Comparison between metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease:From nomenclature to clinical outcomes

As a result of the obesity epidemic,Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)and its complications have increased among millions of people.Consequently,a group of experts recommended changing the term NAFLD to an inclusive terminology more reflective of the underlying pathogenesis;metabolic-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD).This new term of MAFLD has its own disease epidemiology and clinical outcomes prompting efforts in studying its differences from NAFLD.This article discusses the rationale behind the nomenclature change,the main differences,and its clinical implications.

腰椎小关节疼痛介入治疗中美专家共识(2024)

慢性腰痛是一类严重影响患者生活质量的常见病症,其中由腰椎小关节紊乱导致的轴性腰痛(简称“腰椎小关节疼痛”)最为常见。介入治疗(诊断性阻滞和射频治疗)是腰椎小关节疼痛最有效且安全的治疗方法,但其临床安全性和技术细节目前仍缺乏明确的指导方针。为此,中美疼痛医学领域多位专家基于最新循证医学证据,共同制定了《腰椎小关节疼痛介入治疗中美专家共识(2024)》,旨在以患者为中心,以优化腰椎小关节疼痛介入治疗为目的,对患者选择、诊断性阻滞和标准射频技术的细节及注意事项及相关并发症提出专业建议,以期更好地指导临床实践。

脊髓电刺激管理慢性疼痛中美专家共识(2024)

脊髓电刺激(spinal cord stimulation,SCS)是一种新兴的神经调控疗法,近年来在慢性疼痛治疗中发挥了重要作用。为进一步规范、优化SCS在慢性疼痛管理中的应用,同时为疼痛科医生提供SCS治疗相关的最新循证医学证据与建议,2024中美SCS管理慢性疼痛共识工作组参考RIGHT指南制定方法,对SCS在慢性疼痛管理领域的文献进行系统回顾,并结合最新研究证据,在SCS适应证与禁忌证,患者选择、筛查及宣教,测试期与植入期注意事项,并发症及其处理方法等方面达成了一致意见,形成《脊髓电刺激管理慢性疼痛中美专家共识(2024)》。本共识根据美国预防服务工作组分级指南,给出了相应的净获益证据等级和推荐强度,为SCS在慢性疼痛治疗中的应用提供了最新依据。

Left bundle branch pacing vs biventricular pacing in heart failure patients with left bundle branch block:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Left bundle branch pacing(LBBP)is a novel pacing modality of cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT)that achieves more physiologic native ventricular activation than biventricular pacing(BiVP).AIM To explore the validity of electromechanical resynchronization,clinical and echocardiographic response of LBBP-CRT.METHODS Systematic review and Meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the standard guidelines as mentioned in detail in the methodology section.RESULTS In our analysis,the success rate of LBBP-CRT was determined to be 91.1%.LBBP CRT significantly shortened QRS duration,with significant improvement in echocardiographic parameters,including left ventricular ejection fraction,left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular end-systolic diameter in comparison with BiVP-CRT.CONCLUSION A significant reduction in New York Heart Association class and B-type natriuretic peptide levels was also observed in the LBBP-CRT group vs BiVP-CRT group.Lastly,the LBBP-CRT cohort had a reduced pacing threshold at follow-up as compared to BiVP-CRT.

Toward less invasive coloproctology: The future is out there

Medical care has undergone remarkable improvements over the past few decades.One of the most important innovative breakthroughs in modern medicine is the advent of minimally and less invasive treatments.The trend towards employing less invasive treatment has been vividly shown in the field of gastroenterology,particularly coloproctology.Parallel to foregut interventions,colorectal surgery has shifted towards a minimally invasive approach.Coloproctology,including both medical and surgical management of colorectal diseases,has undergone a remarkable paradigm shift.The treatment of both benign and malignant colorectal conditions has gradually transitioned towards more conservative and less inva-sive approaches.An interesting paradigm shift was the trend to avoid the need for radical resection of rectal cancer altogether in patients who showed complete response to neoadjuvant treatment.The trend of adopting less invasive appro-aches to treat various colorectal conditions does not seem to be stopping soon as further research on novel,more effective and safer methods is ongoing.

Comparison of fungal vs bacterial infections in the medical intensive liver unit:Cause or corollary for high mortality?

BACKGROUND Due to development of an immune-dysregulated phenotype,advanced liver disease in all forms predisposes patients to sepsis acquisition,including by opportunistic pathogens such as fungi.Little data exists on fungal infection within a medical intensive liver unit(MILU),particularly in relation to acute on chronic liver failure.AIM To investigate the impact of fungal infections among critically ill patients with advanced liver disease,and compare outcomes to those of patients with bacterial infections.METHODS From our prospective registry of MILU patients from 2018-2022,we included 27 patients with culture-positive fungal infections and 183 with bacterial infections.We compared outcomes between patients admitted to the MILU with fungal infections to bacterial counterparts.Data was extracted through chart review.RESULTS All fungal infections were due to Candida species,and were most frequently blood isolates.Mortality among patients with fungal infections was significantly worse relative to the bacterial cohort(93%vs 52%,P<0.001).The majority of the fungal cohort developed grade 2 or 3 acute on chronic liver failure(ACLF)(90%vs 64%,P=0.02).Patients in the fungal cohort had increased use of vasopressors(96%vs 70%,P=0.04),mechanical ventilation(96%vs 65%,P<0.001),and dialysis due to acute kidney injury(78%vs 52%,P=0.014).On MILU admission,the fungal cohort had significantly higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation(108 vs 91,P=0.003),Acute Physiology Score(86 vs 65,P=0.003),and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium scores(86 vs 65,P=0.041).There was no significant difference in the rate of central line use preceding culture(52%vs 40%,P=0.2).Patients with fungal infection had higher rate of transplant hold placement,and lower rates of transplant;however,differences did not achieve statistical significance.CONCLUSION Mortality was worse among patients with fungal infections,likely attributable to severe ACLF development.Prospective studies examining empiric antifungals in severe ACLF and associations between fungal infections and transplant outcomes are critical.

Multiple sclerosis is at a checkpoint: advancing the program

Multiple sclerosis(MS) is a chronic inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system(CNS). Patients with MS experience sensory and motor function loss due to myelin and/or axon damage perpetuated by infiltrating immune cells(Hauser and Cree, 2020).

Incidence and Survivability of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients in the United States: Analysis of SEER Data Set from 2000-2019

The main goal of this research is to assess the impact of race, age at diagnosis, sex, and phenotype on the incidence and survivability of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) among patients in the United States. By taking these factors into account, the study aims to explore how existing cancer registry data can aid in the early detection and effective treatment of ALL in patients. Our hypothesis was that statistically significant correlations exist between race, age at which patients were diagnosed, sex, and phenotype of the ALL patients, and their rate of incidence and survivability data were evaluated using SEER*Stat statistical software from National Cancer Institute. Analysis of the incidence data revealed that a higher prevalence of ALL was among the Caucasian population. The majority of ALL cases (59%) occurred in patients aged between 0 to 19 years at the time of diagnosis, and 56% of the affected individuals were male. The B-cell phenotype was predominantly associated with ALL cases (73%). When analyzing survivability data, it was observed that the 5-year survival rates slightly exceeded the 10-year survival rates for the respective demographics. Survivability rates of African Americans patients were the lowest compared to Caucasian, Asian, Pacific Islanders, Alaskan Native, Native Americans and others. Survivability rates progressively decreased for older patients. Moreover, this study investigated the typical treatment methods applied to ALL patients, mainly comprising chemotherapy, with occasional supplementation of radiation therapy as required. The study demonstrated the considerable efficacy of chemotherapy in enhancing patients’ chances of survival, while those who remained untreated faced a less favorable prognosis from the disease. Although a significant amount of data and information exists, this study can help doctors in the future by diagnosing patients with certain characteristics. It will further assist the health care professionals in screening potential patients and early detection of cases. This could also save the lives of elderly patients who have a higher mortality rate from this disease.

Dynamic ultrasonography for optimizing treatment position in superior mesenteric artery syndrome:Two case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND Superior mesenteric artery(SMA)syndrome is a rare cause of duodenal obstruction by extrinsic compression between the SMA and the aorta(SMA-Ao).Although the left lateral recumbent position is considered effective in the treatment of SMA syndrome,individual variations in the optimal patient position have been noted.In this report,we present two elderly cases of SMA syndrome that exhibited rapid recovery due to ultrasonographic dynamic evaluation of the optimal position for each patient.CASE SUMMARY Case 1:A 90-year-old man with nausea and vomiting.Following diagnosis of SMA syndrome by computed tomography(CT),ultrasonography(US)revealed the SMA-Ao distance in the supine position(4 mm),which slightly improved in the lateral position(5.7–7.0 mm)without the passage of duodenal contents.However,in the sitting position,the SMA-Ao distance was increased to 15 mm accompanied by improved content passage.Additionally,US indicated enhanced passage upon abdominal massage on the right side.By day 2,the patient could eat comfortably with the optimal position and massage.Case 2:An 87-year-old woman with vomiting.After the diagnosis of SMA syndrome and aspiration pneumonia by CT,dynamic US confirmed the optimal position(SMA-Ao distance was improved to 7 mm in forward-bent position,whereas it remained at 5 mm in the supine position).By day 7 when her pneumonia recovered,she could eat with the optimal position.CONCLUSION The optimal position for SMA syndrome varies among individuals.Dynamic US appears to be a valuable tool in improving patient outcomes.

Long-term outcomes of titanium-nitride-oxide coated stents and drug-eluting stents in acute coronary syndrome:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND In severe cases of coronary artery disease,percutaneous coronary intervention provide promising results.The stent used could be a drug-eluting stent(DES)or a titanium-nitride-oxide coated stent(TiNOS).AIM To compare the 5-year effectiveness and safety of the two stent types.METHODS The following systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines,and PubMed/MEDLINE,Scopus,and Cochrane Central were searched from inception till August 2023.Primary outcomes were major adverse cardiac events(MACE),cardiac death,myocardial infarction(MI),cardiac death or MI,and ischemia-driven total lesion revascularization(ID-TLR).RESULTS Four randomized controlled trials(RCT),which analyzed a sum total of 3045 patients with acute coronary syndrome(ACS)after a median follow-up time of 5 years were included.Though statistically insignificant,an increase in the ID-TLR was observed in patients receiving TiNOSs vs DESs.In addition,MI,cardiac death and MI,and definite stent thrombosis(DST)were significantly decreased in the TiNOS arm.Baseline analysis revealed no significant results with meta-regression presenting non-ST elevated MI(NSTEMI)as a statistically significant covariate in the outcome of MACE.CONCLUSION TiNOS was found to be superior to DES in terms of MI,cardiac death or MI,and DST outcomes,however,the effect of the two stent types on ID-TLR and MACE was not significant.A greater number of studies are required to establish an accurate comparison of patient outcomes in TiNOS and DES.

Impact of index admission cholecystectomy vs interval cholecystectomy on readmission rate in acute cholangitis: National Readmission Database survey

BACKGROUND Elective cholecystectomy(CCY)is recommended for patients with gallstone-related acute cholangitis(AC)following endoscopic decompression to prevent recurrent biliary events.However,the optimal timing and implications of CCY remain unclear.AIM To examine the impact of same-admission CCY compared to interval CCY on patients with gallstone-related AC using the National Readmission Database(NRD).METHODS We queried the NRD to identify all gallstone-related AC hospitalizations in adult patients with and without the same admission CCY between 2016 and 2020.Our primary outcome was all-cause 30-d readmission rates,and secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality,length of stay(LOS),and hospitalization cost.RESULTS Among the 124964 gallstone-related AC hospitalizations,only 14.67%underwent the same admission CCY.The all-cause 30-d readmissions in the same admission CCY group were almost half that of the non-CCY group(5.56%vs 11.50%).Patients in the same admission CCY group had a longer mean LOS and higher hospitalization costs attrib-utable to surgery.Although the most common reason for readmission was sepsis in both groups,the second most common reason was AC in the interval CCY group.CONCLUSION Our study suggests that patients with gallstone-related AC who do not undergo the same admission CCY have twice the risk of readmission compared to those who undergo CCY during the same admission.These readmis-sions can potentially be prevented by performing same-admission CCY in appropriate patients,which may reduce subsequent hospitalization costs secondary to readmissions.

Sperm DNA damage and its clinical relevance in assessingreproductive outcome

The routine examination of semen, which assesses sperm concentration, percentage motility and morphology, does not identify subtle defects in sperm chromatin architecture. The focus on the genomic integrity of the male gamete has intensified recently due to the growing concern that genetic diseases may be transmitted via assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Accordingly, the intent of this review is to describe the details of the information pertaining to mitochondrial/nuclear sperm DNA damage with an emphasis on its clinical significance and its relation ship with male infertility. Assessment of sperm DNA damage appears to be a potential tool for evaluating semen samples prior to their use in ART. Testing DNA integrity may help select spermatozoa with intact DNA or with the least amount of DNA damage for use in assisted conception. In turn, this may alleviate the financial, social and emotional problems associated with failed ART attempts.

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic management of pancreatic fluid collections in cirrhotics vs non-cirrhotics: A comparative study

BACKGROUND Endoscopic management of symptomatic pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) using self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) placement has emerged as an innovative therapeutic approach with excellent efficacy, safety, and relatively few adverse outcomes. However, their use has not been studied in patients with cirrhosis. Cirrhotics tend to be considered less than optimal candidates due to concern for portal hypertension and coagulopathy related complications. AIM To compare the efficacy and safety of using SEMS for drainage of symptomatic PFCs in cirrhotic vs non-cirrhotic patients. METHODS We conducted a retrospective comparative analysis of patients with symptomatic PFCs [pancreatic pseudocyst (PP) or walled-off necrosis (WON)] who underwent endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided placement of fully covered self-expandable metals stents or lumen-apposing self-expandable metal stents. All patients were followed clinically until resolution of PFCs or death. Definition:(1) Technical success was defined as successful placement of SEMS;and (2) Clinical success was defined as complete resolution of the PFCs without additional interventions including interventional radiology or surgery. Number of procedures performed per patient, number of patients who achieved complete resolution of the PFCs without additional interventions and procedure related adverse events were recorded.RESULTS From January 2012 to December 2017, a total of 88 patients underwent EUSguided drainage of symptomatic PFCs. Of these, 58 non cirrhotic patients underwent plastic stent insertion for management of PFC and 30 patients, 5 with cirrhosis and 25 without cirrhosis, underwent EUS-guided transmural drainage with SEMS, including 18 (60%) PP and 12 (40%) WON. Technical success was achieved in all 30 patients. Clinical success was achieved in 60% cirrhotic patients and 92% non-cirrhotics (P = 0.12). Procedure-related adverse events were 60% in cirrhotic and 28% non-cirrhotic (P = 0.62). Moreover, fatal adverse events were statistically more common in cirrhotics compared with non-cirrhotics (0 vs 40%;P = 0.023). Successful stent removal following resolution of the PFC, was 60% in cirrhotics and 80% in non-cirrhotics (P = 0.57). Post-procedure length of hospitalization was 18.6 ± 20.3 d in cirrhotics and 5.6 ± 13.7 d in non-cirrhotics (P = 0.084). CONCLUSION EUS-guided management of PFC using SEMS placement has a high technical and clinical success rate in non-cirrhotics. However, in cirrhotics caution must be exercised given the high morbidity and mortality as evidenced by our cohort, particularly for the endoscopic debridement of WONs. Larger, multicenter studies are warranted to further characterize the risk profile and outcomes in these patients.

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma: Novel molecular insights and clinicopathologic updates

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma(ChRCC)is the third most common renal cell carcinoma(RCC)subtype,which predominantly occurs in sporadic setting.ChRCCs are considered to originate from the intercalated cell of distal tubules with two main morphological variants,classic and eosinophilic.Most ChRCCs carry a favorable clinical outcome.Histology alone is limited in predicting the behavior of ChRCCs that do not have overtly aggressive morphologic findings such as necrosis and sarcomatoid features.Along with positive CD117 expression,classic ChRCCs generally express diffuse and uniform CK7,while eosinophilic variant demonstrates more heterogeneous CK7 expression(rare or patchy).Multiple losses of chromosomes 1,2,6,10,13,17,and 21 are considered to be the genetic hallmarks of classic and eosinophilic ChRCCs,while chromosomal gains are known to be associated with sarcomatoid ChRCCs.TP53 and PTEN are the two most frequently mutated genes in ChRCCs.The major challenge in the differential diagnosis of ChRCCs includes considerations around the eosinophilic variant(of ChRCCs),where it may share overlapping features with oncocytoma or other recent emergent oncocytic tumors.Most eosinophilic ChRCCs share expression of the recently described biomarkers,LINC01187 and FOXI1,with classic ChRCCs,however,a subset of eosinophilic-like ChRCCs with lower biomarker expression have been demonstrated to harbor MTOR gene mutations.Overall,the morphologic features of ChRCCs and genetic profile with combinations of chromosomal losses and gains suggest this tumor entity to represent a distinct,yet heterogeneous group of renal neoplasms.

Clinical significance and management of Barrett's esophagus with epithelial changes indefinite for dysplasia

Barrett's esophagus(BE) is defined as the extension of salmon-colored mucosa into the tubular esophagus ≥1 cm proximal to the gastroesophageal junction with biopsy confirmation of intestinal metaplasia. Patients with BE are at increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma(EAC), and undergo endoscopic surveillance biopsies to detect dysplasia or early EAC. Dysplasia in BE is classified as no dysplasia, indefinite for dysplasia(IND), low grade dysplasia(LGD) or high grade dysplasia(HGD). Biopsies are diagnosed as IND when the epithelial abnor-malities are not sufficient to diagnose dysplasia or the nature of the epithelial abnormalities is uncertain due to inflammation or technical issues. Specific diagnostic criteria for IND are not well established and its clinical significance and management has not been well studied. Previous studies have focused on HGD in BE and led to changes and improvement in the management of BE with HGD and early EAC. Only recently, IND and LGD in BE have become focus of intense study. This review summarizes the definition, neoplastic risk and clinical management of BE IND.

Clinical challenges of glycemic control in the intensive care unit:A narrative review

Glucose control in patient admitted to the intensive care unit has been a topic of much debate over the past 20 years.The harmful effects of uncontrolled hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia in critically ill patients is well established.Although a large clinical trial in 2001 demonstrated significant mortality and morbidity benefits with tight glucose control in this patient population,the results could not be replicated by other investigators.The“Normoglycemia in Intensive Care Evaluation-Survival Using Glucose Algorithm Regulation”trial in 2009 established that tight glucose control was not only of no benefit,but in fact harmful due to the significant risk of hypoglycemia.The current guidelines suggest a moderate approach with the initiation of intravenous insulin therapy in critically ill patients when the blood glucose level is above 180 mg/dL.The most important factor that underpins glycemic management in intensive care unit patients is the consequent prevention of hypoglycemia.Robust glucose monitoring strategies and insulin protocols need to be implemented in order to achieve this goal.

被动螺旋耳蜗力学模型

耳蜗是人体重要的感音器官,蜗管中的基底膜是所有微观组织的支撑结构,其与淋巴液之间复杂的耦合运动是耳蜗感音功能产生的首要条件.通过将耳蜗的长度划分为有限数量的元素,并给定径向分布,推导出一组控制方程,用于微力学和流体耦合.然后结合矩阵组合方程,得到基底膜和淋巴液完全耦合的响应.分析不同激励下基底膜的瞬时响应、不同频率激励时共振位置的时域响应以及基底膜质量及刚度变化对其生物力学行为影响和听力功能的作用.结果发现:基底膜质量及刚度的增大均导致最大响应减弱,但最大响应位置却向基底膜不同方向移动,前者向底部而后者向顶部向移动;变化的基底膜截面可以很快地降低耳蜗中部和顶部的特征频率,以达到较好的滤波和放大特定频率激励的效果,且可以让耳蜗对特定频率区(1000-3000 Hz)间有较高的分辨效果.

复杂区域疼痛综合征的研究进展

复杂区域疼痛综合征(complex regional pain syndrome,CRPS)是一种局部性的神经病理性疼痛,其发病机制尚不明确。目前认为,CRPS的产生是多因素的,早期诊断和治疗可改善其预后。文章就近年来CRPS的流行病学、发病机制、临床诊断及治疗方法的最新研究进展进行综述。

Evaluation of a protocol for rifaximin discontinuation in critically ill patients with liver disease receiving broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy

BACKGROUND Rifaximin is frequently administered to critically ill patients with liver disease and hepatic encephalopathy,but patients currently or recently treated with antibiotics were frequently excluded from studies of rifaximin efficacy.Due to overlapping spectrums of activity,combination therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics and rifaximin may be unnecessary.A pharmacist-driven protocol was piloted to reduce potentially overlapping therapy in critically ill patients with liver disease.It was hypothesized that withholding rifaximin during broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy would be safe and reduce healthcare costs.AIM To determine the clinical,safety,and financial impact of discontinuing rifaximin during broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy in critically ill liver patients.METHODS This was a single-center,quasi-experimental,pre-post study based on a pilot pharmacist-driven protocol.Patients in the protocol group were prospectively identified via the medical intensive care unit(ICU)(MICU)protocol to have rifaximin withheld during broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment.These were compared to a historical cohort who received combination therapy with broadspectrum antibiotics and rifaximin.All data were collected retrospectively.The primary outcome was days alive and free of delirium and coma(DAFD)to 14 d.Safety outcomes included MICU length of stay,48-h change in vasopressor dose,and ICU mortality.Secondary outcomes characterized rifaximin cost savings and protocol adherence.Multivariable analysis was utilized to evaluate the association between group assignment and the primary outcome while controlling for potential confounding factors.RESULTS Each group included 32 patients.The median number of delirium-and coma-free days was similar in the control and protocol groups[3 interquartile range(IQR 0,8)vs 2(IQR 0,9.5),P=0.93].In multivariable analysis,group assignment was not associated with a reduced ratio of days alive and free of delirium or coma at 14 d.The protocol resulted in a reduced median duration of rifaximin use during broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy[6 d control(IQR 3,9.5)vs 1 d protocol(IQR 0,1);P<0.001].Rates of other secondary clinical and safety outcomes were similar including ICU mortality and 48-h change in vasopressor requirements.Overall adherence to the protocol was 91.4%.The median estimated total cost of rifaximin therapy per patient was reduced from$758.40(IQR$379.20,$1200.80)to$126.40(IQR$0,$126.40),P<0.01.CONCLUSION The novel pharmacist-driven protocol for rifaximin discontinuation was associated with significant cost savings and no differences in safety outcomes including DAFD.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome:Diagnosis and management

Superior mesenteric artery(SMA)syndrome(also known as Wilkie's syndrome,cast syndrome,or aorto-mesenteric compass syndrome)is an obstruction of the duodenum caused by extrinsic compression between the SMA and the aorta.The median age of patients is 23 years old(range 0-91 years old)and predominant in females over males with a ratio of 3:2.The symptoms are variable,consisting of postprandial abdominal pain,nausea and vomiting,early satiety,anorexia,and weight loss and can mimic anorexia nervosa or functional dyspepsia.Because recurrent vomiting leads to aspiration pneumonia or respiratory depression via metabolic alkalosis,early diagnosis is required.The useful diagnostic modalities are computed tomography as a standard tool and ultrasonography,which has advantages in safety and capability of real-time assessments of SMA mobility and duodenum passage.The initial treatment is usually conservative,including postural change,gastroduodenal decompression,and nutrient management(success rates:70%-80%).If conservative therapy fails,surgical treatment(i.e.,laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy)is recommended(success rates:80%-100%).