Objective To explore the safety and effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in patients with ischemic heart failure (IHF). Methods A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was designed (ClinicalTrial.gov registration number NCT03491969). From January 2019 to January 2023, 300 patients with IHF were enrolled in four medical centers in China, and were randomly assigned at a 1∶1 ratio to receive ALA (600 mg daily) or placebo on top of standard care for 24 months. The primary outcome was the composite outcome of hospitalization for heart failure (HF) or all-cause mortality events. The second outcome included non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), non-fatal stroke, changes of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) from baseline to 24 months after randomization. Results Finally, 138 patients of the ALA group and 139 patients of the placebo group attained the primary outcome. Hospitalization for HF or all-cause mortality events occurred in 32 patients (23.2%) of the ALA group and in 40 patients (28.8%) of the placebo group (HR＝0.753, 95%CI 0.473-1.198, P＝0.231; Figure 1A-1C). The absolute risk reduction (ARR) was 5.6%, the relative risk reduction (RRR) associated with ALA therapy was approximately 19.4% compared to placebo, corresponding to a number needed to treat (NNT) of 18 patients to prevent one event. In the secondary outcome analysis, the composite outcome of the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including the hospitalization for HF, all-cause mortality events, non-fatal MI or non-fatal stroke occurred in 35 patients (25.4%) in the ALA group and 47 patients (33.8%) in the placebo group (HR＝0.685, 95%CI 0.442-1.062, P＝0.091; Figure 1D). Moreover, greater improvement in LVEF (β＝3.20, 95%CI 1.14-5.23, P＝0.002) and 6MWD (β＝31.7, 95%CI 8.3-54.7, P＝0.008) from baseline to 24 months after randomization were observed in the ALA group as compared to the placebo group. There were no differences in adverse events between the study groups. Conclusions These results show potential long-term beneficial effects of adding ALA to IHF patients. ALA could significantly improve LVEF and 6MWD compared to the placebo group in IHF patients.

Gene therapy, harnessing the power of CRISPR-Cas9 and/or DNAzyme systems, stands as a pivotal approach in cancer therapy, enabling the meticulous manipulation of genes pivotal to tumorigenesis and immunity. However, the pursuit of precise gene therapy encounters formidable hurdles. Herein, a near-infrared upconversion theranostic nanomachine is devised and tailors for CRISPR-Cas9/DNAzyme systems mediate precise gene therapy. An ingenious logic DNAzyme system consists of Chain 1 (C1)/Chain 2 (C2) and endogenous lncRNA is designed. We employ manganese modified upconversion nanoparticles for carrying ultraviolet-responsive C1-PC linker-C2 (C₂P) chain and Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP), with outermost coats with hyaluronic acid. Upon reaching tumor microenvironment (TME), the released Mn²⁺ ions orchestrate a trifecta: facilitating endosomal escape, activating cGAS-STING signaling, and enabling T1-magnetic resonance imaging. Under near-infrared irradiation, Cas9 RNP/C₂P complex dissociates, releasing Cas9 RNP into the nucleus to perform gene editing of Ptpn2, while C1/C2 chains self-assemble with endogenous lncRNA to form a functional DNAzyme system, targeting PD-L1 mRNA for gene silencing. This strategy remodels the TME by activating cGAS-STING signaling and dual immune checkpoints blockade, thus realizing tumor elimination. Our theranostic nanomachine armed with the CRISPR-Cas9/DNAzyme logic systems, represents a resourceful and promising strategy for advancing cancer systemic immunotherapy and precise gene therapy.

Preliminary exploration of using ultrasound to quantitatively evaluate the development of epiphyseal cartilage and analyze its correlation with bone age, based on the ultrasound findings of the long bone joint end.

Objective : To examine the causal relationship between ulcerative colitis (UC) and pancreatitis, to provide basis for early screening of pancreatitis among UC patients. Methods: Genomic data of UC were obtained from 47 745 European individuals pooled by the International Inflammatory Bowel Disease Genetics Consortium, including 156 116 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and genomic data of pancreatitis were obtained from 198 166 European individuals pooled from FinnGen, including 16 380 428 SNPs. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method with 72 UC-associated SNPs as instrumental variables and pancreatitis as the study outcome. The heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran Q test, the horizontal pleiotropy was assessed using MR-Egger regression, MR-PRESSO was performed with the exclusion of outliers, and effect of individual SNP on the results was tested with the leave-one-out method. Results: MR analysis results showed that patients with genetically predicted UC had an increased risk of pancreatitis relative to those without UC (OR=1.076, 95%CI: 1.019-1.136, P<0.05). Cochran Q test showed no heterogeneity (P>0.05), and MR-Egger regression did not reveal horizontal pleiotropy of instrumental variables (P>0.05). The MR analysis results were robust after removing SNP one by one. Conclusions Genetically predicted UC is associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis. The screening for pancreatitis risk should be enhanced in patients with UC.

To research on area ossification ratio (AOR), a novel parameter for quantitatively assessing adolescent bone age by conventional ultrasonography, and evaluate the correlation between AOR and radiographic bone age.

To evaluate the correlation between ultrasound ossification ratio(OR) and exercise intensity among adolescents.

Objective To analyze the real experiences of patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)during dietary restrictions,providing references for healthcare personnel to guide patients in standardizing dietary restriction behaviors.Methods Purposeful sampling was employed to select 14 patients with IBD who were treated at a tertiary A hospital in Shanghai between October 2022 and February 2023 for semi-structured in-depth interviews.Data were analyzed using the Colaizzi's 7-step method in phenomenological research.Results 4 themes and 13 sub-themes were extracted.Theme 1:facing multiple physiological challenges(hunger,nutritional imbalance,fatigue and muscle atrophy).Theme 2:experiencing negative psychological disturbances(craving and struggle for gourmet food,diminished zest for life and increased anxiety,feeling embarrassed during social activities).Theme 3:adopting various coping strategies(self-adjustment and adaptation to dietary restrictions,satisfying oral desires through various avenues,seeking knowledge and guidance on nutrition).Theme 4:gaining more growth and support(improved symptom and quality of life,enhanced awareness of dietary health,improved ability to manage diet,receiving support from peers and family).Conclusion The experience of dietary restrictions in IBD patients is complex and varied.Nursing staff should prioritize nutritional risk screening for IBD patients,pay attention to their mental health,provide patients with scientific and personalized dietary guidance,and strengthen social and family support to assist patients in better self-management of their diet.

Objective To construct a key nursing technology system for the treatment of patients exposed to nuclear radiation in hospitals,and provide technical guidance and support for emergency nursing rescue in hospitals of nuclear radiation accidents.Methods A research group was composed of a team with rich experience in nuclear radiation accidents.Based on 4 scenarios of nuclear radiation accidents(including external irradiation,internal irradiation,external contamination,internal contamination),the literature search was conducted to form the first draft of the system.Delphi method was used to complete 2 rounds of expert letter consultation,and the final draft of the key nursing technology system for hospital treatment of patients with nuclear radiation exposure was constructed according to the revised opinions of experts.Results A total of 16 experts completed 2 rounds of correspondence.The effective recovery rates were 100％and 80％;the recommendation rates were 65％and 50％;the authority coefficients(Cr)were 0.778 and 0.797;the coefficient of variation(CV)of the 2 rounds of expert letter consultation was ≤0.25.Finally,a key nursing technology system for in-hospital treatment of patients with nuclear radiation exposure was formed,including 5 first-level indicators,26 second-level indicators and 74 third-level indicators.Conclusion The constructed key nursing technology system for hospital treatment of patients with nuclear radiation exposure is highly practical and scientific,and it is conducive to the formation of standardized nuclear radiation exposure treatment procedures,and provides a theoretical basis for the training and evaluation of nursing staff related to nuclear radiation exposure.

Objective:To screen plasma metabolic markers in patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) by non-target metabolomics approach.Methods:From September 2022 to May 2023, the plasma of 23 URSA pregnant women with threatened abortion who visited the outpatient clinic of Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital in the first trimester (URSA group) was collected, and the plasma of 22 healthy pregnant women in the first trimester who underwent prenatal examination during the same period (normal control group) was collected. Plasma metabolomics was analyzed by ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS), fold change analysis, principal component analysis and partial least square discriminant analysis were applied to screen for differential metabolites, and the metabolites and their pathways associated with URSA were screened using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and pathway enrichment analysis.Results:There were no significant differences in age, body mass index and gestational weeks between URSA and normal control group(all P<0.05). Metabolomics analysis using UPLC-MS showed that a total of 526 metabolites were detected from plasma, of which 33 were found to be differential metabolites associated with URSA based on the screening standards. Six potential metabolites with large area under the curve (AUC) were identified by ROC curve analysis, including phosphatidylethanolamine (AUC=0.972, 95% CI: 0.920-1.000), santene hydrate (AUC=0.902, 95% CI: 0.786-0.982), L-leucine (AUC=0.884, 95% CI: 0.772-0.960), cembrene (AUC=0.881, 95% CI: 0.758-0.956), caffeine (AUC=0.875, 95% CI: 0.756-0.962), and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid propyl ester (AUC=0.864, 95% CI: 0.732-0.946). The AUC for the combined diagnosis of URSA by the six metabolites was 0.983 (95% CI: 0.929-1.000). Pathway enrichment analysis of the differential metabolites showed that the pathogenesis of URSA was associated with a variety of metabolic pathways including caffeine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis. Conclusion:The plasma metabolic profiles of pregnant women with normal pregnancies versus URSA differ in early pregnancy, and six potential metabolites such as phosphatidylethanolamine, santene hydrate, L-leucine, cembrene, caffeine, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid propyl ester, and their metabolic pathways may be involved in the pathogenesis of URSA.

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of hyperuricemia (HUA) in Bozidun Kirghiz township of Xinjiang Aksu region, and to explore the risk factors for the occurrence of HUA in the local area.Methods:A cross-sectional survey study was conducted by randomly selecting 9 villages in Bozidun Kirgiz Township by the whole-group sampling method and questionnaire were distributed to the households. The questionnaire included: demographic information, history of past illness, personal history, and all subjects were measured for height, weight, blood pressure, abdominal circumference, etc. The diagnostic of HUA if the serum uric acid (SUA) level >420 μmol/L in men or >360 μmol/L in women. The incidences of HUA in different age, sex, food type and life style behavior were analyzed. T test, non-parametric test and Chi-square test were used to analyze the differences among the groups, and logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors. Results:①A total of 2 138 subjects were surveyed, among which 68 patients were with HUA, the prevalence of HUA in Bozidun Kirghiz township, Aksu region in the general population was 3.18%(68/2 138); the prevalence rate in men was 4.60%(45/978), 45 patients were identified; and the prevalence rate in women was 1.98%(23/1 160), 23 patients were identified. The peak age of HUA in male and female patients was 51~60 years old. ②The prevalence of HUA was lower in those who consumed dairy products ( χ2=6.91, P=0.017), nuts ( χ2=8.43, P=0.038) and eggs ( χ2=7.38, P=0.023), and lower in those who consumed more. Different intake of cereals ( χ2=0.87, P=0.647), meat( χ2=0.82, P=0.662), vegetables and fruits( χ2=5.22, P=0.073) had no effect on the prevalence of HUA.③In terms of different life behaviors, the prevalence of HUA in men who had been smoking was higher than those who had never smoked (57.78%, 28.89%, 13.33%, χ2=8.16, P=0.017). In the relationship between drinking and HUA, the prevalence rates of male always drinking, ever drinking and never drinking were 80.00%, 11.11% and 3.89%, respectively, the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=6.67, P=0.038). ④Multi-factor logistic regression analysis showed that high BMI, old age, high TG, increased Cr and increased WBC were risk factors for the occurrence of HUA [ OR(95% CI)=1.13(1.04, 1.23), 1.03(1.00,1.05),1.39(1.00, 1.93), 1.03(1.02, 1.05), 1.27(1.07, 1.49), all P<0.05]. Conclusion:The prevalence of HUA in Bozidun Kirgiz township in Aksu prefecture of Xinjiang is lower than that in other areas with continental climate. High BMI, old age, high TG, increased Cr and increased WBC count are risk factors for the development of HUA .