Objective:To investigate the effects of different lipid-lowering regimens on blood lipids, endothelial function and safety in patients with unstable angina.Methods:Patients who admitted to Henan Provincial People's Hospital for unstable angina from September 2018 to May 2019 were randomly (random number) divided into the conventional treatment group, intensive statin group and intensive lipid-lowering group. Follow-up was performed at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment according to the predetermined lipid-lowering regimen. Assessments included lipid profile, liver function, muscle enzymes, hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), endothelial function (reactive hyperemia index, RHI), ischemic events, myalgia, and discontinuation. The differences of the follow-up indicators among the three groups were analyzed.Results:A total of 375 patients were enrolled and randomly divided into three groups, 125 patients in each group. There were no significant differences in demographic data and medication among the three groups. At the 1st month, the low density lipoprotein cholesterin (LDL-C) compliance rate of the intensive statin group was significantly higher than those in the conventional treatment group ( χ2=3.939, P=0.047) and the intensive lipid-lowering group ( χ2=4.63, P=0.031). At the 3rd month, the reductions of LDL-C in the intensive statin group and the intensive lipid-lowering group were significantly better than that in the conventional treatment group( P<0.01). At the 6th month, the reduction rate of LDL-C in the intensive lipid-lowering group was higher than that in the intensive statin group ( q=4.332, P<0.01). At the 1st month, the improvement of hs-CRP and RHI in the intensive statin group was significantly better than that in the conventional treatment group( q=4.133, P<0.05). From the 3rd month of treatment, the incidence of cardiovascular events in the intensive statin group and the intensive lipid-lowering group showed a tendency to decrease compared with the conventional treatment group, but no statistically significant difference was found. At the 6th months of treatment, the withdrawal rates were significantly higher in the intensive statin group and the intensive lipid-lowering group than that in the conventional treatment group (χ 2=4.488, P=0.03 and χ2=5.039, P=0.02). There were no significant differences in the ratio of liver enzyme and muscle enzyme elevation and the incidence of myalgia among the three groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Intensive statin therapy can make LDL-C reach the standard in patients with unstable angina pectoris as soon as possible, significantly improve inflammation indicators and endothelial function, and has good safety.

Objective:To explore the correlations of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone ( α-MSH) levels in serum and synovial fluid with progression of primary knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted of the 96 patients who had been diagnosed as primary KOA at Department of Orthopedics, The First Hospital of Huizhou from October 2018 to October 2019. Radiographic severity of KOA was determined by Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grades; α-MSH levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 β (IL-1 β) and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) were also detected. Another 64 patients with patellar dislocation, matched in age and gender, were enrolled as controls. The Numeric Pain Scale (NPS) and revised Oxford Knee Score (OKS) were employed to evaluate their symptomatic severity. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to compare α-MSH, IL-1 β and MMP-3 with regard to their diagnostic values in the K-L grading. Results:There were no statistically significant difference in age, gender and body mass index between the 2 groups, showing they were comparable ( P> 0.05). The α-MSH levels in synovial fluid were significantly lower in the KOA patients than in the controls [(16.9±3.8) pg/mL versus (18.8±2.7) pg/mL] ( P<0.001); there were no significant differences between the KOA patients and the controls in the serum α-MSH levels [(24.9±1.8) pg/mL versus (24.8±1.7) pg/mL] ( P>0.05). The α-MSH levels in synovial fluid were negatively correlated with K-L grades ( r=-0.382, P<0.001) and negatively correlated with NPS ( r=-0.382, P<0.001) but positively correlated with OKS ( r=0.339, P<0.001). Moreover, the α-MSH levels in synovial fluid were negatively correlated with the IL-1 β levels in synovial fluid ( r=-0.483, P<0.001) and with the MMP-3 levels in synovial fluid ( r=-0.336, P< 0.001). Conclusions:The level of serum α-MSH may not be correlated with the progression of KOA but the synovial fluid α-MSH is negatively correlated with the progression of KOA. Therefore, the expression level of α-MSH in joint synovial fluid can be used as a potential biomarker for assessment of severity of knee osteoarthritis.

Objective To examine the precise function of influenza A virus target genes(IATGs)in malignancy. Methods Using multi-omics data from the TCGA and TCPA datasets,33 tumor types were evaluated for IATGs.IATG expression in cancer cells was analyzed using transcriptome analysis.Copy number variation(CNV)was assessed using GISTICS 2.0.Spearman's analysis was used to correlate mRNA expression with methylation levels.GSEA was used for the enrichment analysis.Pearson's correlation analysis was used to examine the association between IATG mRNA expression and IC50.The ImmuCellAI algorithm was used to calculate the infiltration scores of 24 immune cell types. Results In 13 solid tumors,IATG mRNA levels were atypically expressed.Except for UCS,UVM,KICH,PCPG,THCA,CHOL,LAMI,and MESO,most cancers contained somatic IATG mutations.The main types of CNVs in IATGs are heterozygous amplifications and deletions.In most tumors,IATG mRNA expression is adversely associated with methylation.RT-PCR demonstrated that EGFR,ANXA5,CACNA1C,CD209,UVRAG were upregulated and CLEC4M was downregulated in KIRC cell lines,consistent with the TCGA and GTEx data. Conclusion Genomic changes and clinical characteristics of IATGs were identified,which may offer fresh perspectives linking the influenza A virus to cancer.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between protein-energy wasting (PEW) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted to enroll 150 adult patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis at The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2022 to May 2023. These patients were categorized into four groups based on their PTH levels: low PTH group (< 150 ng/L), standard PTH group (150-300 ng/L), very high PTH group (300-600 ng/L), and extreme high PTH group (> 600 ng/L). The diagnosis of PEW was determined using the diagnostic criteria proposed by the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM). Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between PEW and PTH levels.Results:Among the 150 patients undergoing maintenance dialysis, 52 (34.7%) were diagnosed with PEW. The prevalence of PEW was significantly higher in the low PTH group compared with the standard, very high, and extreme high PTH groups ( χ2 = 20.64, all P < 0.05). Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed a strong association between low PTH levels ( OR = 13.810, 95% CI: 2.907-65.603, P = 0.001) and an increased risk of PEW. The risk of PEW in the low PTH group was 13.810 times higher than that in the extreme high PTH group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis further confirmed that low PTH levels ( OR = 19.891, 95% CI: 1.810-218.620, P = 0.014) and low C-reactive protein levels ( OR = 1.056, 95% CI: 1.015-1.099, P = 0.007) were independently associated with an increased risk of PEW. Higher hemoglobin levels ( OR = 0.959, 95% CI: 0.931-0.988, P = 0.005) and a larger middle upper arm circumference ( OR = 0.544, 95% CI: 0.338-0.875, P = 0.012) were independently associated with a reduced risk of PEW. The risk of PEW in the low PTH group was 19.891 times higher than that in the extreme high PTH group. However, there was no significant difference in the risk of PEW in the standard and very high PTH groups compared with the extreme high PTH group (both P > 0.05). Conclusion:The risk of PEW is markedly elevated in patients with low PTH levels, emphasizing the importance of clinical attention to the prevention and treatment of low PTH levels. Addressing this issue may hold great value in reducing the risk of PEW.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of arthroscopic suture combined with perforator tendon double reduction and Endobutton plate technique for the treatment of tibial avulsion fracture of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 32 patients with tibial avulsion fracture of PCL, who were admitted to First People′s Hospital of Huizhou from January 2018 to October 2022. There were 19 males and 13 females, with age range of 18-65 years [(42.8±15.0)years]. By the Meyers-Mckeever classicfication, 27 patients were type II, and 5 type III. All the patients were treated with arthroscopic suture combined with perforator tendon double reduction and Endobutton plate technique to fix PCL tibial avulsion fracture at the insertion point. The fracture reduction was observed by X-ray films before discharge. Three months postoperatively, the fracture healing was observed by CT imaging, and the stability of knee joint was evaluated by posterior drawer test. The knee active range of motion, visual analogue score (VAS), Lysholm score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score were used to evaluate the pain and knee function before operation, at 3 months after operation, and at the last follow-up. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were observed.Results:All the patients were followed up for 6-36 months [(19.7±8.7)months]. The X-ray films showed satisfactory reduction of the fracture before discharge, and the CT showed that the fracture line was blurred to various degrees at 3 months after operation. Two patients had degree I positive posterior drawer test at 3 months after operation, and the rest were negative. The knee active range of motion was improved from 54.2°(45.0°, 70.0°) preoperatively to 124.8°(120.0°, 130.0°) at 3 months postoperatively and to 130.6°(125.0°, 135.0°) at the last follow-up (all P<0.01). The VAS was decreased from 5.1(3.0, 7.0)points preoperatively to 1.2(1.0, 2.0)points at 3 months postoperatively and to 0.1(0.0, 0.0)points at the last follow-up (all P<0.01). The Lysholm score was improved from 31.2(24.3, 37.0)points preoperatively to 73.6(69.3, 78.8)points at 3 months postoperatively and 92.6(91.0, 95.0)points at the last follow-up (all P<0.01). The IKDC score was increased from (20.9±7.1)points preoperatively to (59.2±8.9)points at 3 months postoperatively and to (77.5±7.0)points at the last follow-up (all P<0.01). Compared with 3 months after operation, the last follow-up showed significantly improved knee active range of motion, significantly decreased VAS, and significantly increased Lysholm score and IKDC score (all P<0.05). No intraoperative nerve vascular injury, postoperative incision infection, or lower limb venous thrombosis was observed. Conclusion:Arthroscopic suture combined with perforator tendon double reduction and Endobutton plate technique can achieve good reduction and high healing rate in patients with tibial avulsion fracture of PCL, with improved joint mobility, relieved pain, good recovery of knee joint function, and few complications.

Background Studies on the association between greenness exposure and allergic rhinitis (AR) in children are mostly conducted in developed countries, and the conclusion is not consistent. Objective Using street view data to explore the association between greenness exposure and allergic rhinitis (AR) prevalence in Chinese children. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 40868 children aged 2-17 years in three cities of Northeast China from 2012 to 2013, which consisted of 20886 (51.1%) boys and 19982 (48.9%) girls. The information of AR prevalence was obtained through questionnaire. Based on downloaded street view images from Tencent Maps, a green view index (GVI) of green vegetation (trees and grass) within 800 m and 1000 m buffer of the participants' schools was calculated by using artificial intelligence, and it was used as a surrogate of the greenness exposure. A mixed-effect logistic regression model was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of AR prevalence in children for per increase of inter-quartile range (IQR) of GVI. In addition, according to ambient PM_2.5 concentration, the participants were divided into a low PM_2.5 exposure group (≤56.23 μg·m⁻³) and a high exposure group (>56.23 μg·m⁻³) to investigate whether PM_2.5 was a modifier on the association between GVI and AR. Results The average age of the subjects was (10.40±3.68) years and 3 963 (9.7%) subjects reported diagnosed AR. Within 800 m buffer, an IQR increase in GVI for trees (IQR=0.031, OR=0.85, 95%CI: 0.81-0.90) and overall greenness (IQR=0.029, OR=0.86, 95%CI: 0.81-0.90) was associated with lower adjusted odds ratio of AR. The interaction between PM_2.5 and GVI was statistically significant (P< 0.1), that is, the negative associations of trees and overall greenness with AR were observed only at low PM_2.5 exposure levels. The sensitivity analysis results of GVI within 1000 m buffer was consistent with that within 800 m buffer. Conclusion Exposure to green vegetation, especially trees, may be associated with decreased risks of AR in children, and such associations may be more obvious in areas with a low PM_2.5 concentration.

Bioactive compounds derived from herbal medicinal plants modulate various therapeutic targets and signaling pathways associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the world's primary cause of death. Ginkgo biloba, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine with notable cardiovascular actions, has been used as a cardio- and cerebrovascular therapeutic drug and nutraceutical in Asian countries for centuries. Preclinical studies have shown that ginkgolide B, a bioactive component in Ginkgo biloba, can ameliorate atherosclerosis in cultured vascular cells and disease models. Of clinical relevance, several clinical trials are ongoing or being completed to examine the efficacy and safety of ginkgolide B-related drug preparations in the prevention of cerebrovascular diseases, such as ischemia stroke. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the pharmacological activities, pharmacokinetic characteristics, and mechanisms of action of ginkgolide B in atherosclerosis prevention and therapy. We highlight new molecular targets of ginkgolide B, including nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases (NADPH oxidase), lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), platelet-activating factor (PAF), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and others. Finally, we provide an overview and discussion of the therapeutic potential of ginkgolide B and highlight the future perspective of developing ginkgolide B as an effective therapeutic agent for treating atherosclerosis.

Objective: To establish a method for isolation and culture of primary endothelial cells from non-human primate coronary arteries, and to provide a cell model for the study of human coronary endothelial cells. Methods: The coronary arteries of macaca mulattas were separated aseptically. The primary endothelial cells were separatedviatissue adhesion after collagenase digestion. CD31 positive cells were detected and sorted by flow cytometry to determine the purity of endothelial cells. After stimulation with prostaglandin E2(PGE2), the cellular viability and proliferation ability of primary coronary endothelial cells from macaca mulattas were evaluated by high-content cell imaging and CCK-8 assay, and the migration ability and tube function of primary coronary endothelial cells from macaca mulattas were measured by Transwell method and Matrigel glue method, respectively. Results: The confluence percentage of primary coronary artery cells of macaca mulattas was about 80% after 10-14 daysin vitroculture, and the cellular morphology was irregular polygons and paver shape. The purity of endothelial cells was about 31.7% by flow cytometry. After sorting, the purity of endothelial cells was confirmed by flow cytometry, which was more than 95%. PGE2could significantly up-regulate the proliferation, migration and tube formation abilities of primary coronary endothelial cells of macaca mulattas. Conclusion This study successfully established the isolation and culture method of primary coronary endothelial cells from macaca mulattas, and proved that it could be used as anin vitrocell model to simulate human coronary endothelial cells through functional studies.