Patients with Takayasu arteritis combined with aortic valve disease often have a poor prognosis following surgical valve replacement, frequently encountering complications such as perivalvular leakage, valve detachment, and anastomotic aneurysm. This article presents a high-risk case wherein severe aortic valve insufficiency associated with Takayasu arteritis was successfully managed through transcatheter aortic valve implantation via the transapical approach. The patient had satisfactory valve function with no complications observed during the six-month postoperative follow-up. This case provides a minimally invasive and feasible alternative for the clinical management of such high-risk patients.

Objective To assess the echogenicity of the ultrasound-guided catheter and its associated delivery system. Methods The study consisted of in vitro characterization experiments and animal studies. In the in vitro phase, the acoustic and mechanical properties of the ultrasound-guided catheter were compared with those of the traditional MPA2 catheter, including parameters such as echo intensity, recognizability, and angle dependence. In the animal experiments, a ventricular septal defect (VSD) model was established in miniature pigs to compare the procedural performance of the ultrasound-guided delivery system versus the conventional system. Evaluation indicators included the time required for the system to cross the VSD, the detection rate of the system within the right ventricle, and the occurrence of intraoperative complications. Results The ultrasound-guided catheter demonstrated a significantly higher mean echo intensity than the MPA2 catheter [(237.3±1.8) dB vs. (190.9±13.1) dB, P<0.001] and a markedly improved recognizability rate (82.3%±5.6% vs. 26.7%±3.2%, P<0.001), along with better angle independence and image quality. In animal experiments, the ultrasound-guided delivery system significantly reduced the time required to cross the VSD [(18.5±5.7) min vs. (30.3±4.5) min, P<0.001] and substantially increased the detection rate within the right ventricle (100.0% vs. 30.0%). No severe complications occurred in any experimental animal. Conclusion The ultrasound-guided catheter and its corresponding delivery system exhibite superior ultrasound visibility and operational performance in both in vitro and animal experiments, indicating strong potential for clinical application.

As human deep space exploration enters a practical phase, ensuring astronaut health and safety has become a critical determinant of mission success. The cerebrovascular system, essential for maintaining brain function, is highly sensitive to environmental changes. Cerebrovascular diseases represent one of the characteristic adverse effects of deep space conditions such as microgravity and high-energy radiation, and have emerged as a frontier challenge in space medicine. Based on experiences from manned space missions, major research challenges persist, particularly the lack of experimental data specific to the lunar environment and the unclear threshold for low-dose radiation-induced injury. Elucidating the mechanisms and multifactorial interactions by which deep space environments impact cerebrovascular structure and function, and summarizing the key risk factors, pathological processes, and recent advances in monitoring and early-warning technologies for cerebrovascular diseases in lunar astronauts, and of crucial importance. A comprehensive understanding of the interplay between deep space environmental stressors and cerebrovascular injury, as well as the development of personalized prevention and intervention strategies, will provide both theoretical and practical foundations for safeguarding cerebrovascular health in future Chinese deep space missions, while promoting progress in related biomedical research, technological innovation, and international collaboration.
Humans ; Astronauts ; Cerebrovascular Disorders/etiology* ; Space Flight ; Weightlessness/adverse effects* ; Risk Factors ; Moon

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 explore the accuracy of a self-made color chart to calculate the amount of blood in the liposuction fluid of patients undergoing liposuction surgery.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 60 female patients with a median age of 33 (20-50) years who underwent liposuction surgery at Baiyu Medical Beauty Hospital in Milan, Sichuan from December 2022 to December 2023. The self-made color chart consisted of continuous color photos of liposuction bottles contained different amounts of blood, included continuous color charts with fat to water ratios of 3∶1, 2∶1 and 1∶1. The above chart was used to detect the liposuction solution in 60 clinical liposuction patients and to calculate the blood content. At the same time, the above specimens underwent laboratory testing for red blood cell counting. The differences and correlations were compared between two methods for detecting the amount of blood in liposuction solution.Results:The results showed that the blood content of the liposuction solution was (44.3±15.2), (46.9±20.6), (42.9±19.2) ml based on the color chart with a ratio of 3∶1, 2∶1 and 1∶1, respectively. The red blood cell count laboratory test results were (53.6±15.3), (55.2±20.7), (53.5±18.1) ml, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The results of the two methods showed a linear positive correlation ( Y=1.1 X+5.6, R2=0.989, P<0.01). Conclusion:A self-made color chart can be used to quickly and accurately calculate the blood content in liposuction solution.

BACKGROUND:Existing studies have made significant progress in PIWI-interacting RNAs(piRNAs)against osteoporosis,but the specific targets and related mechanisms by which piRNAs exert their functions remain to be explored.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects and downstream mechanisms of piR-7472 on the differentiation of mouse osteoblasts(MC3T3-E1 cells).METHODS:(1)Twelve C57/BL6J mice were randomly divided into a sham-operated and an ovariectomized group,with six mice in each group.Changes in bone mass and the expression of piR-7472 were detected using Micro-CT and RT-qPCR,respectively,at 8 weeks after surgery.(2)MC3T3-E1 cells were divided into NC mimics group,piR-7472 mimics group,NC inhibitor group,and piR-7472 inhibitor group.The mRNA expression of piR-7472,osteopontin,type I collagen,Runt-related transcription factor 2,and potassium voltage-gated channel modifier subfamily F member 1 were detected by RT-qPCR after 7 days of osteogenic induction.The protein expression of osteopontin,Runt-related transcription factor 2,bone morphogenetic protein 2,and potassium voltage-gated channel modifier subfamily F member 1(KCNF1)was detected using western blot assay.The expression of alkaline phosphatase was detected by alkaline phosphatase staining after 14 days of osteogenic induction,and the number of mineralized nodules was detected by alizarin red staining after 21 days of induction.Whether piR-7472 could bind to KCNF1 was observed by the dual luciferase reporter gene assay.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Bone mineral density,bone volume fraction,bone trabecular thickness,bone trabecular number were significantly decreased and bone trabecular separation was significantly increased in ovariectomized mice,and piR-7472 in bone tissue was significantly down-regulated in osteoporotic mice.(2)Compared with the NC group,the mRNA expression of osteopontin,type I collagen,and Runt-related transcription factor 2 were significantly increased,the protein expression of osteopontin,Runt-related transcription factor 2,and bone morphogenetic protein 2 were significantly elevated,and the levels of mineralized deposition and alkaline phosphatase were increased in the piR-7472 mimics group.Compared with the NC inhibitor group,the mRNA expression of osteopontin,type I collagen,and Runt-related transcription factor 2 was significantly downregulated,the protein expression of osteopontin,Runt-related transcription factor 2,and bone morphogenetic protein 2 were significantly decreased,and the levels of mineralized deposition and alkaline phosphatase were reduced in the piR-7472 inhibitor group.(3)piR-7472 was found to interact with the potassium voltage-gated channel modifier subfamily F member 1 as predicted by the miRanda database.The dual luciferase reporter gene assay revealed that piR-7472 mimics could bind to and promote the expression of KCNF1.To conclude,piR-7472 can promote osteogenic differentiation of osteogenic precursor cells MC3T3-E1,and its mechanism of action may be achieved by promoting the expression of KCNF1.

This article reports the first case of percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale(PFO)using a biodegradable occluder under echocardiography guidance.The patient is a 43-year-old female diagnosed with PFO-related stroke.The procedure was successfully completed under echocardiography guidance without complications.During the 48-month follow-up period,the patient experienced no recurrent strokes,and the occluder was fully degraded.