The incidence rate and histological characteristics of intimal hyperplasia in elastase-induced experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms in mice

Intimal hyperplasia(IH)is a negative vascular remodeling after arterial injury.IH occasionally occurs in elastase-induced abdominal aortic aneurysm(AAA)mouse models.This study aims to clarify the incidence and histological characteristics of IH in aneurysmal mice.A retrospective study was conducted by including 42 male elastaseinduced mouse AAA models.The IH incidence,aortic diameters with or without IH,and hyperplasia lesional features of mice were analyzed.Among 42 elastase-induced AAA mouse models,10 mice developed mild IH(24%)and severe IH was found in only 2 mice(5%).The outer diameters of the AAA segments in mice with and without IH did not show significant difference.Both mild and severe IH lesions show strong smooth muscle cell positive staining,but endothelial cells were occasionally observed in severe IH lesions.There was obvious macrophage infiltration in the IH lesions of the AAA mouse models,especially in mice with severe IH.However,only a lower numbers of T cells and B cells were found in the IH lesion.Local cell-secreted matrix metalloproteinases(MMP)2 was highly expressed in all IH lesions,but MMP9 was only overexpressed in severe lesions.In conclusion,this study is the first to demonstrate the occurrence of aneurysmal IH and its histological characteristics in an elastaseinduced mouse AAA model.This will help researchers better understand this model,and optimize it for use in AAA-related research.

Feasibility Study of Neurofeedback Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of neurofeedback therapy based on brain-computer interface (BCI) games in enhancing cognitive functions and reducing disruptive behaviors in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: Forty-six AD patients aged 49 - 76 years were recruited for the study. Neurofeedback regulation was conducted using a BCI game designed to modulate EEG rhythms. Cognitive function was assessed using MMSE, MoCA, and ADAS-cog scales before and after a 10-day training period. EEG measurements were taken to evaluate changes in brain activity complexity. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS25.0 software to compare pre- and post-training scores. Results: Post-intervention results showed significant improvement in the cognitive function of AD patients. The total scores of MMSE, MoCA, and ADAS-cog scales increased significantly (P < 0.01). Notable improvements were observed in memory, language, and attention domains. EEG complexity in the left frontal area also showed a significant increase (P < 0.05). Additionally, the disruptive behaviors of patients were significantly reduced, improving their overall quality of life. Conclusions: Neurofeedback therapy based on BCI games is a promising intervention for enhancing cognitive functions and reducing disruptive behaviors in AD patients. This innovative approach demonstrates significant potential for clinical application, providing a non-invasive method to improve patient outcomes. Further studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-ups are recommended to validate these findings and explore the specific effects of NFB training on different cognitive impairment levels.

Atorvastatin, etanercept and the nephrogenic cardiac sympathetic remodeling in chronic renal failure rats

BACKGROUND Chronic renal failure(CRF) patients are predisposed to arrhythmias, while the detailed mechanisms are unclear. We hypothesized the chronic inflammatory state of CRF patients may lead to cardiac sympathetic remodeling, increasing the incidence of ventricular arrhythmia(VA) and sudden cardiac death. And explored the role of atorvastatin and etanercept in this process.METHODS A total of 48 rats were randomly divided into sham operation group(Sham group), CRF group, CRF + atorvastatin group(CRF + statin group), and CRF + etanercept group(CRF + rhTNFR-Fcgroup). Sympathetic nerve remodeling was assessed by immunofluorescence of growth-associated protein 43(GAP-43) and tyrosine hydroxylase positive area fraction. Electrophysiological testing was performed to assess the incidence of VA by assessing the ventricular effective refractory period and ventricular fibrillation threshold. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α) and interleukin-1beta were determined by Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS Echocardiogram showed that compared with the Sham group, left ventricular end-systolic diameter and ventricular weight/body weight ratio were significantly higher in the CRF group. Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining indicated that myocardial fibers were broken, disordered, and fibrotic in the CRF group. Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,immunofluorescence and electrophysiological examination suggested that compared with the Sham group, GAP-43 and TNF-α proteins were significantly upregulated, GAP-43 and tyrosine hydroxylase positive nerve fiber area was increased, and ventricular fibrillation threshold was significantly decreased in the CRF group. The above effects were inhibited in the CRF + statin group and the CRF + rhTNFR-Fcgroup.CONCLUSIONS In CRF rats, TNF-α was upregulated, cardiac sympathetic remodeling was more severe, and the nephrogenic cardiac sympathetic remodeling existed. Atorvastatin and etanercept could downregulate the expression of TNF-α or inhibit its activity, thus inhibited the above effects, and reduced the occurrence of VA and sudden cardiac death.

A contradictory phenomenon of thicken pericardium and cardiac compression without inferior vena cava dilation:sign of IVC escape

A 77-year-old female presented with shortness of breath and tightness of chest was admitted.Her past medical history included hypertension and she has been taking nifedipine regularly.Two years before,she was diagnosed with pericardial effusion(Figure 1)and had pericardiocentesis drainage.On physical examination,her blood pressure was 151/100 mm-Hg and her pulse rate was 91 beats/min.

Clinicopathological characteristics and typing of multilocular cystic renal neoplasm of low malignant potential

BACKGROUND Up until now,no research has been reported on the association between the cli-nical growth rate of multilocular cystic renal neoplasm of low malignant potential(MCRNLMP)and computed tomography(CT)imaging characteristics.Our study sought to examine the correlation between them,with the objective of distin-guishing unique features of MCRNLMP from renal cysts and exploring effective management strategies.AIM To investigate optimal management strategies of MCRNLMP.METHODS We retrospectively collected and analyzed data from 1520 patients,comprising 1444 with renal cysts and 76 with MCRNLMP,who underwent renal cyst decom-pression,radical nephrectomy,or nephron-sparing surgery for renal cystic disease between January 2013 and December 2021 at our institution.Detection of MC-RNLMP utilized the Bosniak classification for imaging and the 2016 World Health Organization criteria for clinical pathology.RESULTS Our meticulous exploration has revealed compelling findings on the occurrence of MCRNLMP.Precisely,it comprises 1.48%of all cases involving simple renal cysts,5.26%of those with complex renal cysts,and a noteworthy 12.11%of renal tumors coexisting with renal cysts,indicating a statistically significant difference(P=0.001).Moreover,MCRNLMP constituted a significant 22.37%of the patient po-pulation whose cysts demonstrated a rapid growth rate of≥2.0 cm/year,whereas it only represented 0.66%among those with a growth rate below 2.0 cm/year.Of the 76 MCRNLMP cases studied,none of the nine patients who underwent subsequent nephron-sparing surgery or radical nephrectomy following renal cyst decompression experienced recurrence or metastasis.In the remaining 67 patients,who were actively monitored over a 3-year postoperative period,only one showed suspicious recurrence on CT scans.CONCLUSION MCRNLMP can be tentatively identified and categorized into three types based on CT scanning and growth rate indicators.In treating MCRNLMP,partial nephrectomy is preferred,while radical nephrectomy should be minimi-zed.After surgery,active monitoring is advisable to prevent unnecessary nephrectomy.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus intensity-modulated radiotherapy versus concurrent chemoradiotherapy plus adjuvant chemotherapy for the treatment of locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma:a retrospective controlled study

Background:In the era of intensity-modulated radiotherapy(IMRT),the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC)for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)is under-evaluated.The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of NAC plus IMRT and concurrent chemoradiotherapy(CCRT)plus adjuvant chemotherapy(AC)on locoregionally advanced NPC.Methods:Between January 2004 and December 2008,240 cases of locoregionally advanced NPC confirmed by pathologic assessment in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were reviewed.Of the 240 patients,117 received NAC followed by IMRT,and 123 were treated with CCRT plus AC.The NAC+IMRT group received a regimen that included cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil(5-FU).The CCRT+AC group received cisplatin concurrently with radiotherapy,and subsequently received adjuvant cisplatin and 5-FU.The survival rates were assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis,and the survival curves were compared using a log-rank test.Multivariate analysis was conducted using the Cox proportional hazard regression model.Results:The 5-year overall survival(OS),locoregional relapse-free survival(LRRFS),distant metastasis-free survival(DMFS),and disease-free survival(DFS)were 78.0,87.9,79.0,and 69.8%,respectively,for the NAC+IMRT group and78.7,84.8,76.2,and 65.6%,respectively,for the CCRT+AC group.There were no significant differences in survival between the two groups.In multivariate analysis,age(<50 years vs.>50 years)and overall stage(Ⅲvs.Ⅳ)were found to be independent predictors for OS and DFS;furthermore,the overall stage was a significant prognostic factor for DMFS.Compared with the CCRT+AC protocol,the NAC+IMRT protocol significantly reduced the occurrence rates of grade 3-4 nausea-vomiting(6.5 vs.1.5%,P=0.023)and leukopenia(9.7 vs.0.8%,P=0.006).Conclusions:The treatment outcomes of the NAC+IMRT and CCRT+AC groups were similar.Distant metastasis remained the predominant mode of treatment failure.

The changes of serum nitric oxide, angiotensin Ⅱ and superoxide anion in renal artery hypertension rat

Objectives To study the changes of nitric oxide, angiotensin Ⅱ and superoxide anion in renal artery hypertension pathogenesis. Methods Male Wistar rats weighing 256 -285g were divided into 5 groups randomly, 10 rats of each group. Control group: false operation was made and routine diet was given; Ligature group: left renal artery was ligatured uncompletely and routine diet was given; Ligature + Losartan group: left renal artery was ligatured uneompletely and Losartan 20mg · kg^(-1) · d^(-1) was added in the drinking water; Ligature + L -Arg group: left renal artery was ligatured uncompletely and L -Arg 2g · kg^(-1) · d^(-1) was added in the drinking water; Ligature + L - Arg + Losartan group: left renal artery was ligatured uncompletely and L - Arg 2g· kg^(-1)· d^(-1) and Losartan 20mg · kg^(-1)· d^(-1) was added in the drinking water. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured before and at the end of the experiment. One week after ligature, blood was drawn to determine angiotensin Ⅱ, cGMP, nitric oxide, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), O_2^-, superoxide dismutase (SOD). Results Systolic blood pressure was higher in ligature group than that in control group (p <0.05), systolic blood pressure was much lower in ligature + Losartan group than that in ligature group. Heart rate did not change significantly after experiment (p > 0. 05). AngⅡ was higher in ligature group than that in control group, even much higher in ligature + Losartan group (p < 0. 01 ). There was no difference of cGMP in each group (p >. 05). The concentration of NO was lower in ligature group (p <0.05), NO was higher in ligature + L - Arg + Losartan group than that in ligature group (p <0.05). O_2^- was higher in ligature group and ligature + L - Arg group than that in control group (p < 0. 05), O_2^- was lower in ligature + Losartan group than that in ligature group (p <0. 05). The level of SOD was lower in ligature group than that in control group (p <0.05), higher in ligature + L- Arg group and ligature + L - Arg + Losartan group than that in ligature group (p <0. 05). Conclusions AngⅡ,O_2^- and NO imbalance play an important role in hypertension pathogenesis, LArg and losartan may have protective effect.

Application of fluorescence in situ hybridization in the detection of bladder transitional-cell carcinoma: A multi-center clinical study based on Chinese population

Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic value of fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH)in bladder cancer.Methods:We enrolled healthy volunteers and patients who were clinically suspected to have bladder cancer and conducted FISH tests and cytology examinations from August 2007 to December 2008.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was performed and the area under curve(AUC)values were calculated for both the FISH and urine cytology tests.Results:A cohort of 988 healthy volunteers was enrolled to establish a reference range for the normal population.A total of 4807 patients with hematuria were prospectively,randomly enrolled for the simultaneous analysis of urine cytology,FISH testing,and a final diagnosis as determined by the pathologic findings of a biopsy or a surgically-excised specimen.Overall,the sensitivity of FISH in detecting transitional-cell carcinoma was 82.7%,while that of cytology was 33.4%(p<0.001).The sensitivity values of FISH for non-muscle invasive and muscle invasive bladder transitional-cell carcinoma were 81.7%and 89.6%,respectively(p=0.004).The sensitivity values of FISH for low and high grade bladder cancer were 82.6%and 90.1%,respectively(p=0.002).Conclusion:FISH is significantly more sensitive than voided urine cytology for detecting bladder cancer in patients evaluated for gross hematuria at all cancer grades and stages.Higher sensitivity using FISH was obtained in high grade and muscle invasive tumors.

The impact of post-operative atrial fibrillation on outcomes in coronary artery bypass graft and combined procedures

BACKGROUND Postoperative atrial fibrillation(POAF)is a common yet understudied clinical issue after coronary artery bypass graft(CABG)leading to higher mortality rates and stroke.This systematic review and metaanalysis evaluated the rates of adverse outcomes between patients with and without POAF in patients treated with CABG or combined procedures.METHODS The search period was from the beginning of PubMed and Embase to May 18th,2020 with no language restrictions.The inclusion criteria were:(1)studies comparing new onset atrial fibrillation before or after revascularization vs.no new onset AF before or after revascularization.The outcomes assessed included allcause mortality,cardiac death,cerebral vascular accident(CVA),myocardial infarction(MI),repeated revascularization,major adverse cardiac event(MACE),and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events(MACCEs).RESULTS Of the 7,279 entries screened,11 studies comprising of 57,384 patients were included.Compared to nonPOAF,POAF was significantly associated with higher risk of allcause mortality(Risk Ratio(RR)=1.58;95%Confidence Interval(CI):1.42−1.76,P<0.00001)with accompanying high level of heterogeneity(I^(2)=62%).Conclusions Patients with POAF after CABG or combined procedures are at an increased risk of allcause mortality or CVAs.Therefore,POAF after such procedures should be closely monitored and treated judiciously to minimize risk of further complications.While there are studies on POAF versus no POAF on outcomes,the heterogeneity suggests that further studies are needed.

Telemonitoring and hemodynamic monitoring to reduce hospitalization rates in heart failure： a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and real-world studies

Background Heart failure is a significant problem leading to repeated hospitalizations. Telemonitoring and hemodynamic monitoring have demonstrated success in reducing hospitalization rates, but not all studies reported significant effects. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine the effectiveness of telemonitoring and wireless hemodynamic monitoring devices in reducing hospitalizations in heart failure. Methods ＆ Results PubMed and Cochrane Library were searched up to 1st May 2017 for articles that investigated the effects of telemonitoring or hemodynamic monitoring on hospitalization rates in heart failure. In 31,501 patients （mean age： 68 ± 12 years; 61% male; follow-up 11 ± 8 months）, telemonitoring reduced hospitalization rates with a HR of 0.73 （95% CI： 0.65-0.83; P 〈 0.0001） with significant heterogeneity （I2 = 94%）. These effects were observed in the short-term （≤ 6 months： HR = 0.77, 95% CI： 0.65-0.89; P 〈 0.01） and long-term （≥ 12 months： HR = 0.73, 95% CI： 0.62-0.87; P 〈 0.0001）. In 4831 patients （mean age 66 ± 18 years; 66% male; follow-up 13 ± 4 months）, wireless hemodynamic monitoring also reduced hospitalization rates with a HR of 0.60 （95% CI： 0.53-0.69; P 〈 0.001） with significant heterogeneity （I2 = 64%）.This reduction was observed both in the short-term （HR = 0.55, 95% CI： 0.45-0.68; P 〈 0.001; I2 = 72%） and long-term （HR = 0.64, 95% CI： 0.57-0.72; P 〈 0.001; I2 = 55%）. Conclusions Telemonitoring and hemodynamic monitoring reduce hospitalization in both short- and long-term in heart failure patients

The progress in study of fosfomycin

In recent years, heavy drug resistance in bacteria has become increasingly serious, and the progress of research and development of new antibiotics are slow. Therefore, seeking an alternative from the safe and effective "old medicine" is a strategy for clinical action against infection. Among them, fosfomycin is extremely relevant. Based on the related literature at home and abroad, this review briefly introduces fosfomycin in the context of progress in synthetic methods, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics, and antibacterial activities, to provide references for clinical rational use.

Study on Chemical Cross-linking Modification of Hyaluronan and the Biocompatibility of its Derivatives

Objective: Prepare cross-linked HA gels with higher mechanical stability, lower degradation velocity and desirable biocompatibility,so as to extend the usage of HA.Method:1.Test molecular weight of HA (Mr_ HA ) by viscosimetry;2.prepare cross-linked HA gels by DVS, GTA, DEC;3.discuss the cross-linking and degradation procedure;4.evaluate the biocompatibility of the best HA gels. Results:The mechanical stability and durability to degradation of HA-DVS gels are superior to those of other gels, and when HA:DVS = 40:1(g/g), at 35℃ and in 0.2 M NaOH solution, the HA-DVS gel shows the best mechanical stability, and its cytotoxicity reaches class I, hemolysis ratio is lower than 5%. Conclusion:Our HA-DVS gel can be used to prepare biologic scaffolds.

Construction and Verification of LuxS-negative Mutants of Streptococcus Mutans and the Effect of the Absence of LuxS Gene on the Acid Tolerance

Objective: To knock out the entire Luxs gene of Streptococcus mutans(S.mutans) UA159 strain via homologous recombination and construct a Luxs-deleted mutant strain of S. mutans. To study the difference between the acid resistance of S. mutans Ingbritt C international standard strain and the acid resistance of LuxS mutant strain. Methods: Two DNA fragments locating in the upper and downstream of Luxs gene were amplified and a erythromycin resistance gene of PJT10 between them were engineered into PUC19 plasmid for constructing the recombination plasmid pUCluxKO. Electrotransformation of S.mutans cells with pUCluxKO-mutant resulted in isolation of erythromycin resistant S. mutans transformants, which was identified by polymerase chain reaction, V.harveyi BB170 luminescence bioassay and sequencing analysis. Solutions of S. mutans standard strain and LuxS mutant strain with same density were made and cultured at pH 3.5 to 7.0 BHI liquid for the same period.Terminal growth situation was compared.Firstly acidized in pH 5.5 BHI liquid,the two strains were cultured at pH 3.0 BHI liquid. The acid tolerance responses of the two strains were compared.Results:Restriction endonuclease analyses showed that pUCluxKO-mutant vector had been successfully recombined. The Luxs-deleted status of S.mutans mutants was confirmed by PCR with primers which were specific for the genes of Luxs and Erythromycin resistance. S.mutans mutant can not induce bioluminescence, indiating the mutant had been successfully recombined. After twenty generations of culture, the constructed Chinese S.mutans mutants were confirmed to be stable. Significant difference of aciduricity was observed between S.mutans standard strain and LuxS mutant strain.The acid resistance of standard strain was stronger than that of LuxS mutant strain.The two strains both displayed the capability of acid tolerance responses. Conclusion:The S.mutans gene allelic exchange plasmid is constructed correctively and a Luxs-negative mutants of S.mutans is constructed, which can help to further study the role of Luxs in the pathogenesis of S.mutans. LuxS mutant strain is more sensitive to acid inactivation,but the capability of acid tolerance responses exist still.

Role of biochemical markers and autoantibodies in diagnosis of early-stage primary biliary cholangitis

BACKGROUND Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)is a chronic progressive autoimmune cholestatic disease.The main target organ of PBC is the liver,and nonsuppurative inflammation of the small intrahepatic bile ducts may eventually develop into cirrhosis or liver fibrosis.AIM To explore the clinical characteristics of early-stage PBC,identify PBC in the early clinical stage,and promptly treat and monitor PBC.METHODS The data of 82 patients with PBC confirmed by pathology at Tianjin Second People’s Hospital from January 2013 to November 2021 were collected,and the patients were divided into stage I,stage II,stage III,and stage IV according to the pathological stage.The general data,serum biochemistry,immunoglobulins,and autoimmune antibodies of patients in each stage were retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS In early-stage(stages I+II)PBC patients,50.0%of patients had normal alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels,and 37.5%had normal aspartate aminotransferase(AST)levels.For the remaining patients,the ALT and AST levels were mildly elevated;all of these patients had levels of<3 times the upper limit of normal values.The AST levels were significantly different among the three groups(stages I+II vs stage III vs stage IV,P<0.05).In the early stage,29.2%of patients had normal alkaline phosphatase(ALP)levels.The remaining patients had different degrees of ALP elevation;6.3%had ALP levels>5 times the upper limit of normal value.Moreover,γ-glutamyl transferase(GGT)was more robustly elevated,as 29.2%of patients had GGT levels of>10 times the upper limit of normal value.The ALP values among the three groups were significantly different(P<0.05).In early stage,the jaundice index did not increase significantly,but it gradually increased with disease progression.However,the above indicators were significantly different(P<0.05)between the early-stage group and the stage IV group.With the progression of the disease,the levels of albumin and albumin/globulin ratio tended to decrease,and the difference among the three groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).In early-stage patients,IgM and IgG levels as well as cholesterol levels were mildly elevated,but there were no significant differences among the three groups.Triglyceride levels were normal in the early-stage group,and the differences among the three groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).The early detection rates of anti-mitochondria antibody(AMA)and AMA-M2 were 66.7%and 45.8%,respectively.The positive rate of anti-sp100 antibodies was significantly higher in patients with stage IV PBC.When AMA and AMA-M2 were negative,in the early stage,the highest autoantibody was anti-nuclear antibody(ANA)(92.3%),and in all ANA patterns,the highest was ANA centromere(38.5%).CONCLUSION In early-stage PBC patients,ALT and AST levels are normal or mildly elevated,GGT and ALP levels are not elevated in parallel,GGT levels are more robustly elevated,and ALP levels are normal in some patients.When AMA and AMA-M2 are negative,ANA especially ANA centromere positivity suggests the possibility of early PBC.Therefore,in the clinic,significantly elevated GGT levels with or without normal ALP levels and with ANA(particularly ANA centromere)positivity(when AMA and AMA-M2 are negative)may indicate the possibility of early PBC.

In vitro Studies on Binding and Release of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Heparinized Bovine Pericardiums

Objective： To investigate binding and release of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and its effect on adhesion and proliferation of endothelial cells （ECs） in acellular fresh specimens of bovine pericardiums, which were modified by heparinization. Methods： Cross-linked aeellular fresh specimens of bovine perieardiums were heparinized by three methods： （1） heparinizcd N-（3-diinethylaminopropyl）-N＇-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride （EDC） treated acellular tissue samples; （2） heparinized poly（ethyleneimine） （PEI） treated acellular tissue samples; （3） heparinized EDC-PEI treated aeellular tissue samples. Controlled release of VEGF and its effect on adhesion and proliferation of ECs was evaluated. Results： In the present study, binding and release of VEGF had better performance in heparinized EDC-PEI treated group, compared with heparinized EDC-alone treated group and heparinized PEI -alone group. We could observe enhanced ability to adhesion and proliferation via modest moisture and effective controlled binding and release of VEGF. Conclusion： Binding of VEGF in heparinized EDC treated group was stable, while reiease of VEGF in heparinized treated group was adjusted freely. Interestingly, controlled binding and release of VEGF could exert beneficial effect on adhesion and proliferation of ECs in heparinized EDC-PEI treated group.

The Releasing Effects of Captopril and Sodiun Nitroprusside on Endothelin-1 in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell

Objective To investigate the influence of captoprial and SNP on the release of ET -1 in cultured VSMC of rats. Methods Measurement of endothelin - 1 levels by radioimmljnoassay in various concentrations of captopril and/or sodium nitroprusside in cultured vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) of rats. Results Both captopril and SNP could reduce the high ET - 1 levels of VSMC which were caused by Ang Ⅱ. There was a linear relationship between Ang Ⅱlevels and ET -1 production ( r = 0. 760, P <0. 001 ) . Conclusion Endothelin - 1 may accelerate the formation and development of atherosclerosis through inhibiting endogenous NO production by VSMC. ACEI or NO inhibition of ET -1 release could reduce atherosclerosis formation.

Protein C deficiency with venous and arterial thromboembolic events

Protein C(PC)is a key component of the vitamin K-dependent coagulation pathway.It exerts anticoagulant effects by inactivating factors V and VIII.Acquired or inherited PC deficiency results in a prothrombotic state,with presentations varying from asymptomatic to venous thromboembolism.However,there has been an increasing number of reports linking PC deficiency to arterial thromboembolic events,such as myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke.This editorial focuses on the association between PC deficiency and thromboembolism,which may provide some insights for treatment strategy and scientific research.

Prevalence and risk evaluation of cardiovascular disease in the newly diagnosed prostate cancer population in China:A nationwide,multi-center,population-based cross-sectional study

Background:Cardiovascular disease(CVD)has emerged as the leading cause of death from prostate cancer(PCa)in recent decades,bringing a great disease burden worldwide.Men with preexisting CVD have an increased risk for major adverse cardiovascular events when treated with androgen deprivation therapy(ADT).The present study aimed to explore the prevalence and risk evaluation of CVD among people with newly diagnosed PCa in China.Methods:Clinical data of newly diagnosed PCa patients were retrospectively collected from 34 centers in China from 2010 to 2022 through convenience sampling.CVD was defined as myocardial infarction,arrhythmia,heart failure,stroke,ischemic heart disease,and others.CVD risk was estimated by calculating Framingham risk scores(FRS).Patients were accordingly divided into low-,medium-,and high-risk groups.χ2 or Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical variables.Results:A total of 4253 patients were enrolled in the present study.A total of 27.0%(1147/4253)of patients had comorbid PCa and CVD,and 7.2%(307/4253)had two or more CVDs.The enrolled population was distributed in six regions of China,and approximately 71.0%(3019/4253)of patients lived in urban areas.With imaging and pathological evaluation,most PCa patients were diagnosed at an advanced stage,with 20.5%(871/4253)locally progressing and 20.5%(871/4253)showing metastasis.Most of them initiated prostatectomy(46.6%,1983/4253)or regimens involving ADT therapy(45.7%,1944/4253)for prostate cancer.In the present PCa cohort,43.1%(1832/4253)of patients had hypertension,and half of them had poorly controlled blood pressure.With FRS stratification,as expected,a higher risk of CVD was related to aging and metabolic disturbance.However,we also found that patients with treatment involving ADT presented an originally higher risk of CVD than those without ADT.This was in accordance with clinical practice,i.e.,aged patients or patients at advanced oncological stages were inclined to accept systematic integrative therapy instead of surgery.Among patients who underwent medical castration,only 4.0%(45/1118)received gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonists,in stark contrast to the grim situation of CVD prevalence and risk.Conclusions:PCa patients in China are diagnosed at an advanced stage.A heavy CVD burden was present at the initiation of treatment.Patients who accepted ADT-related therapy showed an original higher risk of CVD,but the awareness of cardiovascular protection was far from sufficient.

Exertional Rhabdomyolysis Induced Acute Kidney Injury: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background: The exRML (exertional rhabdomyolysis) is a pathophysiologic condition of skeletal muscle cell damage and breakdown associated with high intensity or prolonged exercise, normal exercise under extreme circumstances, or sudden and excessive skeletal muscle contraction. It may manifest from the increase in CK (creatine kinase) or MYO (myoglobin), a protein that can cause life-threatening injury to the kidney (AKI, acute kidney injury), and may or may not be associated with myoglobinuria. Here, we presented a case of exRML with AKI, and then reviewed the related reports. Vigorous hydration, sodium bicarbonate and furosemide are key treatments. Aim: To examine an elderly patient with exRML induced AKI and the key treatment process. Case summary: A 61-year-old man left our hospital without permission after his admission and has been walking for almost 30 kms with no water and food intake, then was diagnosed exRML and exRML induced AKI with an obvious elevation of CK, MYO and decrease of eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) after coming back, and was treated with vigorous hydration, loop diuresis, sodium bicarbonate, prostaglandin and Shenkang injection. After vigorous resuscitation, the patient’s renal function, CK and MYO returned normal. Conclusions: The exRML can cause serious complications such as AKI and death. Delayed diagnosis can be critical;therefore, manner of time should be taken to achieve a favorable prognosis.

CXCR7/CXCL12 axis is involved in lymph node and liver metastasis of gastric carcinoma

AIM To investigate the role of CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR)-7 and CXCL12 in lymph node and liver metastasis of gastric carcinoma. METHODS In 160 cases of gastric cancer, the expression of CXCR7 and CXCL12 in tumor and matched tumoradjacent non-cancer tissues, in the lymph nodes around the stomach and in the liver was detected using immunohistochemistry to analyze the relationship between CXCR7/CXCL12 expression and clinicopathological features and to determine whether CXCR7 and CXCL12 constitute a biological axis to promote lymph node and liver metastasis of gastric cancer. Furthermore, the CXCR7 gene was silenced and overexpressed in human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells, and cell proliferation, migration and invasiveness were measured by the MTT, wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. RESULTS CXCR7 expression was up-regulated in gastric cancer tissues (P = 0.011). CXCR7/CXCL12 expression was significantly related to high tumor stage and lymph node (r = 0.338, P = 0.000) and liver metastasis (r = 0.629, P = 0.000). The expression of CXCL12 in lymph node and liver metastasis was higher than that in primary gastric cancer tissues (chi(2) = 6.669, P = 0.010; chi(2) = 25379, P = 0.000), and the expression of CXCL12 in lymph node and liver metastasis of gastric cancer was consistent with the positive expression of CXCR7 in primary gastric cancer (r = 0.338, P = 0.000; r = 0.629, P = 0.000). Overexpression of the CXCR7 gene promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Silencing of the CXCR7 gene suppressed SGC-7901 cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Human gastric cancer cell lines expressed CXCR7 and showed vigorous proliferation and migratory responses to CXCL12. CONCLUSION The CXCR7/CXCL12 axis is involved in lymph node and liver metastasis of gastric cancer. CXCR7 is considered a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of gastric cancer.