Background/Aims: Obesity is associated with several gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and has been identified as a potential risk factor for various GI symptoms. Bowel frequency is an important indicator of bowel function. However, the causal link between obesity and gastrointestinal motility remains uncertain. This study aims to determine the causal effect of overall and central obesity on stool frequency. Methods: Four obesity-related anthropometric indicators–body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference (WC), and waist-tohip ratio (WHR)–were investigated. Individual-level baseline information from the UK Biobank was used to explore observational associations between obesity and stool frequency. Additionally, summary-level data from published genome-wide association studies were subjected to two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine causal associations. Results: For all 4 indicators of obesity, higher levels of obesity were associated with more frequent bowel movements after adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary factors. After rigorous screening, 482 body mass index single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 7 body fat percentage SNPs, 48 WC SNPs, and 287 WHR SNPs were identified as instrument variables for MR analysis. The MR results were generally consistent with observational findings, proving that the associations observed in the overall obesity indicators were causal. For central obesity, the association between WHR and stool frequency remained consistent in both analysis phases, whereas WC showed a multidirectional association. Conclusions Obesity-related anthropometric indicators were causally associated with increased stool frequency in the overall and central obesity groups. Weight loss could be a potential approach to improve gastrointestinal regularity in individuals with obesity.

Background/Aims: Obesity is associated with several gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and has been identified as a potential risk factor for various GI symptoms. Bowel frequency is an important indicator of bowel function. However, the causal link between obesity and gastrointestinal motility remains uncertain. This study aims to determine the causal effect of overall and central obesity on stool frequency. Methods: Four obesity-related anthropometric indicators–body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference (WC), and waist-tohip ratio (WHR)–were investigated. Individual-level baseline information from the UK Biobank was used to explore observational associations between obesity and stool frequency. Additionally, summary-level data from published genome-wide association studies were subjected to two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine causal associations. Results: For all 4 indicators of obesity, higher levels of obesity were associated with more frequent bowel movements after adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary factors. After rigorous screening, 482 body mass index single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 7 body fat percentage SNPs, 48 WC SNPs, and 287 WHR SNPs were identified as instrument variables for MR analysis. The MR results were generally consistent with observational findings, proving that the associations observed in the overall obesity indicators were causal. For central obesity, the association between WHR and stool frequency remained consistent in both analysis phases, whereas WC showed a multidirectional association. Conclusions Obesity-related anthropometric indicators were causally associated with increased stool frequency in the overall and central obesity groups. Weight loss could be a potential approach to improve gastrointestinal regularity in individuals with obesity.

Background/Aims: Obesity is associated with several gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and has been identified as a potential risk factor for various GI symptoms. Bowel frequency is an important indicator of bowel function. However, the causal link between obesity and gastrointestinal motility remains uncertain. This study aims to determine the causal effect of overall and central obesity on stool frequency. Methods: Four obesity-related anthropometric indicators–body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference (WC), and waist-tohip ratio (WHR)–were investigated. Individual-level baseline information from the UK Biobank was used to explore observational associations between obesity and stool frequency. Additionally, summary-level data from published genome-wide association studies were subjected to two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine causal associations. Results: For all 4 indicators of obesity, higher levels of obesity were associated with more frequent bowel movements after adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary factors. After rigorous screening, 482 body mass index single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 7 body fat percentage SNPs, 48 WC SNPs, and 287 WHR SNPs were identified as instrument variables for MR analysis. The MR results were generally consistent with observational findings, proving that the associations observed in the overall obesity indicators were causal. For central obesity, the association between WHR and stool frequency remained consistent in both analysis phases, whereas WC showed a multidirectional association. Conclusions Obesity-related anthropometric indicators were causally associated with increased stool frequency in the overall and central obesity groups. Weight loss could be a potential approach to improve gastrointestinal regularity in individuals with obesity.

With the continuous advancements in immunotherapy and targeted therapy, the treatment management and surgical resection assessment of locally advanced lung cancer have undergone significant changes. In October 2024, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) released the "STS expert consensus on the multidisciplinary management and resectability of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer", which provides the latest insights on the evaluation of resectability and multidisciplinary management of locally advanced lung cancer, neoadjuvant (including perioperative) therapy, and adjuvant therapy. This article aims to interpret this consensus, with the goal of introducing the latest perspectives of the STS consensus to thoracic surgeons and providing a reference for the rational implementation of surgical resection, multidisciplinary management, and standardized comprehensive treatment models for non-small cell lung cancer in China.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of electroacupuncture on the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1(ABCA1),ATP-binding cassette transporter G1(ABCG1),and class B type Ⅰ scavenger receptor(SR-B Ⅰ)genes and proteins in peritoneal macrophages of atherosclerotic rabbits.The study aimed to explore the mechanism underlying the treatment of atherosclerosis(AS)with electroacupuncture.Methods Twenty-six male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into the negative control group(n=7)and the modeling group(n=19)using a random number table method.The negative control group rabbits were fed a regular diet,while the modeling group was induced with a combination of high-fat feed and common carotid artery balloon injury surgery to create an AS model.After successful modeling,the rabbits in the modeling group were further divided into the model group,the electroacupuncture group,and the atorvastatin group,with 6 rabbits in each group.The rabbits in the electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture at"'Neiguan'(PC6)","'Zusanli'(ST36)",and"'Guanyuan'(ST25)"acupoints,using a density wave,a current of 1 mA,and a frequency of 4 Hz/20 Hz,once a day.The needle was retained for 20 minutes each time,and a total of 4 courses of treatment were conducted,with 6 days per course.The rabbits in the atorvastatin group were administered atorvastatin calcium tablet suspension(1 mg/kg)orally once a day,for 6 days per course,with a total of 4 courses.After the interventions,HE staining was performed to observe the morphological changes in the common carotid artery tissue of the rabbits.Peritoneal macrophages were collected from the rabbits,and the mRNA expression levels of ABCA1,ABCG1,and SR-B Ⅰ were measured using real-time fluorescence PCR.The protein expression levels of ABCA1,ABCG1,and SR-B Ⅰ were detected using Western blotting.Results The negative control group exhibited smooth intima of common carotid artery in rabbits,while the model group displayed damaged intima of common carotid artery,thickened artery walls,and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.The electroacupuncture group and atorvastatin group showed significant improvements in wall thickening and a reduction in plaque area.Compared with the negative control group,the mRNA and protein expressions of ABCA1,ABCG1,and SR-B Ⅰ in peritoneal macrophages of rabbits in the model group were reduced(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the electroacupuncture group and atorvastatin group exhibited increased mRNA and protein expressions of ABCA1,ABCG1,and SR-B Ⅰ in abdominal macrophages of rabbits(P＜0.01).Furthermore,the atorvastatin group demonstrated increased mRNA levels of ABCG1 and SR-B Ⅰ,as well as increased protein expressions of ABCA1,ABCG1,and SR-B Ⅰ in peritoneal macrophages of rabbits,in comparison to the electroacupuncture group(P＜0.01).Conclusion Electroacupuncture can enhance the expressions of ABCA1,ABCG1,and SR-B Ⅰ mRNA and protein in abdominal macrophages of AS rabbits,thereby promoting the process of cholesterol reverse transport.This may be one of the mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of AS.

Objective To explore the impact of digital upgrading of public hospitals on operational efficiency,and to provide theoretical and practical guidance for the application of digital technology in the medical field.Methods The digital transformation of H hospital were collected through semi-structured interviews and field observations,and the exploratory single case study method was used for analysis and discussion.Results Digital upgrading significantly improved the operational efficiency of public hospitals by promoting information flow,strengthening hospital gover-nance and optimizing human resource allocation.Hospital culture,organizational structure and information literacy af-fected the effect of digital upgrading.Conclusion Digital upgrading has played a positive role in improving the opera-tional efficiency of public hospitals.In order to maximize its benefits,hospitals can strengthen the top-level design of digital construction,strengthen the cultivation of compound talents,pay attention to data governance and infor-mation security,promote departmental coordination and promote the iterative upgrading of digital reform.

Objective To explore the impact of digital upgrading of public hospitals on operational efficiency,and to provide theoretical and practical guidance for the application of digital technology in the medical field.Methods The digital transformation of H hospital were collected through semi-structured interviews and field observations,and the exploratory single case study method was used for analysis and discussion.Results Digital upgrading significantly improved the operational efficiency of public hospitals by promoting information flow,strengthening hospital gover-nance and optimizing human resource allocation.Hospital culture,organizational structure and information literacy af-fected the effect of digital upgrading.Conclusion Digital upgrading has played a positive role in improving the opera-tional efficiency of public hospitals.In order to maximize its benefits,hospitals can strengthen the top-level design of digital construction,strengthen the cultivation of compound talents,pay attention to data governance and infor-mation security,promote departmental coordination and promote the iterative upgrading of digital reform.