BACKGROUND:This study provided insight into the molecular mechanisms by which exogenous basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF)promotes wound healing. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of exogenous bFGF on macrophage phenotype transition and granulation regeneration during wound repair in rats. METHODS:(1)In vitro experiment:Cells were divided into normal control group,low-dose bFGF group,high-dose bFGF group,and bFGF+valproic acid group.100 and 200 μg/L bFGF was added into the cell culture medium of low-dose bFGF group and high-dose bFGF group,respectively,while 200 μg/L bFGF and 20 mmol/L valproic acid were added into the cell culture medium of valproic acid group.EdU test,scratch test and tubule formation test were used to detect the effects of bFGF on proliferation,migration and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells.(2)In vivo experiment:Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into model group,low-dose bFGF group,high-dose bFGF group and bFGF+valproic acid group.The open wound model of full-thickness skin defect was established in low-dose bFGF group,high-dose bFGF group and bFGF+valproic acid group.Rats in the low-and high-dose bFGF groups were given 100 and 200 μg/L bFGF through subcutaneous injection,while those in the bFGF+valproic acid group received subcutaneous injection of 200 μg/L bFGF and intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg valproic acid.The wound healing rate of rats was detected at 7 and 14 days of administration.TUNEL was used to detect the apoptosis of cells in wound tissue.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the serum levels of malondialdehyde,superoxide dismutase,tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-10.Immunofluorescence detection was conducted to detect the phenotypic transformation of macrophages in wound tissue.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen,platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1(CD31)and vascular endothelial growth factor in wound tissue.Western blot was used to detect the expression of Notch1 and Jagged1 in wound tissue. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the normal control group,bFGF could significantly promote the proliferation,migration and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner.(2)Compared with the model group,bFGF could significantly promote wound healing,downregulate the rate of apoptosis in wound tissue,decrease the levels of malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor-α in serum,increase the levels of superoxide dismutase and interleukin-10,promote the conversion of macrophages to type M2 in wound tissue,upregulate the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen,CD31 and vascular endothelial growth factor in wound tissue,and inhibit the expression of Notch1 and Jagged1 in a dose-dependent manner.Valproic acid could partially reverse the promoting effect of bFGF on wound healing.To conclude,bFGF can significantly promote wound healing and granulation regeneration and induce the conversion of macrophages to M2,which may be related to the regulation of Notch1/Jagged1 signaling pathway.

Objective To explore the analysis of the relationship of the serum levels of focal adhe-sion kinase(FAK)and fatty acid-binding protein 4(FABP4)with myocardial injury and cardiac function in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI).Methods A total of 211 AMI patients admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to April 2023 were enrolled and assigned into the AMI group,while another 60 healthy volunteers who took routine physical examinations in our hospital during the same period served as the control group.The serum FAK and FABP4 lev-els were compared between the two groups.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify influencing factors associated with AMI,and ROC curve was plotted to assess the pre-dictive efficacy of the serum FAK and FABP4 levels for AMI in the elderly population.Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between serum FAK and FABP4 levels and myocardial injury as well as cardiac function.Results The AMI group exhibited signifi-cantly elevated serum FAK,FABP4,CK-MB,cTnⅠ and CK levels,and larger LVESD and LVEDD,but lower LVEF when compared with the control group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).For the AMI patients,the serum FAK and FABP4 levels were positively correlated with CK-MB,cTnⅠ and CK levels,as well as LVESD and LVEDD,and negatively with LVEF(P＜0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that both serum levels of FAK(OR=2.872,95％CI:2.230-3.698,P=0.000)and FABP4(OR=2.667,95％CI:1.713-4.154,P=0.000)were influencing factors for AMI.ROC analysis indicated that the cut-off value of FAK level for diagnosing AMI was 25.60 pg/L,with an AUC value of 0.801(95％CI:0.750-0.852).Similarly,the cut-off value of FABP4 in the diagnosis was 23.22 pg/L,with an AUC value of 0.760(95％CI:0.707-0.812).Combined FAK and FABP4 levels yielded,with an AUC value of 0.899(95％CI:0.839-0.918).Conclusion Serum FAK and FABP4 levels are abnormally high in the elderly patients with AMI,which is closely related to myocardial injury and cardiac function.The two indicators alone or in combination can effectively predict the occurrence of AMI.

The exploration of anesthesia and consciousness has always been an important subject in neuroscience,but the underlying neural mechanisms of consciousness are still unclear,which limits the de-velopment of anesthesia monitoring and consciousness evaluation systems.The neural correlates of conscious-ness(NCC)cannot be determined by a single brain region or mechanism,suggesting that consciousness may arise from complex interactions of brain functions on space and time scales.In order to characterize these interactions,network science has been introduced in exploring the mechanisms of consciousness.In this paper,the basic concepts and common indicators of brain network research are introduced,and the lat-est progress of brain network research in anesthesia is reviewed,so as to provide new ideas for the applica-tion of brain network indicators in clinical monitoring and provide directions for the exploration of NCC.

Objective:The primary goal of this study is to explore the safety and effectiveness of a new modified eversion carotid endarterectomy (MECEA).Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. One hundred patients were consecutively treated with MECEA by the same operator at Department of Vascular Surgery,Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2019 to December 2023. There were 77 males and 23 females. The age was (66.0±8.6)years (range: 39 to 85 years). Twenty-four (24.0%) patients were symptomatic with the degree of carotid stenosis over 50%,76 patients (76.0%) were asymptomatic with the degree of stenosis over 70%. All these patients meet the indication of carotid endarterectomy. The main difference between MECEA and traditional eversion carotid endarterectomy was the anterior,lateral,and posterior walls of the internal carotid artery were incised obliquely from the origin of the internal carotid artery toward the common carotid artery,leaving the wall of internal carotid artery intact at the bifurcation. The surgical process,cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications and other surgical complications were recorded. The incidences of complications,restenosis of intraoperative target lesions and re-intervention were collected during follow-up.Results:All procedures were performed successfully under general anesthesia. The total operation time was (36.5±10.1)minutes (range: 22 to 65 minutes),and carotid clamping time was (15.0±6.3)minutes (range: 7 to 31 minutes). One patient (1.0%) occurred postoperative cerebrovascular accident,1 patient (1.0%) developed cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS),and another 1 patient (1.0%) suffered myocardial infarction. All these patients were recovered after medical treatment within a week. The follow-up time( M(IQR)) was 24 (28) months (range: 6 to 62 months). Two patients (2.0%) were reported to have hemodynamically significant restenosis within 2 years,with one patient requiring intervention. No patient suffered from ipsilateral ischemic stroke. Conclusions:MECEA is a safe and effective surgical method of treating carotid artery stenosis. This method can reduce carotid clamping time and lowers the risk of ischemic stroke. Meantime,it preserves the integrity of the adventitia at the bifurcation of carotid artery,reduces the chance of restenosis. Moreover,it might be helpful to prevent postoperative CHS due to reducing damage to the carotid body and carotid sinus nerve.

Objective:The primary goal of this study is to explore the safety and effectiveness of a new modified eversion carotid endarterectomy (MECEA).Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. One hundred patients were consecutively treated with MECEA by the same operator at Department of Vascular Surgery,Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2019 to December 2023. There were 77 males and 23 females. The age was (66.0±8.6)years (range: 39 to 85 years). Twenty-four (24.0%) patients were symptomatic with the degree of carotid stenosis over 50%,76 patients (76.0%) were asymptomatic with the degree of stenosis over 70%. All these patients meet the indication of carotid endarterectomy. The main difference between MECEA and traditional eversion carotid endarterectomy was the anterior,lateral,and posterior walls of the internal carotid artery were incised obliquely from the origin of the internal carotid artery toward the common carotid artery,leaving the wall of internal carotid artery intact at the bifurcation. The surgical process,cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications and other surgical complications were recorded. The incidences of complications,restenosis of intraoperative target lesions and re-intervention were collected during follow-up.Results:All procedures were performed successfully under general anesthesia. The total operation time was (36.5±10.1)minutes (range: 22 to 65 minutes),and carotid clamping time was (15.0±6.3)minutes (range: 7 to 31 minutes). One patient (1.0%) occurred postoperative cerebrovascular accident,1 patient (1.0%) developed cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS),and another 1 patient (1.0%) suffered myocardial infarction. All these patients were recovered after medical treatment within a week. The follow-up time( M(IQR)) was 24 (28) months (range: 6 to 62 months). Two patients (2.0%) were reported to have hemodynamically significant restenosis within 2 years,with one patient requiring intervention. No patient suffered from ipsilateral ischemic stroke. Conclusions:MECEA is a safe and effective surgical method of treating carotid artery stenosis. This method can reduce carotid clamping time and lowers the risk of ischemic stroke. Meantime,it preserves the integrity of the adventitia at the bifurcation of carotid artery,reduces the chance of restenosis. Moreover,it might be helpful to prevent postoperative CHS due to reducing damage to the carotid body and carotid sinus nerve.

Objective:Using bioinformatics methods to study the immune infiltration mechanism of lupus nephritis(LN)and to explore potential target Chinese medicines,which can provide new directions for clinical treatment of LN.Methods:Gene expres-sion profile microarray dataset of LN was downloaded from GEO database,differential expressed genes(DEGs)were screened using R software,and GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed on these DEGs.Protein interaction network analysis of DEGs was performed by applying STRING database,key genes were screened by using Cytoscape,core gene expression was validated by Nephro-seq database,and the infiltration and correlation of 22 kinds of immune cells in LN were calculated by CIBERSORT deconvolution algorithm.Finally,herbal prediction of significantly enriched immune-related biological processes and key target genes were performed by Coremine Medical database.Results:A total of 367 LN-related DEGs were obtained,of which 253 were up-regulated and 114 were down-regulated.GO was mainly enriched in response to viruses,defense response to viruses,regulation of viral life cycle,regulation of viral processes,etc;KEGG was mainly enriched in S.aureus infection,COVID-19,influenza A,complement and coagulation cascade,pertussis,etc.Ten key genes were screened:IFIT3,OAS2,MX1,OAS1,RSAD2,XAF1,ISG15,IFIT1,ITGAM and PTPRC.Immune infiltration by CIBERSORT deconvolution algorithm showed that monocytes and initial B cells were highly expressed in LN,while memory B cells,naive CD4+T cells,follicular helper T cells and resting natural killer cells were lowly expressed in LN.Immune cell correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between initial B cells and plasma cells,a positive correlation between resting natural killer cells and resting dendritic cells,a negative correlation between monocytes and regulatory T cells,and a negative correlation between resting CD4+memory T cells and monocytes.Coremine Medical predicted that Salvia miltiorrhiza,Panax notogin-seng,Scutellaria baicalensis,ginseng,honey,monkey mushroom and peony were found to be most closely related to immunity in LN.Conclusion:The development and progression of LN are results of the combined involvement of multiple genes and pathways.Mono-cytes,memory B cells,initial CD4+T cells and initial B cells are most closely associated with LN.The predicted Salvia miltiorrhiza,Panax notoginseng,Scutellaria baicalensis,ginseng,honey,monkey mushroom and peony may be used as target herbs for the poten-tial treatment of LN.

Background and aims:Promoting gastrointestinal function recovery is one of the key aspects of enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS)for colorectal cancer(CRC).Many ancient Chinese medical texts suggest that acupuncture at four acupoints—Zusanli,Shangjuxu,Sanyinjiao,and Neiguan—helps promote gastrointestinal peristalsis.However,there is currently no systematic study on multi-point acupuncture to promote postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery in CRC patients.Therefore,this study was conducted to evaluate the clinical efficacy of multi-point acupuncture in promoting gastrointestinal function recovery in CRC patients through a prospective study to provide new options for implementing ERAS in CRC patients in clinical practice. Methods:Using a prospective,randomized,controlled design,a total of 100 eligible patients who underwent laparoscopic CRC radical surgery at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery,Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University,between January 2021 and February 2022,were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,with 50 patients in each group.Both groups underwent the same ERAS protocols and radical surgery during the perioperative period.The observation group received acupuncture treatment from the day of surgery to the third postoperative day,once per day,while the control group did not receive acupuncture.Primary outcomes included the time to bowel sound recovery,time to first flatus,and time to first defecation.Secondary outcomes included abdominal pain scores,incidence of bloating,nausea,vomiting,white blood cell count,neutrophil percentage,C-reactive protein,hemoglobin,serum albumin,blood potassium levels,postoperative hospital stay,and incidence of postoperative complications. Results:A total of 96 patients completed the study,with 48 in each group.There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics such as age,gender,or surgery time between the two groups(all P＞0.05).Compared with the control group,the observation group had a significantly shorter time for bowel sound recovery,first flatus,first defecation,and postoperative hospital stay(all P＜0.05).Additionally,the observation group showed reduced abdominal pain scores on postoperative day(POD)2 and 3,a lower incidence of bloating on POD 1 and 2,and a reduced incidence of nausea and vomiting on POD 3(all P＜0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in the remaining comparisons between the two groups(all P＞0.05). Conclusion:Multi-point acupuncture treatment can promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function in patients undergoing minimally invasive CRC surgery without increasing postoperative complications,and it is recommended for integration into routine ERAS protocols.

Interarterial subtype of coronary artery with anomalous aortic origin is a rare and congenital cardiovascular malformation,manifested by chest pain and syncope after exertion or activity,which can lead to decreased cardiac contractility,myocardial infarction,and even sudden death.Here we report a case of an adolescent patient,who presented with chest pain during activity accompanied by syncope and lost consciousness.Initially diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction,the patient was subsequently diagnosed as interarterial subtype of a coronary artery originating from anomalous aorta after echocardiography,coronary angiography,coronary CT angiography examinations.After anomalous coronary artery correction and coronary angioplasty,the paitent recovered well.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional shear wave elastography (3D-SWE) is a promising method in distinguishing benign and malignant thyroid nodules. By combining with conventional method, it may further improve the diagnostic value. The study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of American College of Radiology (ACR) thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS) combined with 3D-SWE in ACR TI-RADS 4 and 5 thyroid nodules. METHODS: All nodules were examined by conventional ultrasonography, ACR TI-RADS classification, and 3D-SWE examination. Conventional ultrasonography was used to observe the location, size, shape, margin, echogenicity, taller-than-wide sign, microcalcification, and blood flow of thyroid nodules, and then ACR TI-RADS classification was performed. The Young's modulus values (3D-C-Emax, 3D-C-Emean, and elastography standard deviation [3D-C-Esd]) were measured on the reconstructed coronal plane images. According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the best diagnostic efficiency among 3D-C-Emax, 3D-C-Emean, and 3D-C-Esd was selected and the cut-off threshold was calculated. According to the surgical pathology, they were divided into benign group and malignant group. And appropriate statistical methods such as t -test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the difference between the two groups. On this basis, 3D-SWE combined with conventional ACR TI-RADS was reclassified as combined ACR TI-RADS to determine benign or malignant thyroid nodules. RESULTS: Of the 112 thyroid nodules, 62 were malignant and 50 were benign. The optimal cut-off value of three-dimensional maximum Young's modulus in coronal plane (3D-C-Emax) was 51.5 kPa and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.798. The AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of conventional ACR TI-RADS were 0.828, 83.9%, 66.0%, and 75.9%, respectively. The AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of combined ACR TI-RADS were 0.845, 90.3%, 66.0%, and 79.5%, respectively. The difference between the two AUC values was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Combined ACR TI-RADS has higher diagnostic efficiency than conventional ACR TI-RADS. The sensitivity and accuracy of combined ACR TI-RADS showed significant improvements. It can be used as an effective method in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules.
Humans ; Thyroid Nodule/pathology* ; Elasticity Imaging Techniques/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography/methods*

BACKGROUND: There is still uncertainty regarding whether diabetes mellitus (DM) can adversely affect patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for carotid stenosis. The aim of the study was to assess the adverse impact of DM on patients with carotid stenosis treated by CEA. METHODS: Eligible studies published between 1 January 2000 and 30 March 2023 were selected from the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials databases. The short-term and long-term outcomes of major adverse events (MAEs), death, stroke, the composite outcomes of death/stroke, and myocardial infarction (MI) were collected to calculate the pooled effect sizes (ESs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and prevalence of adverse outcomes. Subgroup analysis by asymptomatic/symptomatic carotid stenosis and insulin/noninsulin-dependent DM was performed. RESULTS: A total of 19 studies (n = 122,003) were included. Regarding the short-term outcomes, DM was associated with increased risks of MAEs (ES = 1.52, 95% CI: [1.15-2.01], prevalence = 5.1%), death/stroke (ES = 1.61, 95% CI: [1.13-2.28], prevalence = 2.3%), stroke (ES = 1.55, 95% CI: [1.16-1.55], prevalence = 3.5%), death (ES = 1.70, 95% CI: [1.25-2.31], prevalence =1.2%), and MI (ES = 1.52, 95% CI: [1.15-2.01], prevalence = 1.4%). DM was associated with increased risks of long-term MAEs (ES = 1.24, 95% CI: [1.04-1.49], prevalence = 12.2%). In the subgroup analysis, DM was associated with an increased risk of short-term MAEs, death/stroke, stroke, and MI in asymptomatic patients undergoing CEA and with only short-term MAEs in the symptomatic patients. Both insulin- and noninsulin-dependent DM patients had an increased risk of short-term and long-term MAEs, and insulin-dependent DM was also associated with the short-term risk of death/stroke, death, and MI. CONCLUSIONS In patients with carotid stenosis treated by CEA, DM is associated with short-term and long-term MAEs. DM may have a greater impact on adverse outcomes in asymptomatic patients after CEA. Insulin-dependent DM may have a more significant impact on post-CEA adverse outcomes than noninsulin-dependent DM. Whether DM management could reduce the risk of adverse outcomes after CEA requires further investigation.
Humans ; Endarterectomy, Carotid/adverse effects* ; Carotid Stenosis/surgery* ; Risk Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; Time Factors ; Stents/adverse effects* ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications* ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 ; Stroke/complications* ; Insulin/therapeutic use* ; Myocardial Infarction/complications* ; Risk Assessment