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.

Background Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals characterized by environmental persistence and have been ubiquitously detected in pregnant women. Although existing evidence suggests that PFAS may exert endocrine-disrupting effects, evidence remains limited regarding the associations of individual legacy and emerging PFAS congeners, as well as PFAS mixtures, with fetal hormonal homeostasis. Objective Based on the Jiashan Birth Cohort in China, to investigate the associations between maternal plasma concentrations of legacy and emerging PFAS in the second trimester and levels of multiple hormones in fetal cord blood. Methods A total of 336 women in the second trimester from the Jiashan Birth Cohort were enrolled. Concentrations of 53 legacy and emerging PFAS were measured in maternal plasma, and levels of eight key hormones were determined in fetal cord blood. Multiple linear regression, restricted cubic spline, and Bayesian kernel machine regression models were used to examine the linear, nonlinear, and joint associations of individual PFAS and PFAS mixtures with fetal cord blood hormone levels. Results Maternal plasma concentrations of perfluorononanoic acid, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, and 8:2 chlorinated perfluoroether sulfonic acid were positively associated with cord blood levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), with β values of 0.040, 0.050, 0.040, and 0.030, respectively (all P<0.05). In contrast, perfluoroheptanoic acid was negatively associated with prolactin levels (β=−0.060, P<0.01). Restricted cubic spline models revealed a nonlinear dose–response relationship between perfluorobutane sulfonic acid and growth hormone (likelihood ratio test P=0.045), with a positive association in the intermediate concentration interval (β=0.261, P=0.010) that turned negative at higher concentrations (β=−0.425, P=0.048), as well as a nonlinear trend between 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid and prolactin (likelihood ratio test P=0.074). Bayesian kernel machine regression analysis indicated a negative trend between PFAS mixture exposure and cord blood prolactin levels. Conclusion Maternal PFAS exposure in the second trimester is associated with higher insulin-like growth factor 1 levels and lower prolactin levels in fetal cord blood. Prolactin appears to be consistently associated with both individual PFAS congeners and PFAS mixtures. These findings suggest that maternal PFAS exposure may affect fetal endocrine homeostasis by disrupting the hypothalamic-pituitary-prolactin regulatory axis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the underlying causes and clinical manifestations in infants undergoing colonoscopy, and to analyze changes in disease spectrum. METHODS: Clinical data from 180 infants who underwent a total of 184 colonoscopies at the Department of Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University from January 2015 to December 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were grouped by age: ≤6 months (n=41) and >6-12 months (n=139); and by examination period: 2015-2019 (n=83) and 2020-2024 (n=97). Primary causes for performing colonoscopy, final diagnoses, and disease spectrum evolution were assessed. RESULTS: Among 184 colonoscopies, the leading causes prompting examination were hematochezia (37.8%, 68/180), diarrhea (36.7%, 66/180), and co-occurring hematochezia and diarrhea (21.1%, 38/180). Causes for performing colonoscopy differed significantly by age group (P<0.05). Colonic polyps were only detected in the >6-12 months group (P<0.05). Compared to the 2015-2019 group, the 2020-2024 group had fewer food allergy-related gastrointestinal diseases (P<0.05) but more colitis (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Colonoscopy is essential for diagnosing infantile digestive disorders, with disease spectra varying by age and time period.
Humans ; Infant ; Colonoscopy ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Infant, Newborn ; Diarrhea/etiology* ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/etiology*

Homo- or heterodimeric compounds that affect dimeric protein function through interaction between monomeric moieties and protein subunits can serve as valuable sources of potent and selective drug candidates. Here, we screened an in-house dimeric natural product collection, and panepocyclinol A (PecA) emerged as a selective and potent STAT3 inhibitor with profound anti-tumor efficacy. Through cross-linking C712/C718 residues in separate STAT3 monomers with two distinct Michael receptors, PecA inhibits STAT3 DNA binding affinity and transcription activity. Molecular dynamics simulation reveals the key conformation changes of STAT3 dimers upon the di-covalent binding with PecA that abolishes its DNA interactions. Furthermore, PecA exhibits high efficacy against anaplastic large T cell lymphoma in vitro and in vivo, especially those with constitutively activated STAT3 or STAT3^Y640F. In summary, our study describes a distinct and effective di-covalent modification for the dimeric compound PecA to disrupt STAT3 function.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a critical clinical condition characterized by rapid renal function decline, with high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown potential effects on mitigating oxidative stress and programmed cell death in AKI models. Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SB) and Scleromitrion diffusum (Willd.) R. J. Wang (SD), a classic TCM herbal pair exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Using advanced chromatographic separation technology, we enriched the effective fractions of water extracts from SB-SD, obtaining self-assembled herbal nanoparticles (SB and SD nanoparticles, SSNPs) rich in flavonoids and terpenoids. These SSNPs demonstrated robust antioxidant properties in vitro and mitigated AKI progression in vivo by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. Oral administration of SSNPs in mice resulted in absorption into the bloodstream, formation of a protein corona, reduced macrophage phagocytosis, and enhanced bioavailability and renal targeting. Furthermore, we investigated the self-assembly principle of SSNPs using representative flavonoids and terpenoids. Kinetic studies and in situ transmission electron microscopy (in situ TEM) revealed that these compounds self-assemble via supramolecular forces like hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions, forming stable nanostructures. This study elucidates the renoprotective effects and mechanisms of SB and SD, and provides a novel approach for the development of TCM-based nanomedicines, highlighting the potential of nano-TCM in AKI treatment.

Objective To explore the changing patterns of electrocardiogram(ECG)and echocardiography in healthy young people during their descent from high altitude to the plain.Methods A prospective cohort study was carried out.Fifty-five healthy young volunteers who had migrated to an altitude of 4800-5500 m on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau within one year were recruited as the plateau-migration group.ECG examinations were performed at an altitude of 3700 m(first time),on the 5th day after returning to 1300 m(second time),and on the 15th day after returning to 1300 m(third time).Echocardiography was conducted at 3700 m and on the 5th day after returning to 1300 m.A plain control group of 55 healthy youngsters from the plains(1300 m)was matched.The results of ECG and echocardiography between the two groups were compared.Results Intragroup analysis of the plateau-migration group revealed that compared with the first ECG results,the number of normal ECGs decreased in the second and third ECG results(P<0.05),and the proportions of sinus rhythm irregularity,sinus bradycardia,and U-wave appearance increased(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in abnormal ECG results between the second and third ECGs(P>0.05).Compared with plain control group,there was no significant difference in the abnormal results of the first ECG of plateau-migration group(P>0.05).In the second and third ECG results,the number of normal ECGs was significantly reduced,and the proportions of sinus bradycardia,sinus rhythm irregularity,and U-wave appearance were significantly increased compared with plain control group(P<0.001).Intragroup analysis of plateau-migration group revealed that compared with the first ECG,the heart rate decreased in the second and third ECGs(P<0.05 or<0.001).Compared with plain control group,in the first ECG of plateau-migration group,the PR interval was significantly prolonged,the QTc interval was shortened,and the QRS axis degree was increased(P<0.05).In the second ECG,the heart rate significantly decreased,the PR interval was prolonged,and the QTc interval was shortened(P<0.05).In the third ECG,the heart rate decreased,the PR interval was prolonged,the QTc interval was shortened,and the QRS axis degrees was increased(P<0.05).The QRS axis of the first,second,and third ECGs of plateau-migration group was statistically significantly different from that of plain control group(P<0.001).Intragroup analysis of plateau-migration group showed that compared with the first echocardiogram,the left ventricular end-systole diameter,left ventricular end-diastolic diameter,and left atrial anteroposterior diameter all significantly increased in the second echocardiogram(P<0.001).Compared with plain control group,in the first echocardiogram of plateau-migration group,the left ventricular end-systole diameter and right atrial transection diameter significantly decreased,the right ventricular transection diameter significantly increased,and the left ventricular fractional shortening rate(FS)significantly decreased(P<0.05);In the second echocardiogram,the left atrial anteroposterior diameter,right atrial transverse diameter,and right ventricular transverse diameter all significantly increased,and FS increased(P<0.05).Conclusions In healthy young people returning from high altitude to the plain,as the altitude decreased,the heart rate significantly drops.The number of people with frontal QRS axis right deviation significantly reduces.The number of normal ECGs significantly decreases,while the numbers of people with sinus bradycardia,sinus arrhythmias,and U-wave appearance significantly increase.During high-altitude stay,the left ventricular systolic and diastolic function is affected to some extent.

BACKGROUND:Numerous scholars have previously researched certain greater tuberosity fractures and the procedures used to treat them.Few researchers,however,have studied the comminuted split fracture of the greater tuberosity of the humerus(Liu-Gang type IV)with rotator cuff tear in great detail. OBJECTIVE:To compare the clinical therapeutic effect of open repair position modified calcaneal plate combined with suture anchors and proximal humeral internal locking system(PHILOS)plate in the treatment of comminuted fracture of split-type greater tuberosity of humerus combined with rotator cuff tears(Liu-Gang type IV). METHODS:Case data of 30 patients with comminuted fracture of split-type greater tuberosity of humerus combined with rotator cuff tears(Liu-Gang type IV)from May 2012 to May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.They were divided into the modified calcaneal plate combined with suture anchor group(group A)and the PHILOS with#2 Johnson group(group B),with 15 cases in each group.Intraoperative blood loss,surgical time,and incision length of all patients were recorded.Pain visual analog scale score,Constant-Murley score,as well as shoulder joint abduction,forward flexion,external rotation,and dorsal expansion activities during the last follow-up(>1 year)were evaluated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The surgical incision length and operation time were shorter,and blood loss was less in group A than those in group B(P<0.05).(2)No significant difference in visual analog scale score and Constant-Murley score was detected between the two groups(P>0.05).(3)During the last follow-up,forward flexion in group A was better than that in group B(P<0.05).No significant difference in abduction,external rotation,and dorsal expansion was determined between group A and group B(P>0.05).(4)In terms of complications,there was 1 case of shoulder joint pain and discomfort in group A(7%),2 cases of subacromial impingement syndrome,2 cases of upward movement of nodules,and 2 cases of shoulder joint pain(40%)in group B.There were significant differences in complication rates between the two groups(P=0.031).(5)In summary,the modified calcaneal plate combined with suture anchors in the treatment of comminuted fracture of split-type greater tuberosity of humerus combined with rotator cuff tears(Liu-Gang type IV)could better restore the forward flexion function of the shoulder joint and has a small incision,less blood loss,shorter operation time and fewer complications.

The Ehlers-Danlos syndrome(EDS)is a rare inherent connective tissue disorder.The prev-alence of EDS in the population is estimated at one out of ten thousand to one out of a hundred thousand.The vascular EDS(vEDS)are rare among the subtypes but are the worst in prognosis.The article reports a case of vEDS admitted to the hospital.The patient was a young man complaining of a sudden onset of aphasia in right hemiparalysis and severe left abdominal pain for unknown reasons.The diagnosis was made after the genetic testing.The patient suffered from vEDS.Then,the multi-disciplinary team(MDT)made a treatment plan tailored to this young patient.The complexity in classification and delusive presentations of the EDS make the correct diagnosis very challenging.This article hopes to report this case and to share the experiences to the bet-ter understanding of this disease.

Objective To compare the oral cleansing effects of the microbubble toothbrush and the conventional pulsed oral irrigator to provide references for users.Methods Ninety identical 3D-printed resin tooth models were grouped and subjected to repeated experiments,which were divided randomly into five groups including a microbubble toothbrush high-speed gear(GN-H)group,a microbubble toothbrush medium-speed gear(GN-M)group,a microbubble low-speed gear(GN-L)group,a conventional pulsed oral irrigator high-speed gear(W-H)group and a conventional pulsed oral irrigator low-speed gear(W-L)group,with 18 teeth in each group.The cleansing effects of the microbubble toothbrush and the conventional pulsed oral irrigator were evaluated in terms of irrigating strength and abilities for eliminating plaque and debris.Results Both the two types of water flossers were provided with high irrigating strength and effectively reduced plaque and debris on tooth surfaces,and the GN-H,GN-M and GN-L groups behaved better significantly than the remained groups.The order of the five groups was GN-H group＞GN-M group＞W-H group＞GN-L group＞W-L group for irrigating strength,GN-H group＞GN-M group＞GN-L group＞W-H group＞W-L group for plaque removal,GN-H group＞GN-M group＞W-H group＞GN-L group＞W-L group for debris removal,with all the differences being statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion Both the two types of water flossers remove plaque and debris effectively,while the microbubble toothbrush gains advantages over the conventional pulsed oral irrigator.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(9):67-72]

Purpose::To assess the value of the driving pressure variation rate (ΔP%) in predicting the outcome of weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.Methods::In this case-control study, a total of 35 patients with moderate-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome were admitted to the intensive care unit between January 2022 and December 2022 and received invasive mechanical ventilation for at least 48 h were enrolled. Patients were divided into successful weaning group and failed weaning group depending on whether they could be removed from ventilator support within 14 days. Outcome measures including driving pressure, PaO 2:FiO 2, and positive end-expiratory pressure, etc. were assessed every 24 h from day 0 to day 14 until successful weaning was achieved. The measurement data of non-normal distribution were presented as median (Q 1, Q 3), and the differences between groups were compared by Wilcoxon rank sum test. And categorical data use the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test to compare. The predictive value of ΔP% in predicting the outcome of weaning from the ventilator was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curves. Results::Of the total 35 patients included in the study, 17 were successful vs. 18 failed in weaning from a ventilator after 14 days of mechanical ventilation. The cut-off values of the median ΔP% measured by Operator 1 vs. Operator 2 in the first 4 days were ≥ 4.17% and 4.55%, respectively ( p < 0.001), with the area under curve of 0.804 (sensitivity of 88.2%, specificity of 64.7%) and 0.770 (sensitivity of 88.2%, specificity of 64.7%), respectively. There was a significant difference in mechanical ventilation duration between the successful weaning group and the failure weaning group (8 (6, 13) vs. 12 (7.5, 17.3), p = 0.043). The incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in the successful weaning group was significantly lower than in the failed weaning group (0.2‰ vs. 2.3‰, p = 0.001). There was a significant difference noted between these 2 groups in the 28-day mortality (11.8% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.003). Conclusion::The median ΔP% in the first 4 days of mechanical ventilation showed good predictive performance in predicting the outcome of weaning from mechanical ventilation within 14 days. Further study is needed to confirm this finding.