BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the predominant cause of mortality in China. However, the mechanisms linking sarcopenia to CVD remain poorly understood, particularly in normal-weight populations. Individuals with the absence of overweight or obesity may tend to experience missed opportunities for timely intervention. This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal association between sarcopenia and incidence of new-onset CVD in a normal-weight population, and to examine the mediating effect of functional limitation in this relationship. METHODS: We conducted a closed-cohort analysis using a nationwide sample of 4,147 middle-aged and older adults with normal weight in China. We performed Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to explore the associations of baseline sarcopenia with incident CVD. The difference method was applied to estimate the mediation proportion of functional limitation in this association. RESULTS: Over a mean follow-up period of 7.62 years, CVD occurred in 835 participants. In the multivariable-adjusted Cox model, individuals with sarcopenia exhibited a significantly higher likelihood of developing incident CVD compared to those without sarcopenia (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21-1.73, P < 0.001). Similar associations were observed for the incidence of heart disease and stroke. Functional limitation accounted for approximately 15.0% of the total effect of sarcopenia on incident CVD (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Sarcopenia exerts both direct and indirect effects on incident CVD among middle-aged and older adults who are normal weight, with functional limitation serving as a significant mediator. Interventions targeting both sarcopenia and functional limitation may offer a promising strategy for enhancing cardiovascular health in this population.
Humans ; Sarcopenia/complications* ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Cardiovascular Diseases/etiology* ; Aged ; Incidence ; Cohort Studies ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Risk Factors ; Aged, 80 and over ; Longitudinal Studies

Lacking therapeutic targets highlights the crucial roles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the clinical management of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). To relieve the side effects of the chemoradiotherapy combination regimen, we design and develop a self-assembled micelle nanosystem consisting of perfluorocarbon chain-modified cisplatin prodrug. By incorporating perfluorodecalin, this nanosystem can effectively carry ozone and promote irradiation-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. By leveraging the perfluorocarbon sidechain, the nanosystem exhibits efficient internalization by TNBC cells and effectively escapes from lysosomal entrapment. Under X-ray irradiation, ozone-generated ROS disrupts the intracellular redox balance, thereby facilitating the release of cisplatin in a reduction-responsive manner mediated by reduced glutathione. Moreover, oxygen derived from ozone decomposition enhances the efficacy of radiotherapy by alleviating tumor hypoxia. Notably, the combination of irradiation with ozone-loaded cisplatin prodrug nano system synergistically prompts antitumor efficacy and reduces cellular/systemic toxicity in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the combo regimen remodels the tumor microenvironment into an immune-favored state by triggering immunogenic cell death and relieving hypoxia, which provides a promising foundation for a combination regimen of immunotherapy. In conclusion, our nanosystem presents a novel strategy for integrating chemotherapy and radiotherapy to optimize the efficacy and safety of TNBC clinical treatment.

Cardiac pacing is an effective treatment for cardiac pacing and conduction dysfunction and severe heart failure. However， the conventional right ventricular pacing may increase the incidences of heart failure and atrial fibrillation， and biventricular pacing has a relatively high non-response rate. As a new technique of physiological pacing， a number of studies in recent years have been conducted to show the stability of pacing parameters and good cardiac synchronization of his-purkinje system pacing. This article reviews the current status of research and progress in the effects of his-purkinje conduction system pacing on cardiac function， so as to provide a theoretical basis for promoting the development of this technology.

Objective To explore the expression level of visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor(Vaspin)and secreted frizzled-related protein5(SFRP5)in the serum of children with idiopathic short stature(ISS)and its diagnostic value.Methods 70 children with ISS diagnosed in the First Hospital of Zhangjiakou from December 2021 to February 2023 were selected as the disease group,while 72 healthy volunteer children who underwent physical examination were collected as the control group.Immunoluminescence was applied to detect the expression level of VASPIN,Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was applied to detect the expression level of SFRP5 the clinical data of children in two groups were analyzed.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was applied to analyze the diagnostic value of serum Vaspin and SFRP5 for ISS,multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of ISS.Results Compared with the control group,the serum Vaspin level in the disease group was obviously increased(2.89±0.92 ng/ml vs 1.81±0.42 ng/ml),while the SFRP5 level was obviously reduced(10.22±2.84 pg/ml vs 13.21±3.53 pg/ml),the differences were statistically significant(t=9.040,5.552,all P＜0.05).The weight,height,body mass index(BMI)and proportion of sexual development stage II～V of children in the disease group were obviously lower than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(t=7.687,6.330,5.559,7.024,all P＜0.05).The area under ROC curve showed that the AUC of Vaspin and SFRP5 and their combined detection in the diagnosis of ISS were 0.768,0.849 and 0.925,respectively,the combined diagnosis efficacy of Vaspin and SFRP5 was better than that of serum Vaspin and SFRP5 alone(Z =3.829,P＜0.001;Z =2.141,P=0.032).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that BMI(OR=0.508,95%CI:0.260～0.991),Vaspin(OR=3.458,95%CI:1.125～10.631)and SFRP5(OR=0.378,95%CI:0.153～0.935)were the influencing factors for ISS(all P＜0.05).Conclusion The expression level of Vaspin in the serum of children with ISS is obviously increased,while the expression level of SFRP5 is obviously reduced.The two are influencing factors of ISS,and the combined detection of their expression levels has certain value in the diagnosis of ISS.

Objective To analyze the interaction between PML protein and TAB1 protein using bioinformatic approaches and experimentally verify the results.Methods Using Rosetta software,a 3D model of TAB1 protein was constructed through a comparative modeling approach;the secondary structure of PML protein was retrieved in the PDB database and its crystal structure and 3D structure were resolved.Zdock 3.0.2 software was used to perform protein-protein docking of PML and TAB1,and the best conformation was extracted for molecular structure analysis of the docking model.The interaction between the two proteins was detected using immunoprecipitation in α-MMC-treated M1 inflammatory macrophages.Results When 6IMQ of PML was used as the docking site,PML protein formed 3 salt bridges,6 hydrogen bonds and 6 hydrophobic interactions with TAB1 proteins;when 5YUF of PML was used as the docking site,PML protein formed 1 hydrogen bond,3 electrostatic interactions and 9 hydrophobic interactions with TAB1 proteins,and both of the docking modes formed good molecular docking and interactions.In the M1 inflammatory macrophages treated with α-MMC for 4 h,positive protein bands of PML and TAB1 were detected in the cell lysates in PML-IP group.Conclusion PML protein can interact strongly with TAB1 protein.

Objective:To discuss the effect of temperature-controlled shrinkage polytrimethylene carbonate(PTMC)/polyvinylpyrrolidone(PVP)nanofiber membrane on the biological behavior of mouse fibroblasts and the repairment effect on full-thickness skin defects in the rats,and to clarify the potential mechanism.Methods:The murine L929 fibroblast cells were used in the in vitro experiments and were divided into control group and experimental group(treated with PTMC/PVP nanofiber membranes).The proliferation activities of the cells in two groups were detected by CCK-8 assay;the numbers of live/dead cells in two groups were observed by live/dead cell staining;the morphology of the cells was observed by cytoskeletal staining.A total of 12 six-week-old male SD rats were selected in the in vivo experiment,and were randomly divided into control group and experimental group,and there were six rats in each group.The full-thickness skin defect model was established,and the rats in experimental group were treated with PTMC/PVP nanofiber membranes.The photographs were taken after operation,and the wound healing rates of the cells in two groups were calculated on the 0,3rd,6th,and 12th days.On the 6th and 12th days after operation,the skin samples around the wound of the rats in two groups were taken,and the histopathology of the would skin and adjacent tissue was detected by HE staining;the collagen deposition in wound skin tissue of the rats in two groups was observed by Masson trichrome staining;the numbers of angiogenesis in wound skin tissue of the rats were detected by CD31 immunohistochemical staining.Results:The CCK-8 assay results showed that the proliferation activity of the cells in experimental group showed an increasing trend on the 1st,3st,and 5st days,and there was no significant difference in the proliferation activities of the cells bewteen experimental group and control group(P＞0.05).The live/dead cell staining experiment results showed that compared with control group,the cell density and number of the cells in experimental group had no significant changes,and were predominantly live cells.The cytoskeletal staining results showed that the cells in experimental and control groups appeared spindle-shaped and well-spread.In the in vivo experiments,on the 3rd,6th,and 12th days,compared with control group,the wound healing rates of the cells in experimental group were increased(P＜0.01),and the wound healing rate of the cells was 95.45％on the 12th day,indicating nearly complete healing of the wound.The HE staining showed that on the 12th day,the wound skin structure of the cells in experimental group was more similar to the normal skin,and there was abundant granulation tissue,regular epidermal structure,and new blood vessel formation.The Masson trichrome staining results showed that compared with control group,the collagen deposition in wound tissue of the rats in experimental group was increased.The immunohistochemical staining results showed that the expression of CD31 in wound tissue of the rats in experimental group was increased,indicating the increasing of the number of angiogenesis.Conclusion:The PTMC/PVP thermoresponsive nanofiber membranes exhibit good biocompatibility and can promote the repairment of full-thickness skin defects in the rats;its mechanism may be related to the enhancement of proliferation activity of the basal cells.

Objective To analyze the interaction between PML protein and TAB1 protein using bioinformatic approaches and experimentally verify the results.Methods Using Rosetta software,a 3D model of TAB1 protein was constructed through a comparative modeling approach;the secondary structure of PML protein was retrieved in the PDB database and its crystal structure and 3D structure were resolved.Zdock 3.0.2 software was used to perform protein-protein docking of PML and TAB1,and the best conformation was extracted for molecular structure analysis of the docking model.The interaction between the two proteins was detected using immunoprecipitation in α-MMC-treated M1 inflammatory macrophages.Results When 6IMQ of PML was used as the docking site,PML protein formed 3 salt bridges,6 hydrogen bonds and 6 hydrophobic interactions with TAB1 proteins;when 5YUF of PML was used as the docking site,PML protein formed 1 hydrogen bond,3 electrostatic interactions and 9 hydrophobic interactions with TAB1 proteins,and both of the docking modes formed good molecular docking and interactions.In the M1 inflammatory macrophages treated with α-MMC for 4 h,positive protein bands of PML and TAB1 were detected in the cell lysates in PML-IP group.Conclusion PML protein can interact strongly with TAB1 protein.

Objective:To investigate the value of net water uptake (NWU) for predicting early neurological improvement (ENI) after endovascular treatment in patients with acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke.Methods:A case-control study. A total of 132 patients (80 men, 52 women, median age 68 years) with acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusive stroke receiving endovascular treatment were retrospectively analyzed at Jinling Hospital from October 2014 to September 2019. Patients were divided into two groups based on the occurrence of ENI, which was defined as either an improvement of NIHSS score of ≥4 points, or an NIHSS score of 0 or 1 at 24 hours after endovascular treatment. The rank sum test, Chi square test, and other methods were used to compare differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate independent predictors of postoperative ENI. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis used to assess the capacity of NWU to predict ENI.Results:Of the 132 patients in the study, ENI occurred in 47 and did not occur in 85. In multivariate logistic regression analysis age [odds ratio ( OR)=0.940, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 0.903-0.979, P=0.003], time from stroke onset to puncture ( OR=0.995, 95% CI 0.991-0.999, P=0.025), time from puncture to recanalization/end of operation ( OR=0.985, 95% CI 0.974-0.996, P=0.007), NWU ( OR=0.762, 95% CI 0.620-0.937, P=0.010), and mTICI ( OR=1.644, 95% CI 1.043-2.590, P=0.032) were predictive factors for ENI. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that NWU could effectively predict ENI (area under the curve=0.642, 95% CI 0.543-0.741, P=0.007), and prediction accuracy was improved when it was combined with other clinical parameters. Conclusion:NWU is an independent predictor of ENI in patients with acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusive stroke undergoing endovascular treatment.

Oxidative stress, due to the disruption of the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the antioxidant defense system, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Excessive ROS leads to the loss of biological molecules and cellular functions, release of many inflammatory mediators, stimulate the polarization of macrophages, and aggravate the inflammatory response, thus promoting osteoclasts and bone damage. Therefore, foreign antioxidants would effectively treat RA. Herein, ultrasmall iron-quercetin natural coordination nanoparticles (Fe-Qur NCNs) with excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties were constructed to effectively treat RA. Fe-Qur NCNs obtained by simple mixing retain the inherent ability to remove ROS of quercetin and have a better water-solubility and biocompatibility. In vitro experiments showed that Fe-Qur NCNs could effectively remove excess ROS, avoid cell apoptosis, and inhibit the polarization of inflammatory macrophages by reducing the activation of the nuclear factor-κ-gene binding (NF-κB) pathways. In vivo experiments showed that the swollen joints of mice with rheumatoid arthritis treated with Fe-Qur NCNs significantly improved, with Fe-Qur NCNs largely reducing inflammatory cell infiltration, increasing anti-inflammatory macrophage phenotypes, and thus inhibiting osteoclasts, which led to bone erosion. This study demonstrated that the new metal-natural coordination nanoparticles could be an effective therapeutic agent for the prevention of RA and other diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Objective    To summarize the characteristics of bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) aortopathy and analyze the association between aortopathy and BAV phenotype and patterns of valvular dysfunction. Methods    Clinical data of 191 patients who underwent the first aortic valve replacement in Fuwai Hospital from June 2017 to March 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including 143 males and 48 females with an average age of 53.91±12.52 years. All patients underwent multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and echocardiography before the operation, excluding patients with aortic coarctation. The BAV aortopathy phenotype was classified during operation. The characteristics of BAV aortopathy were analyzed by cluster and artificial analysis. BAV anatomic phenotype was divided into two types according to the direction of valve opening: BAV-AP and BAV-LR. Results    Four distinct BAV aortopathy phenotypes were identified: a common type (n=70, 36.6%), with no dilation or mild dilation of aorta; a root type (n=24, 12.6%), with predominant dilatation of aortic sinus; an ascending aorta type (n=72, 37.7%), with predominant dilatation of ascending aorta; an arch type (n=25, 13.1%), with predominant dilatation of aortic arch dilatation. The root type was mainly in young patients, while the arch type was mainly in elderly patients (P<0.05). BAV-AP and aortic insufficiency were most prevalent in root type, while BAV-LR and aortic stenosis were most prevalent in arch type (P<0.05). There were 111 (58.1%) patients  undergoing aortic surgery, and the coincidence rate of BAV aortopathy phenotype and aortic surgery was 80.6%. Conclusion    According to the location of aortic dilation, BAV aortopathy can be divided into four types. There is an association between BAV aortopathy and valvular phenotype and dysfunction.