The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) released the "2024 ESC guidelines for the management of elevated blood pressure and hypertension" on August 30, 2024. This guideline updates the 2018 "Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension." One notable update is the introduction of the concept of "elevated blood pressure" (120-139/70-89 mm Hg). Additionally, a new systolic blood pressure target range of 120-129 mm Hg has been proposed for most patients receiving antihypertensive treatment. The guideline also includes numerous additions or revisions in areas such as non-pharmacological interventions and device-based treatments for hypertension. This article interprets the guideline's recommendations on definition and classification of elevated blood pressure and hypertension, and cardiovascular disease risk assessment, diagnosing hypertension and investigating underlying causes, preventing and treating elevated blood pressure and hypertension. We provide a comparison interpretation with the 2018 "Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension" and the "2017 ACC/AHA guideline on the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults."

Electromagnetic fields can regulate the fundamental biological processes involved in bone remodeling. As a non-invasive physical therapy, electromagnetic fields with specific parameters have demonstrated therapeutic effects on bone remodeling diseases, such as fractures and osteoporosis. Electromagnetic fields can be generated by the movement of charged particles or induced by varying currents. Based on whether the strength and direction of the electric field change over time, electromagnetic fields can be classified into static and time-varying fields. The treatment of bone remodeling diseases with static magnetic fields primarily focuses on fractures, often using magnetic splints to immobilize the fracture site while studying the effects of static magnetic fields on bone healing. However, there has been relatively little research on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis using static magnetic fields. Pulsed electromagnetic fields, a type of time-varying field, have been widely used in clinical studies for treating fractures, osteoporosis, and non-union. However, current clinical applications are limited to low-frequency, and research on the relationship between frequency and biological effects remains insufficient. We believe that different types of electromagnetic fields acting on bone can induce various “secondary physical quantities”, such as magnetism, force, electricity, acoustics, and thermal energy, which can stimulate bone cells either individually or simultaneously. Bone cells possess specific electromagnetic properties, and in a static magnetic field, the presence of a magnetic field gradient can exert a certain magnetism on the bone tissue, leading to observable effects. In a time-varying magnetic field, the charged particles within the bone experience varying Lorentz forces, causing vibrations and generating acoustic effects. Additionally, as the frequency of the time-varying field increases, induced currents or potentials can be generated within the bone, leading to electrical effects. When the frequency and power exceed a certain threshold, electromagnetic energy can be converted into thermal energy, producing thermal effects. In summary, external electromagnetic fields with different characteristics can generate multiple physical quantities within biological tissues, such as magnetic, electric, mechanical, acoustic, and thermal effects. These physical quantities may also interact and couple with each other, stimulating the biological tissues in a combined or composite manner, thereby producing biological effects. This understanding is key to elucidating the electromagnetic mechanisms of how electromagnetic fields influence biological tissues. In the study of electromagnetic fields for bone remodeling diseases, attention should be paid to the biological effects of bone remodeling under different electromagnetic wave characteristics. This includes exploring innovative electromagnetic source technologies applicable to bone remodeling, identifying safe and effective electromagnetic field parameters, and combining basic research with technological invention to develop scientifically grounded, advanced key technologies for innovative electromagnetic treatment devices targeting bone remodeling diseases. In conclusion, electromagnetic fields and multiple physical factors have the potential to prevent and treat bone remodeling diseases, and have significant application prospects.

Background/Aims: Extended hepatectomy combined with caudate lobe resection has been approved for the radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. There was a lack of credible research on the clinical value of caudate lobectomy (CL) for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma involving the hepatic hilus when combined with hepatectomy. We aimed to compare the short-term and long-term outcomes of the combined procedure with those of only CL for curative resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma involving the hepatic hilus. Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study of patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma was conducted from January 2007 to December 2021. Patients who underwent radical resection were enrolled in this study. The short-term and long-term clinical outcomes of the groups were compared before and after propensity score matching (PSM). Results: A total of 282 patients were included. There were no statistically significant differences in perioperative clinical outcomes between the CL group and the non-CL group before and after PSM. Compared to patients in the non-CL group, patients in the CL group had significantly longer overall survival before and after PSM (p=0.007 before PSM, p=0.033 after PSM). Moreover, compared to the non-CL group, the CL group had longer disease-free survival before and after PSM (p<0.001 before PSM, p=0.019 after PSM). Conclusions The postoperative complications of the CL group were comparable to those of the non-CL group. CL improved the long-term survival of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma involving the hepatic hilus when combined with hepatectomy. Therefore, hepatectomy combined with caudate lobe resection should be performed for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Background/Aims: Extended hepatectomy combined with caudate lobe resection has been approved for the radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. There was a lack of credible research on the clinical value of caudate lobectomy (CL) for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma involving the hepatic hilus when combined with hepatectomy. We aimed to compare the short-term and long-term outcomes of the combined procedure with those of only CL for curative resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma involving the hepatic hilus. Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study of patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma was conducted from January 2007 to December 2021. Patients who underwent radical resection were enrolled in this study. The short-term and long-term clinical outcomes of the groups were compared before and after propensity score matching (PSM). Results: A total of 282 patients were included. There were no statistically significant differences in perioperative clinical outcomes between the CL group and the non-CL group before and after PSM. Compared to patients in the non-CL group, patients in the CL group had significantly longer overall survival before and after PSM (p=0.007 before PSM, p=0.033 after PSM). Moreover, compared to the non-CL group, the CL group had longer disease-free survival before and after PSM (p<0.001 before PSM, p=0.019 after PSM). Conclusions The postoperative complications of the CL group were comparable to those of the non-CL group. CL improved the long-term survival of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma involving the hepatic hilus when combined with hepatectomy. Therefore, hepatectomy combined with caudate lobe resection should be performed for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Background/Aims: Extended hepatectomy combined with caudate lobe resection has been approved for the radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. There was a lack of credible research on the clinical value of caudate lobectomy (CL) for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma involving the hepatic hilus when combined with hepatectomy. We aimed to compare the short-term and long-term outcomes of the combined procedure with those of only CL for curative resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma involving the hepatic hilus. Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study of patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma was conducted from January 2007 to December 2021. Patients who underwent radical resection were enrolled in this study. The short-term and long-term clinical outcomes of the groups were compared before and after propensity score matching (PSM). Results: A total of 282 patients were included. There were no statistically significant differences in perioperative clinical outcomes between the CL group and the non-CL group before and after PSM. Compared to patients in the non-CL group, patients in the CL group had significantly longer overall survival before and after PSM (p=0.007 before PSM, p=0.033 after PSM). Moreover, compared to the non-CL group, the CL group had longer disease-free survival before and after PSM (p<0.001 before PSM, p=0.019 after PSM). Conclusions The postoperative complications of the CL group were comparable to those of the non-CL group. CL improved the long-term survival of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma involving the hepatic hilus when combined with hepatectomy. Therefore, hepatectomy combined with caudate lobe resection should be performed for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Background/Aims: Extended hepatectomy combined with caudate lobe resection has been approved for the radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. There was a lack of credible research on the clinical value of caudate lobectomy (CL) for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma involving the hepatic hilus when combined with hepatectomy. We aimed to compare the short-term and long-term outcomes of the combined procedure with those of only CL for curative resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma involving the hepatic hilus. Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study of patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma was conducted from January 2007 to December 2021. Patients who underwent radical resection were enrolled in this study. The short-term and long-term clinical outcomes of the groups were compared before and after propensity score matching (PSM). Results: A total of 282 patients were included. There were no statistically significant differences in perioperative clinical outcomes between the CL group and the non-CL group before and after PSM. Compared to patients in the non-CL group, patients in the CL group had significantly longer overall survival before and after PSM (p=0.007 before PSM, p=0.033 after PSM). Moreover, compared to the non-CL group, the CL group had longer disease-free survival before and after PSM (p<0.001 before PSM, p=0.019 after PSM). Conclusions The postoperative complications of the CL group were comparable to those of the non-CL group. CL improved the long-term survival of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma involving the hepatic hilus when combined with hepatectomy. Therefore, hepatectomy combined with caudate lobe resection should be performed for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The available evidence regarding the benefits of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on patients receiving dialysis with coronary artery disease (CAD) is limited and inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the association between PCI and clinical outcomes as compared with medical therapy alone in patients undergoing dialysis with CAD in China. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective study was conducted in 30 tertiary medical centers across 12 provinces in China from January 2015 to June 2021 to include patients on dialysis with CAD. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke. Secondary outcomes included all-cause death, the individual components of MACE, and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium criteria types 2, 3, or 5 bleeding. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between PCI and outcomes. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and propensity score matching (PSM) were performed to account for potential between-group differences. RESULTS: Of the 1146 patients on dialysis with significant CAD, 821 (71.6%) underwent PCI. After a median follow-up of 23.0 months, PCI was associated with a 43.0% significantly lower risk for MACE (33.9% [ n  = 278] vs . 43.7% [ n  = 142]; adjusted hazards ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.45-0.71), along with a slightly increased risk for bleeding outcomes that did not reach statistical significance (11.1% vs . 8.3%; adjusted hazards ratio 1.31, 95% confidence interval, 0.82-2.11). Furthermore, PCI was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause and cardiovascular mortalities. Subgroup analysis did not modify the association of PCI with patient outcomes. These primary findings were consistent across IPTW, PSM, and competing risk analyses. CONCLUSION This study indicated that PCI in patients on dialysis with CAD was significantly associated with lower MACE and mortality when comparing with those with medical therapy alone, albeit with a slightly increased risk for bleeding events that did not reach statistical significance.
Humans ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Coronary Artery Disease/drug therapy* ; Retrospective Studies ; Renal Dialysis/methods* ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; China ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect and mechanism of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) knockout on the inhibition of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by natural killer (NK) cells. METHODS: The peripheral blood NK cells of AML patients and controls were collected, and the mRNA and protein level of DNMT1 were measured by PCR and Western blot, respectively. The DNMT1 knockout mice were constructed to obtain NK^DNMT1-/- cells. The NK cells were stimulated with interleukin (IL)-12, IL-15, and IL-18 to construct memory NK cells, and then the interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels were measured by ELISA. After co-culturing with memory NK cells and HL60 cells, the killing effect of NK^DNMT1-/- cells on HL60 cells was detected by LDH assay. Then, the HL60 cell apoptosis and NK cell NKG2D level were measured by flow cytometry. The perforin and granzyme B protein levels of NK cells were measured by Western blot. The AML model mice were constructed by injecting HL60 cells into the tail vein, meanwhile, memory NK cells were also injected, and then the mouse weights, CD33 positive rates, and survival time were detected. RESULTS: The mRNA and protein levels of DNMT1 in NK cells of AML patients were significantly higher than those in the control group (both P < 0.01), while the IFN-γ level induced by interleukin was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with NK^DNMT1+/+ cells, the ability of NK^DNMT1-/- cells to secrete IFN-γ after interleukin stimulation was significantly increased (P < 0.05). The killing and apoptosis-inducing effects of NK^DNMT1-/- cells on HL60 cells were significantly stronger than those of NK^DNMT1+/+ cells (both P < 0.05). The NKG2D level and expression of perforin and granzyme B of NK^DNMT1-/- cells were significantly increased compared with NK^DNMT1+/+ cells (all P < 0.05). Compared with AML mice injected with NK^DNMT1+/+ cells, AML mice injected with NK^DNMT1-/- cells showed significantly increased body weight, decreased CD33 positive rate, and prolonged survival time (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Knocking out DNMT1 can enhance the inhibitory effect of NK cells on AML, which may be related to enhancing NK cell memory function.
Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism* ; Animals ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; Humans ; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1 ; Mice ; Mice, Knockout ; HL-60 Cells ; Apoptosis ; Interferon-gamma/metabolism* ; Granzymes/metabolism* ; Perforin/metabolism* ; NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K/metabolism*

Objective:To observe the clinical progression of low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma（LR-PTMC）, analyze the influencing factors of its oncological outcomes, and explore the feasibility of active surveillance（AS） of LR-PTMC. Methods:This study adopted a prospective observational research design. A total of 85 subjects diagnosed with LR-PTMC during health checkup in Health Management Center of our hospital from March 2021 to October 2022 were enrolled as the research subjects, for at least 2 years of AS follow-up observation. The clinical progress and oncological outcomes were recorded, disease progression was defined as any increase in nodule diameter ≥3 mm or the appearance of new lesions or lymph node metastasis or distant metastasis, and the oncological outcome was use disease progression defining. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of oncological outcomes in LR-PTMC patients. Results:A total of 85 LR-PTMC patients who underwent physical examinations were included in this study. The median follow-up time was 2 years, and a total of 23 patients（27.06%） experienced disease progression. Among them, 18 patients（21.18%） had enlarged lesions（any nodule diameter increased by ≥3 mm）, and 5 patients（5.88%） had abnormal or metastatic cervical lymph nodes. The 2-year cumulative disease progression rate was 9.41%. The incidence age of LR-PTMC patients was younger, with a higher proportion of ≤45 years old. The proportion of baseline nodules with a maximum diameter greater than 5 mm is higher, and the proportion of baseline TPO Ab positivity was higher. Ultrasound showed a higher proportion of microcalcifications compared to the non progression group, and the differences were statistically significant（all P<0.05）. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that age of onset ≤45 years RR 95% CI 1.052（1.018-1.088） and ultrasound showing microcalcifications RR 95% CI 3.361（1.379-8.194） were independent risk factors affecting disease progression during AS in LR-PTMC patients（P<0.05）. Conclusion:Most LR-PTMC patients maintain stable lesion size and low lymph node metastasis rate during the AS process, with good oncological outcomes in the short term. AS can be considered as a safe and effective alternative to surgical treatment for LR-PTMC patients. But for patients with onset age ≤45 years and microcalcifications, the follow-up interval can be shortened for close observation.
Humans ; Thyroid Neoplasms/pathology* ; Disease Progression ; Prospective Studies ; Carcinoma, Papillary/pathology* ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Watchful Waiting ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Risk Factors