Aortic dissection is a life-threatening cardiovascular disease with devastating complications and high mortality. It requires rapid and accurate diagnosis and a focus on prognosis. Many laboratory tests are routinely performed in patients with aortic dissection including D-dimer, brain natriuretic peptide, cardiac troponin I, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin. D-dimer shows vital performance in the diagnosis of aortic dissection, and brain natriuretic peptide, cardiac troponin I, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin exhibits important value in risk stratification and prognostic effect in aortic dissection patients. Our review summarized the clinical utility of these laboratory tests in patients with aortic dissection, aiming to provide advanced and comprehensive evidence for clinicians to better understand these laboratory tests and help their clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: The available evidence regarding the benefits of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on patients receiving dialysis with coronary artery disease (CAD) is limited and inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the association between PCI and clinical outcomes as compared with medical therapy alone in patients undergoing dialysis with CAD in China. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective study was conducted in 30 tertiary medical centers across 12 provinces in China from January 2015 to June 2021 to include patients on dialysis with CAD. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke. Secondary outcomes included all-cause death, the individual components of MACE, and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium criteria types 2, 3, or 5 bleeding. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between PCI and outcomes. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and propensity score matching (PSM) were performed to account for potential between-group differences. RESULTS: Of the 1146 patients on dialysis with significant CAD, 821 (71.6%) underwent PCI. After a median follow-up of 23.0 months, PCI was associated with a 43.0% significantly lower risk for MACE (33.9% [ n  = 278] vs . 43.7% [ n  = 142]; adjusted hazards ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.45-0.71), along with a slightly increased risk for bleeding outcomes that did not reach statistical significance (11.1% vs . 8.3%; adjusted hazards ratio 1.31, 95% confidence interval, 0.82-2.11). Furthermore, PCI was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause and cardiovascular mortalities. Subgroup analysis did not modify the association of PCI with patient outcomes. These primary findings were consistent across IPTW, PSM, and competing risk analyses. CONCLUSION This study indicated that PCI in patients on dialysis with CAD was significantly associated with lower MACE and mortality when comparing with those with medical therapy alone, albeit with a slightly increased risk for bleeding events that did not reach statistical significance.
Humans ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Coronary Artery Disease/drug therapy* ; Retrospective Studies ; Renal Dialysis/methods* ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; China ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Treatment Outcome

The treatment of acute Stanford type A aortic dissection has always been extremely challenging. Organ malperfusion syndrome is a common severe complication of acute aortic dissection, which can cause organ ischemia and internal environment disorder. Malperfusion increases early mortality, and impacts the long-term prognosis. In recent years, many scholars have done some studies on aortic dissection complicated with malperfusion. They explored the pathogenesis, proposed new classification, and innovated new treatment strategies. However, at present, the treatment strategies of acute Stanford type A aortic dissection complicated with organ malperfusion are different at different centers and consensus on its treatment is still lacking. Therefore, this review summarized the pathogenesis, classification, treatment strategy, and prognosis of acute Stanford type A aortic dissection complicated with malperfusion.

Objectives:To explore obesity prevalence and its association with dietary patterns among Tibetan pastoralists during the urbanization transition in Qinghai Province.Methods:Using an open cohort study design, 1 003 subjects were enrolled at baseline in 2018, 599 were followed up, and 1 012 were newly recruited in 2022. A total of 1 913 adults over 18 years were included in the study, and a questionnaire survey and health examination were conducted. Factor analysis was used to identify dietary patterns, and a mixed-effects model was used to analyze the association between dietary patterns and obesity.Results:From 2018 to 2022, the prevalence rates of overweight, obesity, and central obesity were 27.6%, 33.8%, and 54.6%, respectively. Age-sex-standardized prevalence of obesity and central obesity increased. Three dietary patterns were identified: the modern pattern was characterized by frequent consumption of pork, poultry, processed meat, fresh fruits, sugary drinks, salty snacks, etcetera; the urban pattern was characterized by frequent consumption of refined carbohydrates, beef and mutton, vegetables and eggs, etcetera; and pastoral pattern featured frequent consumption of tsamba, Tibetan cheese, buttered/milk tea, and whole-fat dairy products. After adjusting for demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle factors, compared with the T1, subjects in the T3 of urban pattern scores were more likely to be overweight ( OR=2.09, 95% CI: 1.10-3.95) and overweight/obese ( OR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.00-1.51), whereas those in the T3 of pastoral pattern scores had a lower risk of overweight ( OR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.24-0.84), obesity ( OR=0.81, 95% CI: 0.69-0.95), overweight/obesity ( OR=0.75, 95% CI: 0.61-0.91) and central obesity ( OR=0.58, 95% CI: 0.38-0.89). Conclusions:Prevalence of obesity and central obesity was high among Tibetan pastoralists during the urbanization transition. Urban dietary pattern was a risk factor for overweight and overweight/obesity, whereas pastoral dietary pattern was a protective factor for overweight, obesity, overweight/obesity, and central obesity. Tailored interventions are needed to improve local people's health.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effects of " watching without dealing" aortic root repair technique in acute Stanford type A aortic dissection(ATAAD).Methods:From October 2017 to October 2018, " watching without dealing" technique was performed in ATAAD patients with mild aortic root involvement. The proximal aortic anastomosis was at the level of the sinotubular junction, without " pursuing" complete excision of the intra-sinus dissections. The perioperative clinical data and follow-up imaging results of the patients were collected and analyzed to evaluate early and mid-term efficacy of the technique.Results:A total of 20 patients received " watching without dealing" technique in our hospital, including 15 males and 5 females with a mean age of(48.0±12.1) years old(34-73 years old). The preoperative aortic sinus diameter was(41.3±3.6)mm and the aortic sinotubular junction diameter was(43.9±6.6) mm. All patients underwent ascending aortic replacement and total arch replacement plus frozen elephant trunk surgery. The cardiopulmonary bypass time was(179.5±41.5)min(132~255 min), the cross-clamp time was(120.3±23.7) min(95~180 min), and the circulatory arrest time was(8.8±7.6) min(2~22 min). During perioperative period, no adverse events such as death, secondary opening, renal failure, cerebral infarction, and paraplegia occurred. The CTA examination of the aorta before the patients were discharged showed that all residual false lumen in the sinus disappeared, the diameter of the aortic sinus was(30.8±2.6) mm, and the diameter of the aortic sinotubular junction was(27.2±2.5) mm. The patients were followed up for mean(28.5±7.8) months(3~35 months). No surgical re-intervention of the aortic root occurred. The aortic CTA during follow-up period showed no residual or new dissection in the aortic sinus, the diameters of the aortic sinus and aortic sinotubular junction were(30.9±2.4) mm and(27.5±2.7) mm respectively; the ultrasonic cardiogram showed normal aortic valve structure and function. No statistically significant differences were found when comparing the aortic sinus diameter and aortic sinotubular junction diameter between two time points of at discharge and follow-up.Conclusion:The " watching without dealing" aortic root repair technique for ATAAD is relatively simple to learn and safe in the perioperative period. Early and mid-term follow-up imaging showed normalization of the aortic sinus structure. Further follow-up and observation were necessary to figure out the long-term clinical outcome of this modified aortic root repair.

Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of balloon occlusion technique combined with total arch replacement and frozen elephant trunk in the treatment of complex aortic arch diseases.Methods:The clinical data of 100 patients undergoing balloon occlusion technique combined with total arch replacement and frozen elephant trunk surgery in Fuwai Hospital from August 2017 to September 2018 were retrospectively reviewed, and the early clinical results were analyzed.Results:The average circulatory arrest time was(5.2±3.1) min. The lowest nasopharyngeal and bladder temperature was(27.9±1.0) ℃ and(29.2±1.2) ℃, respectively. One patient died in hospital due to multiple organ failure caused by acute liver failure, and a total of 4 patients died within 30 days. Other postoperative complications included cerebral infarction in 3 cases, paraplegia in 2 cases, low cardiac output syndrome requiring IABP assistance in 1 case, renal failure requiring continuous dialysis in 5 cases, redo for bleeding in 4 cases, reintubation in 3 cases, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in 1 case, and osteofascial compartment syndrome in 1 case.Conclusion:Balloon occlusion technique combined with total arch replacement and frozen elephant trunk is safe and feasible in the treatment of complex aortic arch diseases. Its organ protection effect still needs to be confirmed by large sample comparison study.

Objective: To analyze the sensory processing characteristics among preschoolers with mental health problems in Nanshan District, Shenzhen. Methods: Random cluster sampling was used to select kindergartens for psychological screening from March to June 2018. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Simplified Sensory Questionnaire (SSP) were used to evaluate 6 365 preschool children. Results: A total of 15.15% preschoolers were detected with abnormal results. The SSP scores of preschoolers with emotional symptoms/conduct problems/prosocial behaviors were lower than normal preschoolers’(P<0.01). Among the preschoolers with hyperactivity-inattention, taste/smell sensitivity (F=12.45)/underresponsive/seeks sensation(F=102.44), auditory filtering(F=93.51), low energy/weak(F=13.33), visual/auditory sensitivity (F=4.32) scores were lower than normal preschoolers’(P<0.05), the scores of tactile sensitivity movement sensitivity were no statistical difference with normal preschoolers’. Among the preschoolers with peer problem, taste/smell sensitivity(F=5.86), tactile sensitivity(F=6.05), movement sensitivity(F=4.70), auditory filtering(F=17.32), low energy/weak (F=9.56), visual/auditory sensitivity (F=4.16) scores were lower than normal preschoolers’ (P<0.05), and the scores of under-esponsive/seeks sensation were no statistical difference with normal pre-schoolers’. Prosocial behavior and tactile (r=0.30), under-responsive/seeks sensation(r=0.37), auditory filtering(r=0.37), low energy/weak (r=0.31) were positive associated(P<0.01). Emotional symptoms were negatively associated with lack of energy/weakness(r=-0.33, P<0.01). Conclusion Mental health problems are related to sensory processing ability in preschoolers. Preschoolers with mental health problems have weak sensory processing ability. Clinicians and occupational therapists should pay attention to evaluation and intervention of sensory processing ability in preschoolers with mental health problems.

Objective:To study the correlation between autoantibodies against AT1 receptors (AT1-AAs) and risk of lupus nephritis (LN).Methods:Thirty-six normal subjects and 32 patients with LN were selected. The AT1-AAs in sera of donors were detected by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). The level of AT1-AAs, C-reactive protein (CRP), serum creatinine, lipids and serum glucose in different groups were observed. We tested the serum cystatin c, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), complement C3, C4, antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-dsDNA antibodies in LN patients. The structures of the glomeruli were stained by renal biopsy hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) and schiff periodic acid shiff (PAS) . Statistical analysis was performed using independent sample t-test, Chi-square test, Spearman correlation analysis and multiple linear regression. Results:Serum creatinine and CRP were significantly higher in the LN group [(103±37) μmol/L, (21±8) mg/L, respectively] than in the control group [(72±22) μmol/L, (7±3) mg/L], all P<0.01. The average A value of AT1-AA was higher in LN patients (0.33±0.04) than in controls (0.25±0.06), P<0.01. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the expression of AT1-AA was positively correlated with the amount of CRP ( Beta=0.364, P=0.037) and urine protein ( Beta=0.497, P=0.004), and was negatively correlated with the level of complement C3 ( Beta=-0.276, P=0.05). Pathological results showed that mesangial hyperplasia and capillary endothelial proliferation and glomerulosclerosis were more obvious in the AT1-AA positive group than the AT1-AA negative group. Conclusion:The expression of AT1-AA is significantly increased in patients with LN and correlated with CRP, urinary protein and complement C3, indicating that the AT1-AA may be involved in the pathogenesis and the progression of LN.

Objective: To investigate the effects of tanshinone ⅡA on atherosclerosis plaque formation and adventitial mast cells activation in high-fat-diet induced Apo E^-/- mice model. Methods: Sixteen 8-week-old Apo E^-/-male mice and eight 8-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were randomly allocated into following group: the control group (C57BL/6 + carboxymethyl cellulose per gavage), the atherogenic group (Apo E^-/-+carboxymethyl cellulose per gavage) and the tanshinoneⅡA intervention group (Apo E^-/-+30 mg/kg tanshinone ⅡA per gavage). All three groups were fed with high-fat-diet for 26 weeks. Tanshinone ⅡA/carboxymethyl cellulose was applied by the method of gavage administration 6 weeks before execution. After 26 weeks, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) andinterleukin (IL)-6 levels in serum were assessed by ELISA. Carotid artery was removed, fixed with paraformaldehyde, embedded with paraffin and sectioned. Percentage of stenosis was evaluated on HE stained sections. Plaque progression was assessed by Movat staining. Toluidine blue staining was used to evaluate mast cells infiltration and activation. Immunochemistry staining was used to assess 5-HT, TNF-α and IL-6 expression. mRNA expression of mast cell marker Fcer1a in adventitial tissue was detected by real time-PCR. Results: After high-fat-diet for 26 weeks, the mice in the atherogenic group showed advanced atherosclerosis, tanshinoneⅡA intervention reduced the percentage of carotid artery stenosis caused by atherosclerotic plaque formation ((58.48±8.07)% vs. (80.31±4.08)%, P<0.05). Compared with the atherogenic group, tanshinone ⅡA intervention group had lower level of TNF-α ((12.39±1.62)pg/ml vs. (17.44±1.42)pg/ml) and IL-6 ((116.24±12.16)pg/ml vs. (166.05±19.09)pg/ml) in serum, lower TNF-α ((20 145±1 556) vs. (25 288±1 671)) and IL-6 ((25 688±1 604) vs. (35 286±4 198)) expression in adventitia (all P<0.05). TanshinoneⅡA intervention also decreased the number of mast cells infiltration and activation, reduced 5-HT expression and mast cell marker Fcer1a mRNA relative expression in adventitia (all P<0.05). Conclusions Tanshinone ⅡA could attenuate induced by high-fat-diet carotid artery atherosclerosis in Apo E^-/- mice. The protective effect of tanshinoneⅡA is probably mediated through reducing the number and activation percentage of mast cells, decreasing the release of inflammatory cytokines and inflammation of carotid artery in adventitia.

Objective To investigate the effects of tanshinoneⅡA on atherosclerosis plaque formation and adventitial mast cells activation in high?fat?diet induced Apo E?/?mice model. Methods Sixteen 8?week?old Apo E?/?male mice and eight 8?week?old C57BL/6 male mice were randomly allocated into following group: the control group (C57BL/6+carboxymethyl cellulose per gavage), the atherogenic group (Apo E?/?+carboxymethyl cellulose per gavage) and the tanshinoneⅡA intervention group (Apo E?/?+30 mg/kg tanshinoneⅡA per gavage). All three groups were fed with high?fat?diet for 26 weeks. TanshinoneⅡA/carboxymethyl cellulose was applied by the method of gavage administration 6 weeks before execution. After 26 weeks, tumor necrosis factor?α (TNF?α) andinterleukin (IL)?6 levels in serum were assessed by ELISA. Carotid artery was removed, fixed with paraformaldehyde, embedded with paraffin and sectioned. Percentage of stenosis was evaluated on HE stained sections. Plaque progression was assessed by Movat staining. Toluidine blue staining was used to evaluate mast cells infiltration and activation. Immunochemistry staining was used to assess 5?HT, TNF?α and IL?6 expression. mRNA expression of mast cell marker Fcer1a in adventitial tissue was detected by real time?PCR. Results After high?fat?diet for 26 weeks, the mice in the atherogenic group showed advanced atherosclerosis, tanshinoneⅡA intervention reduced the percentage of carotid artery stenosis caused by atherosclerotic plaque formation ((58.48±8.07)% vs. (80.31±4.08)%, P<0.05). Compared with the atherogenic group, tanshinoneⅡA intervention group had lower level of TNF?α ((12.39 ± 1.62)pg/ml vs. (17.44 ± 1.42)pg/ml) and IL?6 ((116.24 ± 12.16)pg/ml vs. (166.05 ± 19.09)pg/ml) in serum, lower TNF?α ((20 145±1 556) vs. (25 288±1 671)) and IL?6 ((25 688±1 604) vs. (35 286±4 198)) expression in adventitia (all P<0.05). TanshinoneⅡA intervention also decreased the number of mast cells infiltration and activation, reduced 5?HT expression and mast cell marker Fcer1a mRNA relative expression in adventitia (all P<0.05). Conclusions TanshinoneⅡA could attenuate induced by high?fat?diet carotid artery atherosclerosis in Apo E?/?mice. The protective effect of tanshinoneⅡA is probably mediated through reducing the number and activation percentage of mast cells, decreasing the release of inflammatory cytokines and inflammation of carotid artery in adventitia.