Objective To investigate the regulatory mechanism of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in different types of mitral valvular disease (MVD) with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods From August 2011 to August 2012, patients with moderate to severe MVD accompanied by AF who required mitral valve replacement at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, were included. Based on echocardiographic results, patients were divided into two groups: a mitral regurgitation (MR) with AF (MR-AF) group and a mitral stenosis (MS) with AF (MS-AF) group. Left atrial tissue samples were collected during surgery. Techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting were used to detect key molecules in the TGF-β1/JNK pathway. Results Sixteen patients were enrolled. There were 8 patients in the MR-AF group, including 5 males and 3 females, with an average age of (41.38±11.19) years; and 8 patients in the MS-AF group, including 6 males and 2 females, with an average age of (43.12±5.30) years. The left atrial volume load was higher in MR-AF patients, while the left atrial pressure load was higher in MS-AF patients. In MS-AF patients, the relative expression levels of MAPK9, JUN, CASP3, BAX, and BCL2 mRNA in left atrial tissues were significantly upregulated. The serum TGF-β1 protein level and the relative expression levels of p-JNK, p-c-Jun, and Caspase-3 proteins in the left atrial tissues of the MR-AF group were higher. Myocardial cell damage was more severe in the MS-AF group, and the protein expression level of Bcl-2 was higher. Conclusion Different MVD have distinct hemodynamic characteristics. The myocardium of the left atrium in MR-AF patients is more prone to apoptosis, possibly through the activation of the TGF-β1/JNK signaling pathway.

Objective To study the correlation between Periostin, interleukin-33 (IL-33), and chronic cough after thoracoscopic lobectomy in patients with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) combined with lung cancer. Methods A total of 102 lung cancer and coronary heart disease patients at Tianjin Chest Hospital from January 2022 to January 2024 were prospectively enrolled, and they were divided into a chronic cough group (n=42) and a non-chronic cough group (n=60) based on whether chronic cough occurred after surgery. Serum levels of Periostin and IL-33 were measured on the 1st, 7th, and 14th days post-lobectomy. The Pearson method was employed to analyze the correlation between Periostin and IL-33 levels and the severity of cough. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors influencing the occurrence of chronic cough. Additionally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was utilized to assess the potential value of serum Periostin and IL-33 levels in predicting postoperative chronic cough. Results In patients with chronic cough, the peripheral blood Periostin and IL-33 levels measured on days 7 and 14 were significantly higher than those in patients with non-chronic cough, and the interactions between the two groups and at different time points were significant (P<0.001). The degree of cough was positively correlated with the levels of Periostin and IL-33 on days 7 and 14 (P<0.05), but had no significant correlation with the levels on day 1 (P>0.05). In patients with lung cancer, after thoracoscopic lobectomy, Periostin [OR=1.619, 95%CI (1.295, 2.025)] and IL-33 [OR=1.831, 95%CI (1.216, 2.758)] on day 7 and Periostin [OR=1.952, 95%CI (1.306, 2.918)] and IL-33 [OR=1.742, 95%CI (1.166, 2.603)] on day 14 were identified as risk factors for chronic cough. ROC curve analysis showed that the sensitivity of Periostin on day 7 was 69.05%, the specificity was 71.67%, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.756 [95%CI (0.616, 0.893)]. The sensitivity of Periostin on day 14 increased to 71.43% and the specificity was 76.67%, AUC was 0.762 [95%CI (0.633, 0.898)]. At the same time, the critical value of IL-33 on day 7 was 45.03 pg/mL, the sensitivity and specificity were both 83.33%, the AUC was 0.884 [95%CI (0.789, 0.980)], and the critical value of IL-33 on day 14 was 56.01 pg/mL, the sensitivity was 85.71%, the specificity was 80.00%, and the AUC was 0.899 [95%CI (0.799, 0.999)]. Joint logistic regression analysis of Periostin and IL-33 levels on days 7 and 14 showed showed that the sensitivity was 95.24%, the specificity was 95.00%, and the AUC reached 0.993 [95%CI (0.979, 1.000)]. Conclusion Periostin and IL-33 levels, measured at various time points, are abnormally elevated following thoracoscopic lobectomy in patients with combined CABG and lung cancer. These levels significantly correlate with cough severity. Given their predictive potential for chronic cough, these markers are deemed valuable biomarkers.

Iron is an essential trace element in the human body, crucial in maintaining normal physiological functions. Recent studies have identified iron ions as a significant factor in initiating the ferroptosis process, a novel mode of programmed cell death characterized by iron overload and lipid peroxide accumulation. The iron metabolism pathway is one of the primary mechanisms regulating ferroptosis, as it maintains iron homeostasis within the cell. Numerous studies have demonstrated that abnormalities in iron metabolism can trigger the Fenton reaction, exacerbating oxidative stress, and leading to cell membrane rupture, cellular dysfunction, and damage to tissue structures. Therefore, regulation of iron metabolism represents a key strategy for ameliorating ferroptosis and offers new insights for treating diseases associated with iron metabolism imbalances. This review first summarizes the mechanisms that regulate iron metabolic pathways in ferroptosis and discusses the connections between the pathogenesis of various diseases and iron metabolism. Next, we introduce natural and synthetic small molecule compounds, hormones, proteins, and new nanomaterials that can affect iron metabolism. Finally, we provide an overview of the challenges faced by iron regulators in clinical translation and a summary and outlook on iron metabolism in ferroptosis, aiming to pave the way for future exploration and optimization of iron metabolism regulation strategies.

Objective:To analyze the performance characteristics of the energy output of defibrillation device at different lifecycle stages of the equipment,and to improve the level of management,so as to ensure the safety and effectiveness of using the device.Methods:A total of 90 defibrillation devices of using 10 types included 861290 and CardioServ(included scrapped devices)during the period of 2015-2022 were retrospectively analyzed.The detected data of energy output of defibrillation device were analyzed as statistical method,and the error of releasing energy was calculated.A total of 36 defibrillation devices that were in the early stages of use(at the first three years of device use)were divided into the first year,the second year and the third year,and the data of energy outputs of devices among three years were compared.The data of the type A and type B defibrillation devices,which were the largest number of devices in the normal stage of use(the middle stage of use),were calibrated according to the energy release in the three years between 2018 and 2000.The difference of releasing energy at the preseted value of 100J between the two types of devices was analyzed.Finally,the errors of energy releases of 8 devices,which energy outputs exceeded the deadline,in the scrap period between 2015 and 2022 were summarized.Results:In the data of three groups of devices in the early stages of use,the differences at the first and second year of device use among 100J,150J and 200J of the energy releases of the preseted values were significant(t=-0.17,-0.17,-0.58,P>0.05).The difference of the measured values between the first and third years of device use was not significant(Z=-0.70,-0.38,-0.86,P>0.05).The results of variance analysis of repeated measurement of the energy releases of the devices in normal stage indicated that the difference of the energy release at 100J preseted point among different types of 41 devices was significant(F=4.40,P<0.05).The energy release of type X defibrillator appeared constantly high,and the relative error increased with the increasing of preseted values.The repeatability of the device was better,and the relationship between preseted energy(x)and release energy(y)conformed to linear relationship(R2=0.9985).In these defibrillation devices that were using,the qualified rate of energy output of>100J preseted point was 97.68%.Conclusion:There is slight difference in the mean value of energy release between different type of defibrillation devices within the qualified range,and the energy release still is a performance indicator that should be highly focused for defibrillation devices.We should combine with the maintenance and repair data of device to conduct in-depth analysis,so as to grasp the operating status of the device,and optimize the strategy of quality control,and ensure the safety of defibrillator in clinical use.

Objective:To investigate the current status of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in China, and to provide supporting data and reference for the development of endoscopic treatment.Methods:In this study, initiated by the Liver Health Consortium in China (CHESS), a questionnaire was designed and distributed online to investigate the basic condition of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in 2022 in China. Questions included annual number and indication of endoscopic procedures, adherence to guideline for preventing esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB), management and timing of emergent EGVB, management of gastric and isolated varices, and improvement of endoscopic treatment. Proportions of hospitals concerning therapeutic choices to all participant hospitals were calculated. Guideline adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals were compared by using Chi-square test.Results:A total of 836 hospitals from 31 provinces (anotomous regions and municipalities) participated in the survey. According to the survey, the control of acute EGVB (49.3%, 412/836) and the prevention of recurrent bleeding (38.3%, 320/836) were major indications of endoscopic treatment. For primary [non-selective β-blocker (NSBB) or endoscopic therapies] and secondary prophylaxis (NSBB and endoscopic therapies) of EGVB, adherence to domestic guideline was 72.5% (606/836) and 39.2% (328/836), respectively. There were significant differences in the adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals in primary prophylaxis of EGVB [71.0% (495/697) VS 79.9% (111/139), χ2=4.11, P=0.033] and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB [41.6% (290/697) VS 27.3% (38/139), χ2=9.31, P=0.002]. A total of 78.2% (654/836) hospitals preferred endoscopic therapies treating acute EGVB, and endoscopic therapy was more likely to be the first choice for treating acute EGVB in tertiary hospitals (82.6%, 576/697) than secondary hospitals [56.1% (78/139), χ2=46.33, P<0.001]. The optimal timing was usually within 12 hours (48.5%, 317/654) and 12-24 hours (36.9%, 241/654) after the bleeding. Regarding the management of gastroesophageal varices type 2 and isolated gastric varices type 1, most hospitals used cyanoacrylate injection in combination with sclerotherapy [48.2% (403/836) and 29.9% (250/836), respectively], but substantial proportions of hospitals preferred clip-assisted therapies [12.4% (104/836) and 26.4% (221/836), respectively]. Improving the skills of endoscopic doctors (84.2%, 704/836), and enhancing the precision of pre-procedure evaluation and quality of multidisciplinary team (78.9%, 660/836) were considered urgent needs in the development of endoscopic treatment. Conclusion:A variety of endoscopic treatments for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension are implemented nationwide. Participant hospitals are active to perform emergent endoscopy for acute EGVB, but are inadequate in following recommendations regarding primary and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB. Moreover, the selection of endoscopic procedures for gastric varices differs greatly among hospitals.

Knee osteoarthritis(KOA)is a chronic degenerative joint disease which could result disabling in late stage.The objectivity in imaging diagnosis of KOA is often various due to human factors and other influences.Artificial intelligence(AI)has been proved highly valuable for KOA.The progresses of AI in imaging diagnosis and grading of KOA,detecting cartilages lesions,predicting pain and long-term care of KOA were reviewed in this article.

Objective To investigate the correlations of serum levels of NOD-like receptor family CARD domain containing 3 (NLRC3) and extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1) with the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in patients with sepsis. Methods A total of 133 patients with sepsis were enrolled in sepsis group, and 80 healthy individuals during the same period were included in control group. The sepsis group was further divided into ARDS group (52 cases) and non-ARDS group (81 cases) based on the presence or absence of ARDS. Serum levels of NLRC3 and ECM1 expression were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the development of ARDS in sepsis patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive value of serum NLRC3 and ECM1 levels for ARDS in sepsis patients. Results Compared with the control group, the sepsis group had significantly lower serum NLRC3 level and higher ECM1 level (P < 0.05). The incidence of ARDS in the 133 sepsis patients was 39.10% (52/133). Compared with the non-ARDS group, the ARDS group had significantly lower serum NLRC3 level and higher ECM1 level (P < 0.05). Independent risk factors for the development of ARDS in sepsis patients were increased Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, elevated blood lactate level and increased ECM1 level, while increased NLRC3 level was an independent protective factor (P < 0.05). The area under the curve for the combined prediction of serum NLRC3 and ECM1 expression in sepsis patients with ARDS was 0.887, which was greater than 0.811 and 0.792 predicted by serum NLRC3 and ECM1 expression alone (P < 0.05). Conclusion Decreased serum NLRC3 level and increased ECM1 level are closely associated with the development of ARDS in sepsis patients. The combined assessment of serum NLRC3 and ECM1 level has a high predictive value for ARDS in sepsis patients.

Objective:To explore the effect and mechanism of different processing motivation on college students' intergroup interaction willingness by technology of eye movement.Methods:Sixty college students conforming to the study conditions were selected from Northwest Normal University and randomly divided into ingroup motivation group ( n=30) and outgroup motivation group ( n=30) according to the random number table method. Subjects of the two groups first participated in the eye movement task, and then participated in the partner selection task.In the eye movement task, the percentage of time that subjects looked at faces of different groups was recorded.And in the partner selection task, the number of selections that subjects selected faces from different groups was recorded.SPSS 20.0 software was used for repeated measurement analysis of variance. Results:(1) In the eye movement task, there was a significant interaction of group and face group type ( F=13.37, P<0.001), but the main effects of group( F=3.23, P=0.077), and face group type ( F=0.09, P>0.05) were not significant. Further simple effect analysis showed that the percentage of time that the ingroup motors looked at the yellow race((16.00±0.06)%) was significantly higher than that of the outgroup motors ((12.00±0.04)%), and the percentage of time that the outgroup motors looked at the white race((17.00±0.06)%) was significantly higher than that of the ingroup motors ((9.00±0.04)%). (2) In the task of partner selection, there was a significant interaction among group, face group type and face old and new types( F=4.38, P=0.041), and the main effect of face group type was significant( F=14.87, P<0.001). The main effect of old and new types of face was significant( F=8.88, P=0.004), but the main effect of group was not significant ( P>0.05). Further simple effect analysis showed that the two groups of college students had statistically significant differences in the selection times of familiar faces from different groups( F=11.51, P=0.001). The number of times that the ingroup generator (5.51±1.14) selected the familiar yellow race as its partner was significantly greater than that of the outgroup generator (2.30±0.65). The number of times that the outgroup generator (5.40±1.00) selected the familiar white race as its partner was significantly greater than that of the ingroup generator (3.47±0.94). (3)Preferential attention to the ingroup members was a mediator between processing motivation and intergroup interaction willingness (mediating effect=0.20, 95% CI=0.02-0.31). Conclusion:Ingroup processing motivation has a threatening effect on college students' intergroup interaction willingness, outgroup processing motivation has a promoting effect on college students' intergroup interaction willingness, and processing motivation affects intergroup interaction willingness through ingroup bias.

Objective:To analyze the survival time, prognostic factors and the value of postoperative thoracic radiotherapy in resected small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients.Methods:Clinic opathological data of SCLC patients who received surgical treatment in Cancer Hospital & General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from April 2014 to September 2021 were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients were subject to follow-up. The survival time of SCLC patients was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses of prognostic factors were performed by Cox proportional hazard model.Results:A total of 64 patients with SCLC were enrolled in the study. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 43.5%. Univariate analysis showed that TNM staging ( P=0.027), postoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ( P=0.039) and adjuvant thoracic radiotherapy ( P=0.041) were the prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis showed that TNM staging ( P=0.038) and adjuvant thoracic radiotherapy ( P=0.022) were the prognostic factors in patients with SCLC. The 5-year OS rates of patients with and without adjuvant thoracic radiotherapy were 71.6% and 35.4% ( P=0.028), respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the 5-year OS rates between pathological stage N 2 SCLC patients with or without adjuvant thoracic radiotherapy (75.0% vs. 0%, P=0.030). Conclusions:TNM staging and postoperative adjuvant thoracic radiotherapy are prognostic factors in patients with SCLC undergoing surgical treatment. Pathological stage N 2 SCLC patients can benefit from adjuvant thoracic radiotherapy.

Objective:To analyze the relationship between mesenteric fat or creeping fat and bowel stricture or penetrating disease of Crohn's disease (CD).Methods:Clinical data of 101 CD patients undergoing bowel surgery at Department of General Surgery in our hospital between Mar 2021 and Dec 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The characteristics of mesenteric fat, creeping fat, luminal cross-section diameter, and the intestinal stricture index were analyzed. The Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between disease behavior and mesenteric fat score or creeping fat score.Results:Totally 101 CD patients were enrolled, with 68 stricturing diseases and 33 penetrating diseases. CD patients with stricturing diseases had higher score of mesenteric disease activity index (4.6±1.9 vs. 3.7±2.0, t=2.212, P=0.029) and creeping fat index (4.2±2.0 vs. 2.9±1.6, t=3.154, P=0.002) than those in patients with penetrating diseases. The mesenteric fat and creeping fat score positively correlated with the intestinal stricture index, C-reactive protein, and fecal calprotectin, and negatively correlated with minimum luminal cross-section diameter. Conclusion:The higher score of mesenteric fat and creeping fat were observed in CD patients with stricturing disease, which were associated with intestinal stricture index and inflammation status.