Background and Objectives: There is no dedicated occlusive device for closing coronary artery fistulas (CAFs), and specific efficacy and safety data of various off-label occlusive devices for CAFs closure are scarce. Methods: Patients undergoing transcatheter closure of CAFs from January 2011 to December 2022 were included in the single-center retrospective study. The study population was divided into 2 groups: coils group (n=35) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occluders group (n=66). Results: No significant intergroup differences were observed in demographic characteristics except age. The presence of multiple CAF origins (54.3% vs. 4.5%, p<0.001) and multiple draining sites (51.4% vs. 3.0%, p<0.001) were more common in the coils group. In contrast, the presence of aneurysm (72.7% vs. 14.3%, p<0.001), and large fistula (75.8% vs. 37.1%, p<0.001) were more prevalent in the PDA occluders group. The acute procedural success rate of the PDA occluders group was higher compared to that of the coils group (87.9% vs.62.9%, adjusted odds ratio [OR], 7.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.59–32.64; p=0.01).In addition, no significant intergroup differences were noted in both the recanalization rate (7.8% vs. 20%, p=0.107) and the reintervention rate (3.1% vs. 8.6%, p=0.342). Conclusions Transcatheter closure of CAFs using PDA occluders was associated with significantly higher acute procedural success rates compared to coil embolization with comparable late outcomes.

Background and Objectives: There is no dedicated occlusive device for closing coronary artery fistulas (CAFs), and specific efficacy and safety data of various off-label occlusive devices for CAFs closure are scarce. Methods: Patients undergoing transcatheter closure of CAFs from January 2011 to December 2022 were included in the single-center retrospective study. The study population was divided into 2 groups: coils group (n=35) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occluders group (n=66). Results: No significant intergroup differences were observed in demographic characteristics except age. The presence of multiple CAF origins (54.3% vs. 4.5%, p<0.001) and multiple draining sites (51.4% vs. 3.0%, p<0.001) were more common in the coils group. In contrast, the presence of aneurysm (72.7% vs. 14.3%, p<0.001), and large fistula (75.8% vs. 37.1%, p<0.001) were more prevalent in the PDA occluders group. The acute procedural success rate of the PDA occluders group was higher compared to that of the coils group (87.9% vs.62.9%, adjusted odds ratio [OR], 7.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.59–32.64; p=0.01).In addition, no significant intergroup differences were noted in both the recanalization rate (7.8% vs. 20%, p=0.107) and the reintervention rate (3.1% vs. 8.6%, p=0.342). Conclusions Transcatheter closure of CAFs using PDA occluders was associated with significantly higher acute procedural success rates compared to coil embolization with comparable late outcomes.

Background and Objectives: There is no dedicated occlusive device for closing coronary artery fistulas (CAFs), and specific efficacy and safety data of various off-label occlusive devices for CAFs closure are scarce. Methods: Patients undergoing transcatheter closure of CAFs from January 2011 to December 2022 were included in the single-center retrospective study. The study population was divided into 2 groups: coils group (n=35) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occluders group (n=66). Results: No significant intergroup differences were observed in demographic characteristics except age. The presence of multiple CAF origins (54.3% vs. 4.5%, p<0.001) and multiple draining sites (51.4% vs. 3.0%, p<0.001) were more common in the coils group. In contrast, the presence of aneurysm (72.7% vs. 14.3%, p<0.001), and large fistula (75.8% vs. 37.1%, p<0.001) were more prevalent in the PDA occluders group. The acute procedural success rate of the PDA occluders group was higher compared to that of the coils group (87.9% vs.62.9%, adjusted odds ratio [OR], 7.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.59–32.64; p=0.01).In addition, no significant intergroup differences were noted in both the recanalization rate (7.8% vs. 20%, p=0.107) and the reintervention rate (3.1% vs. 8.6%, p=0.342). Conclusions Transcatheter closure of CAFs using PDA occluders was associated with significantly higher acute procedural success rates compared to coil embolization with comparable late outcomes.

Background and Objectives: There is no dedicated occlusive device for closing coronary artery fistulas (CAFs), and specific efficacy and safety data of various off-label occlusive devices for CAFs closure are scarce. Methods: Patients undergoing transcatheter closure of CAFs from January 2011 to December 2022 were included in the single-center retrospective study. The study population was divided into 2 groups: coils group (n=35) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occluders group (n=66). Results: No significant intergroup differences were observed in demographic characteristics except age. The presence of multiple CAF origins (54.3% vs. 4.5%, p<0.001) and multiple draining sites (51.4% vs. 3.0%, p<0.001) were more common in the coils group. In contrast, the presence of aneurysm (72.7% vs. 14.3%, p<0.001), and large fistula (75.8% vs. 37.1%, p<0.001) were more prevalent in the PDA occluders group. The acute procedural success rate of the PDA occluders group was higher compared to that of the coils group (87.9% vs.62.9%, adjusted odds ratio [OR], 7.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.59–32.64; p=0.01).In addition, no significant intergroup differences were noted in both the recanalization rate (7.8% vs. 20%, p=0.107) and the reintervention rate (3.1% vs. 8.6%, p=0.342). Conclusions Transcatheter closure of CAFs using PDA occluders was associated with significantly higher acute procedural success rates compared to coil embolization with comparable late outcomes.

Objective: To investigate the effects of "liver-smoothing and spirit-regulating" acupuncture on the intestinal flora, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the hippocampal toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/ transcription factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway in depressive disorder mouse model, and to explore its underlying mechanisms. Methods: Eighteen male SPF-grade C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to the control, model, and acupuncture groups using a random number method, with six mice in each group. The depression disorder model was induced in mice from both the acupuncture and model groups using CUMS. The mice in the acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture at the acupoints of "Baihui" (DU20), "Yintang" (DU29), "Hegu" (LI4), and "Taichong" (LR3) on the 15th day of modeling, with a duration of 20 min per session, once per day, for 2 consecutive weeks. Behavioral differences were assessed using the sucrose preference test, open field test, and forced swim test. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe pathological changes in the hippocampus and colon. The levels of the inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and LPS in the hippocampus and colon were measured using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB protein in the hippocampus. Changes in gut microbiota structure and abundance were analyzed by 16 S rDNA sequencing. Results: Compared to the control group, the model group showed reduced sucrose preference rate, time in the center area, and total distance, with an increase in immobility time (P<0.01). Inflammatory pathological changes were observed in the hippocampal CA1 region and colon. The contents of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and LPS in the hippocampus and colon increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of hippocampal TLR4 and NF-κB were increased (P<0.01). The Chao1 index was increased (P<0.01). The relative abundances of Pseudomonadales, Acinetobacter, Moraxellaceae, Solibacillus, Escherichia_shigella, Enterobacteriaceae, Enterobacterales, Dubosiella, and Erysipelottichales were decreased, while the relative abundances of Alloprevotella and gram_negative_bacteriurh_cTPY_13 were increased (P<0.05). The pathways of lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and pathogenic Escherichia coli infection were upregulated, and the pathway of terpenoid backbone biosynthesis was downregulated (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the acupuncture group showed increased sucrose preference, time in the center area, and total distance, with a decrease in immobility time (P<0.01). The inflammatory pathological changes in the hippocampal CA1 region and colon were alleviated. The contents of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and LPS in the hippocampus and colon were reduced(P<0.01). The protein expression levels of hippocampal TLR4 and NF-κB were reduced (P<0.01). The Chao1 index was decreased (P<0.05), and the relative abundances of Dubosiella and Erysipelotrichaceae were increased, while the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae, Alloprevotella, and gram_negative_bacteriuch_cTPY_13 were decreased(P<0.05). The pathways of lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and pathogenic Escherichia coli infection were significantly downregulated, and the pathway of terpenoid backbone biosynthesis was upregulated (P<0.01). Conclusion " Liver-smoothing and spirit-regulating" acupuncture can improve depressive symptoms in depressive disorder mice, potentially through regulating the LPS and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway mediated by intestinal flora, reducing the inflammatory response of the hippocampus, and improving the pathological injury of the hippocampus.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of Tiaoshen Guben holistic therapy of acupuncture and moxibustion (holistic treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion by adjusting the mind and consolidating the root) on comorbidity of depression and insomnia. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with comorbidity of depression and insomnia were included and treated with Tiaoshen Guben holistic therapy of acupuncture and moxibustion. Acupuncture was applied to Baihui (GV20), Guanyuan (CV4), bilateral Neiguan (PC6), etc. The refined moxibustion therapy was delivered at Zhongwan (CV12), Qihai (CV6), bilateral Yongquan (KI1), etc. Subcutaneous embedding therapy with thumb-tack needle was adopted at bilateral Xinshu (BL15), bilateral Pishu (BL20), etc. The intervention was operated once every other day, 3 treatments a week, and for 6 consecutive weeks. Before and after treatment completion, and in 1 month after treatment, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Hamilton's depression scale (HAMD-17) were adopted to assess sleep quality and depression symptoms in the patients, respectively. Before and after treatment completion, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the functional connectivity (FC) of locus coeruleus (LC) in brain regions was evaluated; and the levels of serum norepinephrine (NE), cortisol (CORT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) were detected. RESULTS: Compared with the scores before treatment, PSQI and HAMD-17 scores after treatment completion and in 1 month after treatment were reduced (P<0.01); and strengthened FC was revealed between the right LC and the pars opercularis of the left inferior frontal gyrus, as well as the lateral occipital lobe region. After treatment completion, serum NE was elevated (P<0.01), the levels of CORT, ACTH and CRH were reduced (P<0.01). Before and after treatment completion, the difference in FC between the right LC and the pars opercularis of the left inferior frontal gyrus was negatively correlated with the differences in PSQI score (r = -0.484, P = 0.016) and HAMD-17 score (r = -0.233, P = 0.027). CONCLUSION Tiaoshen Guben holistic therapy of acupuncture and moxibustion can effectively alleviate depression symptoms and improve sleep quality in the patients with comorbidity of depression and insomnia, which is obtained probably through reducing the levels of serum CORT, ACTH and CRH, increasing serum NE, strengthening the FC of the right LC with the pars opercularis of the left inferior frontal gyrus and the lateral occipital lobe region.
Humans ; Moxibustion ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/therapy* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Depression/complications* ; Aged ; Young Adult ; Acupuncture Points ; Comorbidity

Objective To explore the efficacy of a compound nutrition preparation on wound healing after acute trauma and investigate the underlying mechanism primarily.Methods After skin wound model was successfully constructed on totally 60 male SD rats surgically,they were randomly divided into control group(CON group),whey protein group(WP group)and low-and high-dose nutritional formula groups(LDF and HDF groups),with 15 animals in per group.From the next day after surgery,the rats in each group were given corresponding nutritional interventions for 2 weeks.During the intervention,the wound conditions were observed and recorded,and the wound area was measured.The samples were collected on the 3rd,7th and 14th days after surgery,respectively.Serum albumin(ALB),prealbumin(PA),total protein(TP),inflammatory factors(TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6 and IL-10),immunoglobulins(IgA,IgG and IgM)and hydroxyproline(Hyp)were detected by the corresponding reagent kits.The histopathologic changes of wound were observed with HE staining.Masson staining was used to observe the collagen fiber deposition in wound tissue.The angiogenesis of wound tissue was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining.Results Compared with the CON group,the wound healing speed,collagen synthesis and angiogenesis speed were significantly accelerated in the WP group,LDF group and HDF group(P＜0.05),and the effects were the most obvious in the HDF group.On the 3rd day after surgery,in the WP,LDF and HDF groups,the serum ALB,PA and TP levels were significantly increased(P＜0.05),serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels were obviously decreased(P＜0.05),and serum IL-10 level was notably increased(except WP group)when compared with the CON group.The serum IgG and IgM levels were significantly increased in the LDF group and HDF group(P＜0.05)and significant increment of IgA was only observed in the HDF group(P＜0.05).On the 7th day after modeling,the levels of ALB,PA and TP were significantly increased(P＜0.05),the levels of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 were obviously decreased(P＜0.05),and the levels of IL-10 were remarkably increased(P＜0.05)in the HDF group than the CON group;The LDF group and HDF group had significantly elevated serum IgG and IgM levels(P＜0.05),but only the former group had statistically increased serum IgA level(P＜0.05).On the 14th day after modeling,the HDF group had significantly increased levels of ALB and TP(P＜0.05),decreased levels of IL-1β(P＜0.05),and raised levels of IgG and IgM when compared with the CON group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Our compound nutrition preparation promotes wound healing in rat model of acute trauma,which might be related to its improving the nutritional status,promoting collagen synthesis,and thus alleviating inflammatory response and enhancing immune function.

Objective To investigate the relationship between serum phenylacetylglutamine(PAGln),short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)levels and ventricular remodeling and prognosis in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods A total of 267 CHF patients treated at Jiulongpo District People's Hospital of Chongqing from January 2019 to December 2022 were selected as the CHF group,and 100 healthy individuals underwent physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group.CHF patients were further divided into a poor prognosis group(n=63)and a good prognosis group(n=204)based on 1-year outcomes.Serum levels of PAGln and SCFAs(acetic acid,propionic acid,butyric acid)were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.Echocardiography was used to assess ventricular remode-ling indicators including left ventricular mass index(LVMI),interventricular septal thickness in diastole(IVST),left ventricular posterior wall thickness(LVPWT),and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD).Pearson correlation was used to analyze the associations between serum PAGln,SCFAs levels and LVMI,IVST,LVPWT,LVEDD.Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for poor prognosis in CHF patients,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to assess the predic-tive value of PAGln and SCFAs levels.Results Serum PAGln levels were significantly higher in the CHF group than in the control group,while acetic acid,propionic acid,and butyric acid levels were significantly low-er(P＜0.05).LVMI,IVST,LVPWT,and LVEDD were significantly elevated in the CHF group compared to the control group(P＜0.05).Serum PAGln levels were positively correlated with LVMI,IVST,LVPWT,and LVEDD(P＜0.05),while SCFAs levels were negatively correlated with these parameters(P＜0.05).Univa-riate analysis showed that age,duration of CHF,NYHA functional classification,atrial fibrillation,LVEF,NT-proBNP,PAGln,acetic acid,propionic acid,and butyric acid were associated with poor prognosis(P＜0.05).Multivariate analysis identified NYHA class Ⅲ-Ⅳ,atrial fibrillation,elevated NT-proBNP,and elevated PA-Gln as independent risk factors for poor prognosis,while higher LVEF and increased levels of acetic acid,pro-pionic acid,and butyric acid were independent protective factors(P＜0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)for the combined prediction using PAGln and SCFAs was 0.881,which was greater than that for PAGln(0.800)or SCFAs(0.789)alone(P＜0.05).Conclusion Elevated serum PAGln and decreased SCFAs levels are closely associated with ventricular remodeling and poor prognosis in CHF pa-tients.The combination of serum PAGln and SCFAs levels has a high predictive value for poor prognosis in CHF.