AIM:To investigate the impact of total flavonoids of Pterocarya hupehensis Skan(PHSTF)on the migration,invasion,and ferroptosis of non-small-cell lung cancer A549 cells.METHODS:The A549 cells were divided into control group,low-,medium-and high-dose(100,150 and 200 μg/mL)PHSTF groups,ferroptosis inhibitor liprox-statin-1(Lip-1)group,and high-dose PHSTF combined with Lip-1 group,each cultured in corresponding media.Cell via-bility was assessed using the CCK-8 assay,while cell migration and invasion abilities were determined through scratch and Transwell assays.Cell lipid peroxidation levels were measured using the glutathione(GSH)assay kit.RT-qPCR was em-ployed to assess the mRNA expression of solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),while Western blot was utilized to examine the protein expression of SLC7A11,GPX4,Kelch-like epichlorohy-drin-associated protein-1(Keap-1),nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1).RE-SULTS:Compared with control group,PHSTF significantly diminished the viability of A549 cells in a time-and dose-de-pendent manner(P＜0.01),and the cell migration and invasion were also reduced(P＜0.01),along with a significant de-crease in GSH level(P＜0.01).Treatment with PHSTF inhibited the mRNA and protein expression levels of ferroptosis-re-lated proteins,including SLC7A11 and GPX4(P＜0.01),suppressed the protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1(P＜0.01),and enhanced the expression of Keap-1(P＜0.01).The Lip-1 partially restored the decrease in cell viability in-duced by PHSTF(P＜0.01),significantly up-regulated the protein expression levels of SLC7A11,GPX4,Nrf2 and HO-1,and suppressed the protein expression of Keap-1(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION:Total flavonoids of Pterocarya hupehen-sis Skan can inhibit the migration and invasion of non-small-cell lung cancer A549 cells,and induce the cell ferroptosis by regulating the Keap-1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

AIM:To investigate the effect of conditioned medium from hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R)-treated rat cardiac fibroblasts(CFs)on gap junction between cardiomyocytes and determine whether its mechanism is related to matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP2)activity.METHODS:(1)H9c2 cells were randomly divided into five groups:con-trol group,normal group,ARP-100 group,H/R group,and H/R+ARP-100 group.Scrape loading/dye transfer assay was used to assess the gap junction function.Western blot was used to detect the expression and phosphorylation levels of Cx43.Gelatin zymography assay was performed to measure MMP2 activity.(2)SD rats were randomly divided into control group,ARP-100 group,ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)group,and I/R+ARP-100 group,with 8 rats in each group.Micro-electrode array technology was used to record the type and duration of arrhythmia.Immunohistochemistry experiment was performed to assess expression levels and distribution of Cx43 in myocardial tissues.RESULTS:Compared with the con-trol group,the H/R group showed decreased protein expression of Cx43(P＜0.01),narrowed distance of lucifer yellow dif-fusion(P＜0.01),and increased MMP2 activity(P＜0.01).ARP-100 attenuated H/R-induced gap junction dysfunction(P＜0.05).The arrhythmia score was also reduced after perfusion with ARP-100(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION:H/R-treated rat CFs can inhibit gap junction between cardiomyocytes,and its mechanism may involve increased MMP2 activity.

Currently, there are practical and technical difficulties in the construction of clinical questions in the development of clinical practice guidelines. Clinicians or guideline developers seldom construct clinical questions based the actual case scenario, leading to some information loss between structured and actual clinical connotation. To overcome this challenge, we proposed a case-guided questions construction approach, and carried out case research and verification in the formulation of the guideline. We found that this method could more efficiently and scientifically assist the formulation of clinical questions, and provide reference for clinicians or guideline developers.

Objective We aimed to compare the efficacy and prognosis of percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)in complex and high-risk patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO)combined with intra-aortic balloon pump(IABP)assistance,and explore the application value of combined use of mechanical circulatory support(MCS)devices in complex PCI.Methods A total of patients who met the inclusion criteria and underwent selective PCI supported by MCS at the Department of Cardiology,the First Affiliated Hospital of the Air Force Medical University from January 2018 to December 2022 were continuously enrolled.According to the mechanical circulatory support method,the patients were divided into ECMO+IABP group and IABP group.Clinical characteristics,angiographic features,in-hospital outcomes,and complications were collected.The intra-hospital outcomes and major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)at one month and one year after the procedure were observed.The differences and independent risk factors between the two groups in the above indicators were analyzed.Results A total of 218 patients undergoing elective PCI were included,of which 66 patients were in the ECMO+IABP group and 152 patients were in the IABP group.The baseline characteristics of the two groups of patients were generally comparable,but the ECMO+IABP group had more complex lesion characteristics.The proportion of patients with atrial fibrillation(6.1％vs.0.7％,P=0.030),left main disease(43.9％vs.27.0％,P=0.018),triple vessel disease(90.9％vs.75.5％,P=0.009),and RCA chronic total occlusion disease(60.6％vs.35.5％,P＜0.001)was higher in the ECMO+IABP group compared to the IABP group.The proportion of patients with previous PCI history was higher in the IABP group(32.9％vs.16.7％,P=0.014).There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of in-hospital complications between the two groups(P=0.176),but the incidence of hypotension after PCI was higher in the ECMO+IABP group(19.7％vs.9.2％,P=0.031).The rates of 1-month MACE(4.5％vs.2.6％,P=0.435)and 1-year MACE(7.6％vs.7.9％,P=0.936)were comparable between the two groups.Multivariate analysis showed that in-hospital cardiac arrest(OR 7.17,95％CI 1.27-40.38,P=0.025)and after procedure hypotension(OR 3.60,95％CI 1.10-11.83,P=0.035)were independent risk factors for the occurrence of 1-year MACE.Conclusions Combination use of ECMO+IABP support can provide complex and high-risk coronary heart disease patients with an opportunity to achieve coronary artery revascularization through PCI,and achieve satisfactory long-term prognosis.

Objective:To investigate the psychological status of the outpatients in the andrology clinic and the effect of risk warning combined with multidisciplinary team(MDT)intervention on their satisfaction.Methods:Using convenience sampling,we enrolled 600 outpatients seeking medical attention in the Department of Andrology of our hospital from July to October 2022.We ran-domized the patients into a control(n=300)and an observation group(n=300),obtained their basic information,evaluated their psychological status with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS),and assessed their satisfaction with the Xijing Hospital Outpatients'Satisfaction Questionnaire(HOSQ).The controls followed the routine procedure of treatment,while the patients in the ob-servation group received early warning before intervention based on their HADS scores.We provided normal medical care for those with HADS scores≤7,employed empathetic communication for those with HADS scores of 8-10,and conducted MDT intervention for those with HADS scores≥1l,followed by comparison of the patients'satisfaction with the outpatient service between the two groups.Results:There were no statistically significant differences in general conditions between the groups of patients(P＞0.05).The mean prevalence rate of anxiety and depression was 47.83％among the male subjects,lower in the control than in the observation group(47.00％vs 48.67％,P＞0.05),but higher in the patients with the education of junior high school or below(60.99％)than in those with that of senior high school(22.34％)and university or above(16.67％),and also higher in those aged 18-40 years(67.38％)than in those aged 41-60 years(51.82％)and over 60 years old(38.33％).A significantly higher rate of satisfaction with the outpatient service was found in the observation group than in the controls(97.18％vs 90.39％,P＜0.05).Conclusion:Anxie-ty and depression are prevalent among the outpatients in the andrology clinic,with a higher prevalence rate in those with lower educa-tion and at a younger age.Early risk warning combined with MDT intervention can improve the satisfaction of the patients.

Objectives: To investigated the safety and efficacy of treating patients with acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and elevated levels of N-terminal pro-hormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) with levosimendan within 24 hours of first medical contact (FMC). Methods: This multicenter, open-label, block-randomized controlled trial (NCT03189901) investigated the safety and efficacy of levosimendan as an early management strategy of acute heart failure (EMS-AHF) for patients with NSTEMI and high NT-proBNP levels. This study included 255 patients with NSTEMI and elevated NT-proBNP levels, including 142 males and 113 females with a median age of 65 (58-70) years, and were admitted in the emergency or outpatient departments at 14 medical centers in China between October 2017 and October 2021. The patients were randomly divided into a levosimendan group (n=129) and a control group (n=126). The primary outcome measure was NT-proBNP levels on day 3 of treatment and changes in the NT-proBNP levels from baseline on day 5 after randomization. The secondary outcome measures included the proportion of patients with more than 30% reduction in NT-proBNP levels from baseline, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during hospitalization and at 6 months after hospitalization, safety during the treatment, and health economics indices. The measurement data parameters between groups were compared using the t-test or the non-parametric test. The count data parameters were compared between groups using the χ² test. Results: On day 3, the NT-proBNP levels in the levosimendan group were lower than the control group but were statistically insignificant [866 (455, 1 960) vs. 1 118 (459, 2 417) ng/L, Z=-1.25,P=0.21]. However, on day 5, changes in the NT-proBNP levels from baseline in the levosimendan group were significantly higher than the control group [67.6% (33.8%,82.5%)vs.54.8% (7.3%,77.9%), Z=-2.14, P=0.03]. There were no significant differences in the proportion of patients with more than 30% reduction in the NT-proBNP levels on day 5 between the levosimendan and the control groups [77.5% (100/129) vs. 69.0% (87/126), χ²=2.34, P=0.13]. Furthermore, incidences of MACE did not show any significant differences between the two groups during hospitalization [4.7% (6/129) vs. 7.1% (9/126), χ²=0.72, P=0.40] and at 6 months [14.7% (19/129) vs. 12.7% (16/126), χ²=0.22, P=0.64]. Four cardiac deaths were reported in the control group during hospitalization [0 (0/129) vs. 3.2% (4/126), P=0.06]. However, 6-month survival rates were comparable between the two groups (log-rank test, P=0.18). Moreover, adverse events or serious adverse events such as shock, ventricular fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia were not reported in both the groups during levosimendan treatment (days 0-1). The total cost of hospitalization [34 591.00(15 527.46,59 324.80) vs. 37 144.65(16 066.90,63 919.00)yuan, Z=-0.26, P=0.80] and the total length of hospitalization [9 (8, 12) vs. 10 (7, 13) days, Z=0.72, P=0.72] were lower for patients in the levosimendan group compared to those in the control group, but did not show statistically significant differences. Conclusions: Early administration of levosimendan reduced NT-proBNP levels in NSTEMI patients with elevated NT-proBNP and did not increase the total cost and length of hospitalization, but did not significantly improve MACE during hospitalization or at 6 months.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Aged ; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain ; Simendan/therapeutic use* ; Non-ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction ; Heart Failure/drug therapy* ; Peptide Fragments ; Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; Biomarkers ; Prognosis

Objective: To establish and validate a nomogram model for predicting the risk of microvascular invasion(MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: The clinical data of 210 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent hepatectomy at Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery,the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2013 to October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 169 males and 41 females, aged(M(IQR)) 57(12)years(range:30 to 80 years). The patients were divided into model group(the first 170 cases) and validation group(the last 40 cases) according to visit time. Based on the clinical data of the model group,rank-sum test and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to screen out the independent related factors of MVI. R software was used to establish a nomogram model to predict the preoperative MVI risk of hepatocellular carcinoma,and the validation group data were used for external validation. Results: Based on the modeling group data,the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine that cut-off value of DeRitis ratio,γ-glutamyltransferase(GGT) concentration,the inverse number of activated peripheral blood T cell ratio (-aPBTLR) and the maximum tumor diameter for predicting MVI, which was 0.95((area under curve, AUC)=0.634, 95%CI: 0.549 to 0.719), 38.2 U/L(AUC=0.604, 95%CI: 0.518 to 0.689),-6.05%(AUC=0.660, 95%CI: 0.578 to 0.742),4 cm(AUC=0.618, 95%CI: 0.533 to 0.703), respectively. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that DeRitis≥0.95,GGT concentration ≥38.2 U/L,-aPBTLR>-6.05% and the maximum tumor diameter ≥4 cm were independent related factors for MVI in hepatocellular carcinoma patients(all P<0.05). The nomogram prediction model based on the above four factors established by R software has good prediction efficiency. The C-index was 0.758 and 0.751 in the model group and the validation group,respectively. Decision curve analysis and clinical impact curve showed that the nomogram model had good clinical benefits. Conclusions: DeRitis ratio,serum GGT concentration,-aPBTLR and the maximum tumor diameter are valuable factors for preoperative prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma with MVI. A relatively reliable nomogram prediction model could be established on them.
Female ; Humans ; Male ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology* ; Liver Neoplasms/pathology* ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Nomograms ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over

Herein, we designed a dual-response shape transformation and charge reversal strategy with chemo-photodynamic therapy to improve the blood circulation time, tumor penetration and retention, which finally enhanced the anti-tumor effect. In the system, hydrophobic photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6), hydrophilic chemotherapeutic drug berberrubine (BBR) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) response peptide (PLGVRKLVFF) were coupled by linkers to form a linear triblock molecule BBR-PLGVRKLVFF-Ce6 (BPC), which can self-assemble into nanoparticles. Then, positively charged BPC and polyethylene glycol-histidine (PEG-His) were mixed to form PEG-His@BPC with negative surface charge and long blood circulation time. Due to the acidic tumor microenvironment, the PEG shell was detached from PEG-His@BPC attributing to protonation of the histidine, which achieved charge reversal, size reduction and enhanced tumor penetration. At the same time, enzyme cutting site was exposed, and the spherical nanoparticles could transform into nanofibers following the enzymolysis by MMP-2, while BBR was released to kill tumors by inducing apoptosis. Compared with original nanoparticles, the nanofibers with photosensitizer Ce6 retained within tumor site for a longer time. Collectively, we provided a good example to fully use the intrinsic properties of different drugs and linkers to construct tumor microenvironment-responsive charge reversal and shape transformable nanoparticles with synergistic antitumor effect.

Objective: To explore the association between the cognition of Nutrition Facts Panel and prepackaged food purchase behavior among residents in six provinces in China. Methods: Using a multi-stage sampling method, 3 002 adults aged 18-70 were selected from the western region (Sichuan), eastern region (Guangdong, Jiangsu, Beijing), central region (Henan), and northeastern region (Heilongjiang) of China from July 2020 to March 2021. Socio-demographic characteristics of participants and their cognition of Nutrition Facts Panel and prepackaged food purchase behavior were collected through questionnaire. A multivariate binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between cognition of Nutrition Facts Panel and prepackaged food purchase behavior. Results: The age of 3 002 subjects was (42.3±13.4) years, among which 63.8% (1 914) were female, 66.7% knew the Nutrition Facts Panel, 49.8% would read it when purchasing, 30.7% could understand it, and 56.6% (1 699) bought prepackaged food more than once a week. The results of multivariate analysis showed that after adjusting for relevant confounding factors, compared with the participants knowing but not reading the Nutrition Facts Panel, the group knowing and reading was more likely to buy 11 types of prepackaged food at least once a week (all P<0.05). Compared with the participants reading but not understanding the Nutrition Facts Panel, the group reading and understanding was less likely to buy 11 types of prepackaged food at least once a week (all P<0.05). Conclusion: There was a correlation between cognition of Nutrition Facts Panel and prepackaged food purchase behavior among residents.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Food Labeling/methods* ; Food ; Nutritional Status ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; China ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of the neonates infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the Omicron outbreak in Shanghai 2022. Methods: In this retrospective case series study, all the 16 neonates with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection who were admitted to the neonatal unit in Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center from March 1^st to May 31^st, 2022 were enrolled. Their epidemiological history, clinical manifestations, nucleic acid cycle threshold (Ct) value and outcomes were analyzed. Based on maternal vaccination, they were divided into vaccinated group and unvaccinated group. Rank sum test and Chi-square test were used for the comparison between the groups. Results: Among the 16 neonates, 10 were male, and 6 were female. All the infants were full-term. The infection was confirmed at the age of 12.5 (8.0, 20.5) days. All the neonates had a history of exposure to infected family members, and thus horizontal transmission was the primary mode. Four infants were asymptomatic, 12 were symptomatic, and there were no severe or critical cases. The most common clinical manifestation was fever (11 cases), with the highest temperature of 38.1 (37.9, 38.3) ℃ and a course of 1-5 days. Other clinical manifestations included nasal obstruction (3 cases), runny nose (2 cases), cough (2 cases), poor feeding (2 cases), vomiting (1 case), and mild tachypnea (1 case). The complete blood counts of all neonates were within the normal range, and the C-reactive protein increased slightly in 1 infant. Chest imaging was performed in 2 infants, showing mild focal exudative changes. Nucleic acid turned negative (Ct value ≥35) within 7-15 days after diagnosis. All neonates fully recovered after supportive treatment, and the length of hospitalization was 13 (10, 14) days. In the telephone follow-up 2 weeks after discharge for all 16 cases, no infant showed reoccurrence of clinical manifestations or nucleic acid reactivation. Maternal vaccination was not significantly correlated with symptomatic infection or the persistence of positive nucleic acid result in neonates (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Horizontal transmission is the primary mode for neonatal SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection. Neonatal infections are usually mild or asymptomatic, with good short-term outcomes. And their clinical manifestations and laboratory examinations are nonspecific.
Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Female ; Humans ; SARS-CoV-2 ; COVID-19 ; Retrospective Studies ; China/epidemiology* ; Fever ; Disease Outbreaks ; Nucleic Acids