Background and Aims:Endovascular repair of aortic arch diseases poses a major challenge in vascular surgery due to the need to both effectively exclude the lesion and preserve perfusion of supra-aortic branch vessels.The Castor branched aortic covered stent,with its integrated design and ability to maintain left subclavian artery(LSA)patency,offers potential advantages.When combined with the chimney technique for the left common carotid artery(LCCA),it may provide a minimally invasive and feasible solution for patients with insufficient proximal landing zones.This study aims to evaluate the preliminary feasibility and safety of this combined approach and provide clinical reference for the endovascular management of complex aortic arch pathologies.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 15 patients with aortic arch diseases who underwent treatment with the Castor branched stent-graft combined with LCCA chimney stenting at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between February 2023 and December 2024.Baseline characteristics,surgical procedures,perioperative complications,and follow-up outcomes were analyzed to assess technical success,complication rates,and branch vessel patency.Results:Among the 15 patients(11 males,average age 63.8 years),primary diagnoses included aortic dissection(33.4%),aortic arch aneurysm(53.3%),and penetrating aortic ulcer(13.3%).The technical success rate was 100%,with no perioperative deaths or major complications.During the follow-up period(4-26 months,mean 12.9 months),no adverse events such as stroke,paralysis,endoleak,or stent migration occurred.The patency rate of both the LCCA and LSA remained 100%.Conclusion:The Castor branched aortic stent-graft combined with LCCA chimney technique appears to be a technically feasible and safe short-term option for treating aortic arch diseases with insufficient proximal landing zones.It may serve as a promising alternative for complex aortic arch repair;however,large-scale,multicenter studies with long-term follow-up are needed to further validate its efficacy and safety.

Hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain damage poses a high risk of death or lifelong disability, yet effective treatments remain elusive. Here, we demonstrated that miR-100-5p levels in the lesioned cortex increased after HI insult in neonatal mice. Knockdown of miR-100-5p expression in the brain attenuated brain injury and promoted functional recovery, through inhibiting the cleaved-caspase-3 level, microglia activation, and the release of proinflammation cytokines following HI injury. Engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing neuron-targeting rabies virus glycoprotein (RVG) and miR-100-5p antagonists (RVG-EVs-Antagomir) selectively targeted brain lesions and reduced miR-100-5p levels after intranasal delivery. Both pre- and post-HI administration showed therapeutic benefits. Mechanistically, we identified protein phosphatase 3 catalytic subunit alpha (Ppp3ca) as a novel candidate target gene of miR-100-5p, inhibiting c-Fos expression and neuronal apoptosis following HI insult. In conclusion, our non-invasive method using engineered EVs to deliver miR-100-5p antagomirs to the brain significantly improves functional recovery after HI injury by targeting Ppp3ca to suppress neuronal apoptosis.
Animals ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism* ; Mice ; Recovery of Function/physiology* ; Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain/therapy* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Antagomirs/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Animals, Newborn ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Brain Injuries/metabolism* ; Glycoproteins ; Peptide Fragments ; Viral Proteins

OBJECTIVES: Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) is a life-threatening vascular emergency with extremely high in-hospital mortality. Open surgical repair (OSR) was historically the only treatment option but is associated with substantial trauma and perioperative risk. In recent years, endovascular repair (EVAR) has gained widespread use due to its minimally invasive nature and faster recovery, becoming the preferred option for anatomically suitable patients in many centers. However, controversy remains regarding the long-term survival benefits of EVAR compared with OSR and key prognostic factors affecting outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of OSR and EVAR for rAAA and identify independent predictors of postoperative survival to guide clinical decision-making. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 83 patients diagnosed with rAAA and treated surgically in the Department of Vascular Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, between January 2013 and December 2022. Patients were divided into an OSR group and an EVAR group based on surgical approach. Baseline clinical characteristics, perioperative data, and follow-up outcomes were compared between groups. Long-term survival was analyzed, and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to determine independent prognostic factors. RESULTS: Among the 83 patients, 32 (38.6%) underwent OSR and 51 (61.4%) received EVAR, with the proportion of EVAR steadily increasing to nearly 80% in the most recent 5 years. Patients in the EVAR group were older [(68.76±8.57) years vs (60.59±13.24) years, P=0.012], and had a lower proportion of males (76.5% vs 96.9%, P=0.013). EVAR significantly reduced operating time [(181.86±69.87) min vs (291.09±60.33) min] and hospital stay [(12.14±6.31) days vs (16.22±7.89) days (P<0.05)], but total hospitalization costs were markedly higher [(208 735.84±101 394.19) yuan vs (84 893.35±40 668.56) yuan, P<0.001]. There were no significant differences between groups in 30-day mortality (15.6% vs 15.7%), aneurysm-related mortality (9.4% vs 11.7%), overall mortality (28.1% vs 29.4%), or re-intervention rate (0 vs 5.9%) (P>0.05). The median follow-up time was 54.6 months (range, 12-144 months). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed comparable cumulative survival rates between OSR and EVAR (82.7% vs 76.2%, P=0.420). Cox regression identified hyperlipidemia [hazard ratio (HR)=2.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28 to 4.19, P=0.005] and elevated preoperative serum creatinine (HR=3.33, 95% CI 1.69 to 6.55, P<0.001) as significant predictors of poor prognosis. Both factors remained independently associated with mortality in the multivariate model (hyperlipidemia: HR=2.02, 95% CI 1.10 to 3.70; elevated serum creatinine: HR=2.77, 95% CI 1.40 to 5.47; P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS EVAR offeres advantages in operative and recovery times, though its long-term survival outcomes are comparable to OSR. A history of hyperlipidemia and elevated preoperative creatinine levels are independent predictors of poor prognosis. Surgical approach should be chosen based on anatomical feasibility and patient condition, with close management of lipid levels and renal function to improve outcomes.
Humans ; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/mortality* ; Endovascular Procedures/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Male ; Female ; Prognosis ; Aged ; Aortic Rupture/mortality* ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Aged, 80 and over

Fractional flow reserve (FFR), an established modality for functionally assessing coronary artery disease, is increasingly applied to diagnose and manage lower extremity arterial disease. By incorporating functional parameters, FFR enhances revascularization precision by quantifying the hemodynamic impact of stenotic lesions, thereby overcoming limitations of conventional imaging. Key clinical applications in lower extremity disease include functional assessment in moderate intermittent claudication, post-vascular preparation strategy optimization, and predicting revascularization outcomes and complications. Advances in pressure wire and microcatheter systems, alongside non-invasive imaging-derived FFR techniques, are improving its feasibility and applicability. However, widespread adoption is challenged by the complex anatomy of the lower extremity arterial system, frequent severe calcification and diffuse disease, and a current lack of standardized FFR cutoff values. Promoting the standardized use of FFR is crucial for shifting the clinical management paradigm from anatomy-based repair toward functional reconstruction.
Humans ; Lower Extremity/blood supply* ; Peripheral Arterial Disease/diagnosis* ; Fractional Flow Reserve, Myocardial ; Endovascular Procedures/methods* ; Intermittent Claudication/physiopathology*

Objective:To explore the survival and prognostic factors of a long-course venetoclax-based(VEN-based)regimen in patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia(AML)and provide evidence for the maintenance treatment of AML.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted in patients who received a VEN-based regimen and completed at least four courses of efficacy evaluation at The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from May 2021 to January 2024.The composite complete response rate(cCR),minimal residual disease(MRD)-negative rate,overall survival(OS)time,relapse-free survival(RFS)time,and adverse events were analyzed.Results:Overall,30 newly diagnosed patients with AML were enrolled in this study.The median age was 65(range,53-78)years,and the median number of treat-ment cycles was 7(range,4-20)years.After one cycle,the CR-and MRD-negative rates were 80.0%and 63.3%,respectively.The cumulative cCR was 96.7%,and MRD negative rate was 80.0%,respectively.The median follow-up time was 21.3(95%confidence intervals 14.7-27.9)months.The median OS time was 32.3 months and RFS time was not reached.The 2-year OS and RFS rates were 70.6%and 54.8%,respect-ively.Univariate analysis suggested that ELN2017 risk stratification and relapse status affected RFS and OS(P<0.05).However,the multivari-ate analysis failed to reveal any relationship between these factors and survival(P>0.05).In terms of safety,hematological adverse events were the most common,followed by infections.Overall,the VEN-based regimen was tolerated for patients with AML.Conclusions:A long-course VEN-based regimen is effective and safe.More than half of patients survive for>2 years,and it can be used as an effective mainten-ance treatment option for patients with AML.

Objective:To explore the survival and prognostic factors of a long-course venetoclax-based(VEN-based)regimen in patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia(AML)and provide evidence for the maintenance treatment of AML.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted in patients who received a VEN-based regimen and completed at least four courses of efficacy evaluation at The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from May 2021 to January 2024.The composite complete response rate(cCR),minimal residual disease(MRD)-negative rate,overall survival(OS)time,relapse-free survival(RFS)time,and adverse events were analyzed.Results:Overall,30 newly diagnosed patients with AML were enrolled in this study.The median age was 65(range,53-78)years,and the median number of treat-ment cycles was 7(range,4-20)years.After one cycle,the CR-and MRD-negative rates were 80.0%and 63.3%,respectively.The cumulative cCR was 96.7%,and MRD negative rate was 80.0%,respectively.The median follow-up time was 21.3(95%confidence intervals 14.7-27.9)months.The median OS time was 32.3 months and RFS time was not reached.The 2-year OS and RFS rates were 70.6%and 54.8%,respect-ively.Univariate analysis suggested that ELN2017 risk stratification and relapse status affected RFS and OS(P<0.05).However,the multivari-ate analysis failed to reveal any relationship between these factors and survival(P>0.05).In terms of safety,hematological adverse events were the most common,followed by infections.Overall,the VEN-based regimen was tolerated for patients with AML.Conclusions:A long-course VEN-based regimen is effective and safe.More than half of patients survive for>2 years,and it can be used as an effective mainten-ance treatment option for patients with AML.

Background and Aims:Endovascular repair of aortic arch diseases poses a major challenge in vascular surgery due to the need to both effectively exclude the lesion and preserve perfusion of supra-aortic branch vessels.The Castor branched aortic covered stent,with its integrated design and ability to maintain left subclavian artery(LSA)patency,offers potential advantages.When combined with the chimney technique for the left common carotid artery(LCCA),it may provide a minimally invasive and feasible solution for patients with insufficient proximal landing zones.This study aims to evaluate the preliminary feasibility and safety of this combined approach and provide clinical reference for the endovascular management of complex aortic arch pathologies.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 15 patients with aortic arch diseases who underwent treatment with the Castor branched stent-graft combined with LCCA chimney stenting at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between February 2023 and December 2024.Baseline characteristics,surgical procedures,perioperative complications,and follow-up outcomes were analyzed to assess technical success,complication rates,and branch vessel patency.Results:Among the 15 patients(11 males,average age 63.8 years),primary diagnoses included aortic dissection(33.4%),aortic arch aneurysm(53.3%),and penetrating aortic ulcer(13.3%).The technical success rate was 100%,with no perioperative deaths or major complications.During the follow-up period(4-26 months,mean 12.9 months),no adverse events such as stroke,paralysis,endoleak,or stent migration occurred.The patency rate of both the LCCA and LSA remained 100%.Conclusion:The Castor branched aortic stent-graft combined with LCCA chimney technique appears to be a technically feasible and safe short-term option for treating aortic arch diseases with insufficient proximal landing zones.It may serve as a promising alternative for complex aortic arch repair;however,large-scale,multicenter studies with long-term follow-up are needed to further validate its efficacy and safety.

Objective:To identify and characterize one Spiroplasma strain (designated as DGKH1) isolated from the blood of a patient with sepsis. Methods:The traditional bacterial culture, staining, morphological observation, physiological and biochemical identification, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, genome sequencing, and the genome-related index analysis were performed to accurately determine the taxonomic status of the strain DGKH1. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using a specific kit for culturing and testing Ureaplasma urealyticum/ Metamycoplasma hominis. Results:The strain DGKH1 could weakly grow on Columbia blood agar, chocolate agar, and Haemophilus chocolate 2 agar. However, it did not grow in liquid culture medium containing tetracycline (4 μg/ml), doxycycline (1 μg/ml), minocycline (1 μg/ml), josamycin (2 μg/ml), roxithromycin (1 μg/ml), clarithromycin (1 μg/ml), or telithromycin (1 μg/ml). DGKH1 resembling Metamycoplasma hominis formed "fried egg-like colonies" on Mycoplasma solid culture medium. DGKH1 could not be stained by Gram staining. When observed under transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using phosphate buffer as the matrix, the bacteria were spiral-shaped. Results of 16S rRNA gene sequence alignment showed that DGKH1 was highly similar (99.85%) to Spiroplasma eriocheiris CCTCC M 207170 T. However, the urea decomposition test was positive, which was different from all of the known Spiroplasma species. The phylogenetic analysis based on whole genome showed that DGKH1 was clustered in a small branch along with Spiroplasma eriocheiris CCTCC M 207170 T. However, the average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between the two strains were 94.14% and 56.00%, respectively, both below the threshold for prokaryotic species identification. Conclusions:DGKH1 represented a potential new species of genus Spiroplasma, closely related to Spiroplasma eriocheiris. Some microbiological characteristics of DGKH1 were similar to Mycoplasmas. However, the natural host and epidemiological data of DGKH1 need to be further studied.

Objective:To analyze the biological characteristics, phylogenic features and clinical significance of SQ219 and SQ220 isolated from clinical sputum and midstream urine specimens.Methods:The culture and biochemical characteristics of the two strains were observed. VITEK2 System, drug sensitivity testing and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry were used for bacterial identification. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA and core genome was performed. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) based on whole genome sequences was calculated.Results:SQ219 and SQ220 were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, catalase- and oxidase-positive, and non-motile bacteria. Their optimum growth was observed in NaCl-free medium at 30℃ and pH7. Flexirubin-type pigments were produced by SQ220 on Colombia blood agar, but not by SQ219. Both SQ219 and SQ220 were resistant to aztreonam, amikacin, tobramycin and colistin, which was consistent with the drug resistance phenotype of genus Chryseobacterium. The genome sequences of SQ219 and SQ220 were 5.08 Mb and 4.80 Mb in length, and the G+ C contents were 36.72% and 36.36%, respectively. Both strains carried β-lactam resistance gene ( blaCGA). 16S rRNA phylogenetic analysis showed that SQ219 and SQ220 were closely related to Chryseobacterium gambrini DSM18014 T with the similarities of 98.93% and 98.36%, respectively. Core genome phylogenetic analysis revealed that SQ219 and SQ220 were highly homologous to Chryseobacterium gambrini DSM18014 T. However, the ANI values between the two strains and Chryseobacterium gambrini DSM18014 T were 92.49% and 93.27%, respectively, below the threshold for prokaryotic species identification. Conclusions:Based on the phenotypic and phylogenetic data, SQ219 and SQ220 represent a novel species of the genus Chryseobacterium. This study would help promote the understanding of the evolution of Chrysobacterium and provide reference for the identification of new species of Chrysobacterium.

Objective:To investigate the value of the vesical imaging reporting and data system score (VI-RADS) in the prognostic assessment of patients with bladder cancer.Methods:The data of 294 patients with pathologically confirmed bladder cancer in our department from February 2012 to September 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Divide the patients into two groups based on the surgical method. In the transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) group, there were 121 cases, 102 males and 19 females; The average age of the patients was (66.7±12.3) years old, 52 cases <65 years old, 69 cases ≥65 years old, with VI-RADS <3 in 84 cases, VI-RADS ≥3 in 37 cases. In the radical cystectomy (RC) group, there were 173 cases, including 154 males and 19 females; The average age of the patients was (65.7±10.8) years, 77 cases <65 years old, 96 cases ≥65 years old, with VI-RADS <3 in 51 cases and VI-RADS ≥3 in 122 cases. The prognostic factors of TURBT group and RC group were analyzed, and the predictive value of VI-RADS score on overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) of bladder cancer patients after surgery was analyzed.Results:In this study, there were 294 cases with postoperative pathological diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma. The pathological staging was Ta stage in 104 cases (35.4%), T 1stage in 82 cases (27.9%), T 2 stage in 58 cases (19.7%), T 3 stage in 34 cases (11.6%), and T 4stage in 16 cases (5.4%). Pathological grading: 11 cases (3.7%) were low malignant potential, 77 cases (26.2%) were low grade, and 206 cases (70.1%) were high grade. There were 186 cases (63.3%) in the NMIBC group and 108 cases (36.7%) in the MIBC group. In the TURBT group, there were 114 cases (94.2%) in the NMIBC group and 7 cases (5.8%) in the MIBC group; In the RC group, there were 72 cases (41.6%) in the NMIBC group and 101 cases (58.4%) in the MIBC group. In the NMIBC group, the VI-RADS<3 and ≥3 were 128 cases (68.8%) and 58 cases (31.2%), respectively ( P<0.01); In the MIBC group, 101 cases (93.5%) had a VI-RADS <3 and 7 cases (6.5%) had a VI-RADS ≥ 3, respectively ( P<0.01). In the high grade of postoperative pathological group, 62 cases (30.1%) had a VI-RADS <3 and 144 cases (69.9%) had a VI-RADS ≥ 3, respectively ( P<0.01); In the non-high grade of postoperative pathological group, the VI-RADS <3 and ≥ 3 were 73 cases (83.0%) and 15 cases (17.0%), respectively ( P<0.01). The median OS survival for all patients in this study was 27.4 (16.6, 38.1)months and the median PFS survival was 24.7(14.0, 36.8) months. The results of univariate analysis showed that age ≥ 65 years old (OS: HR=6.09, P=0.001; PFS: HR=1.71, P=0.035), postoperative pathological diagnosis of tumor muscle infiltration (OS: HR=4.66, P<0.01; PFS: HR=2.24, P=0.001), postoperative high-grade tumor (OS: HR=4.26, P=0.008; PFS: HR=1.92, P=0.023), and VI-RADS score ≥ 3 (OS: HR=4.24, P=0.001; PFS: HR=2.21, P=0.002) were associated with poorer OS and PFS in patients. Multifactorial Cox model analysis revealed that a score of VI-RADS ≥3 was an independent risk factor for OS ( HR=3.41, P=0.012) and PFS ( HR=2.23, P=0.016). In the TURBT group, univariate analysis found that VI-RADS ≥3 ( HR=2.05, P=0.053) and high grade of postoperative pathology ( HR=2.77, P=0.005) were associated with poor PFS in patients, multifactorial Cox model analysis found only high grade of postoperative pathology ( HR=2.54, P=0.013) to be an independent risk factor for PFS. In the RC group, VI-RADS ≥3 ( HR=3.29, P=0.032) and age ≥65 years ( HR=5.37, P=0.001) were found to be independent risk factors for OS. The survival curve showed that the 5-year OS rates for groups with a VI-RADS ≥ 3 and <3 were 93.9% and 73.1%, respectively ( P<0.01), and the 5-year PFS rates for groups with a VI-RADS ≥ 3 and <3 were 76.5% and 53.0%, respectively ( P<0.01), with statistically significant differences. Conclusions:This study showed that VI-RADS ≥3 was an independent risk factor for prognosis in patients with bladder cancer and was more significant in patients receiving RC, but was not a significant predictor of prognosis in patients receiving TURBT.