ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of targeted silencing of Runt-related Transcription Factor 3 （RUNX3） on the proliferation and migration of Mouse Hepatic Stellate Cells （HSCs）， as well as subsequent collagen deposition. MethodsMouse hepatic stellate cell line （JS-1） was selected and then morphologically observed and identified under a microscope. After the cells had fully adhered， they were treated with 5 ng/mL of transforming growth factor beta 1 （TGF-β₁） for 24 hours to induce hepatic stellate cell activation. Furthermore， a RUNX3 silencing model was established using RUNX3 lentiviral infection. The experiment was divided into four groups： Control group， TGF-β₁ group， TGF-β₁+siRNA-NC group， and TGF-β₁+siRNA-RUNX3 group. Protein expression changes of RUNX3， alpha-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA）， and Alpha 1 type I collagen （Collagen I） were detected using Western blot method. Cellular immunofluorescence assays were employed to investigate the deposition changes of α-SMA and RUNX3 in hepatic stellate cells. RT-qPCR was utilized to examine the mRNA expression changes of RUNX3， α-SMA， and Collagen I. The proliferative capacity of hepatic stellate cells was assessed using Edu staining. The migratory ability of hepatic stellate cells was evaluated through wound healing assays and Transwell migration experiments. ResultsCompared with Control group， a significant elevation in RUNX3 was observed in the TGF-β₁-induced activated HSCs （P<0.01）. Meanwhile， the protein and mRNA levels of fibrosis-related markers and α-SMA and Collagen I were significantly upregulated （P<0.001）. Additionally， the proliferation and migration capabilities of HSCs were significantly enhanced （P<0.001）. In contrast， when compared to TGF-β₁+siRNA-NC group， TGF-β₁+siRNA-RUNX3 group exhibited a notable decrease in RUNX3 and other related indicators， such as the protein and mRNA levels of α-SMA and Collagen I （P<0.05）. Concurrently， the proliferation and migration capabilities of HSCs were significantly inhibited in TGF-β₁+siRNA-RUNX3 group （P<0.01）. ConclusionSilencing RUNX3 can inhibit the deposition of collagen and the proliferation and migration of hepatic stellate cells. Conversely， RUNX3 promotes the proliferation and migration capabilities of HSCs， thereby facilitating the activation of HSC.

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of runt-related transcription factor 3 （RUNX3） in transforming growth factor-β₁ （TGF-β₁）-induced activation of mouse primary pulmonary fibroblasts （PFs）， and its effects on fibroblast activation protein （FAP） expression， cell proliferation， and collagen synthesis. MethodsPFs were isolated from C57BL/6 mice and cultured. A RUNX3 knockdown model was established using small interfering RNA （siRNA）. Cells were assigned to the control group （Control）， TGF-β₁-treated group （TGF-β₁）， negative control group （TGF-β₁+siRNA-NC）， and RUNX3-silenced group （TGF-β₁+si-RUNX3）. In addition， a RUNX3 overexpression rescue experiment was performed based on TGF-β₁ stimulation. Protein and mRNA levels of RUNX3， FAP， and typeⅠcollagen （COL1A1） were measured by Western blot and reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR （RT-qPCR）. Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8 and EdU assays. Co-expression of COL1A1 and FAP was examined by double immunofluorescence staining. ResultsCompared with the Control group， RUNX3， FAP， and COL1A1 expression levels were upregulated in PFs in the TGF-β₁ group （P<0.01）. The CCK-8 assay showed that the absorbance value was reduced in the RUNX3 knockdown group compared with the negative control group （P<0.01）. Consistently， the EdU assay demonstrated a lower proportion of EdU-positive cells in the RUNX3 knockdown group than in the negative control group （P<0.01）. Immunofluorescence double staining revealed decreased fluorescence intensities of COL1A1 and FAP in the RUNX3 knockdown group relative to the negative control. Under RUNX3 overexpression conditions， these fluorescence signals exhibited a partial rebound （P<0.01）. ConclusionRUNX3 in TGF-β1-induced PFs may promote cell proliferation and collagen synthesis by positively regulating FAP expression. Targeting the RUNX3/FAP axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level and the occurrence of diabetes complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in 11 provinces in China.Methods:A total of 4 832 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus from 60 surveillance sites in 11 provinces where national surveillance for chronic diseases and risk factors was conducted in 2010 were selected as the study participants, and a follow-up survey was conducted in 3 516 persons from 2016 to 2017, finally 3 427 patients were included in the analysis after excluding those data exception and incomplete data. Cox proportional risk regression model was used to evalaute the association between HbA1c level and the risk for diabetes complications (macroangiopathy, microangiopathy and diabetic foot), and subgroup analyses were conducted according to the baseline characteristics of the study participants, such as age, gender and smoking status.Results:A total of 3 427 study participants were included in final analysis of the follow up for an average of 6.2 years, in whom 395 suffered from macroangiopathy, 226 suffered from microangiopathy, and 57 suffered from diabetic foot later during the follow-up period. After adjusting for relevant confounders, using the HbA1c <7.0% as a reference, there was no increased risk for macrovascular lesions in the those with HbA1c levels of 7.0%-, 7.5%-, 8.0%-8.4%, and the risk for macrovascular lesions increased by 38% in those with HbA1c ≥8.5% ( HR=1.38,95% CI:1.06-1.80); the risk for microangiopathies increased by 131% ( HR=2.31,95% CI:1.46-3.65), 206%( HR=3.06,95% CI:1.91-4.90) and 208% ( HR=3.08,95% CI:2.20-4.30) in those with HbA1c levels of 7.5%-, 8.0%-, ≥8.5%, respectively; and the risk for diabetic foot increased by 253% ( HR=3.53, 95% CI: 1.89-6.59) in those with HbA1c level ≥8.5%. Subgroup analyses revealed an effect modifying effect of different diabetes diagnosis situations (previously diagnosed and newly diagnosed) on HbA1c level and the risk for microangiopathy. Conclusions:HbA1c level ≥7.5% would increase the risk for microangiopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the higher the level, the higher the risk, and HbA1c level ≥8.5% would increase the risk for macrovascular lesions and diabetic foot. It is necessary to strengthen the health education in diabetic patients to improve their awareness of blood glucose management and the importance of HbA1c level control to effectively reduce or delay the diabetes complications.

Objective:To analyze the current status and trend of the mortality burden of cardiovascular disease in China from 2010 to 2021.Methods:Data related to cardiovascular disease mortality and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD2021) database. The age-standardized mortality rate and DALY rate were calculated, using the 2021 world standard population estimated by GBD2021. Joinpoint 5.2.0 software was used to calculate the mortality rate, standardized mortality rate, DALY rate, standardized DALY rate, annual percent change (APC), average annual percent change (AAPC), and 95% CI of cardiovascular disease in China from 2010 to 2021. Results:The mortality rate of cardiovascular disease was 357.44/100 000, and the age-standardized mortality rate was 280.11/100 000 in China in 2021. The DALY rate was 7 043.33/100 000, and the age-standardized DALY rate was 5 120.06/100 000. From 2010 to 2021, the mortality rate and DALY rate of cardiovascular disease in China showed an upward trend (AAPC was 1.58% and 0.83%, respectively, both P<0.05), and the standardized mortality rate and standardized DALY rate showed a downward trend (AAPC was -2.13% and -2.02%, respectively, both P<0.05). The mortality burden of cardiovascular disease was higher in males (mortality rate 392.80/100 000, DALY rate 8 156.19/100 000) than in females (mortality rate 320.38/100 000, DALY rate 5 876.87/100 000). With the increase older in age, the mortality burden of cardiovascular disease in China decreased first and then increased. China ranked high in the mortality burden of cardiovascular disease among G20 member countries. Conclusions:The death burden of cardiovascular disease is serious in China. The mortality rate and DALY rate of cardiovascular disease in China showed an increasing trend from 2010 to 2021, and the standardized mortality rate and standardized DALY rate of cardiovascular disease ranked high in G20 member countries. The death burden of cardiovascular disease was more serious in men and the elderly. It is necessary to develop more comprehensive prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation measures for men and the elderly to reduce mortality and disability rates, decrease the disease burden, and improve the quality of life.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and toxicity of blinatumomab in the first-line and second-line treatment of pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL).Methods:A multi-center retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze clinical data from 323 pediatric B-ALL patients treated with blinatumomab across 14 hospitals in China from May 2021 to July 2023. Patients were divided into four groups based on the treatment phase and disease status when blinatumomab was used: relapsed/refractory group, post-consolidation minimal residual disease (MRD)-positive group, early MRD-positive group, and MRD-negative group. Blinatumomab for the relapsed/refractory group was considered as second-line treatment, while the other 3 groups as first-line treatment. The MRD negativity rate after treatment, the survival rates and the incidence of severe adverse events were compared across these groups. Patients who received blinatumomab for more than 7 days were included in the efficacy analysis. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and Log-Rank test was used to compare the survival rates among groups.Results:Among the 323 patients, 191 (59.1%) were male, with the age of 6.2 (3.9, 10.5) years. There were 117 patients in the relapsed/refractory group, 62 cases in the post-consolidation MRD-positive group, 43 cases in the early MRD-positive group, and 101 cases in the MRD negative group. In the relapsed/refractory group, the complete remission rate and MRD negativity rate after one course of blinatumomab were 71.4% (35/49) and 81.5% (75/92) for the 49 children without complete remission and the 92 children with flow cytometry-positive MRD, respectively. In the post-consolidation MRD-positive group, the MRD negativity rates after one course of blinatumomab were 100.0% (27/27), 12/16 and 9/19 for patients with MRD positivity detected by flow cytometry, polymerase chain reaction and next-generation sequencing, respectively. In the early MRD-positive group, the MRD negativity rates were 96.7% (29/30) and 9/9 for flow cytometry and next-generation sequencing, respectively. The 2-year overall survival rate and event-free survival rate for the 319 children evaluable for efficacy were (90.6±1.7)% and (87.6±1.9)%, respectively, with the relapsed/refractory group showing significantly lower overall survival rates and event-free survival rate compared to the other groups ( χ2=21.40, 26.21,both P<0.001). Grade 3 or higher adverse events occurred in 128 cases (39.6%), with hematological toxicity observed in 101 cases, while cytokine release syndrome (CRS), infection, and neurotoxicity occurred in 11, 26 and 8 cases, respectively. In addition, there were statistically significant differences in the grade 3 or higher CRS among the four groups ( χ2=8.03, P<0.05). Conclusion:Blinatumomab can clear MRD more effectively and achieve superior survival outcomes when used as first-line treatment for pediatric B-ALL, with less CRS.

Objective To investigate the value of QRS duration combined with serum myostatin(MSTN)in predicting the prognosis of chronic heart failure(CHF)in elderly patients.Methods A total of 167 elderly patients with CHF who were admitted to Dongtai People's Hospital from October 2018 to October 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective study.MSTN level was detected by ELISA,and QRS duration was recorded by DMS300-BTT01 electrocardiograph.The patients were followed up for one year.According to the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events(MACE),they were assigned to group A(MACE occurred)or group B(no MACE).The influence factors for the occurrence of MACE in elderly CHF patients were investigated.The efficiency of the combination of various indexes in predicting MACE in elderly patients with CHF was analyzed by ROC curve.Results During one-year follow-up,MACE occurred in 36 patients(21.56%).MSTN level,QRS duration,LVEF,NYHA cardiac function grade,MuRF-1 and indoor conduction block in group A were superior to those in group B(P<0.05).Binary logistic regression analysis showed that MSTN,QRS duration,LVEF,NYHA cardiac function grade Ⅳ,indoor conduction block in the left bundle branch,and MuRF-1 were the influencing factors for MACE in elderly CHF patients(P<0.05).ROC curve showed that the sensitivities of LVEF,MSTN,QRS duration,NYHA cardiac function grade Ⅳ,MuRF-1,indoor conduction block in the left bundle branch,and their combination in predicting MACE in elderly patients with CHF were 75.00%,69.44%,72.22%,69.44%,66.67%,77.78%,and 91.67%,respectively,and the specificities was 74.81%,71.76%,73.28%,70.99%,68.70%,76.34%,and 91.60%.The combination of LVEF,MSTN,QRS duration,NYHA cardiac function grade Ⅳ,indoor conduction block in the left bundle branch,and MuRF-1 had a higher value in predicting the occurrence of MACE in elderly patients with CHF(P<0.05).MACE included myocardial infarction in 11 patients,cardiac death in 10 patients,all-cause death in 7 patients,recurrent heart failure in 4 patients,and fatal malignant arrhythmia in 4 patients.There were significant differences in QRS duration and MSTN level among different MACE patients(P<0.05).Conclusion MSTN,QRS duration,LVEF,NYHA cardiac function grade Ⅳ,indoor conduction block in the left bundle branch,MuRF-1 are the influencing factors for the occurrence of MACE in elderly CHF patients.There are significant differences in QRS duration and MSTN expression among different MACE patients.

Objective To explore the influencing factors on foot function recovery after distraction device-assisted repositioning of small incisions treatment for Sanders Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures,and to provide guidance for timely clinical interventions.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 80 patients with Sanders type Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures admitted to the People's Hospital of Bozhou from January 2021 to June 2023.Data were collected using a general information questionnaire,the hospital's electronic medical record system,the visual analog scale(VAS),the Marland foot function scale(MFS),the perceived social support scale(PSSS),and the perceived stress scale(PSS).The influencing factors of postoperative foot function recovery were analyzed using univariate factor analysis,multivariate linear regression,and structural equation modeling.Results The MFS scores of 80 patients at 6 months post-operation were significantly higher than preoperative scores(P＜0.001).The rates of excellent,good,fair,and poor foot function at 6 months post-operation were 56.3％,31.3％,10.0％,and 2.5％,respectively.Univariate analysis revealed significant differences in MFS scores based on different ages,time to start full weight-bearing exercise,bone mineral density,surgical timing,body mass index(BMI),postoperative VAS score,PSSS score,PSS score,and the presence of postoperative peroneal muscle spasm and peroneal muscle tendon adhesion(P＜0.05).Multivariate linear regression identified age,time to start full weight-bearing exercise,surgical timing,BMI,postoperative fibular muscle spasm,postoperative fibular muscle tendon adhesion,postoperative VAS score,PSSS score,and PSS score as significant factors affecting foot function recovery(P＜0.05).Structural equation modeling indicated that age,time to start full weight-bearing exercise,bone density,operative timing,BMI,postoperative peroneal muscle spasm,postoperative peroneal tendon adhesion,and pain severity directly influenced postoperative foot functional recovery.Additionally,psychological stress not only directly affected postoperative foot functional recovery but also indirectly influenced it through the mediating effect of social support.Conclusions Foot function recovery after surgery for Sanders type Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures is influenced by multiple factors.Psychological stress not only directly affects the recovery of foot function after surgery,but also mitigates the harm to foot function through social support.

Aim To investigate the effects of edaravone(EDA)on depression-like behaviors in a rat model of post-stroke depression(PSD)and to explore the un-derlying mechanisms.Methods SD rats were ran-domly divided into:sham operation group(Sham),cerebral ischemia group(CI),post-stroke depression(PSD),fluoxetine(10 mg·kg-1)group,and EDA(5,15 mg·kg-1)group.A PSD rat model was estab-lished using the suture method combined with 56 d of chronic unpredictable mild stimulation.Drug treatment was given once daily for 28 d after stimulation.Body weight and sucrose water preference were measured during the stimulation period,and serum TNF-α,IL-1 β,IL-6,MDA,SOD levels,and hippocampal tissue HO-1 and GPX4 protein expression were detected at the end of stimulation.Results Compared with the sham group,the rat neurological function scores of the remaining groups increased(P＜0.01).Compared with the PSD group,EDA increased the body weight and sucrose water preference of the rats(P＜0.01),significantly decreased the serum TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 levels,decreased the MDA level,increased the SOD level(P＜0.01),and up-regulated hippocampal HO-1 and GPX4 protein expression(P＜0.01).Con-clusions EDA improves depression-like behaviors and inhibits peripheral inflammation and oxidative stress in-jury in PSD rats,and its mechanism may be related to the activation of HO-1/GPX4 pathway to inhibit oxida-tive stress.

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of double tract reconstruction and single flap valvuloplasty technique in laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was adopted to analyze the clinical data of 65 patients with gastric cancer who underwent radical proximal gastrectomy at Taizhou People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from July 2019 to April 2024. According to the different reconstruction methods, the patients were divided into the double tract reconstruction group (double tract; n=43) and oblique anastomosis of esophageal-gastric mucosal window with single flap valvuloplasty technique group (single flap n=22). The baseline data, surgical and postoperative recovery indicators, postoperative pathological results, gastroesophageal reflux at postoperative 6 months, and nutritional status at postoperative 1 year were compared between the two groups. Results:Comparisons of operative time, gastrointestinal reconstruction time, number of lymph nodes dissected, postoperative intestinal function recovery time, total protein, plasma albumin, hemoglobin, and lymphocyte count at 1 week postoperatively, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), time to normalization of postoperative white blood cell count and C-reactive protein, length of hospital stay, hospital costs, and incidence of postoperative pulmonary infection or anastomotic leakage between the two groups showed no statistically significant differences (all P>0.05). However, compared with the double tract group, the single muscle flap group had significantly higher intraoperative blood loss ( P<0.001), higher maximum postoperative body temperature ( P=0.004), and a significantly higher proportion of patients with pleural effusion ≥2 cm ( P=0.029).No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of tumor length, length of esophageal involvement, Siewert classification, tumor differentiation degree, neural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, number of metastatic lymph nodes, tumor T stage and N stage, or UICC TNM staging for gastric cancer (all P>0.05). Nevertheless, the minimum distance of the lower resection margin in the double tract group was significantly longer than that in the single muscle flap group, with a statistically significant difference between the groups ( P<0.001). At 6 months postoperatively, results from the Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30), Quality of Life Questionnaire-Stomach 22 (QLQ-ST022), Reflux Symptom Index scores, Visick grading, and gastroscopy (Los Angeles classification) all indicated that the incidence of reflux esophagitis in the double tract group was significantly lower than that in the single muscle flap group (all P<0.001). Gastrointestinal contrast examination showed no anastomotic stenosis in either group; gastroesophageal reflux occurred in 5 cases (11.6%) in the double tract group and 4 cases (18.2%) in the single muscle flap group, with no statistically significant difference (χ2=0.524, P=0.469). Gastroscopy results revealed that the incidence of reflux esophagitis at 6 months postoperatively was 9.3% (4/43) in the double tract group and 59.1% (13/22) in the single muscle flap group, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (χ2=18.680, P<0.001).At 1 year postoperatively, the dual-chamber group showed better performance in body mass index(BMI), proportion of a decrease in BMI, plasma albumin, and PNI compared with the single muscle flap group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in hemoglobin or lymphocyte count between the two groups (all P>0.05). During 1 year of follow-up, one case of anastomotic recurrence occurred in each group, with no statistically significant difference between the groups ( P=0.624). Conclusions:Both proximal gastrectomy with double-tract anastomosis and esophagogastric mucosal window oblique anastomosis combined with single muscular flap valvuloplasty for digestive tract reconstruction are safe and feasible. However, double-tract anastomosis can better prevent the occurrence of postoperative reflux esophagitis, improve the patient's postoperative nutritional status, and enhance the patient's quality of life.

The key link to colorectal cancer progression is that epigenetic derangements promote reprogramming of glucose metabolism.Based on many studies on the relationship between spleen being the origin of acquired constitution and epigenetics,spleen qi dispersing essence and glucose metabolism,combined with the extensive experience of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of colorectal cancer and the accumulation of researches on glucose metabolism,it is believed that the"epigenetic-reprogramming of glucose metabolism"pathology of colorectal cancer is the microscopic essence of the key pathogenesis of"dysfunction of spleen transforming essences".The"promoting spleen and dispersing essences"method means that"promoting spleen"to reverse epigenetic derangements and"dispersing essences"to regulate reprogramming of glucose metabolism was put forward to treat colorectal cancer.Look forward to enrich the scientific connotation of the pathogenesis of"dysfunction of spleen transforming essences",new ideas and potential empirical basis for traditional Chinese medicine intervention in colorectal cancer were provided.