BACKGROUND: The protective effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on cardiac ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury has been widely reported. Dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells (DP-MSCs) have therapeutic effects on various diseases, including diabetes and cirrhosis. This study aimed to determine the therapeutic effects of DP-MSCs on I/R injury and elucidate the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Myocardial I/R injury model mice were treated with DP-MSCs or a miR-19a-3p mimic. The infarct volume, fibrotic area, pyroptosis, inflammation level, and cardiac function were measured. Cardiomyocytes exposed to hypoxia-reoxygenation were transfected with the miR-19a-3p mimic, miR-19a-3p inhibitor, or negative control. Pyroptosis and protein expression in the interferon regulatory factor 8/mitogen-activated protein kinase (IRF-8/MAPK) pathway were measured. RESULTS: DP-MSCs protected cardiac function in cardiac I/R-injured mice and inhibited cardiomyocyte pyroptosis. The upregulation of miR-19a-3p protected cardiac function, inhibited cardiomyocyte pyroptosis, and inhibited IRF-8/MAPK signaling in cardiac I/R-injured mice. DP-MSCs inhibited cardiomyocyte pyroptosis and the IRF-8/MAPK signaling by upregulating the miR-19a-3p levels in cardiomyocytes injured by I/R. CONCLUSION DP-MSCs protected cardiac function by inhibiting cardiomyocyte pyroptosis through miR-19a-3p under I/R conditions.
Animals ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Pyroptosis/genetics* ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Myocytes, Cardiac/cytology* ; Mice ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Dental Pulp/cytology* ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/therapy* ; MAP Kinase Signaling System/physiology*

ObjectiveTo investigate the features of liver histopathological damage in patients with indeterminate phase of chronic HBV infection， as well as the timing for initiating antiviral therapy in such patients. MethodsA retrospective screening was performed for the patients with chronic HBV infection who were hospitalized in The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital and underwent liver biopsy from March 2018 to April 2022， among whom the patients who met the criteria for indeterminate phase defined in Chinese guidelines for chronic hepatitis B prevention and treatment （2022 edition） were enrolled， and their clinical data were collected. Liver histopathological stage was determined using the Scheuer scoring system， with stages 0 — 4 for inflammation grade （G） and stages 0 — 4 for fibrosis degree （S）， and the patients were divided into groups based on the presence of significant necroinflammation （≥G2） and significant liver fibrosis （≥S2）. The independent samples t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups， and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups； the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. A Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between liver histopathology and clinical factors， and the Logistic regression model was used to identify the independent influencing factors for significant necroinflammation and liver fibrosis. ResultsA total of 271 patients with indeterminate phase of chronic HBV infection were enrolled， among whom 61 （22.5%） had significant necroinflammation （≥G2） and 124 （45.8%） had significant liver fibrosis （≥S2）. The Logistic regression analysis showed that alanine aminotransferase ≥30 U/L （for male patients） or ≥19 U/L （for female patients） （odds ratio ［OR］=2.69， 95% confidence interval ［CI］： 1.39 — 5.21， P=0.003）， HBV DNA ≥2 000 IU/mL （OR=2.75， 95%CI： 1.38 — 5.48， P=0.004）， and liver stiffness measurement （LSM） ≥6.0 kPa （OR=4.57， 95%CI： 2.17 — 9.62， P<0.001） were independent risk factors for significant inflammation. HBV DNA ≥2 000 IU/mL （OR=1.82， 95%CI： 1.01 — 3.32， P=0.049） and LSM ≥6.0 kPa （OR=2.06， 95%CI： 1.23 — 3.43， P=0.006） were independent influencing factors for significant liver fibrosis. ConclusionAmong the patients with indeterminate phase of chronic HBV infection， a substantial proportion of patients have significant liver histopathological damage. Antiviral therapy should be initiated in a timely manner for patients with high-risk factors.

Objective To investigate the high-risk factors associated with acute postoperative hypertension (APH) following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy(LSG) in obese patients and to establish a predictive model. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data and laboratory parameters of obese patients who underwent LSG at Department of Metabolic Surgery in our hospital from August 2021 to December 2023. Logistic-LASSO regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for APH. A nomogram predictive model was developed based on these factors. The predictive performance and clinical utility of the model were assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Bootstrap resampling, calibration curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow (H-L) test, decision curve analysis (DCA), and clinical impact curve (CIC). Results The incidence of APH was 55.90%. Body mass index (BMI), platelet count, globulin, uric acid, sodium, fibrinogen, fasting blood glucose, and preoperative diastolic pressure had potential predictive value. Among them, BMI (OR=1.066, 95% CI: 1.003-1.137, P=0.046), platelet count (OR=0.994, 95% CI: 0.998-0.999, P=0.027), fibrinogen (OR=1.943, 95% CI: 1.128-3.479, P=0.02), and preoperative diastolic blood pressure (OR=0.953, 95% CI: 0.918-0.985, P = 0.006) were identified as independent high-risk factors. The area under the curve (AUC) of the nomogram was 0.783 (95% CI: 0.711-0.855), with a sensitivity of 0.817 and a specificity of 0.689. The AUC based on Bootstrap resampling was 0.776 (95% CI: 0.702-0.849). The H-L test yielded P>0.05, and the calibration curve showed good model fit. Both DCA and CIC demonstrated favorable screening efficiency. Conclusions BMI, platelet count, fibrinogen, and preoperative diastolic blood pressure are independent high-risk factors for APH following LSG. The developed nomogram model exhibits good predictive performance and clinical applicability, providing a valuable tool for early screening and prevention of APH in LSG patients.

BACKGROUND:At present,open reduction and internal fixation and minimally invasive needle aspiration are commonly used in patients with Sanders types Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures.However,there is little comparison between the clinical efficacy of the two methods and high-level clinical evidence is still available. OBJECTIVE:To compare the curative effect of Sanders types Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures treated by three-dimensional digital model-assisted minimally invasive needle penetration and tarsal sinus incision and manual reduction and internal fixation with steel plate. METHODS:From January 2021 to October 2022,80 patients with Sanders types Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures who were treated in the Department of Orthopedics,Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Hebei Province were randomly divided into control group(40 cases)and observation group(40 cases).The control group was treated with manual reduction and internal fixation with steel plate through the traditional tarsal sinus incision,while the observation group was treated with a three-dimensional digital model assisted with minimally invasive needle penetration fixation.The operation time,blood loss,hospitalization time and fracture healing time of the two groups were recorded.The changes in Maryland score,AO-FAS score,pain visual analog scale score,quality of life score(SF-36 score),and imaging parameters(B?hler angle,Gissane angle,calcaneal length,width and height)were observed before and 12 months after operation in the two groups.The complications during the follow-up were recorded. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Operation time,blood loss,hospitalization time and fracture healing time in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(all P<0.05).(2)The Maryland score,AO-FAS score,SF-36 score,B?hler angle,Gissane angle,calcaneal length and height of the two groups after treatment were significantly higher than those before treatment(all P<0.05).Visual analog scale score and calcaneal width were significantly lower than those before treatment(all P<0.05).(3)After 12 months of follow-up,the incidence of complications in the observation group was lower than that in the control group(all P<0.05).(4)In conclusion,the treatment of Sanders types Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures with three-dimensional digital model-assisted minimally invasive needle penetration fixation can significantly improve the operation time,bleeding volume and other perioperative indicators,and can reduce the occurrence of multiple complications.The recovery of ankle function,relief of pain symptoms,and improvement of quality of life are equivalent to traditional therapy.

Cardiovascular disease risk communication is an important tool to help risk individuals understand risk information and guide them to improve their health behaviors.Effective cardiovascular disease risk communication by nurses,who are the subjects of risk communication,is essential to reduce the growing burden of cardiovascular disease and the prevalence of cardiovascular disease.This article provides a 3-aspect overview of the concept and development of health risk communication,factors influencing cardiovascular disease risk communication,and recommendations for its development.It is suggested that when nursing staff carry out CVD risk communication,they should fully consider the actual situation and preference of the communication target and design a personalized risk communication program,to provide references for clinical nursing practice.

Objective:To explore the feasibility of using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography for measuring right ventricular strain and function in healthy adults, and to analyze the impact of age and gender.Methods:This study is a cross-sectional study. Healthy adults who underwent physical examination in the Physical Examination Center of Beijing Hospital from January 1, 2020 to January 1, 2021 were included. Two researchers independently measured various right ventricular longitudinal strain indices using the Echopac software, including (global longitudinal strain (GLS), apical longitudinal strain (ALS), midventricle longitudinal strain (MLS), basal longitudinal strain (BLS), free wall GLS (FWGLS), free wall ALS (FWALS), free wall MLS (FWMLS) and free wall BLS (FWBLS)) as well as tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and right ventricle-fraction of area change (RVFAC). The above indicators were taken as the average of two physicians. The consistency of the measurements by two physicians was evaluated by the within-group correlation coefficient ( ICC). Results:A total of 233 subjects were included, including 137 males, aged (58.5±14.2) years. ICC values was all above 0.8 with excellent agreement. The values of FWGLS and GLS in healthy adults were -26.63% and -21.89%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in TAPSE ((2.06±0.41)cm vs. (2.10±0.39)cm, P=0.510) and RVFAC ((51.17±9.91)% vs. (50.89±8.65)%, P=0.826) between males and females. The values of various right ventricular long axis strain indicators (GLS, ALS, MLS, BLS, FWGLS, FWMLS, FWMLS, FWBLS) in females aged 18 to 40 and 41 to 65 years were higher than those in males of the same age (all P<0.05), while there was no statistically significant difference in the values of various right ventricular long axis strain indicators between the sexes in subjects aged 65 years and above (all P>0.05). In females, the right ventricular GLS, ALS, MLS, FWGLS, FWALS, FWMLS, and FWBLS values in the groups aged 18 to 40 and 41 to 65 years were significantly higher than those in the group aged 65 years and above (all P<0.05). In contrast, no significant differences were found in these indices among different age groups in males (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Using two-dimensional speckle tracking technology in echocardiography to measure right ventricular strain indicators is feasible and highly reproducible. Gender and age have an impact on right ventricular strain indicators.

Obiective:To explore the surgical technique of arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) combined with anterior lateral ligament (ALL) using the hamstring tendon graft through the femoral tunnel, and evaluate the clinical efficacy before and after surgery.Methods:Retrospective analysis of clinical data of 20 patients with ACL combined with ALL rupture admitted to Qinhuangdao First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from October 2020 to July 2022. All patients received arthroscopic reconstruction of ACL combined with ALL using the hamstring tendon graft through the femoral tunnel. The Lysholm knee joint score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and Lachman test were evaluated using a questionnaire survey, and objective evaluations were performed using a knee joint activity measurement instrument and a KT-2000 measurement instrument before and 1 year after surgery. Compare the Lysholm knee joint score, IKDC score, Lachman test grade, knee flexion and extension range of motion, and tibia anterior and posterior relaxation before and after surgery. The measurement data were represented by mean ± standard deviation ( ± s), and t-test was used for comparison before and after surgery. The comparison of paired grade data before and after surgery was conducted using Wilcoxon test. Results:All 20 patients underwent surgery successfully, and all patients were followed up for an average follow-up time of (12.2±1.4) months, with a surgical time of 60-90 minutes. Postoperative MRI examination of the knee joint showed good graft fixation and no common complications such as knee stiffness, infection, deep vein thrombosis, and neurovascular injury. At the last follow-up, the knee joint flexion and extension activities of 20 patients were normal, with 2 patients weakly positive for Lachman test I; the Lysholm knee joint score and IKDC score increased from preoperative (44.6±1.7) points and (54.2±2.0) points to final follow-up (87.5±1.3) points and (89.6±1.0) points, respectively. The knee joint flexion and extension range of motion increased from preoperative (35.0±1.5)°to final follow-up (134.2±2.5)°, and the knee joint stability and function score improved significantly compared to preoperative, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05); bend the knee 90°, KT-2000 measures the difference in tibial relaxation decreased from preoperative (11.9±1.0) mm to final follow-up (1.9±0.3) mm. The results showed that the stability of the knee joint was significantly improved compared to before surgery, and the difference before and after surgery was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The surgical technique of arthroscopic reconstruction of ACL and ALL using a single bundle of hamstring tendon graft under knee arthroscopy is safe and effective, and can restore the stability of knee joint rotation in patients. The clinical subjective and objective functional scoring indicators for short-term follow-up after surgery are satisfactory.

Objective: To analyze the current nutritional composition of commonly consumed prepackaged foods among children in Chengdu and to provide a scientific basis for health education among children and adolescents. Methods: Based on the 3 day and 24 hour dietary data of children aged 6-12 in Chengdu of the Southwest China Childhood Nutrition and Growth Cohort from 2021 to 2022, the nutritional information of prepackaged foods was collected by combining offline and online methods. All foods were classified step by step, and the nutrient content of each 100 g or 100 mL food was counted and graded. Results: A total of 1 902 children s prepackaged foods in 23 sub categories of 10 major categories were investigated. Nuts and seeds, snack foods, instant foods and other dairy products had higher total energy(2 476, 2 027, 1 728, 1 816 kJ/100 g), with the nutrient reference value percentage(NRV%) exceeding 20%. Fish, poultry, meat, eggs and their products had the highest protein content(22.8 g/ 100 g ) with an NRV% of 38%, nuts and seeds had the highest fat content(47.5 g/100 g) with an NRV% of 79%, confectionery and jelly had the highest carbohydrate content(82.1 g/100 g) with an NRV% of 27%, and seasoning flour products had the highest sodium content with an NRV% up to 118%. Seasoning flour products and instant foods were mostly high sodium, high fat and high carbohydrate food. Baked and puffed foods were almost high fat and high carbohydrate. Fish, poultry, meat, eggs, beans and their products were rich in protein but mostly high in sodium. Beverages and cold drinks were low in other nutrients except carbohydrate. Conclusion The nutrient content of various prepackaged foods commonly consumed by children in Chengdu are quite different. Most of the foods consumed by children are high sodium, high fat and/or high carbohydrate. Nutrition education should be strengthened to help children choose healthy foods.

Objective:To explore the risk factors for atrial fibrillation(AF)in elderly Chinese patients with severe valvular heart disease(VHD).Methods:This was a cross-sectional study and consecutively enrolled 978 elderly patients with severe VHD diagnosed in 18 Class A tertiary hospitals across the country from September 2021 to March 2022, including 322(32.9%)patients with concurrent AF.Clinical and echocardiographic data were collected to analyze the risk factors for AF.Results:Among VHD patients, compared with the non-AF group, the AF group was older, had a higher female ratio, higher diastolic blood pressure, higher proportions with cerebrovascular disease and chronic kidney disease, lower serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol and higher serum creatinine, amino-terminal A-type natriuretion peptide and glycosylated hemoglobin.As for echocardiographic parameters, the left atrial diameter was larger, the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, interventricular septum thickness, and left ventricular posterior wall thickness were smaller in the AF group than in the non-AF group.All of the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05). The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the left atrial anteroposterior diameter increased( OR=1.166, P<0.01), the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased( OR=0.929, P<0.01), and advanced age( OR=1.051, P<0.05)was an independent risk factor for elderly VHD patients with concurrent AF. Conclusions:In elderly patients with severe VHD, advanced age, an increased left atrial anteroposterior diameter, and a decreased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter were independently associated with AF.Therefore, evaluation of cardiac structure and regular follow-up should be performed in elderly patients with severe VHD for early intervention to reduce the incidence of AF.

Microplastics refer to plastic particles with a diameter of less than 5 mm. Because of their wide distribution in the environment, it has gradually become one of the environmental hot issues of global concern in recent years. Microplastics are characterized by small particle size and strong adsorption. Existing studies have confirmed the biotoxic effects of microplastics in marine organisms and in experimental animals, suggesting their potential harm to human health. However, there have been few studies on the effects of microplastics on human health, and the research results have been inconsistent. Therefore, by summarizing the recent domestic and foreign studies about human exposure to microplastics as well as their potential effects on human body, this paper provides ideas and theoretical basis for further exploring the effects of microplastics on human health and related mechanisms.