Objective To investigate the impact of inhibiting GATA binding protein 4(GATA4)on the susceptibility to atrial fibrillation in elderly individuals and to elucidate the underlying mecha-nisms.Methods Fifteen 3-month-old young SD rats and 45 18-month-old SD rats were selected.According to the age and the injection of adeno-associated virus,the rats were divided into young group,elderly group,negative control group and interfering GATA4 group,with 15 rats in each group.Based on age and AAV injection,the rats were categorized into four groups:young group,elderly group,negative control group,and GATA4 interference group,with 15 rats in each group.Left atrial anteroposterior diameter was assessed via echocardiography.The extent of atrial fibro-sis was evaluated using Masson staining.Western blot analysis was employed to examine the ex-pression levels of GATA4,calcium cycling-related proteins,and NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3).Mouse atrial myocytes(HL-1 cells)were divided into five groups according to viral infection:control group,knockdown negative control group,GATA4 knock-down group,overexpression negative control group,and GATA4 overexpression group.The expression of GATA4 and NLRP3 was analyzed using Western blotting.Results The incidence of atrial fibrillation in the elderly group was significantly higher than that in the young group(80.0％vs 11.1％,P＜0.01).Compared with the negative control group,the induction rate of atrial fibrillation in the GATA4 interference group was significantly decreased(22.2％vs 80.0％,P＜0.05).Compared with the young group,the left atrial diameter,percentage of collagen vol-ume,activation time,absolute value of conduction dispersion,and expression of NLPR3 in the aged group were significantly increased,and the expression of calcium cycling protein was disor-dered(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Compared with the negative control group,the left atrial diameter,per-centage of collagen volume,activation time,absolute value of conduction dispersion,and expres-sion of NLPR3 in the GATA4 interference group were significantly decreased,and the disturbance of calcium circulation was alleviated(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Compared with the negative group of knockdown and overexpression,the expression of GATA4 and NLRP3 in HL1 cells in GATA4 knockdown group was significantly decreased,and the expression of GATA4 and NLPR3 in HL-1 cells in GATA4 overexpression group was significantly increased(P＜0.01).Conclusion GATA4 inhibition decreases the susceptibility to atrial fibrillation and mitigates age-related structural remodeling,electrical remodeling,and inflammation in the atrium by regulating calcium cycling disorders and myocardial cell senescence via the NLRP3 pathway.

Objective To investigate the impact of inhibiting GATA binding protein 4(GATA4)on the susceptibility to atrial fibrillation in elderly individuals and to elucidate the underlying mecha-nisms.Methods Fifteen 3-month-old young SD rats and 45 18-month-old SD rats were selected.According to the age and the injection of adeno-associated virus,the rats were divided into young group,elderly group,negative control group and interfering GATA4 group,with 15 rats in each group.Based on age and AAV injection,the rats were categorized into four groups:young group,elderly group,negative control group,and GATA4 interference group,with 15 rats in each group.Left atrial anteroposterior diameter was assessed via echocardiography.The extent of atrial fibro-sis was evaluated using Masson staining.Western blot analysis was employed to examine the ex-pression levels of GATA4,calcium cycling-related proteins,and NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3).Mouse atrial myocytes(HL-1 cells)were divided into five groups according to viral infection:control group,knockdown negative control group,GATA4 knock-down group,overexpression negative control group,and GATA4 overexpression group.The expression of GATA4 and NLRP3 was analyzed using Western blotting.Results The incidence of atrial fibrillation in the elderly group was significantly higher than that in the young group(80.0％vs 11.1％,P＜0.01).Compared with the negative control group,the induction rate of atrial fibrillation in the GATA4 interference group was significantly decreased(22.2％vs 80.0％,P＜0.05).Compared with the young group,the left atrial diameter,percentage of collagen vol-ume,activation time,absolute value of conduction dispersion,and expression of NLPR3 in the aged group were significantly increased,and the expression of calcium cycling protein was disor-dered(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Compared with the negative control group,the left atrial diameter,per-centage of collagen volume,activation time,absolute value of conduction dispersion,and expres-sion of NLPR3 in the GATA4 interference group were significantly decreased,and the disturbance of calcium circulation was alleviated(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Compared with the negative group of knockdown and overexpression,the expression of GATA4 and NLRP3 in HL1 cells in GATA4 knockdown group was significantly decreased,and the expression of GATA4 and NLPR3 in HL-1 cells in GATA4 overexpression group was significantly increased(P＜0.01).Conclusion GATA4 inhibition decreases the susceptibility to atrial fibrillation and mitigates age-related structural remodeling,electrical remodeling,and inflammation in the atrium by regulating calcium cycling disorders and myocardial cell senescence via the NLRP3 pathway.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of galangin(GLA)on autophagy and apoptosis of chondrocytes in knee osteoarthritis(KOA)rats by regulating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)/UNC-51-like kinase 1(ULK1)signaling pathway.METHODS KOA rat model was constructed and separated into model group,L-GLA,M-GLA,H-GLA groups[subcutaneous injection of 100,200,400 μg/kg GLA],GLA+Compound C group[subcutaneous injection of 400 μg/kg GLA+0.2 mg/kg AMPK inhibitor Compound C],with 10 rats in each group.Additionally,10 normally fed rats were selected as the sham operation group.After the last medication,the degree of knee joint swelling of rats in each group was detected;the pathology of knee joints in KOA rats was observed.The serum expressions of matrix metalloproteinase 13(MMP-13)and interleukin-1 β(IL-1 β)in KOA rats were detected;the autophagy of chondrocytes in KOA rats was observed;the chondrocyte apoptosis in KOA rats was detected;the phosphorylation of AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 pathway-related proteins in cartilage tissue of knee joint were detected in rats.RESULTS Compared with the sham operation group,the arrangement of articular chondrocytes in the model group was disordered,with nuclear pyknosis and severe fibrosis of the articular cartilage layer,accompanied by a large amount of inflammatory cell infiltration;the degree of joint swelling,the number of autophagic vacuoles and apoptosis rate of chondrocytes,serum levels of MMP-13 and IL-1β,and the phosphorylation of mTOR protein in cartilage tissue of knee joint were all increased significantly(P＜0.05),while the phosphorylation of AMPK and ULK1 protein were all decreased significantly in cartilage tissue of knee joint(P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,L-GLA,M-GLA,H-GLA groups showed significant improvement in joint cartilage injury and reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells in rats.The above quantitative indicators were significantly reversed in a dose-dependent manner,except the number of autophagic vacuoles increased significantly(P＜0.05).Compared with the H-GLA group,the GLA+Compound C group showed aggravated cartilage tissue of joint cartilage injury and inflammatory cell infiltration in rats,and the above quantitative indicators were reversed significantly(P＜0.05).CONCLUSIONS GLA can promote autophagy and inhibit apoptosis of chondrocytes in KOA rats,the mechanism of which may be associated with activating AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway.

Objective:To preliminarily examine the feasibility and outcome of single-port laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with full-length urethral preservation (FLUP-SPRP).Method:This study was a prospective case series study. A total of 25 patients with prostate cancer who met the enrollment criteria and agreed to this surgical procedure from March 2022 to December 2022 were collected at the Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. The age of the patients was (67.2±7.6) years (range: 61 to 76 years). This novel procedure was performed by an experienced surgeon who performed single hole radical prostatectomy skillfully. Patient urinary control, tumor control, and related surgical complications after surgery were regularly monitored. Postoperative urinary control was evaluated using the daily amount of urine pad, 0 to 1 piece of urine pad was to restore urinary control, and 0 to 1 piece of pad within 24 hours after catheter removal was immediate urinary control.Result:All prodecures were successfully completed without transit to open surgery. The surgical time was (128.4±22.4) minutes (range: 100 to 145 minutes), the intraoperative blood loss was (68.2±13.7) ml (range: 50 to 120 ml). The urethral injury occurred in 4 cases during surgery and was repaired by sutures. The urinary control recovery rates within 24 hours, 1 week, 4 weeks, and 7 weeks after surgery were 80.0%, 84.0%, 92.0% and 100%, respectively. Postoperative large section pathology revealed 1 case with a positive basal margin of the prostate and negative margins of all prostate glands around the urethra. Postoperative complications included urinary tract infection in 3 cases, urodynia in 2 cases, and acute urinary retention in 1 case. MRI follow-up 3 months after surgery showed normal anatomy of the bladder and urethra. The follow-up values of prostate specific antigen at 3 and 6 months after surgery were less than 0.1 μg/L.Conclusions:The preliminary results of this study indicate that the FLUP-SPRP procedure is safe and feasible. The early results of postoperative urinary control and oncology are as expected.

Rheumatoid arthritis （RA） is a systemic autoimmune disease with local joint pain as the main clinical manifestation. It is one of the diseases specifically responding to traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. The occurrence of RA is not only related to innate factors like genetic disorder but also associated with environmental factors， such as diets and microbial infection. The intestine， a vital human organ with digestive and immune functions， is a place where microorganisms colonize and exert intestinal metabolism-improving， barrier-protecting， and immunomodulatory effects. As the research on the onset and treatment of RA is deepening， the potential relationship of intestinal structural and functional abnormalities with the pathogenesis and progression of RA has been revealed. As clinical and experimental studies indicated， joint inflammation coexists with the impaired barrier function， imbalanced immune cells， and disordered gut microbiota. The theory of the gut-joint axis in the pathogenesis， progression， and treatment of RA is highly consistent with the holistic view in TCM. The recent pharmacological studies have shown that Chinese medicine prescriptions and active components can inhibit inflammation， protect joints， and maintain the intestinal function. This article summarizes the basic connotation of the gut-joint axis in RA and the mechanism by which TCM protect the intestinal barrier and modulate the immunity by regulating the gut microbiota structure and improving microbial metabolism in the treatment of RA. This review gives insights into the future research on the gut-joint axis in RA.

Objective:To preliminarily examine the feasibility and outcome of single-port laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with full-length urethral preservation (FLUP-SPRP).Method:This study was a prospective case series study. A total of 25 patients with prostate cancer who met the enrollment criteria and agreed to this surgical procedure from March 2022 to December 2022 were collected at the Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. The age of the patients was (67.2±7.6) years (range: 61 to 76 years). This novel procedure was performed by an experienced surgeon who performed single hole radical prostatectomy skillfully. Patient urinary control, tumor control, and related surgical complications after surgery were regularly monitored. Postoperative urinary control was evaluated using the daily amount of urine pad, 0 to 1 piece of urine pad was to restore urinary control, and 0 to 1 piece of pad within 24 hours after catheter removal was immediate urinary control.Result:All prodecures were successfully completed without transit to open surgery. The surgical time was (128.4±22.4) minutes (range: 100 to 145 minutes), the intraoperative blood loss was (68.2±13.7) ml (range: 50 to 120 ml). The urethral injury occurred in 4 cases during surgery and was repaired by sutures. The urinary control recovery rates within 24 hours, 1 week, 4 weeks, and 7 weeks after surgery were 80.0%, 84.0%, 92.0% and 100%, respectively. Postoperative large section pathology revealed 1 case with a positive basal margin of the prostate and negative margins of all prostate glands around the urethra. Postoperative complications included urinary tract infection in 3 cases, urodynia in 2 cases, and acute urinary retention in 1 case. MRI follow-up 3 months after surgery showed normal anatomy of the bladder and urethra. The follow-up values of prostate specific antigen at 3 and 6 months after surgery were less than 0.1 μg/L.Conclusions:The preliminary results of this study indicate that the FLUP-SPRP procedure is safe and feasible. The early results of postoperative urinary control and oncology are as expected.

Background: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) strategies in COVID-19 patients differ from those in patients suffering from cardiogenic cardiac arrest. During CPR, both healthcare and non-healthcare workers who provide resuscitation are at risk of infection. The Working Group for Expert Consensus on Prevention and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Cardiac Arrest in COVID-19 has developed this Chinese Expert Consensus to guide clinical practice of CPR in COVID-19 patients. Main recommendations: 1) A medical team should be assigned to evaluate severe and critical COVID-19 for early monitoring of cardiac-arrest warning signs. 2) Psychological counseling and treatment are highly recommended, since sympathetic and vagal abnormalities induced by psychological stress from the COVID-19 pandemic can induce cardiac arrest. 3) Healthcare workers should wear personal protective equipment (PPE). 4) Mouth-to-mouth ventilation should be avoided on patients suspected of having or diagnosed with COVID-19. 5) Hands-only chest compression and mechanical chest compression are recommended. 6) Tracheal-intubation procedures should be optimized and tracheal-intubation strategies should be implemented early. 7) CPR should be provided for 20-30 min. 8) Various factors should be taken into consideration such as the interests of patients and family members, ethics, transmission risks, and laws and regulations governing infectious disease control. Changes in management: The following changes or modifications to CPR strategy in COVID-19 patients are proposed: 1) Healthcare workers should wear PPE. 2) Hands-only chest compression and mechanical chest compression can be implemented to reduce or avoid the spread of viruses by aerosols. 3) Both the benefits to patients and the risk of infection should be considered. 4) Hhealthcare workers should be fully aware of and trained in CPR strategies and procedures specifically for patients with COVID-19.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and the risk factors in Jingyuan county of Ningxia Autonomous Region.Methods The population proportionate sampling method was applied to enroll a representative sample of 10 639 adults in Jingyuan county and the study was conducted using questionnaires and physical examinations.A total of 10 553 people were included in the analysis after excluding those with missing data.High-resolution ultrasound was used to examine the liver and fasting blood was collected in the morning for measurement of blood glucose,blood lipid,and uric acid.The participants were divided into two groups of those with and without nonalcoholic fatty liver disease;the difference in blood biochemical indexes between fatty liver and non-fatty liver groups was compared,and the logistic regression model was used to explore the risk factors affecting the prevalence of fatty liver.Results The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was 7.60％.The prevalence of thyroid nodules was higher in men than in women (8.60％ vs.6.82％,x2=1 1.772,P=0.001).The prevalence rate of fatty liver increased with age (x2=57.336,P＜0.001),the prevalence rates among ≥18 years-＜29 years,≥30 years-＜39 years,≥40years-＜49 years,≥50 years-＜59 years,≥60 years-＜69 years,and above 70 years were 2.92％,6.50％,8.81％,9.59％,8.08％,and 4.77％ respectively.The detection rate of overweight,obesity,abdominal obesity,impaired fasting glucose,impaired glucose tolerance,diabetes,hypertension,hyperuricemia,and dyslipidemia were higher in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease group than in the normal group (P＜0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease group had a higher risk for overweight,obesity,abdominal obesity,impaired fasting glucose,impaired glucose tolerance,diabetes,hypertension,hyperurcemia,and dyslipidemia (OR=5.41,12.45,2.99,1.85,2.05,3.30,1.41,2.23,and 1.98).Conclusion The incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver in Jingyuan county of Ningxia Autonomous Region was higher.The groups of overweight,obesity,abdominal obesity,impaired fasting glucose,impaired glucose tolerance,diabetes,hypertension,hyperuricemia,and dyslipidemia were high risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Objective: The DNA repair capacity (DRC) of tumor cells is an important contributor to resistance to radiation and platinum-based drugs. Because DRC may be affected by tumor cell metabolism, we measured DRC in lymphocytes from patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and compared the findings with the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) on 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) after (chemo)radiation therapy. Methods: This study included 151 patients with stage IA-IV NSCLC who had FDG PET at a single institution and donated blood samples before chemotherapy. We assessed the correlation of DRC, measured in peripheral T lymphocytes by a host-cell reac-tivation assay with SUVmax and their associations with overall survival (OS) time by hazards ratios calculated with a Cox pro-portional hazards regression model. Results: SUVmax of the primary tumor at diagnosis was inversely associated with lymphocyte DRC (r＝－0.175, P＝0.032), particularly among patients with advanced disease (r ＝ －0.218, P ＝ 0.015). However, △SUVmax of primary tumor was not significantly associated with DRC (r＝0.005, P＝0.968). SUVmax of regional lymph nodes at diagnosis (r＝－0.307, P＝0.0008) and after (chemo)radiation treatment (r＝－0.329, P＝0.034) and SUVmax of the primary tumor after (chemo)radiation treatment (r＝－0.253, P＝0.045) were also inversely associated with OS time. Conclusion: DRC was inversely associated with primary tumor SUVmax before treatment but not with △SUVmax after (chemo)radiation.

Objective: The DNA repair capacity (DRC) of tumor cells is an important contributor to resistance to radiation and platinum-based drugs. Because DRC may be affected by tumor cell metabolism, we measured DRC in lymphocytes from patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and compared the findings with the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) on 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) after (chemo)radiation therapy. Methods: This study included 151 patients with stage IA-IV NSCLC who had FDG PET at a single institution and donated blood samples before chemotherapy. We assessed the correlation of DRC, measured in peripheral T lymphocytes by a host-cell reac-tivation assay with SUVmax and their associations with overall survival (OS) time by hazards ratios calculated with a Cox pro-portional hazards regression model. Results: SUVmax of the primary tumor at diagnosis was inversely associated with lymphocyte DRC (r＝－0.175, P＝0.032), particularly among patients with advanced disease (r ＝ －0.218, P ＝ 0.015). However, △SUVmax of primary tumor was not significantly associated with DRC (r＝0.005, P＝0.968). SUVmax of regional lymph nodes at diagnosis (r＝－0.307, P＝0.0008) and after (chemo)radiation treatment (r＝－0.329, P＝0.034) and SUVmax of the primary tumor after (chemo)radiation treatment (r＝－0.253, P＝0.045) were also inversely associated with OS time. Conclusion: DRC was inversely associated with primary tumor SUVmax before treatment but not with △SUVmax after (chemo)radiation.