BACKGROUND: Spicy food consumption has been reported to be inversely associated with mortality from multiple diseases. However, the effect of spicy food intake on the incidence of vascular diseases in the Chinese population remains unclear. This study was conducted to explore this association. METHODS: This study was performed using the large-scale China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) prospective cohort of 486,335 participants. The primary outcomes were vascular disease, ischemic heart disease (IHD), major coronary events (MCEs), cerebrovascular disease, stroke, and non-stroke cerebrovascular disease. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess the association between spicy food consumption and incident vascular diseases. Subgroup analysis was also performed to evaluate the heterogeneity of the association between spicy food consumption and the risk of vascular disease stratified by several basic characteristics. In addition, the joint effects of spicy food consumption and the healthy lifestyle score on the risk of vascular disease were also evaluated, and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the reliability of the association results. RESULTS: During a median follow-up time of 12.1 years, a total of 136,125 patients with vascular disease, 46,689 patients with IHD, 10,097 patients with MCEs, 80,114 patients with cerebrovascular disease, 56,726 patients with stroke, and 40,098 patients with non-stroke cerebrovascular disease were identified. Participants who consumed spicy food 1-2 days/week (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.95, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = [0.93, 0.97], P <0.001), 3-5 days/week (HR = 0.96, 95% CI = [0.94, 0.99], P = 0.003), and 6-7 days/week (HR = 0.97, 95% CI = [0.95, 0.99], P = 0.002) had a significantly lower risk of vascular disease than those who consumed spicy food less than once a week ( Ptrend <0.001), especially in those who were younger and living in rural areas. Notably, the disease-based subgroup analysis indicated that the inverse associations remained in IHD ( Ptrend = 0.011) and MCEs ( Ptrend = 0.002) risk. Intriguingly, there was an interaction effect between spicy food consumption and the healthy lifestyle score on the risk of IHD ( Pinteraction = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS Our findings support an inverse association between spicy food consumption and vascular disease in the Chinese population, which may provide additional dietary guidance for the prevention of vascular diseases.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Prospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Vascular Diseases/etiology* ; Risk Factors ; China/epidemiology* ; Adult ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Cerebrovascular Disorders/epidemiology* ; East Asian People

Objective:To explore the correlations between the cerebral infarction area and cytokines and immune status in patients with acute ischemic stroke,and to provide the theoretical basis for immunotherapy of the patients with different degrees of cerebral infarction.Methods:Sixty-seven patients with acute ischemic stroke within 72 h of the onset were randomly selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,and were divided into large-area cerebral infarction group(n=34)and non-large-area cerebral infarction group(n=33)on the basis of the biggest infarction area in the sequences of magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging(CDWI).Clinical baseline characteristics such as gender,age,and medical history were collected from the patients in two groups,the serum levels of interleukin(IL)-2,IL-6,IL-10,and IL-17A,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and interferon-γ(IFN-γ)were measured using flow cytometry;the absolute values of lymphocytes(LYM#),lymphocyte percentages(LYM％),and neutrophil/lymphocy ratios(NLR)in peripheral blood of the patients caiculated,and the ratios of IFN-γ/IL-4,TNF-α/IL-4,and TNF-α/IL-10 rations were also calculated.The values of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)scores of the patients were evaluatd on the basis of the assessment of clinical neurological signs.The correlations of the cerebral infarction area and NIHSS score,cytokines and immune status groups of the patients in two were tested by rank correlation analysis.Results:Compared with non-large-area cerebral infarction group,the serum levels of IL-2,IL-6,IL-10,IL-17A,TNF-α,and IFN-γ as well as the NLR in the peripheral blood of the patients in large-area cerebral infarction group were significantly increased(P＜0.01),while the LYM#,LYM％and TNF-α/IL-4 were significantly decreased(P＜0.01).There was a positive correlation between cerebral infarction area and NIHSS score in the patients in large-area cerebral infarction group(rs=0.521,P＜0.05),and there was a significantly positive correlation between cerebral infarct area and NIHSS score in the patients in non-large-area cerebral infarction group(rs=0.721,P＜0.001).The NIHSS scores were positively correlated with serum IL-6(rs=0.306,P=0.005),IL-4(rs=0.252,P＜0.001),IL-2(rs=0.109,P=0.025),IL-17A(rs=0.405,P＜0.001),and IFN-γ(rs=0.146,P＜0.001)levels in two groups;no correlations were found between NIHSS scores and TNF-α(rs=0.039,P=0.726)and IL-10(rs=0.121,P=0.192)levels.NIHSS scores of the patients in two groups had negative correlatious with the serum level of LYM#(rs=-0.026,P=0.036)and LYM％(rs=-0.008,P=0.002),and had positive correlated with NLR(rs=0.315,P=0.009).Conclusion:The infarction area of the patients with actue cerebral infarction is correlated with the NIHSS score,the inflammatory response,the degree of adaptive immune injury,and the immune status.The have positive correlation with cytokines and immune markers and the overall size of the infarction area.Compared with the patients with non-large-acea cerebral infarction,the immunosuppression of the patients with large-area infarcted areas is more likely to occure.

Purpose: Cancer has become a significant major public health concern, making the discovery of new cancer markers or therapeutic targets exceptionally important. Elevated expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 12A (TNFRSF12A) expression has been observed in certain types of cancer. This project aims to investigate the function of TNFRSF12A in tumors and the underlying mechanisms. Materials and Methods: Various websites were utilized for conducting the bioinformatics analysis. Tumor cell lines with stable knockdown or overexpression of TNFRSF12A were established for cell phenotyping experiments and subcutaneous tumorigenesis in BALB/c mice. RNA-seq was employed to investigate the mechanism of TNFRSF12A. Results: TNFRSF12A was upregulated in the majority of cancers and associated with a poor prognosis. Knockdown TNFRSF12A hindered the colorectal cancer progression, while overexpression facilitated malignancy both in vitro and in vivo. TNFRSF12A overexpression led to increased nuclear factor кB (NF-κB) signaling and significant upregulation of baculoviral IAP repeat containing 3 (BIRC3), a transcription target of the NF-κB member RELA, and it was experimentally confirmed to be a critical downstream factor of TNFRSF12A. Therefore, we speculated the existence of a TNFRSF12A/RELA/BIRC3 regulatory axis in colorectal cancer. Conclusion TNFRSF12A is upregulated in various cancer types and associated with a poor prognosis. In colorectal cancer, elevated TNFRSF12A expression promotes tumor growth, potentially through the TNFRSF12A/RELA/BIRC3 regulatory axis.

Purpose: Cancer has become a significant major public health concern, making the discovery of new cancer markers or therapeutic targets exceptionally important. Elevated expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 12A (TNFRSF12A) expression has been observed in certain types of cancer. This project aims to investigate the function of TNFRSF12A in tumors and the underlying mechanisms. Materials and Methods: Various websites were utilized for conducting the bioinformatics analysis. Tumor cell lines with stable knockdown or overexpression of TNFRSF12A were established for cell phenotyping experiments and subcutaneous tumorigenesis in BALB/c mice. RNA-seq was employed to investigate the mechanism of TNFRSF12A. Results: TNFRSF12A was upregulated in the majority of cancers and associated with a poor prognosis. Knockdown TNFRSF12A hindered the colorectal cancer progression, while overexpression facilitated malignancy both in vitro and in vivo. TNFRSF12A overexpression led to increased nuclear factor кB (NF-κB) signaling and significant upregulation of baculoviral IAP repeat containing 3 (BIRC3), a transcription target of the NF-κB member RELA, and it was experimentally confirmed to be a critical downstream factor of TNFRSF12A. Therefore, we speculated the existence of a TNFRSF12A/RELA/BIRC3 regulatory axis in colorectal cancer. Conclusion TNFRSF12A is upregulated in various cancer types and associated with a poor prognosis. In colorectal cancer, elevated TNFRSF12A expression promotes tumor growth, potentially through the TNFRSF12A/RELA/BIRC3 regulatory axis.

Purpose: Cancer has become a significant major public health concern, making the discovery of new cancer markers or therapeutic targets exceptionally important. Elevated expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 12A (TNFRSF12A) expression has been observed in certain types of cancer. This project aims to investigate the function of TNFRSF12A in tumors and the underlying mechanisms. Materials and Methods: Various websites were utilized for conducting the bioinformatics analysis. Tumor cell lines with stable knockdown or overexpression of TNFRSF12A were established for cell phenotyping experiments and subcutaneous tumorigenesis in BALB/c mice. RNA-seq was employed to investigate the mechanism of TNFRSF12A. Results: TNFRSF12A was upregulated in the majority of cancers and associated with a poor prognosis. Knockdown TNFRSF12A hindered the colorectal cancer progression, while overexpression facilitated malignancy both in vitro and in vivo. TNFRSF12A overexpression led to increased nuclear factor кB (NF-κB) signaling and significant upregulation of baculoviral IAP repeat containing 3 (BIRC3), a transcription target of the NF-κB member RELA, and it was experimentally confirmed to be a critical downstream factor of TNFRSF12A. Therefore, we speculated the existence of a TNFRSF12A/RELA/BIRC3 regulatory axis in colorectal cancer. Conclusion TNFRSF12A is upregulated in various cancer types and associated with a poor prognosis. In colorectal cancer, elevated TNFRSF12A expression promotes tumor growth, potentially through the TNFRSF12A/RELA/BIRC3 regulatory axis.

Linxian County in Henan Province, Northern China is known as the region with the highest incidence and mortality rate of esophageal cancer worldwide. Since 1959, the Henan medical team has conducted field work on esophageal cancer prevention and treatment in Linxian. Through three generations of effort exerted by oncologists over 65 years of research on esophageal cancer prevention and treatment in Linxian, the incidence rate of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in this area has dropped by nearly 50%, and the 5-year survival rate has increased to 40%, reaching the international leading level. This article aims to summarize the history, present opportunities and new challenges, and explore the experience of esophageal cancer prevention and treatment in Linxian (referred to as the “Linxian experience”), providing reference and guidance to cancer prevention and treatment research in China.

Objective:This study aims to investigate the feasibility and safety of implanting leadless pacemakers in the low septum and its impact on cardiac electrical synchronization.Methods:A total of 36 patients who received leadless pacemaker implantation at Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital from January 2021 to August 2023 were included in this study.According to implantation sites of leadless pacemakers,patients were divided into mid-septal group(n=16)and low-septal group(n=20).The clinical characteristics and cardiac electrical synchronization were compared between the two groups.Results:There were 21 male patients,mean age was(68±13)years old.There was no statistical difference in the type of brady-arrhythmia between the two groups(P=0.73).There were 61 implant attempts in these 36 patients,and there was no significant difference in the number of attempts,procedure time,and pacemaker parameters between the two groups,but the average procedure time tended to be shorter in the low-septal group([84±37]minutes vs.[105±35]minutes,P=0.09).In terms of electrical synchronization,there was no statistical difference in QRS duration between the low-septal group and the mid-septal group([162.0±21.1]ms vs.[174.0±14.8]ms,P=0.20).There were no vascular puncture complications,cardiac perforation,or pericardial tamponade during the procedure.There were no complications and readmissions related to the leadless pacemaker during follow-up period.Conclusions:Our results show that the implantation of a leadless pacemaker in the low ventricular septum is safe and effective,has a similar impact on cardiac electrical synchronization as mid-septal pacing.

Objectives:This study aims to explore the impact of new-onset heart conduction block post transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)on the cardiac conduction status during 1-year follow-up.Methods:A total of 130 patients who completed TAVR surgery at Fuwai Central-China Cardiovascular Hospital from July 2019 to October 2022 were screened.Among them,56 cases with postoperative heart conduction block were selected for analysis.According to the degree of heart block,patients were divided into mild block group(n=36),moderate block group(n=9),and severe block group(n=11).The clinical characteristics and cardiac conduction conditions at 1-year follow-up between different groups were compared.Results:During a mean(8.5±4.1)months follow-up period,10(17.9%)patients had long-term atrioventricular conduction block,and 46(82.1%)patients had partial or complete recovery of heart block,with 28(50.0%)patients with completely recovered cardiac conduction.In the mild block group,22(61.1%)cases were completely recovered,9(25.0%)patients partly recovered,and 5(13.9%)cases uncovered.In the moderate block group,2(22.2%)cases were completely recovered,5(55.6%)patients partly recovered,and 2(22.2%)cases uncovered.Difference in long-term atrioventricular conduction block among three groups was statistically significant(P<0.001).The Kaplan-Meier curve shows that patients with moderate to severe heart block have a higher rate of long-term atrioventricular conduction block(86.1%vs.77.8%vs.72.7%,log-rank P=0.03).Cox multivariate analysis exhibited that old age(≥75 years old,HR=1.204,95%CI:1.051-1.525,P=0.041)and severe heart conduction block(HR=1.106,95%CI:1.100-1.616,P=0.031)are the two independent risk factors for long-term atrioventricular conduction block post TAVR.Conclusions:The ratio of complete cardiac conduction recovery post TAVR is 50.0%.Older age(≥75 year)and new-onset severe heart conduction block are independent risk factors for long-term atrioventricular conduction block post TAVR procedure.

Objective To construct a database for molecular mass spectra of toxins and drugs in order to facilitate the management and retrieval of mass spectra for nerve agents,metabolites and other small molecules.Methods Requirement analysis and functional design were performed using software engineering methods.The Spec2Vec algorithm was used for vector representation of mass spectra,while SMILES molecular structures were vectorized using the extended connectivity fingerprint(ECFP).A data storage model integrating structured information and vector representations was established using the Milvus database.Similarity search of mass spectra and molecular structures was conducted via vector similarity comparison and the FlashEntropySearch algorithm.Results The constructed database of mass spectra encompassed over 400,000 entries from such sources as OCAD,NIST,MASSBANK,metabolic products,and natural products of TCM,which was capable of searching for similarities in mass spectra and molecular structures.On a standard server,similarity search of mass spectra took no more than 5 seconds,while that of molecular structures took no more than 1 second.Conclusion The system enables efficient management of complex mass spectra and provides rapid retrieval and comparison of mass spectra-related information through advanced vector indexing technology,offering robust data support and research tools for toxicology and pharmacology.

Objective To evaluate the value of imaging quantification parameters in artificial intelligence (AI) assisted diagnosis systems in clinical decision-making for lung nodules≤2 cm and the diagnostic efficacy of AI. Methods Lung nodule patients admitted to Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University from 2020 to 2023 were included. Imaging parameters of lung nodules were extracted using AI assisted diagnosis systems. Multifactor analysis was used to screen predictors for distinguishing benign and malignant nodules and high-risk predictors for recurrent invasive adenocarcinoma, and a diagnostic model was established and its performance evaluated. The diagnostic efficacy of the AI system was judged according to pathological results. Results A total of 594 patients with lung nodules were included, including 202 males and 392 females, with an average age of (58.75±11.55) years. Volume, average CT value, and 3D maximum diameter of non-solid nodules were independent predictors of malignant nodules, with thresholds of 287.4 mm3, −491 HU, and 12.0 mm, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) for diagnostic efficacy was ranked from high to low as combined model (0.802), volume (0.783), average CT value (0.749), and 3D maximum diameter (0.714). The average CT value and 3D long diameter of solid nodules were independent predictors of malignant nodules, with thresholds of −81 HU and 17.5 mm, respectively, and AUC values of 0.874 and 0.686, respectively, with the combined prediction AUC of 0.957. The mass of cystic nodules was an independent predictor of malignancy when the mass>180.7 mg. Independent predictors of high recurrence risk of invasive adenocarcinoma in non-solid nodules were consolidation-tumor ratio (CTR), average CT value, 3D long diameter, and volume, with thresholds of 0.14, −386 HU, 15.6 mm, and 1018.9 mm3, respectively, and diagnostic efficacy was ranked from high to low as combined model (0.788), 3D long diameter (0.735), volume (0.725), average CT value (0.720), and CTR (0.697). The accuracy of AI in predicting benign and malignant target nodules was 87.4%, with positive predictive value of 96.6% and negative predictive value of 58.9%. Conclusion In clinical decision-making for lung nodules ≤2 cm, AI assisted diagnosis systems have high application value.