generally similar between extended or switched TMF treatments from week 96 to 144. In subjects switching from TDF to TMF, the non-indexed estimated glomerular filtration rate (by non-indexed CKD-EPI formula) and creatinine clearance (by Cockcroft-Gault formula) were both increased, which were (2.31±8.33) ml/min and (4.24±13.94) ml/min, respectively. These changes were also higher than those in subjects with extending TMF treatment [(0.91±8.06) ml/min and (1.30±13.94) ml/min]. Meanwhile, switching to TMF also led to an increase of the bone mineral density (BMD) by 0.75% in hip and 1.41% in spine. On the other side, a slight change in TC/HDL ratio by 0.16 (IQR: 0.00, 0.43) and an increase in body mass index (BMI) by (0.54±0.98) kg/m 2 were oberved with patients switched to TMF, which were significantly higher than that in TMF group. Conclusion:CHB patients receiving 144 weeks of TMF treatment showed favorable safety profile. After switching to TMF, the bone and renal safety was significantly improved in TDF group, though experienceing change in metabolic parameters and weight gain (NCT03903796).

Objective:To investigate the clinical application of the free medial plantar artery perforator flap for soft tissue defect reconstruction of the weight-bearing surface of the heel.Methods:The clinical data of patients with soft tissue defects in the weight-bearing surface of the heel were analyzed retrospectively, which were reconstructed with the free medial plantar artery perforator flaps in the Second Hospital of Tangshan from April 2011 to November 2017. The medial plantar artery was anastomosed with the posterior tibial artery. The venae comitantes were anastomosed with the great saphenous vein. The cutaneous branch of the medial plantar nerve was also anastomosed with the saphenous nerve. The donor sites were covered with full-thickness skin grafting. The survival condition, sensory function, countour, stability, and donor site scars were observed during follow-up.Results:A total of 11 patients with soft tissue defects in the weight-bearing surface of the heel were enrolled. There were six males and five females aged 24-41 years (mean, 31.3 years). All flaps survived uneventfully. Patients were followed up 11-56 months (mean 18.5 months). The appearance and function recovery of the flaps were satisfactory with 6-13 mm two-point discrimination(2-PD). No ulcer occurred. All patients returned to a normal walk.Conclusions:It is a feasible way for one-staged reconstruction of the combined loss of Achilles tendon and soft tissue in the heel by using free anterolateral femoral artery perforator flap with fascia lata, which has the advantages of good functional recovery, less trauma, short curing course, the satisfactory contour, and protective sensation achievable.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of saphenous artery perforating branch flap in repairing anterior knee soft tissue defects with patella exposure.Methods:From July 2010 to September 2017, 12 patients whose patella exposed due to anterior soft tissue defects of knee were treated. The 12 cases included 8 males and 4 females, aged from 24 to 60 years (42.6 years on average). The causes of injury included car accident in 5 cases, rolling injury in 3 cases, burn and scald in 2 cases, and postoperative patella fracture in 2 cases. The areas of the wounds ranged from 6 cm × 5 cm to 8 cm × 7 cm. The wounds were repaired by saphenous artery perforating flaps with the area ranged from 7 cm × 6 cm to 9 cm × 8 cm, and the donor sites were repaired with free skin grafting.Results:All the 12 cases ended up with the wounds healed primarily and no postoperative complications. The 12 cases were followed up for 6 months to 24 months, with an average of 12 months. The color, texture and appearance of the flaps were good, the thickness of the flap were moderate, and the function of knee joint was recovered well. Skin flap sensation was graded according to the criteria of the British Medical Research Society: 2 cases for Grade S 3+, 6 cases for Grade S 3 and 4 cases for Grade S 2. Conclusions:Saphenous artery perforating flap is an effective method to repair anterior knee soft tissue defect and patella exposure.

Objective:To investigate the clinical application of the free medial plantar artery perforator flap for soft tissue defect reconstruction of the weight-bearing surface of the heel.Methods:The clinical data of patients with soft tissue defects in the weight-bearing surface of the heel were analyzed retrospectively, which were reconstructed with the free medial plantar artery perforator flaps in the Second Hospital of Tangshan from April 2011 to November 2017. The medial plantar artery was anastomosed with the posterior tibial artery. The venae comitantes were anastomosed with the great saphenous vein. The cutaneous branch of the medial plantar nerve was also anastomosed with the saphenous nerve. The donor sites were covered with full-thickness skin grafting. The survival condition, sensory function, countour, stability, and donor site scars were observed during follow-up.Results:A total of 11 patients with soft tissue defects in the weight-bearing surface of the heel were enrolled. There were six males and five females aged 24-41 years (mean, 31.3 years). All flaps survived uneventfully. Patients were followed up 11-56 months (mean 18.5 months). The appearance and function recovery of the flaps were satisfactory with 6-13 mm two-point discrimination(2-PD). No ulcer occurred. All patients returned to a normal walk.Conclusions:It is a feasible way for one-staged reconstruction of the combined loss of Achilles tendon and soft tissue in the heel by using free anterolateral femoral artery perforator flap with fascia lata, which has the advantages of good functional recovery, less trauma, short curing course, the satisfactory contour, and protective sensation achievable.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of saphenous artery perforating branch flap in repairing anterior knee soft tissue defects with patella exposure.Methods:From July 2010 to September 2017, 12 patients whose patella exposed due to anterior soft tissue defects of knee were treated. The 12 cases included 8 males and 4 females, aged from 24 to 60 years (42.6 years on average). The causes of injury included car accident in 5 cases, rolling injury in 3 cases, burn and scald in 2 cases, and postoperative patella fracture in 2 cases. The areas of the wounds ranged from 6 cm × 5 cm to 8 cm × 7 cm. The wounds were repaired by saphenous artery perforating flaps with the area ranged from 7 cm × 6 cm to 9 cm × 8 cm, and the donor sites were repaired with free skin grafting.Results:All the 12 cases ended up with the wounds healed primarily and no postoperative complications. The 12 cases were followed up for 6 months to 24 months, with an average of 12 months. The color, texture and appearance of the flaps were good, the thickness of the flap were moderate, and the function of knee joint was recovered well. Skin flap sensation was graded according to the criteria of the British Medical Research Society: 2 cases for Grade S 3+, 6 cases for Grade S 3 and 4 cases for Grade S 2. Conclusions:Saphenous artery perforating flap is an effective method to repair anterior knee soft tissue defect and patella exposure.