Objective To explore the predictive value of the classification of carotid plaque reporting and data system (Plaque-RADS) and ultrasound features for the severity of coronary artery stenosis. Methods This was a single-center prospective observational study. Patients with suspected coronary artery disease or at high cardiovascular risk, who were hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from July 2023 to June 2024, were consecutively enrolled and divided into mild-to-moderate stenosis group and severe stenosis group according to the degree of coronary artery stenosis. Clinical parameters, carotid ultrasound features, and Plaque-RADS classification were compared between the two groups. A multivariate logistic regression model was constructed, and its predictive performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve. Results A total of 271 patients were included, with age of (65.49±9.44) years. The proportion of males, patients with diabetes and hyperlipidemia, and smokers was significantly higher in the severe stenosis group, accompanied by greater plaque thickness as well as lower maximum elasticity (E_max) and mean elasticity (E_mean; P＜0.05). Statistically significant differences were also observed between the two groups in target plaque location, Plaque-RADS classification, and plaque stability distribution (P＜0.05). Specifically, type Ⅱ plaques predominated in the mild-to-moderate stenosis group, whereas the severe stenosis group had a higher proportion of type Ⅲ plaques and vulnerable plaques. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that male, diabetes, and type Ⅲ–Ⅳ plaques were risk factors for severe coronary artery stenosis, while E_max served as a protective factor. The predictive model constructed by the above indicators exhibited favorable predictive performance (AUC＝0.838). Conclusions The combination of Plaque-RADS classification, E_max, sex, and comorbid diabetes has certain predictive value for the severity of coronary artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND:Numerous studies have indicated that pyroptosis plays a key role in the progression of cancer.In recent years,research has shown that pyroptosis is inextricably linked to the occurrence,development,and treatment of breast cancer.The development of effective pyroptosis-based therapeutic strategies has become a hot topic in the field of breast cancer treatment.OBJECTIVE:To comprehensively analyze the mechanisms of pyroptosis,explore the role of pyroptosis in the anti-tumor effects in breast cancer,and its potential application value in clinical treatment.METHODS:Using English search terms"pyroptosis,breast cancer,inflammasome,gasdermin,caspase,drug resistance,treatment",PubMed database was searched for articles published from inception to August 2024.Through the preliminary screening of reading titles and abstracts,literature with poor relevance to the research content,outdated information,repeated views,and lack of authority was excluded.Finally,121 articles were included for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Pyroptosis is a special form of programmed cell death that is carried out by the activation of the gasdermin family of proteins,showing potential application value in the treatment of breast cancer.Long-term or improper treatment can lead to drug resistance in cancer cells;research on the mechanism of pyroptosis helps to overcome resistance deficiencies.Pyroptosis can trigger immunogenic cell death,promoting the release of tumor-specific antigens,thereby activating the immune system and enhancing its ability to recognize and clear tumor cells.The expression levels of pyroptosis-related genes can serve as prognostic indicators for breast cancer,helping to assess patients'treatment responses and survival periods.Research on the mechanisms of pyroptosis can provide new strategies for the treatment of breast cancer,such as targeted drugs and therapeutic methods that induce pyroptosis,contributing to the realization of personalized treatment plans for breast cancer.

BACKGROUND:Numerous studies have indicated that pyroptosis plays a key role in the progression of cancer.In recent years,research has shown that pyroptosis is inextricably linked to the occurrence,development,and treatment of breast cancer.The development of effective pyroptosis-based therapeutic strategies has become a hot topic in the field of breast cancer treatment.OBJECTIVE:To comprehensively analyze the mechanisms of pyroptosis,explore the role of pyroptosis in the anti-tumor effects in breast cancer,and its potential application value in clinical treatment.METHODS:Using English search terms"pyroptosis,breast cancer,inflammasome,gasdermin,caspase,drug resistance,treatment",PubMed database was searched for articles published from inception to August 2024.Through the preliminary screening of reading titles and abstracts,literature with poor relevance to the research content,outdated information,repeated views,and lack of authority was excluded.Finally,121 articles were included for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Pyroptosis is a special form of programmed cell death that is carried out by the activation of the gasdermin family of proteins,showing potential application value in the treatment of breast cancer.Long-term or improper treatment can lead to drug resistance in cancer cells;research on the mechanism of pyroptosis helps to overcome resistance deficiencies.Pyroptosis can trigger immunogenic cell death,promoting the release of tumor-specific antigens,thereby activating the immune system and enhancing its ability to recognize and clear tumor cells.The expression levels of pyroptosis-related genes can serve as prognostic indicators for breast cancer,helping to assess patients'treatment responses and survival periods.Research on the mechanisms of pyroptosis can provide new strategies for the treatment of breast cancer,such as targeted drugs and therapeutic methods that induce pyroptosis,contributing to the realization of personalized treatment plans for breast cancer.

Objective:To investigate the indications for prenatal diagnosis using copy number variation-sequencing (CNV-seq) and the abnormalities detected by the method.Methods:This retrospective analysis involved 17 994 singleton pregnant women who underwent prenatal CNV-seq at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2019 to December 2022. These cases were divided into five groups based on the following indications for CNV-seq: abnormal fetal ultrasound findings, high-risk results indicated by non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) or Down's syndrome serological screening (Down's screening), adverse pregnancy history, and advanced maternal age. The proportions of cases with the indications for prenatal CNV-seq, the detection rates of abnormalities (numerical abnormalities of chromosomes, pathogenic/likely pathogenic CNV in structural abnormalities) in the five groups, and the distribution of these abnormalities were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test. Results:Among the 17 994 pregnant women, the women with abnormal fetal ultrasound findings, high-risk NIPT results, high-risk Down's screening results, adverse pregnancy history, and advanced maternal age accounted for 32.65% (5 875/17 994), 11.90% (2 142/17 994), 31.62% (5 690/17 994), 11.70% (2 105/17 994), and 12.13% (2 182/17 994), respectively. The detection rates of abnormalities in the five groups were 10.60% (623/5 875), 34.64% (742/2 142), 4.69% (267/5 690), 2.99% (63/2 105), and 3.67% (80/2 182), respectively. The overall detection rate of abnormalities was 9.86% (1 775/17 994). The cases with numerical abnormalities of chromosomes accounted for 68.79% (1 221/1 775), trisomy 21 was predominant (49.30%, 602/1 221). Chromosomal structural abnormalities were detected in 31.21% (554/1 775) of the cases with abnormalities, with 57.76% (320/554) harboring pathogenic CNVs and 42.24% (234/554) harboring likely pathogenic CNVs. The detection rate of chromosomal numerical abnormalities was higher than that of structural abnormalities in the abnormal fetal ultrasound group, NIPT high-risk group, and advanced maternal age group [6.81% (400/5 875) vs. 3.80% (223/5 875), χ2=53.10; 27.96% (599/2 142) vs. 6.68% (143/2 142), χ2=338.40; 2.43% (53/2 182) vs. 1.24% (27/2 182), χ2=8.61; all P<0.01]. A total of 416 microdeletions and 255 microduplications were detected in the 554 cases. The top three regions with the highest frequencies in microdeletions were Xp22.31 (12.74%, 53/416), 22q11.21 (7.93%, 33/416), and 17q12 (5.77%, 24/416); in microduplications, they were 22q11.21 (14.90%, 38/255), 17q12 (3.53%, 9/255), and 7q11.23 (3.53%, 9/255). Conclusions:Abnormal fetal ultrasound findings accounted for the highest proportion of prenatal diagnostic indications. The overall detection rate of abnormalities by CNV-seq is relatively high, especially in those with high-risk NIPT results as an indication for prenatal diagnosis. Among the chromosomal structural abnormalities detected in this study, the frequencies of Xp22.31 microdeletion and 22q11.21 microduplication are higher.

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of different dosage forms of Kaixinsan （KXS） on the morphology and function of mitochondria in rat models of Alzheimer's disease （AD） and potential mechanisms of action. MethodsMale SD rats were randomly assigned to a sham group， model group， treatment groups receiving KXS decoction， powders， and granules （3.08 g·kg^-1）， as well as donepezil group （0.51×10^-3 g·kg^-1）， with 10 rats in each group. AD model was created using intracerebroventricular injection of streptozocin （STZ）. After 30 days of administration， behavioral assessments were conducted， and mitochondrial morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were measured via JC-1 staining， and superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity and reactive oxygen species （ROS） levels were measured via biochemical assays. The mRNA expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase （AMPK）， peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α （PGC-1α）， and silent information regulator 3 （SIRT3） was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， and Western blot was used to examine the protein expression levels of optic atrophy protein1 （OPA1）， mitochondrial fission protein 1 （FIS1）， AMPK， p-AMPK， PGC-1α， and SIRT3. ResultsCompared with the sham group， rats in the model group had significantly lower recognition index， spontaneous alternation rate， escape latency， number of platform crossings， time spent in the target quadrant， and percentage of distance traveled in the target quadrant distance （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Significant mitochondrial damage was observed in the hippocampal tissue， with a marked decrease in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content （P<0.01） and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential （P<0.05）. Additionally， the SOD activity was reduced， while ROS levels were elevated （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was significantly downregulated （P<0.01）， along with decreased protein expression levels of OPA1， p-AMPK/AMPK， PGC-1α， and SIRT3， whereas FIS1 protein expression was significantly upregulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， rats in KXS-treated groups （various dosage forms） showed significant improvement in behavioral indexes （P<0.05， P<0.01）， reduced hippocampal mitochondrial damage， and more organized mitochondrial cristae. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and mitochondrial membrane potentials were elevated （P<0.05）. SOD activity was elevated， and ROS levels were significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Furthermore， the mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was upregulated， with increased protein levels of OPA1， p-AMPK/AMPK， PGC-1α， and SIRT3， while FIS1 protein expression levels were significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Across the KXS-treated groups， the granule group showed a higher spontaneous alternation rate than the decoction and powder groups （P<0.05）. ConclusionKXS decoction， powders， and granules can improve the learning and memory ability of rats， with granules being the most effective. The mechanism of action may involve activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway， improvement of the mitochondrial function， and subsequent amelioration of the brain energy metabolism disorders.

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of different dosage forms of Kaixinsan （KXS） on the morphology and function of mitochondria in rat models of Alzheimer's disease （AD） and potential mechanisms of action. MethodsMale SD rats were randomly assigned to a sham group， model group， treatment groups receiving KXS decoction， powders， and granules （3.08 g·kg^-1）， as well as donepezil group （0.51×10^-3 g·kg^-1）， with 10 rats in each group. AD model was created using intracerebroventricular injection of streptozocin （STZ）. After 30 days of administration， behavioral assessments were conducted， and mitochondrial morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were measured via JC-1 staining， and superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity and reactive oxygen species （ROS） levels were measured via biochemical assays. The mRNA expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase （AMPK）， peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α （PGC-1α）， and silent information regulator 3 （SIRT3） was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， and Western blot was used to examine the protein expression levels of optic atrophy protein1 （OPA1）， mitochondrial fission protein 1 （FIS1）， AMPK， p-AMPK， PGC-1α， and SIRT3. ResultsCompared with the sham group， rats in the model group had significantly lower recognition index， spontaneous alternation rate， escape latency， number of platform crossings， time spent in the target quadrant， and percentage of distance traveled in the target quadrant distance （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Significant mitochondrial damage was observed in the hippocampal tissue， with a marked decrease in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content （P<0.01） and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential （P<0.05）. Additionally， the SOD activity was reduced， while ROS levels were elevated （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was significantly downregulated （P<0.01）， along with decreased protein expression levels of OPA1， p-AMPK/AMPK， PGC-1α， and SIRT3， whereas FIS1 protein expression was significantly upregulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， rats in KXS-treated groups （various dosage forms） showed significant improvement in behavioral indexes （P<0.05， P<0.01）， reduced hippocampal mitochondrial damage， and more organized mitochondrial cristae. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and mitochondrial membrane potentials were elevated （P<0.05）. SOD activity was elevated， and ROS levels were significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Furthermore， the mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was upregulated， with increased protein levels of OPA1， p-AMPK/AMPK， PGC-1α， and SIRT3， while FIS1 protein expression levels were significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Across the KXS-treated groups， the granule group showed a higher spontaneous alternation rate than the decoction and powder groups （P<0.05）. ConclusionKXS decoction， powders， and granules can improve the learning and memory ability of rats， with granules being the most effective. The mechanism of action may involve activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway， improvement of the mitochondrial function， and subsequent amelioration of the brain energy metabolism disorders.

Objective To systematically evaluate the risk factors for new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) after off-pump coronary bypass grafting (OPCABG). Methods PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Wanfang data, CBM, VIP, and CNKI databases were systematically searched by computer to collect studies related to the risk factors for NOAF after OPCABG from the establishment of the database to July 2023. Literature screening and quality evaluation were conducted independently by two researchers. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the quality of the literature. RevMan 5.3 and Stata15.0 were used for meta-analysis. Results Finally, 19 case-control studies related to the risk factors for NOAF after OPCABG were included, all of which were high-quality literature with NOS score≥6 points, with a total of 7019 subjects. The results of meta-analysis showed that the following factors were associated with NOAF after OPCABG: (1) the patient’s own factors: age (MD=3.51, 95%CI 2.39 to 4.63, P<0.01); (2) preoperative factors: history of hypertension (OR=1.17, 95%CI 1.04 to 1.32, P=0.01), history of myocardial infarction (OR=1.21, 95%CI 1.06 to 1.38, P<0.01), history of percutaneous coronary intervention (OR=2.22, 95%CI 1.03 to 4.77, P=0.04), EuroSCOREⅡ score (MD=0.59, 95%CI 0.25 to 0.94, P<0.01), low-density lipoprotein (MD=0.11, 95%CI 0.02 to 0.20, P=0.02), left atrial diameter (MD=1.64, 95%CI 0.24 to 3.04, P=0.02); (3) postoperative and treatment factors: left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (MD=1.16, 95%CI 0.33 to 1.99, P<0.01), left ventricular ejection fraction (MD=0.90, 95%CI 0.07 to 1.73, P=0.03), mechanical ventilation time (MD=2.78, 95%CI 1.65 to 3.90, P<0.01), B-type natriuretic peptide (MD=219.67, 95%CI 27.46 to 411.88, P=0.03), ICU retention time (MD=7.07, 95%CI 5.64 to 8.50, P<0.01). Conclusion The existing evidence shows that age, history of hypertension, history of myocardial infarction, history of percutaneous coronary intervention, preoperative EuroSCOREⅡscore, preoperative low-density lipoprotein, preoperative left atrial diameter, postoperative left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction, postoperative mechanical ventilation time, postoperative B-type natriuretic peptide, and postoperative ICU retention time are risk factors for NOAF after OPCABG. Clinical attention should be paid to the above factors to achieve early identification, thereby reducing the incidence of NOAF after OPCABG and improving the clinical prognosis of patients.

Objective To investigate the detection conditions,risk factors and preventive measures of colorectal polyps in health examination population undergoing painless colonoscopy.Methods A total of 2 680 people who underwent painless colonoscopy at the Health Management Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from January to December 2023 were enrolled in this retrospective study.They were assigned into polyp group and non-polyp group according the examination results.The general information of the two groups was collected to explore the risk factors of colorectal polyps,so as to provide reference for the prevention strategy of colorectal polyps.Results The colorectal polyps were detected in 1 223 people(45.63%),including 633 cases(51.76%)of adenomatous polyps,587 cases(48.00%)of non-adenomatous polyps,and 3 cases(0.25%)of colorectal cancer.Logistic regression analysis indicated that male,smoking history,alcohol drinking history,age 40-59 years old,hyperlipidemia,and CRP>10 mg/L were risk factors of colorectal polyps(P<0.05).Conclusion There is a high detection rate of colorectal polyps in physical examination population.Men,aged 40-59 years old,hyperlipidemia,smoking history,alcohol drinking history,and CRP>10 mg/L are high risk factors of colorectal polyps,which should be paid more attention for the prevention and monitoring of colorectal polyps.

OBJECTIVES: In recent years, the role of remnant cholesterol (RC) in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases has gained increasing attention. However, evidence on the association between RC and subclinical atherosclerosis is limited. This study aims to examine the relationship between RC and atherosclerotic plaques in single and multiple vascular territories. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study used baseline data from participants enrolled between October 2022 and May 2024 in the National Key Research Program "Study on the Prevention and Control System of Risk Factors for Panvascular Diseases". Color Doppler ultrasonography was performed to detect plaques in 4 vascular territories: Bilateral carotid arteries, bilateral subclavian arteries, abdominal aorta, and iliac-femoral arteries. RC was calculated as total cholesterol minus the sum of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Participants were categorized into quartiles (Q1-Q4) according to RC levels. The proportions of participants with ≥2 plaques in a single vascular territory and with plaques in ≥2 vascular territories were compared across RC quartiles. Multivariate ordinal Logistic regression was used to assess the association between RC and the number of plaques in a single vascular territory, as well as the risk of multiple vascular territory involvement. Additionally, the effects of LDL-C/RC concordance on plaque distribution were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 3 539 participants were included, of whom 2 169 (61.29%) were male, with a age of (51.94±9.22) years. From Q1 to Q4, the proportion of participants with ≥2 plaques in a single vascular territory (bilateral carotid, subclavian, abdominal aorta, and iliac-femoral arteries), as well as those with plaques in ≥2 vascular territories, increased progressively. Compared with Q1, both Q3 and Q4 were significantly associated with higher plaque numbers in a single vascular territory (both P<0.05). When treated as a continuous variable, higher RC levels were associated with an increased risk of greater plaque numbers within a single vascular territory (all P<0.05). RC levels were also significantly associated with multiple vascular territory involvement: Compared with Q1, Q4 had a 1.015-fold higher risk [odds ratio (OR)=2.015, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.669 to 2.433], and each 1 mmol/L increase in RC corresponded to a 0.160-fold increased risk (OR=1.160, 95% CI 1.073 to 1.271). In LDL-C/RC coordination analysis, compared with the low LDL-C/low RC group, the low LDL-C/high RC group was significantly associated with multiple vascular territory involvement (OR=1.576, 95% CI 1.220 to 2.036). CONCLUSIONS Elevated RC levels are closely associated with atherosclerotic plaques in both single and multiple vascular territories, even among individuals with normal LDL-C, suggesting that RC should be considered in clinical risk assessment and management of atherosclerosis.
Humans ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic/diagnostic imaging* ; Male ; Female ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Cholesterol/blood* ; Cholesterol, LDL/blood* ; Aged ; Cholesterol, HDL/blood* ; Risk Factors ; Atherosclerosis ; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color ; Femoral Artery/diagnostic imaging*

BACKGROUND: Inflammation plays a critical role in severe cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) pathogenesis, but the benefits of anti-inflammatory therapies remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between steroid therapy combined with anticoagulation and the prognosis of acute/subacute severe CVT patients. METHODS: A prospective cohort study enrolled patients with acute/subacute severe CVT at Xuanwu Hospital (July 2020-January 2024). Patients were allocated into steroid and non-steroid groups based on the treatment they received. Functional outcomes (modified Rankin scale [mRS]) were evaluated at admission, discharge, and 6 months after discharge. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IL-6, and intracranial pressure were measured at admission and discharge in the steroid group. Fundoscopic Frisén grades were assessed at admission and 6 months after discharge. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluat associations between steroid use and favorable outcomes (mRS ≤2) at the 6-month follow-up. Paired tests assessed changes in hs-CRP and other variables before and after treatment, and Spearman's correlations were used to analyze relationships between these changes and functional improvements. RESULTS: A total of 107 and 58 patients in the steroid and non-steroid groups, respectively, were included in the analysis. Compared with the non-steroid group, the steroid group had a higher likelihood of achieving an mRS score of 0-2 (93.5% vs . 82.5%, odds ratio [OR] = 2.98, P  = 0.037) at the 6-month follow-up. After adjusting for confounding factors, the result remained consistent. Pulsed steroid therapy did not increase mortality during hospitalization or follow-up, nor did it lead to severe steroid-related complications (all P  >0.05). Patients in the steroid group showed a significant reduction in serum hs-CRP, IL-6, CSF IL-6, and intracranial pressure at discharge compared to at admission, as well as a significant reduction in the fundoscopic Frisén grade at the 6-month follow-up compare to at admission (all P  <0.001). A reduction in serum inflammatory marker levels during hospitalization positively correlated with improvements in functional outcomes ( P  <0.05). CONCLUSION: Short-term steroid use may be an effective and safe adjuvant therapy for acute/subacute severe CVT when used alongside standard anticoagulant treatments, which are likely due to suppression of the inflammatory response. However, these findings require further validation in randomized controlled trials. TRAIL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT05990894.
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Anticoagulants/therapeutic use* ; C-Reactive Protein/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Intracranial Thrombosis/drug therapy* ; Prospective Studies ; Steroids/therapeutic use* ; Venous Thrombosis/drug therapy*