Endothelial dysfunction induced by inflammation and oxidative stress represents a critical pathological mechanism in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, including sepsis and atherosclerosis. Although crebanine has been reported to possess antiinflammatory and analgesic properties, its effects on inflammation and oxidative stress in endothelial cells remain unknown. In this study, we assessed cell viability, apoptosis, and migration using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, and a wound healing assay, respectively. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the expression of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were determined by qRT-PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blotting analysis. Our results demonstrated that crebanine alleviated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced apoptosis and dysfunction in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Crebanine treatment inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), ROS, and malondialdehyde (MDA), while it enhanced the activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). Mechanistically, crebanine suppressed LPS-induced activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in HUVECs. Furthermore, the improvement effect of crebanine on the inflammation and dysfunction in LPS-treated HUVECs was reversed by diprovocim, an NF-κB activator.These findings suggest that crebanine ameliorates LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in HUVECs by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, indicating its potential therapeutic value for treating vascular endothelial dysfunction-related diseases.

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province from 2015 to 2024, so as to provide the evidence for optimizing tuberculosis control strategies. Methods: Data of PTB cases in Jinhua City from 2015 to 2024 were collected through the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the population, temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of PTB cases. Seasonal index was used to analyze temporal distribution characteristics. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was used to analyze the trends in reported incidence and etiological positivity rate of PTB from 2015 to 2024. Results: A total of 34 750 PTB cases were reported in Jinhua City from 2015 to 2024, with an average annual reported incidence of 56.35/105. There were 20 054 cases with positive etiological test results, with a positive rate of 57.71%. The reported incidence of PTB showed an overall declining trend (AAPC=-5.814%, P<0.05), while the etiological positivity rate demonstrated an overall upward trend (AAPC=6.687%, P<0.05). The average annual reported incidence of PTB was 71.29/105 in males, higher than 39.98/105 in females (P<0.05). The reported incidence in both males and females showed a downward trend (AAPC=-5.909%, -6.803%, both P<0.05). The population aged ≥60 years had a higher proportion and reported incidence, which were 40.15% and 134.05/105, respectively. The reported incidence showed downward trends in the groups aged 0-<20 years, 20-<40 years, 40-<60 years, and ≥60 years (AAPC=-11.191%, -10.849%, -6.343%, and -4.006%, all P<0.05). Farmers were the predominant occupation, with 21 584 cases, accounting for 62.11%. PTB was highly prevalent from March to September, with a higher seasonal index in May (116.37%). Lanxi City, Pujiang County and Yiwu City had higher reported incidence, which were 77.85/105, 65.89/105 and 60.77/105, respectively. Except for Pan'an County where the trend in reported incidence was not statistically significant (P>0.05), the reported incidence in other regions showed downward trends, with AAPC values ranging from -9.039% to -1.964% (all P<0.05). Conclusions From 2015 to 2024, the reported incidence of PTB in Jinhua City showed an overall declining trend, while the pathogen positivity rate showed an upward trend. PTB was highly prevalent in spring and summer. Males, the elderly and farmers were the key target population for prevention and control. Lanxi City, Pujiang County and Yiwu City were high-incidence areas.

Objective:To investigate the differential expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs(LncRNAs) and messenger RNAs(mRNAs) regulated by soluble dipeptidyl peptidase-4(sDPP4) during vascular smooth muscle cell calcification, and to explore the potential underlying calcification mechanisms.Methods:DPP4 levels in blood vessels and peripheral blood of diabetic patients were measured using Western blotting(WB) and real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR). A cellular calcification model was established by treating human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells(HASMCs) with sDPP4. The effects of sDPP4 on HASMCs were assessed by WB, RT-qPCR, alizarin red staining, and calcium content determination. High-throughput sequencing was performed to analyze the differential expression profiles of LncRNA and mRNA following sDPP4 treatment. Among them, LncRNA ENST00000540293, which exhibited the most pronounced downregulation and was located adjacent to the matrix metalloproteinase-1(MMP-1) gene, was selected for further investigation. The osteogenic transdifferentiation of HASMCs after silencing LncRNA ENST00000540293 was evaluated using WB, RT-qPCR, alizarin red staining, and immunofluorescence-based cytoskeletal staining.Results:DPP4 expression was significantly elevated in both blood vessels and peripheral blood of diabetic patients. sDPP4 stimulation upregulated the protein levels of osteopontin(OPN) and runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2) in HASMCs, enhanced alizarin red staining, and increased intracellular calcium deposition. RNA sequencing revealed significant downregulation of LncRNA ENST00000540293 following sDPP4 exposure, while GO and pathway analysis indicated a marked increase in extracellular matrix binding activity(GO: 0050840). Silencing LncRNA ENST00000540293 suppressed α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) expression, promoted OPN and RUNX2 expression, increased calcification as shown by positive alizarin red staining, and cytoskeletal staining demonstrated osteogenic transdifferentiation of HASMCs, accompanied by a significant rise in MMP-1 protein level.Conclusion:sDPP4 promotes osteogenic transdifferentiation of HASMCs, potentially by downregulating LncRNA ENST00000540293. MMP-1 may be a potential target regulated by LncRNA ENST00000540293.

Objective To analyze the efficacy of the"sandwich"technique for treating varicocele(VC).Methods A total of 310 patients with VC(365 affected veins)were selected and divided into interventional treatment group and non-interventional treatment group.The baseline data,hospitalization data,and 6-month follow-up data of the two groups were analyzed.Results The age of patients in the interventional treatment group was significantly lower than that in the non-interventional treatment group(P＜0.05).The surgical time and hospital stay in the interventional treatment group were significantly lower than those in the non-interventional treatment group(P＜0.05).In the non-interventional treatment group,two patients experienced surgical site infections,and one patient opted for interventional treatment due to recurrence after non-interventional treatment.After surgery,the diameter of the spermatic vein significantly decreased in both the interventional and non-interventional treatment(P＜0.05).Conclusion The"sandwich"technique(embolization coil combined with foam sclerotherapy)is an effective treatment for VC.

Objective:To investigate the differential expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs(LncRNAs) and messenger RNAs(mRNAs) regulated by soluble dipeptidyl peptidase-4(sDPP4) during vascular smooth muscle cell calcification, and to explore the potential underlying calcification mechanisms.Methods:DPP4 levels in blood vessels and peripheral blood of diabetic patients were measured using Western blotting(WB) and real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR). A cellular calcification model was established by treating human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells(HASMCs) with sDPP4. The effects of sDPP4 on HASMCs were assessed by WB, RT-qPCR, alizarin red staining, and calcium content determination. High-throughput sequencing was performed to analyze the differential expression profiles of LncRNA and mRNA following sDPP4 treatment. Among them, LncRNA ENST00000540293, which exhibited the most pronounced downregulation and was located adjacent to the matrix metalloproteinase-1(MMP-1) gene, was selected for further investigation. The osteogenic transdifferentiation of HASMCs after silencing LncRNA ENST00000540293 was evaluated using WB, RT-qPCR, alizarin red staining, and immunofluorescence-based cytoskeletal staining.Results:DPP4 expression was significantly elevated in both blood vessels and peripheral blood of diabetic patients. sDPP4 stimulation upregulated the protein levels of osteopontin(OPN) and runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2) in HASMCs, enhanced alizarin red staining, and increased intracellular calcium deposition. RNA sequencing revealed significant downregulation of LncRNA ENST00000540293 following sDPP4 exposure, while GO and pathway analysis indicated a marked increase in extracellular matrix binding activity(GO: 0050840). Silencing LncRNA ENST00000540293 suppressed α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) expression, promoted OPN and RUNX2 expression, increased calcification as shown by positive alizarin red staining, and cytoskeletal staining demonstrated osteogenic transdifferentiation of HASMCs, accompanied by a significant rise in MMP-1 protein level.Conclusion:sDPP4 promotes osteogenic transdifferentiation of HASMCs, potentially by downregulating LncRNA ENST00000540293. MMP-1 may be a potential target regulated by LncRNA ENST00000540293.

Objective To analyze the efficacy of the"sandwich"technique for treating varicocele(VC).Methods A total of 310 patients with VC(365 affected veins)were selected and divided into interventional treatment group and non-interventional treatment group.The baseline data,hospitalization data,and 6-month follow-up data of the two groups were analyzed.Results The age of patients in the interventional treatment group was significantly lower than that in the non-interventional treatment group(P＜0.05).The surgical time and hospital stay in the interventional treatment group were significantly lower than those in the non-interventional treatment group(P＜0.05).In the non-interventional treatment group,two patients experienced surgical site infections,and one patient opted for interventional treatment due to recurrence after non-interventional treatment.After surgery,the diameter of the spermatic vein significantly decreased in both the interventional and non-interventional treatment(P＜0.05).Conclusion The"sandwich"technique(embolization coil combined with foam sclerotherapy)is an effective treatment for VC.

Objective To explore the impact of pH value of the reaction system on the properties of bovine hemoglobin modified with aldehydeated polyethylene glycol(PEG-bHb).Methods PEG-bHb conjugates were synthesized under varying pH conditions(6.0,6.5,7.4 and 8.0)of the reaction system while consistent molar ratios,temperature,and reaction time were maintained.The structural and functional attributes of PEG-bHb were characterized.Results The proportion of methemoglobin decreased with an increase in pH.In a weakly acidic reaction environment,the PEG-bHb was found to be relatively highly modified.At pH 6.5,the average number of PEG chains attached to the bHb surface was 6.86±0.38.Selective PEG modification of the N-terminal α-NH2 groups was more pronounced under weakly acidic conditions.Specifically,at pH 6.5,the modification efficiency of the N-terminal α-NH2 groups of bHb by aldehyde-activated PEG reached 95.4％for the α-chains and 99.3％for the β-chains.The PEG modification influenced the heme region microenvi-ronment of bHb,with minimal structural impact observed at pH 6.5.After modification,the oxygen affinity of PEG-bHb was enhanced,the Hill coefficient was reduced,and there were significant increases in colloid osmotic pressure,viscosity,and particle size,all of which differed markedly from the unmodified bHb group(P＜0.001).Conclusion The synthesis of PEG-bHb under weakly acidic conditions can result in a high degree of selective modification of the N-terminal α-NH2 groups and an overall high degree of modification.

Patients with diabetic retinopathy often experience diabetes distress when facing the challenges of the disease, which has adverse effects on their health outcomes. This paper summarizes the current situation of diabetes distress in patients with diabetic retinopathy, and the assessment tools, influencing factors, and intervention measures, aiming to provide a reference for healthcare professionals to conduct intervention studies.

Objective:To summarize the clinical features of 8 cases with intramycardial hematoma(IMH) following congenital cardiac surgery in children.Methods:We retrospectly searched 8 patients with intramycardial hematoma after congenital cardiac surgery in Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center from 2008 to 2024.Results:Mean age and mean weight at surgery were(13±15) months and(7.8±3.5)kg respectively. 6 of 8 cases were interventricular septal hematoma. In the other 2 patients, intramycardial hematoma was located in left ventrical free wall. All IMH were postoperatively detected by transthoracic echocardiaography. Two patients were managed with ECMO intraoperatively. Finally, all patients were discharged successfully with good clinical results. Mean time to IMH resolution in six patients was(33.5±4.6) days and mean left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) was 0.60±0.09. Another patient was followed up for 3 months and the IMH was not absorbed. One patient was lost to follow-up.Conclusion:IMH is a rare complication after congenital heart disease. The absorption of hematoma is a dynamic process and mean time to IMH resolution is about 1month. In IMH patients with hemodynamic instability, ECMO can be a good treatment to create opportunities for hematoma absorbtion.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical characteristics and genetic etiology of a consanguineous Chinese pedigree affected with Congenital coagulation factor XII (XII) deficiency. METHODS: Members of the pedigree who had visited Ruian People's Hospital on July 12, 2021 were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data of the pedigree were reviewed. Peripheral venous blood samples were taken from the subjects. Blood coagulation index and genetic testing were carried out. Candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. RESULTS: This pedigree has comprised 6 individuals from 3 generations, including the proband, his father, mother, wife, sister and son. The proband was a 51-year-old male with kidney stones. Blood coagulation test showed that his activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was significantly prolonged, whilst the FXII activity (FXII:C) and FXII antigen (FXII:Ag) were extremely reduced. The FXII:C and FXII:Ag of proband's father, mother, sister and son have all reduced to about half of the lower limit of reference range. Genetic testing revealed that the proband has harbored homozygous missense variant of c.1A>G (p.Arg2Tyr) of the start codon in exon 1 of the F12 gene. Sanger sequencing confirmed that his father, mother, sister and son were all heterozygous for the variant, whilst his wife was of the wild type. By bioinformatic analysis, the variant has not been included in the HGMD database. Prediction with SIFT online software suggested the variant is harmful. Simulation with Swiss-Pbd Viewer v4.0.1 software suggested that the variant has a great impact on the structure of FXII protein. Based on the Standards and Guidelines for the Interpretation of Sequence Variants: A Joint Consensus Recommendation of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the variant was rated as likely pathogenic. CONCLUSION The c.1A>G (p.Arg2Tyr) variant of the F12 gene probably underlay the Congenital FXII deficiency in this pedigree. Above finding has further expanded the spectrum of F12 gene variants and provided a reference for clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling for this pedigree.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Factor XII/genetics* ; Pedigree ; Codon, Initiator ; East Asian People ; Mothers ; Factor XII Deficiency/genetics* ; Mutation