Objective To compare the benefits and drawbacks of primary patch expansion versus pericardial tube right ventricular-pulmonary artery connection in patients diagnosed with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA/VSD). Methods A retrospective study was conducted on patients diagnosed with PA/VSD who underwent primary right ventricular-pulmonary artery connection surgery at our center between 2010 and 2020. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the type of right ventricular-pulmonary artery connection: a pericardial tube group and a patch expansion group. Clinical data and imaging findings were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 51 patients were included in the study, comprising 31 males and 20 females, with a median age of 12.57 (4.57, 49.67) months. The pericardial tube group included 19 patients with a median age of 17.17 (7.33, 49.67) months, while the patch expansion group consisted of 32 patients with a median age of 8.58 (3.57, 52.72) months. In both groups, the diameter of pulmonary artery, McGoon index, and Nakata index significantly increased after treatment (P<0.001). However, the pericardial tube group exhibited a longer extracorporeal circulation time (P<0.001). The reoperation rate was notably high, with 74.51% of patients requiring further surgical intervention, including 26 (81.25%) patients in the patch expansion group and 12 (63.16%) patients in the pericardial tube group. No statistical differences were observed in long-term cure rates or mortality between the two groups (P＞0.005). Conclusion In patients with PA/VSD, both patch expansion and pericardial tube right ventricular-pulmonary artery connection serve as effective initial palliative treatment strategies that promote pulmonary vessel development and provide a favorable foundation for subsequent radical operations. However, compared to the pericardial tube approach, the patch expansion technique is simpler to perform and preserves some intrinsic potential for pulmonary artery development, making it the preferred procedure.

The chemical constituents of the chloroform extract of the 90% methanol extract obtained from the dried branches and leaves of Croton lauioides were investigated. By using silica gel column chromatography, C_(18 )column chromatography, MCI column chromatography, and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC), six compounds were isolated. Their structures were identified as lauioidine(1), 2α-methoxy-8α-hydroxy-6-oxogermacra-1(10),7(11)-dien-8,12-olide(2), myrrhanolide B(3), gossweilone(4), 6β,7β-epox-4α-hydroxyguaian-10-ene(5), and 4(15)-eudesmane-1β,5α-diol(6) by analyzing the HR-ESI-MS, IR, ECD, 1D NMR and 2D NMR data, as well as their physicochemical properties. All compounds were isolated from C. lauioides for the first time, among which compound 1 is a new nor-clerodane diterpenoid.
Croton/chemistry* ; Diterpenes, Clerodane/isolation & purification* ; Molecular Structure ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification* ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid

The intestinal barrier is the primary defense that separates the host from the external environment, possessing several crucial physiological functions, including nutrient digestion, absorption, and protection against potentially harmful dietary antigens and pathogenic microorganisms. Nevertheless, various factors, such as diet, medications, circadian rhythm disturbances, gut microbiota, microbial metabolites, and genetic predisposition, can disrupt the intestinal barrier. Such disruption may lead to bacterial translocation, subsequently triggering enterohepatic and systemic inflammation. Impaired intestinal barrier has been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, particularly chronic gut and liver diseases. In this review, we will summarize the fundamental functions of intestinal barrier and discuss clinical correlations between intestinal barrier dysfunction and diseases such as colitis, colorectal cancer, and chronic liver diseases including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, alcohol-associated liver disease, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Additionally, we will also highlight some potential therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring barrier integrity to improve disease management.

Background and aim:Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury(IRI)is a significant challenge in liver trans-plantation,trauma,hypovolemic shock,and hepatectomy,with limited effective interventions available.This study aimed to investigate the role of leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2(LECT2)in hepatic IRI and assess the therapeutic potential of Lect2-short hairpin RNA(shRNA)delivered through adeno-associated virus(AAV)vectors. Materials and methods:This study analyzed human liver and serum samples from five patients under-going the Pringle maneuver.Lect2-knockout and C57BL/6J mice were used.Hepatic IRI was induced by clamping the hepatic pedicle.Treatments included recombinant human LECT2(rLECT2)and AAV-Lect2-shRNA.LECT2 expression levels and serum biomarkers including alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),creatinine,and blood urea nitrogen(BUN)were measured.Histological analysis of liver necrosis and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction were performed. Results:Serum and liver LECT2 levels were elevated during hepatic IRI.Serum LECT2 protein and mRNA levels increased post reperfusion.Lect2-knockout mice had reduced weight loss;hepatic necrosis;and serum ALT,AST,creatinine,and BUN levels.rLECT2 treatment exacerbated weight loss,hepatic necrosis,and serum biomarkers(ALT,AST,creatinine,and BUN).AAV-Lect2-shRNA treatment significantly reduced weight loss,hepatic necrosis,and serum biomarkers(ALT,AST,creatinine,and BUN),indicating thera-peutic potential. Conclusions:Elevated LECT2 levels during hepatic IRI increased liver damage.Genetic knockout or shRNA-mediated knockdown of Lect2 reduced liver damage,indicating its therapeutic potential.AAV-mediated Lect2-shRNA delivery mitigated hepatic IRI,offering a potential new treatment strategy to enhance clinical outcomes for patients undergoing liver-related surgeries or trauma.

Objective To evaluate early outcomes of transthoracic pulmonary valve implantation for the treatment of moderate and severe pulmonary regurgitation by using homemade self-expanding valve (SalusTM). Methods Patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation who underwent transthoracic pulmonary valve implantation in Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital from September 2, 2021 to November 25, 2022 were prospectively enrolled. The early postoperative complications and improvement of valve and heart function were summarized and analyzed. Results A total of 25 patients were enrolled, including 16 males and 9 females, with an average age of 24.5±1.5 years and an average weight of 57.0±3.0 kg. The mean systolic diameters of the bifurcation near the main pulmonary artery, the stenosis of the middle segment of the aorta and near the valve of the right ventricular outflow tract of the patients were 31.8±7.4 mm, 30.6±5.9 mm and 38.4±8.0 mm, respectively. All patients were successfully implanted with valves, and there were no serious complications such as death, coronary compression, stent fracture, valve displacement and infective endocarditis in the early postoperative period. The indexed left atrial longitudinal diameter, indexed right atrial longitudinal diameter, and indexed right ventricular outflow tract anteroposterior diameter decreased significantly after the operation. The degree of tricuspid and pulmonary valve regurgitation and the indexed regurgitation area decreased significantly. The above differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion The early outcomes of transthoracic pulmonary valve implantation with homemade self-expanding pulmonary valve (SalusTM) in the treatment of severe pulmonary regurgitation is relatively good, and the long-term outcomes need to be verified by the long-term follow-up studies with large samples.

Objective To analyze and summarize the early and medium-term outcomes of self-expanding interventional pulmonary valve stent (SalusTM) for right ventricular outflow tract dysfunction with severe pulmonary valve regurgitation. Methods We established strict enrollment and follow-up criteria. Patients who received interventional pulmonary valve in transthoracic implantation in Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital from September 2, 2021 to July 18, 2023 were prospectively included, and all clinical data of patients were collected and analyzed. Results A total of 38 patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation were included, with 23 (60.5%) males and 15 (39.5%) females. The mean age was 24.08±8.12 years, and the mean weight was 57.66±13.54 kg. The preoperative mean right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVI) and right ventricular end-systolic volume index (RVESVI) were 151.83±42.84 mL/m2 and 83.34±33.05 mL/m2, respectively. All patients successfully underwent transcatheter self-expandable pulmonary valve implantation, with 3 (7.9%) patients experiencing valve stent displacement during the procedure. Perioperative complications included 1 (2.6%) patient of postoperative inferior wall myocardial infarction and 1 (2.6%) patient of poor wound healing. The median follow-up time was 12.00 (6.00, 17.50) months. During the follow-up period, there were no deaths or reinterventions, and no patients had recurrent severe pulmonary regurgitation. Three (7.9%) patients experienced chest tightness and chest pain, and 1 (2.6%) patient developed frequent ventricular premature beats. Compared with preoperative values, the right atrial diameter, right ventricular diameter, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion were significantly reduced at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively, with improvement in the degree of pulmonary regurgitation (P<0.01). Compared with preoperative values, RVEDVI and RVESVI decreased to 109.51±17.13 mL/m2 and 55.88±15.66 mL/m2, respectively, at 1 year postoperatively (P<0.01). Conclusion 　Self-expanding interventional pulmonary valve in transthoracic implantation is safe and effective for severe pulmonary valve regurgitation and shows good clinical and hemodynamic results in one-year outcome.

Quercetin can mediate the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathways to prevent osteoporosis(OP).This paper comprehensively discusses the interrelationship between MAPK and osteoporosis-related cells based on the latest domestic and international research.Additionally,it elucidates the research progress of quercetin in mediating the MAPK signaling pathway for OP prevention.The aim is to provide an effective foundation for the clinical prevention and treatment of OP and the in-depth development of quercetin.

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of hypericin on osteoporosis(OP)in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Methods COPD combined with OP rat model was established by cigarette combined with bacteria.The rats were randomly divided into control group,model group(COPD combined with OP model was constructed),experimental-L group(50 mg·kg-1 hypericin was given by intragastric administration after constructing COPD combined with OP model),experimental-H group(100 mg·kg-1 hypericin was given intragastric administration after constructing COPD combined with OP model),positive group(subcutaneous injection of 16 U·kg-1 salmon calcitonin after constructing COPD combined with OP model);each group was given 12 rats for 90 days.The lung function of rats was detected by pulmonary function apparatus;bone mineral density(BMD)was detected by micro-computed tomography(CT);serum bone metabolism and inflammatory factors were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA);Western blot assay was used to detect the relevant indicators of the pathway.Results The levels of forced vital capacity(FVC)in control group,model group,experimental-H group and positive group were(10.42±1.40),(4.10±0.60),(6.75±0.37),(4.18±0.33)mL,respectively;BMD levels were(0.31±0.04),(0.12±0.02),(0.28±0.03),(0.29±0.04)g·mm-3,respectively;bone alkaline phosphatase(BALP)levels were(200.04±20.03),(80.80±6.00),(148.16±14.23),(173.97±23.55)U·L1,respectively;interleukin-1β(IL-1β)levels were(122.60±8.70),(695.59±74.84),(422.41±44.86),(527.90±39.36)pg·mL-1,respectively;phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p-P38)protein expression levels were 0.99±0.11,0.36±0.05,0.79±0.08,0.36±0.04,respectively.Compared with the control group,the above indexes in the model group had statistical significance(all P＜0.05);the above indexes in experimental-H group were significantly different from those in model group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Hypericin can inhibit inflammatory response,improve bone metabolism and biomechanics.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases are common clinical conditions. The number of patients with TMJ diseases is large, and the etiology, epidemiology, disease spectrum, and treatment of the disease remain controversial and unknown. To understand and master the current situation of the occurrence, development and prevention of TMJ diseases, as well as to identify the patterns in etiology, incidence, drug sensitivity, and prognosis is crucial for alleviating patients′suffering.This will facilitate in-depth medical research, effective disease prevention measures, and the formulation of corresponding health policies. Cohort construction and research has an irreplaceable role in precise disease prevention and significant improvement in diagnosis and treatment levels. Large-scale cohort studies are needed to explore the relationship between potential risk factors and outcomes of TMJ diseases, and to observe disease prognoses through long-term follw-ups. The consensus aims to establish a standard conceptual frame work for a cohort study on patients with TMJ disease while providing ideas for cohort data standards to this condition. TMJ disease cohort data consists of both common data standards applicable to all specific disease cohorts as well as disease-specific data standards. Common data were available for each specific disease cohort. By integrating different cohort research resources, standard problems or study variables can be unified. Long-term follow-up can be performed using consistent definitions and criteria across different projects for better core data collection. It is hoped that this consensus will be facilitate the development cohort studies of TMJ diseases.

Objective:To investigate the application value of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in evaluating flow diverter (FD) apposition and endothelialization in aneurysm animal models, and analyze the effect of incomplete stent apposition (ISA) on aneurysm lumen healing and stent endothelialization.Methods:Lateral common carotid artery aneurysm models in swines were established by surgical method and then FD was implanted. Immediately after surgery, OCT and IVUS were used to evaluate the locations and degrees of ISA, and difference between these 2 methods in evaluating FD apposition was compared. DSA was performed at 12 weeks after surgery to evaluate the aneurysm occlusion (Kamran grading) and stent patency. OCT and IVUS were used again to observe the stent endothelial situation; by comparing with histopathologic results, effect of ISA on aneurysm healing and stent endothelialization was analyzed.Results:Lateral common carotid artery aneurysm models in 6 swines were established, and 6 Tubridge FDs were successfully implanted. Compared with IVUS (3 stents, 4 locus), OCT could detect more ISA (6 stents, 14 locus); and the vascular diameter change area (7 locus), aneurysm neck area (4 locus) and the head and tail of FD (3 locus) were the main sites of FD malapposition; average distance between stent wire and vessel wall was (560.14±101.48) μm. At 12 weeks after surgery, DSA showed that 1 patient had a little residual contrast agent at the aneurysm neck (Kamran grading 3), and the remaining 5 had complete aneurysm occlusion (Kamran grading 4). One FD had moderate lumen stenosis, and the other 5 FDs had lumen patency. OCT indicated mostly disappeared acute ISA; ISA proportion decreased to 21.4 % (3/14), including 2 in the aneurysm neck and 1 in the partial stent. Histopathological results showed bare stent woven silk, without obvious endothelial coverage; in one FD with luminal stenosis, intimal hyperplasia was mainly composed of vascular smooth muscle cells.Conclusion:In carotid artery aneurysm model with FD implantation, OCT can detect more ISA than IVUS; most acute ISA have good outcome at 12 th week of follow-up, while severe ISA can cause delayed FD endothelialization and delayed aneurysm occlusion.