Objective:To investigate the effect of CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) measurement sites on the values and the diagnostic performance, and to determine the optimal measurement site for CT-FFR using invasive FFR as the reference standard.Methods:This study was part of the CT-FFR CHINA clinical trial. Patients with suspected coronary artery disease who were scheduled for invasive coronary angiography (ICA) were prospectively recruited from five clinical centers across the country from November 2018 to March 2020. Each enrolled patient underwent coronary CT angiography (CCTA), CT-FFR, ICA, and invasive pressure wire-based FFR assessments sequentially within one week. Four groups of CT-FFR values were obtained on each enrolled target vessels according to different CT-FFR measurement locations: 1, 2, 3 cm distal to the target lesion, and terminal vessel groups. Spearman and Bland-Altman analyses were used to explore the correlation and consistency of CT-FFR values and FFR values at different measurement sites. The measurement deviation of CT-FFR was also compared. Diagnostic accuracy and performance of CT-FFR, including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), in discriminating myocardial ischemia were analyzed across all measurement site groups on a per-vessel level, using FFR as the reference standard.Results:A total of 289 patients with 345 target lesion vessels were included. According to CCTA, there were 51 target vessels (14.8%) with<50% stenosis, 106 vessels (30.7%) with 50%-69% stenosis, and 188 vessels (54.5%) with stenosis≥70%. At per-vessel level, CT-FFR and FFR values at each measurement position group were highly positively correlated: 1 cm distal to target lesion group, r=0.734 ( P<0.001); 2 cm distal to target lesion group, r=0.732 ( P<0.001); 3 cm distal to target lesion group, r=0.737 ( P<0.001); terminal vessel group was 0.719 ( P<0.001). At per-vessel level, CT-FFR and FFR values of all measurement sites were in good agreement (Bland-Altman analysis results): 1 cm distal to target lesion group, 0.014 (95% LoA 0.002-0.026); 2 cm distal to target lesion group, 0.026 (95% LoA 0.015-0.038); 3 cm distal to target lesion group, 0.040 (95% LoA 0.039-0.051); terminal vessel group, 0.075 (95% LoA 0.064-0.087). And at per-vessel level, the accuracy of diagnosing myocardial ischemia with CT-FFR at 1 cm was highest [84.6% (95% CI 80.4%-88.3%)], and the lowest accuracy in the terminal vessel group [67.0% (95% CI 61.7%-72.0%)]. However, there was no significant difference in the diagnostic accuracy of CT-FFR at 1 cm, 2 cm [80.6% (95% CI 76.1%-84.6%)] and 3 cm [77.5% (95% CI 72.6%-81.7%)]. AUC of CT-FFR at 1 cm distal to the lesion were both highest for global level and moderately stenosis (50%-69%) lesions [0.85 (95% CI 0.81-0.89), 0.84 (95% CI 0.77-0.90)]. And the differences were statistically significant among the four measurement location groups (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The deviation of CT-FFR increases with measurement site distance distal to target lesions. One centimeter distal to the target lesion is the optimal measurement site, and the CT-FFR value here shows the highest diagnostic performance for myocardial ischemic lesions, especially for moderate stenosis.

Objective:To investigate the association between estimated cumulative low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) exposure and the severity of coronary artery disease and long-term adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).Methods:The subjects were from the PROMISE study. This study was a prospective cohort study led by Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, with participation from eight regional tertiary hospitals as sub-centers, and enrolled 18 701 patients with confirmed coronary heart disease between January 2015 and May 2019. Among them, 8 429 patients with ACS were included in this study. The estimated cumulative LDL-C exposure was calculated by multiplying LDL-C by age. Participants were then divided into four groups based on quartiles. Baseline data and coronary angiography data were collected, and participants were followed for 2 years. The primary endpoint was MACCE, which was composed of all-cause death, cardiac death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, and stroke. Spearman correlation analysis was used to estimate the correlation between cumulative LDL-C exposure and the severity of coronary artery disease. The differences in MACCE among the four groups were compared, and multivariate Cox regression was used to divide the estimated cumulative exposure LDL-C into two groups, three groups, and four groups to analyze its relationship with MACCE.Results:The 8 429 ACS patients included in the study had an age of (60.9±11.4) years, with 1 951(23.1%) females. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that estimated cumulative LDL-C exposure was positively associated with the preoperative SYNTAX score, three-vessel lesions disease, left main disease, and the number of target lesions (correlation coefficients r=0.14, 0.10, 0.04 and 0.03, respectively, with all P<0.05). The 2-year follow-up results indicated that the incidence rates of MACCE, all-cause death, cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and stroke in ACS patients grouped by different levels of estimated cumulative LDL-C exposure were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The results of the Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that when the estimated cumulative LDL-C exposure was treated as a continuous variable and analyzed in two, three, and four groups, with the lowest group as the reference, the risk of MACCE occurrence in the high-value group increased by 21% (95% CI 1.08-1.37, P=0.002), 24% (95% CI 1.07-1.43, P=0.004), and 21% (95% CI 1.02-1.43, P=0.025) respectively. Conclusions:A positive correlation was found between estimated cumulative LDL-C exposure and severity of coronary artery disease. High estimated cumulative LDL-C exposure level is a risk factor for MACCE in ACS patients within 2 years.

Objective To examine the effect of the demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine(5-Aza-CdR)on pericyte-myofibroblast transition(PMT)in primary rat renal myofibroblasts.Methods Rat primary renal myofibroblasts were treated with 5-Aza-CdR 250 ng/mL for 72 h,and the degree of Epo promoter methylation was detected by pyrosequencing.Protein expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β(PDGFRβ)and DNA methyltransferase(Dnmt3a)were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot,and erythropoietin(EPO)levels in the supernatant were detected.Results Compared with the control group,5-Aza-CdR treatment significantly decreased the expression of Dnmt3a and hypermethylation of the Epo promoter,and subsequently decreased the expression of α-SMA and the expression ratio of α-SMA to PDGFRβ in myofibroblasts.Meanwhile,5-Aza-CdR treatment increased the level of EPO in the cell supernatant.Conclusions 5-Aza-CdR can reverse PMT by inhibiting Epo promoter hypermethylation in primary renal myofibroblasts.

This article reports a rare case of pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration: the patient′s initial symptoms were Parkinson-like symptoms such as tremor and bradykinesia, as well as dysarthria. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed abnormal signals in the bilateral basal ganglia region similar to the tiger′s eye sign. Two heterozygous mutations including c.803A>G(p.Asp268Gly) and c.1021C>T(p.Arg341 *) were found in the pantothenate kinase 2 gene by whole exome sequencing, and the final diagnosis was neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation type 1, also known as pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration. By reviewing the clinical characteristics, diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies, this article aims to enhance the recognition of this disease, avoid misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis, and provide guidance for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans ; Dental Cementum/injuries* ; Consensus ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Tooth Fractures/therapy*

The 95% ethanol extract of Stephania hernandifolia was isolated and purified by column chromatography on silica gel and Sephadex LH-20, RP-18 medium-pressure liquid chromatography, and semi-preparative high performance liquid chromatography. The chemical structures of the compounds were identified by NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Four alkaloids were isolated and identified as(-)-8-oxo-2,3,4,10,11-pentamethoxyberberine(1),(-)-8-oxo-11-hydroxy-2,3,4,10-tetramethoxyberberine(2), N-trans-feruloyl tyramine(3), and N-cis-feruloyl tyramine(4). Compounds 1 and 2 were new protoberberine alkaloids, while compounds 3 and 4 were amide alkaloids. All the four compounds were separated from this plant for the first time. The inhibitory activities of compounds 1, 3, and 4 against α-glycosidase were measured by the enzymatic reaction in vitro with 4-nitrophenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside(PNPG) as the substrate. Compounds 3 and 4 showed inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase, with median inhibition concentration(IC_(50)) values of(7.09±0.42) and(31.25±1.14) μmol·L~(-1), respectively.
Berberine Alkaloids/isolation & purification* ; Stephania/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification* ; Molecular Structure ; alpha-Glucosidases/metabolism* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Alkaloids/isolation & purification*

This study aims to explore the protective effect of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction on rats with heart failure after myocardial infarction, and to clarify its possible mechanisms, providing a new basis for basic research on the mechanism of classic Chinese medicinal formula-mediated inflammatory response in preventing and treating heart failure induced by apoptosis after myocardial infarction. A heart failure model after myocardial infarction was established in rats by coronary artery ligation. The rats were divided into sham group, model group, and low, medium, and high-dose groups of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction, with 10 rats in each group. The low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction were given 6.3, 12.6, and 25.2 g·kg~(-1) doses by gavage, respectively. The sham group and model group were given an equal volume of distilled water by gavage once daily for four consecutive weeks. Cardiac function was assessed using color Doppler echocardiography. Myocardial pathology was detected by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, apoptosis was measured by TUNEL assay, and mitophagy was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-1β, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The expression of apoptosis-related proteins B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), and cleaved caspase-3 was detected by Western blot. Additionally, the expression of phosphorylated nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB) p65(p-NF-κB p65)(upstream) and nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor alpha(IκBα)(downstream) in the NF-κB signaling pathway was assessed by Western blot. The results showed that compared with the sham group, left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) and left ventricular short axis shortening(LVFS) in the model group were significantly reduced, while left ventricular end diastolic diameter(LVEDD) and left ventricular end systolic diameter(LVESD) increased significantly. Myocardial tissue damage was severe, with widened intercellular spaces and disorganized cell arrangement. The apoptosis rate was increased, and mitochondria were enlarged with increased vacuoles. Levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and NT-proBNP were elevated, indicating an obvious inflammatory response. The expression of pro-apoptotic factors Bax and cleaved caspase-3 increased, while the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 decreased. The expression of p-NF-κB p65 was upregulated, and the expression of IκBα was downregulated. In contrast, the Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction groups showed significantly improved of LVEF, LVFS and decreased LVEDD, LVESD compared to the model group. Myocardial tissue damage was alleviated, and intercellular spaces were reduced. The apoptosis rate decreased, mitochondrial volume decreased, and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and NT-proBNP were lower. The expression of pro-apoptotic factors Bax and cleaved caspase-3 decreased, while the expression of the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 increased. Additionally, the expression of p-NF-κB p65 decreased, while IκBα expression increased. In summary, this experimental study shows that Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction can reduce the inflammatory response and apoptosis rate in rats with heart failure after myocardial infarction, which may be related to the regulation of the IκBα/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Animals ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Rats ; Myocardial Infarction/physiopathology* ; Male ; NF-kappa B/genetics* ; Heart Failure/etiology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha/genetics* ; Humans ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics*

PURPOSE: To investigate the protective effect of sub-hypothermic mechanical perfusion combined with membrane lung oxygenation on ischemic hypoxic injury of yorkshire brain tissue caused by traumatic blood loss. METHODS: This article performed a random controlled trial. Brain tissue of 7 yorkshire was selected and divided into the sub-low temperature anterograde machine perfusion group (n = 4) and the blank control group (n = 3) using the random number table method. A yorkshire model of brain tissue injury induced by traumatic blood loss was established. Firstly, the perfusion temperature and blood oxygen saturation were monitored in real-time during the perfusion process. The number of red blood cells, hemoglobin content, NA⁺, K⁺, and Ca²⁺ ions concentrations and pH of the perfusate were detected. Following perfusion, we specifically examined the parietal lobe to assess its water content. The prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were then dissected for histological evaluation, allowing us to investigate potential regional differences in tissue injury. The blank control group was sampled directly before perfusion. All statistical analyses and graphs were performed using GraphPad Prism 8.0 Student t-test. All tests were two-sided, and p value of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: The contents of red blood cells and hemoglobin during perfusion were maintained at normal levels but more red blood cells were destroyed 3 h after the perfusion. The blood oxygen saturation of the perfusion group was maintained at 95% - 98%. NA⁺ and K⁺ concentrations were normal most of the time during perfusion but increased significantly at about 4 h. The Ca²⁺ concentration remained within the normal range at each period. Glucose levels were slightly higher than the baseline level. The pH of the perfusion solution was slightly lower at the beginning of perfusion, and then gradually increased to the normal level. The water content of brain tissue in the sub-low and docile perfusion group was 78.95% ± 0.39%, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (75.27% ± 0.55%, t = 10.49, p < 0.001), and the difference was statistically significant. Compared with the blank control group, the structure and morphology of pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex and CA1 region of the hippocampal gyrus were similar, and their integrity was better. The structural integrity of granulosa neurons was destroyed and cell edema increased in the perfusion group compared with the blank control group. Immunofluorescence staining for glail fibrillary acidic protein and Iba1, markers of glial cells, revealed well-preserved cell structures in the perfusion group. While there were indications of abnormal cellular activity, the analysis showed no significant difference in axon thickness or integrity compared to the 1-h blank control group. CONCLUSIONS Mild hypothermic machine perfusion can improve ischemia and hypoxia injury of yorkshire brain tissue caused by traumatic blood loss and delay the necrosis and apoptosis of yorkshire brain tissue by continuous oxygen supply, maintaining ion homeostasis and reducing tissue metabolism level.
Animals ; Perfusion/methods* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Brain Injuries/etiology* ; Swine ; Male ; Hypothermia, Induced/methods*

Objective:To investigate the iodine nutrition status of children and pregnant women in different water iodine areas of Shandong Province.Methods:From February to September 2023, Leling City (iodine deficient), Gaotang County (moderate iodine), and Liangshan County (high iodine) in different water iodine areas of Shandong Province were selected as survey sites. One village was selected from each county (city) in five directions: east, west, south, north, and center. Forty children aged 8 to 10 years (balanced in age, half male and half female) and 20 pregnant women were selected as survey subjects in each village. Random urine samples of children and pregnant women were collected to test for urinary iodine. Meanwhile, thyroid examinations were conducted on children to calculate the goiter rate.Results:A total of 600 urine samples of children were tested, with a median urinary iodine level of 246.0 μg/L. The median urinary iodine levels of children in iodine deficient, moderate iodine and high iodine areas were 219.6, 208.0 and 446.0 μg/L, respectively ( n = 200, 200, 200). The median urinary iodine level of children in high iodine area was significantly higher than that in iodine deficient and moderate iodine areas ( P < 0.05). A total of 600 children underwent thyroid examinations, with a goiter rate of 5.8% (35/600). The goiter rate of children in iodine deficient, moderate iodine, and high iodine areas were 4.0% (8/200), 1.0% (2/200), and 12.5% (25/200), respectively. The goiter rate of children in high iodine area was significantly higher than that in iodine deficient and moderate iodine areas ( P < 0.05). A total of 247 urine samples of pregnant women were tested, with a median urinary iodine level of 158.2 μg/L. The median urinary iodine levels of pregnant women in iodine deficient, moderate iodine, and high iodine areas were 75.3, 175.2 and 321.2 μg/L, respectively ( n = 98, 84, 65). The median urinary iodine level of pregnant women in high iodine area was significantly higher than that in iodine deficient and moderate iodine areas, and the median urinary iodine level of pregnant women in moderate iodine area was significantly higher than that in iodine deficient area ( P < 0.05). Conclusion:The urinary iodine levels of children and pregnant women and the goiter rate of children in high iodine area of Shandong Province are significantly increased, and water iodine may be a key factor affecting the iodine nutrition status of the population.

Objective To examine the effect of the demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine(5-Aza-CdR)on pericyte-myofibroblast transition(PMT)in primary rat renal myofibroblasts.Methods Rat primary renal myofibroblasts were treated with 5-Aza-CdR 250 ng/mL for 72 h,and the degree of Epo promoter methylation was detected by pyrosequencing.Protein expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β(PDGFRβ)and DNA methyltransferase(Dnmt3a)were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot,and erythropoietin(EPO)levels in the supernatant were detected.Results Compared with the control group,5-Aza-CdR treatment significantly decreased the expression of Dnmt3a and hypermethylation of the Epo promoter,and subsequently decreased the expression of α-SMA and the expression ratio of α-SMA to PDGFRβ in myofibroblasts.Meanwhile,5-Aza-CdR treatment increased the level of EPO in the cell supernatant.Conclusions 5-Aza-CdR can reverse PMT by inhibiting Epo promoter hypermethylation in primary renal myofibroblasts.