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.

In view of the few studies on the influence of Armillaria spp. infection on the content of the chemical components in different parts of Polyporus umbellatus sclerotia, this study determined the biomass of P. umbellatus sclerotia and the contents of ergosterol, polyporusterone A, polyporusterone B and polysaccharide in the separated cavity wall of the sclerotia and the uninfected part of the sclerotia in different harvesting years under the conditions of A. gallica and A. mellea infection respectively. According to the difference of content and dynamic changes of the polysaccharide and the steroid substances, the superior Armillaria sp. was screened to obtain the best harvest years of P. umbellatus. Using HPLC and UV-VIS spectrophotometry methods, the contents of ergosterol, polyporusterone A, polyporusterone B and polysaccharide in P. umbellatus sclerotia infected by the two Armillaria spp. in different years were determined. In addition, the differentially expressed genes related to P. umbellatus polysaccharide synthesis were screened according to the transcriptomic data of different parts of P. umbellatus after A. mellea infection. With the increase of years, the biomass of sclerotia infected by different Armillaria spp. had significant differences, and there were significant differences in the four components of sclerotia. The four components of the separated cavity wall of the sclerotia were significantly higher than those of the uninfected part. The best harvest time was the third year after cultivation. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the infection of Armillaria spp. could significantly promote polysaccharide synthesis, which provided a basis for polysaccharide content determination at the molecular level. The study clarified the influence of different Armillaria spp. infection on the accumulation of chemical components of P. umbellatus sclerotia, laying a foundation for exploring the symbiosis mechanism and provided a scientific clue for screening superior Armillaria sp. and guiding the artificial cultivation of P. umbellatus sclerotia.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of artificial liver support therapy with an Evanure-4A selective membrane plasma separator and its influence on platelet count in the treatment of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF)patients with different platelet counts.Methods A total of 302 patients with ACLF who were hospitalized in Department of Hepatology,Chengdu Public Health Clinical Medical Center,from January 2021 to May 2023,were enrolled,and according to the platelet count(PLT),they were divided into group A(25×109/L—50×109/L)with 101 patients,group B(51×109/L—80×109/L)with 98 patients,and group C(81×109/L—100×109/L)with 103 patients.In addition to medical treatment,all patients received different modes of artificial liver support therapy based on their conditions,including plasma perfusion combined with plasma exchange,double plasma molecular adsorption combined with plasma exchange,and bilirubin system adsorption combined with plasma exchange.The paired t-test was used for comparison of continuous data before and after treatment in each group;an analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups,and the SNK-q test was used for further comparison between two groups;the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between multiple groups.Results Of all 302 patients,268(88.74%)achieved varying degrees of improvement in clinical symptoms after artificial liver support therapy.After treatment,all three groups had varying degrees of reductions in alanine aminotransferase(t=14.755,21.614,and 15.965,all P＜0.001),aspartate aminotransferase(t=11.491,19.301,and 13.919,all P＜0.001),total bilirubin(t=19.182,17.486,and 21.75,all P＜0.001),and international normalized ratio(INR)(t=3.497,3.327,and 4.358,all P＜0.05).After artificial liver support therapy with an Evanure-4A selective membrane plasma separator,PLT in group A decreased from(37.73±6.27)×109/L before treatment to(36.59±7.96)×109/L after treatment,PLT in group B decreased from(66.97±7.64)×109/L before treatment to(62.59±7.37)×109/L after treatment,and PLT in group C decreased from(93.82±5.38)×109/L before treatment to(85.99±12.49)×109/L after treatment;groups B and C had significant reductions in PLT after treatment(t=12.993 and 8.240,both P＜0.001),but there was no significant difference in group A(P＞0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence rate of adverse reactions during artificial liver support therapy between the three groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion Artificial liver support therapy can improve liver function and INR in patients with ACLF.The use of Evaure-4A selective membrane plasma separator during artificial liver support therapy has little influence on platelets,and it is safe in the treatment of ACLF patients with a significantly lower level of platelets.

AIM To investigate the effects of different compatibility ratios and processing method on the content of rutin,isoquercetin,ferulic acid,quercetin,isotoosendanin,kaempferol,toosendanin,α-pinene,trans-anethole in the combination use of Toosendan Fructus and Foeniculi Fructus,and to explore the optimal compatibility ratio for its use.METHODS The analysis of HPLC-DAD was performed on a 30℃thermostatic ZORBAX SB C18 column(4.6 mm×250 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-0.1%phosphoric acid flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the use of DAD detector.SPSS 24.0 software was used to analyze the data differences.RESULTS Nine constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r≥0.999 1),whose average recoveries were 96.19%-103.13%with the RSDs of 1.86%-2.67%.Generally higher total content of nine constituents were detected in the combination use groups when Toosendan Fructus-Foeniculi Fructus were at ratios of 1 ∶ 1,1 ∶ 2,and 2 ∶ 1 than those single uses(P<0.05),and among which the 1 ∶ 1 ratio contributed the highest total content.After salt processing,decreased content of toosendanin and isotoosendanin,α-pinene and trans-anethole(P<0.05,P<0.01)),increased isoquercetin content(P<0.01),and no significant content changes of other ingredients were detected.CONCLUSION Through this method of high accuracy and good reproducibility,we learn that the combination use of Toosendan Fructus and Foeniculi Fructus promotes the dissolution of the nine constituents,and the maximum content is achieved at ratio of 1 ∶ 1.

Objective To observe the effects of Tianma Gouteng Decoction combined with magnesium sulfate and Labetalol on lowering blood pressure and improving hemorheology in patients with gestational hypertension.Methods Ninety patients with gestational hypertension of liver-yang hyperactivity type were randomly divided into the combination group and the control group,with 45 cases in each group.The control group was treated with magnesium sulfate combined with Labetalol,and the combination group was treated with Tianma Gouteng Decoction on the basis of treatment for the control group.The course of treatment lasted for 5 days.The changes of systolic blood pressure(SBP),diastolic blood pressure(DBP),urinary protein level,and hemorheological indicators of the two groups were observed before and after the treatment.Moreover,the adverse pregnancy outcomes,adverse reactions,and patients'satisfaction of the two groups were compared.Finally,the influencing factors of patients'adverse pregnancy outcomes were investigated by logistic regression analysis.Results(1)After treatment,the SBP,DBP and urinary protein level of patients in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease in the combination group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).(2)After treatment,the hemorheological indicators of plasma viscosity,whole blood viscosity and hematocrit of patients in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease in the combination group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(3)The total incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in the combination group was 11.11%(5/45),which was significantly lower and that in the control group(33.33%,15/45),the difference being statistically significant(P＜0.05).(4)The patients'satisfaction of the combination group was 97.78%(44/45),which was significantly higher than that of the control group(84.44%,38/45),and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(5)The total incidence of adverse reactions in the combination group was 13.33%(6/45)and that in the control group was 8.89%(4/45),but the intergroup comparison showed no significant difference between the two groups(P＞0.05).(6)Logistic regression analysis of influencing factors showed that no medication of Tianma Gouteng Decoction combined with Labetalol and magnesium sulfate,and poor antihypertensive effect were the independent risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with gestational hypertension(all OR＞1,P＜0.05).Conclusion Tianma Gouteng Decoction combined with magnesium sulfate and Labetalol in treating gestational hypertension exerts certain antihypertensive effect,and the therapy can effectively improve the hemorheological indicators and the adverse pregnancy outcomes,and enhance the patients'satisfaction.

cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) is an eukaryotic intranuclear protein widely expressed in a variety of organs, and its activation increases the transcriptional activity of downstream genes and promotes the expression of related genes. The neuronal function of CREB is related to many intracellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, survival, long-term synaptic potentials, neurogenesis and neuronal plasticity. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that CREB plays an important role in the stroke development and therefore, it may serve as a potential target for stroke therapy. Since some herbal medicines as well as their active ingredients regulate the CREB signaling, this article will summarize the role of CREB signaling pathway in stroke pathophysiology. The research progress of traditional Chinese medicine and its active ingredients modulating CREB activity will also be discussed, with the aim of providing the basis and reference for the future research and development of natural medicines against stroke.