Objective Aimed at investigating the effect and molecular mechanism of artemisinin on hemo-dynamics and vascular remodeling in monocrotaline(MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)rats.Methods 30 male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups(n=10):control group,MCT-induced PAH group(MCT group,60 mg/kg)and artemisinin intervention group(50 mg/kg).At 28 days after modeling,the right ventricular systolic pressure(RVSP),mean pulmonary artery pressure(mPAP),heart rate and right ventricular hypertrophy index(RVHI)were measured to evaluate the development of PAH.HE staining and α-SMA immuno-histochemistry were used to observe the morphology and assess muscularization of pulmonary arterioles,and the percentage of medial wall thickness(WT%),the percentage of vascular wall area(WA%)and the proportion of muscular vessels were calculated to evaluate the degree of pulmonary vascular remodeling.The mRNA and protein levels of HIF-1α and LDHA were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot,respectively.Pyruvate and lactate concentration in lung tissue was measured using pyruvate and lactateassay kit.Results Compared with the control group,the RVSP,mPAP,heart rate and RVHI were significantly increased in MCT-induced PAH rats(all P<0.05).Histological analysis showed that the increasedmedial wall thickness of small pulmonary arteries and vascular muscularization were observed in MCT-treated rats compared with control rats.WT%,WA%and muscularization degrees of pulmonary arterioles were higher in MCT-treated rats than those in the control group(all P<0.05),suggesting successful construction of PAH model.Compared with the MCT group,the RVSP,mPAP,heart rate and RVHI decreased in the rats treated with artemisinin(all P<0.05),accompanied with lower WT%and WA%(P<0.05),and muscularization of pulmonary arterioles was improved(P<0.05).Further study showed the mRNA and protein levels ofHIF-1α and LDHA in lung tissue of MCT-induced PAH rats were higher than those in the control group,the content of lactate and pyruvate and the ratio of lactate to pyruvate were higher than that in the control group(all P<0.05).However,the mRNA and protein levels of HIF-1α and LDHA in lung tissue of rats treated with artemisinin were lower than those in the MCT group,the content of lactate and pyruvate and the ratio of lactate to pyruvate were lower than that in the MCT group(all P<0.05).Conclusion Artemisinin improves hemodynamic and pulmonary vascular remodeling in PAH rats through inhibiting HIF-1α/LDHA signaling pathway-mediated glycolysis.

Objective:To investigate the establishment, staffing, equipment allocation, and technological capabilities of cardiac intensive care units in public secondary and tertiary hospitals in Henan Province, and to provide a reference for promoting the development of nationwide cardiac critical care.Methods:In September 2023, supported by the Henan Provincial Health Commission, Cardiac Critical Care Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association conducted the first comprehensive survey on the construction of cardiac intensive care units in Henan Province. A Chi-square test was used to compare the findings between secondary and tertiary hospitals.Results:A total of 171 hospitals reported 1 602 cardiac intensive care unit beds, 1 091 physicians (physician-to-bed ratio: 0.68), and 2 298 nurses (nurse-to-bed ratio: 1.43). Tertiary hospitals had a significantly higher proportion of full-time physicians and physicians with a master′s degree or above compared to secondary hospitals. Furthermore, tertiary hospitals had more nurses and a higher proportion of nurses with a bachelor′s degree (all P<0.05). Regarding equipment, tertiary hospitals demonstrated higher availability of activated clotting time (ACT) analyzers, temporary pacemakers, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machines, intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP), and pulse index continuous cardiac output (Picco) monitors (all P<0.05). Among the hospitals surveyed, 123 could independently perform coronary interventional procedures, 93 could independently use an IABP, 26 could independently perform ECMO, and 53 offered continuous renal replacement therapy at the bedside. Conclusions:This study provides a preliminary understanding of the current state of cardiac critical care in Henan Province. Tertiary hospitals demonstrated advantages over secondary hospitals regarding medical staffing, the proportion of highly educated personnel, the availability of advanced equipment, such as ACT analyzers, temporary pacemakers, IABP, and Picco monitors, as well as in the performance of advanced procedures, including IABP and ECMO.

BACKGROUND: There is little literature describing the artificial intelligence (AI)-aided diagnosis of severe pneumonia (SP) subphenotypes and the association of the subphenotypes with the ventilatory treatment efficacy. The aim of our study is to illustrate whether clinical and biological heterogeneity, such as ventilation and gas-exchange, exists among patients with SP using chest computed tomography (CT)-based AI-aided latent class analysis (LCA). METHODS: This retrospective study included 413 patients hospitalized at Xinhua Hospital diagnosed with SP from June 1, 2015 to May 30, 2020. AI quantification results of chest CT and their combination with additional clinical variables were used to develop LCA models in an SP population. The optimal subphenotypes were determined though evaluating statistical indicators of all the LCA models, and clinical implications of them such as guiding ventilation strategies were further explored by statistical methods. RESULTS: The two-class LCA model based on AI quantification results of chest CT can describe the biological characteristics of the SP population well and hence yielded the two clinical subphenotypes. Patients with subphenotype-1 had milder infections ( P <0.001) than patients with subphenotype-2 and had lower 30-day ( P <0.001) and 90-day ( P <0.001) mortality, and lower in-hospital ( P = 0.001) and 2-year ( P <0.001) mortality. Patients with subphenotype-1 showed a better match between the percentage of non-infected lung volume (used to quantify ventilation) and oxygen saturation (used to reflect gas exchange), compared with patients with subphenotype-2. There were significant differences in the matching degree of lung ventilation and gas exchange between the two subphenotypes ( P <0.001). Compared with patients with subphenotype-2, those with subphenotype-1 showed a relatively better match between CT-based AI metrics of the non-infected region and oxygenation, and their clinical outcomes were effectively improved after receiving invasive ventilation treatment. CONCLUSIONS A two-class LCA model based on AI quantification results of chest CT in the SP population particularly revealed clinical heterogeneity of lung function. Identifying the degree of match between ventilation and gas-exchange may help guide decisions about assisted ventilation.
Humans ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Artificial Intelligence ; Aged ; Pneumonia/diagnosis* ; Latent Class Analysis ; Adult

Objective To investigate the impacts and mechanism of circular RNA polyribonucleotide nucleotidyltransferase 1(Circ-PNPT1)on glucose and lipid metabolism and offspring outcomes in rats with GDM through microRNA-345-3p(miR-345-3p)/lipid raft scaffold protein 2(FLOT2)axis.Methods 75 pregnant female rats were divided into normal control(NC)group,GDM group,si-NC group,si-Circ-PNPT1 group,and si-Circ-PNPT1+miR-345-3p-inhibitor group,with 15 rats in each group.Glucose and lipid metabolism indexes were detected in each group.FIns was detected by ELISA.The survival rate and body weight of fetal rats were compared in each group.The expression of Circ-PNPT1,miR-345-3p and FLOT2 mRNA in placenta was detected by qRT-PCR.The double luciferase reporter gene experiment verified the targeting relationship between miR-345-3p and Circ-PNPT1 and FLOT2.Western blot was used to detect the expression of FLOT2 protein in rat placenta.Results Compared with the NC group,the level of FPG,FIns,HOMA-IR,TC,TG,LDL-C,embryo weight,and the expressions of Circ-PNPT1,FLOT2 in GDM group increased,the level of HDL-C,embryo survival rate and the expression of miR-345-3p decreased(P<0.05).Compared with GDM group,the level of FPG,FIns,HOMA-IR,TC,TG,LDL-C,embryo weight,and the expression of FLOT2 in si-Circ-PNPT1 group decreased,the level of HDL-C,embryo survival rate and the expression of miR-345-3p increased(P<0.05);MiR-345-3p-inhibitor reversed the improvement of si-Circ-PNPT1 on GDM rats(P<0.05).Conclusions Knocking down Circ-PNPT1 can up-regulate miR-345-3p and down-regulate FLOT2 to improve glucose and lipid metabolism and offspring outcome in GDM rats.

Objective To investigate the effect of rosa roxburghii Tratt polysaccharides(RRTP)on insulin resistance(IR)in rats with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)by regulating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/peroxlsome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactlvator-1α(PGC-1α)signaling pathway.Methods Ten pregnant rats served as normal control(NC)group,and 50 GDM rats were randomly divided into GDM group,RRTP 100 mg/kg(RRTP 100)group,RRTP 200 mg/kg(RRTP 200)group,positive drug(PD)group,RRTP 200 mg/kg+Dorsomorphin(RRTP 200+Dorsomorphin)group.The indexes of glucose and lipid metabolism,superoxide dismutase(SOD),malondialdehyde(MDA),interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and pathological changes were evaluated in each group,and Schmidt scoring shall be performed.Additionally,apoptosis and the expression of proteins related to the AMPK/PGC-1α pathway in tissues shall be detected.Results Fasting plasma glucose,fasting insulin,homeostatic model assessment-IR,total cholesterol,triglycerides,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,MDA,IL-6,TNF-α,Schmidt score and apoptosis index were higher in GDM group than in NC group(P<0.05),while the expressions of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,SOD,p-AMPK/AMPK,p-AMPK and PGC-1α protein were lower in GDM group than in NC group(P<0.05).The above indexes improved in RRTP 100,RRTP 200 and PD groups.In the RRTP 200+Dorsomorphin group,the ameliorative effect of RRTP on IR was reversed.Conclusions RRTP improve IR in GDM rats by activating the AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the impacts and mechanism of circular RNA polyribonucleotide nucleotidyltransferase 1(Circ-PNPT1)on glucose and lipid metabolism and offspring outcomes in rats with GDM through microRNA-345-3p(miR-345-3p)/lipid raft scaffold protein 2(FLOT2)axis.Methods 75 pregnant female rats were divided into normal control(NC)group,GDM group,si-NC group,si-Circ-PNPT1 group,and si-Circ-PNPT1+miR-345-3p-inhibitor group,with 15 rats in each group.Glucose and lipid metabolism indexes were detected in each group.FIns was detected by ELISA.The survival rate and body weight of fetal rats were compared in each group.The expression of Circ-PNPT1,miR-345-3p and FLOT2 mRNA in placenta was detected by qRT-PCR.The double luciferase reporter gene experiment verified the targeting relationship between miR-345-3p and Circ-PNPT1 and FLOT2.Western blot was used to detect the expression of FLOT2 protein in rat placenta.Results Compared with the NC group,the level of FPG,FIns,HOMA-IR,TC,TG,LDL-C,embryo weight,and the expressions of Circ-PNPT1,FLOT2 in GDM group increased,the level of HDL-C,embryo survival rate and the expression of miR-345-3p decreased(P<0.05).Compared with GDM group,the level of FPG,FIns,HOMA-IR,TC,TG,LDL-C,embryo weight,and the expression of FLOT2 in si-Circ-PNPT1 group decreased,the level of HDL-C,embryo survival rate and the expression of miR-345-3p increased(P<0.05);MiR-345-3p-inhibitor reversed the improvement of si-Circ-PNPT1 on GDM rats(P<0.05).Conclusions Knocking down Circ-PNPT1 can up-regulate miR-345-3p and down-regulate FLOT2 to improve glucose and lipid metabolism and offspring outcome in GDM rats.

Objective To investigate the effect of rosa roxburghii Tratt polysaccharides(RRTP)on insulin resistance(IR)in rats with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)by regulating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/peroxlsome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactlvator-1α(PGC-1α)signaling pathway.Methods Ten pregnant rats served as normal control(NC)group,and 50 GDM rats were randomly divided into GDM group,RRTP 100 mg/kg(RRTP 100)group,RRTP 200 mg/kg(RRTP 200)group,positive drug(PD)group,RRTP 200 mg/kg+Dorsomorphin(RRTP 200+Dorsomorphin)group.The indexes of glucose and lipid metabolism,superoxide dismutase(SOD),malondialdehyde(MDA),interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and pathological changes were evaluated in each group,and Schmidt scoring shall be performed.Additionally,apoptosis and the expression of proteins related to the AMPK/PGC-1α pathway in tissues shall be detected.Results Fasting plasma glucose,fasting insulin,homeostatic model assessment-IR,total cholesterol,triglycerides,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,MDA,IL-6,TNF-α,Schmidt score and apoptosis index were higher in GDM group than in NC group(P<0.05),while the expressions of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,SOD,p-AMPK/AMPK,p-AMPK and PGC-1α protein were lower in GDM group than in NC group(P<0.05).The above indexes improved in RRTP 100,RRTP 200 and PD groups.In the RRTP 200+Dorsomorphin group,the ameliorative effect of RRTP on IR was reversed.Conclusions RRTP improve IR in GDM rats by activating the AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway.

Objective Aimed at investigating the effect and molecular mechanism of artemisinin on hemo-dynamics and vascular remodeling in monocrotaline(MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)rats.Methods 30 male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups(n=10):control group,MCT-induced PAH group(MCT group,60 mg/kg)and artemisinin intervention group(50 mg/kg).At 28 days after modeling,the right ventricular systolic pressure(RVSP),mean pulmonary artery pressure(mPAP),heart rate and right ventricular hypertrophy index(RVHI)were measured to evaluate the development of PAH.HE staining and α-SMA immuno-histochemistry were used to observe the morphology and assess muscularization of pulmonary arterioles,and the percentage of medial wall thickness(WT%),the percentage of vascular wall area(WA%)and the proportion of muscular vessels were calculated to evaluate the degree of pulmonary vascular remodeling.The mRNA and protein levels of HIF-1α and LDHA were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot,respectively.Pyruvate and lactate concentration in lung tissue was measured using pyruvate and lactateassay kit.Results Compared with the control group,the RVSP,mPAP,heart rate and RVHI were significantly increased in MCT-induced PAH rats(all P<0.05).Histological analysis showed that the increasedmedial wall thickness of small pulmonary arteries and vascular muscularization were observed in MCT-treated rats compared with control rats.WT%,WA%and muscularization degrees of pulmonary arterioles were higher in MCT-treated rats than those in the control group(all P<0.05),suggesting successful construction of PAH model.Compared with the MCT group,the RVSP,mPAP,heart rate and RVHI decreased in the rats treated with artemisinin(all P<0.05),accompanied with lower WT%and WA%(P<0.05),and muscularization of pulmonary arterioles was improved(P<0.05).Further study showed the mRNA and protein levels ofHIF-1α and LDHA in lung tissue of MCT-induced PAH rats were higher than those in the control group,the content of lactate and pyruvate and the ratio of lactate to pyruvate were higher than that in the control group(all P<0.05).However,the mRNA and protein levels of HIF-1α and LDHA in lung tissue of rats treated with artemisinin were lower than those in the MCT group,the content of lactate and pyruvate and the ratio of lactate to pyruvate were lower than that in the MCT group(all P<0.05).Conclusion Artemisinin improves hemodynamic and pulmonary vascular remodeling in PAH rats through inhibiting HIF-1α/LDHA signaling pathway-mediated glycolysis.

Objective:To investigate the establishment, staffing, equipment allocation, and technological capabilities of cardiac intensive care units in public secondary and tertiary hospitals in Henan Province, and to provide a reference for promoting the development of nationwide cardiac critical care.Methods:In September 2023, supported by the Henan Provincial Health Commission, Cardiac Critical Care Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association conducted the first comprehensive survey on the construction of cardiac intensive care units in Henan Province. A Chi-square test was used to compare the findings between secondary and tertiary hospitals.Results:A total of 171 hospitals reported 1 602 cardiac intensive care unit beds, 1 091 physicians (physician-to-bed ratio: 0.68), and 2 298 nurses (nurse-to-bed ratio: 1.43). Tertiary hospitals had a significantly higher proportion of full-time physicians and physicians with a master′s degree or above compared to secondary hospitals. Furthermore, tertiary hospitals had more nurses and a higher proportion of nurses with a bachelor′s degree (all P<0.05). Regarding equipment, tertiary hospitals demonstrated higher availability of activated clotting time (ACT) analyzers, temporary pacemakers, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machines, intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP), and pulse index continuous cardiac output (Picco) monitors (all P<0.05). Among the hospitals surveyed, 123 could independently perform coronary interventional procedures, 93 could independently use an IABP, 26 could independently perform ECMO, and 53 offered continuous renal replacement therapy at the bedside. Conclusions:This study provides a preliminary understanding of the current state of cardiac critical care in Henan Province. Tertiary hospitals demonstrated advantages over secondary hospitals regarding medical staffing, the proportion of highly educated personnel, the availability of advanced equipment, such as ACT analyzers, temporary pacemakers, IABP, and Picco monitors, as well as in the performance of advanced procedures, including IABP and ECMO.

Objective To explore the effects of Bushen ovulation-stimulating decoction on oocyte quality and pregnancy outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET)in patients with repeated transplantation failure.Methods From January 2019 to January 2021,86 patients who received IVF-ET again because of repeated transplantation failure in Jinzhong Yingtai Women's&Children's Hospital were randomly divided into control group and observation group,with 43 cases in each group.Progesterone was given 2 days before IVF-ET treatment in both groups,and the observation group was additionally treated with Bushen ovulation-stimulating decoction at the peak of luteinizing hormone in menstrual cycle before transplantation.All the patients in both groups were treated continuously for 3 menstrual cycles.Traditional Chinese medicine symptom score,hormone level,oocyte quality,endometrium and blood flow were observed and compared between the 2 groups.Results After 3 menstrual cycles of treatment,the scores of pale menstrual color,soreness and softness of waist and knees,and dryness in the vagina in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Three weeks after transplant,the observation group had significantly higher levels of serum progesterone(P)and estradiol(E2)and lower level of follicle stimulating hormone(FSH)than the control group(all P<0.05).On the day of ovulation,the thickness of endometrium in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group,and the resistance index(RI)and pulsatility index(PI)of uterine artery in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The fertilization rate,the number of ovum obtained,clinical pregnancy rate,average gestational weeks of delivery,neonatal weight and one-minute Apgar score in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The early abortion rate and fetal preterm birth rate in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Bushen ovulation-stimulating decoction can significantly increase the scores of traditional Chinese medicine symptoms,improve blood circulation of uterus,gonadal hormone concentrations and oocyte quality,and reduce the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients who repeatedly fail to receive IVF-ET treatment.