Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α), a core transcription factor responding to changes in cellular oxygen levels, is closely associated with a wide range of physiological and pathological conditions. However, its differential impacts on vascular cell types and molecular programs modulating human vascular homeostasis and regeneration remain largely elusive. Here, we applied CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing of human embryonic stem cells and directed differentiation to generate HIF-1α-deficient human vascular cells including vascular endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as a platform for discovering cell type-specific hypoxia-induced response mechanisms. Through comparative molecular profiling across cell types under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, we provide insight into the indispensable role of HIF-1α in the promotion of ischemic vascular regeneration. We found human MSCs to be the vascular cell type most susceptible to HIF-1α deficiency, and that transcriptional inactivation of ANKZF1, an effector of HIF-1α, impaired pro-angiogenic processes. Altogether, our findings deepen the understanding of HIF-1α in human angiogenesis and support further explorations of novel therapeutic strategies of vascular regeneration against ischemic damage.
Humans ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism* ; Endothelial Cells/metabolism* ; Transcription Factors/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Hypoxia/metabolism* ; Cell Hypoxia/physiology*

ObjectiveTo explore the impact of autonomic nerve function on motor function in patients with post-stroke depression (PSD) from the perspective of regional homogeneity (ReHo). MethodsFrom January to December, 2020, a total of 60 inpatients and outpatients with cerebral infarction in the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were divided into control group (n = 30) and PSD group (n = 30). Two groups were assessed using Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), modified Barthel Index (MBI) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured. Ten patients in each group were selected randomly to undergo resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) to calculate ReHo. ResultsAll HRV indices were lower in PSD group than in the control group (|t| > 2.092, P < 0.05). In PSD group, FMA and MBI scores showed positive correlations with 24-hour standard deviation of normal-to-normal R-R intervals (SDNN), the root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats over 24 hours (RMSSD), the percentage of differences between adjacent normal R-R intervals over 24 hours that were greater than 50 ms (PNN50), total power (TP), very low frequency power (VLF) and low frequency power (LF) (r > 0.394, P < 0.05), and showed negative correlations with HAMD scores (|r| > 0.919, P < 0.001). HAMD scores in PSD group were negatively correlated with SDNN, RMSSD, PNN50, TP and VLF (|r| > 0.769, P < 0.001). Compared with the control group, the ReHo increased in PSD group in the right rectus gyrus (142 voxels, t = 6.575), the left medial and paracingulate gyri (204 voxels, t = 4.925) (GRF correction, P_-Voxel < 0.005，P_-Cluster < 0.05); and reduced in the right cerebellum (191 voxels, t = -6.487), the left middle temporal gyrus (140 voxels, t = -5.516), and the left precentral gyrus (119 voxels, t = -4.764) (GRF correction, P_-Voxel < 0.005，P_-Cluster < 0.05) in PSD group. ConclusionAutonomic nerve function is related to motor dysfunction in patients with PSD. The modulation of emotional, cognitive and motor brain regions by the autonomic nervous system may play a role in influencing the motor function in patients with PSD.

ObjectiveTo investigate whether paeonol exerts a protective effect on mice with alcoholic liver injury by regulating the takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5 （TGR5）/protein kinase A （PKA）/cAMP response binding element （CREB） signaling pathway mediated by Eubacterium. MethodC57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups： normal group， model group， paeonol group （480 mg·kg^-1）， antibiotic group （Abs group）， and antibiotic + paeonol group. Lieber-DeCarli liquid was used to feed C57BL/6 mice on the second day of modeling for 10 days. The blood lipids， liver function， inflammatory factors， and oxidative stress levels in mice were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin staining （HE） and oil red O staining were used to observe the morphological changes and fat accumulation in liver tissue. 16S rDNA sequencing was used to detect the diversity of intestinal microbiota in the blank， model， and paeanol groups. Western blot was used to detect the effect of paeonol on the expression levels of protein related to the signaling pathway of atresia band protein 1 （ZO-1）， Claudin-1， and TGR5/PKA/CREB in mouse ileal tissue. ResultCompared with those in the blank group， the blood lipids， liver function， oxidative stress levels， and the expression of inflammatory factors in the model group increased （P<0.01）， and the liver fat vacuoles were obvious. The ileal mucosa was seriously damaged， and the protein contents of ZO-1， Claudin-1， and TGR5/PKA/CREB in the ileal tissue decreased significantly （P<0.01）. The intestinal microbiota changed， and the proteobacteria phylum increased significantly. The ratio of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes decreased. The relative abundance of Dubosiella newyorkensis， Lactobacillus， Bifidobacterium， and other genera decreased， while the relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella， Morganella， Providencia， and Proteus increased significantly. Compared with the model group， paeonol significantly reduced the blood lipids， liver function， oxidative stress levels， and expression of inflammatory factors in mice with alcohol diet-induced liver injury （P<0.05）， decreased liver fat vacuoles， improved and restored the ileal intestinal barrier， and restored the normal structure of hepatocytes and ileal cells. The intestinal microbiota disorder caused by alcohol was improved， and the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Eubacterium spp. was increased. The protein expression levels of ZO-1， Claudin-1， and TGR5/PKA/CREB in ileal tissue were increased （P<0.05）. ConclusionPaeonol has a protective effect on alcoholic liver injury in mice， and the mechanism of action is achieved by regulating the Eubacterium-mediated TGR5/PKA/CREB signaling pathway to ensure anti-inflammatory effect and improve the intestinal barrier.

Objective To observe the effect of ultrasound-guided anterior quadratus lumborum block at lateral supra-arcuate ligament(QLB-LSAL)and transversus abdominis plane block(TAPB)on analgesia and recovery quality after laparoscopic partial hepatectomy(LPH).Methods Fifty-eight patients underwent elective LPH were selected and divided into the quadratus lumborum group or the transversus abdominis group randomly,with 29 patients in each group.The quadratus lumborum group received bilateral QLB-LSAL,and the transversus abdominis group received bilateral subcostal TAPB block before surgery.Both groups received 20 mL of 0.33%ropivacaine on each side.All patients used patient-controlled intravenous analgesia(PCIA)postoperatively.The numeric rating scale(NRS)scores for rest and movement were recorded at 2,4,6,12,24 and 48 hours postoperatively,as well as the Quality of Recovery-15(QoR-15)scores at 1 day preoperatively,1 and 3 days postoperatively.The perioperative anesthetic agent consumption,PCIA pressing frequency,remedial analgesia use in 48 h,postoperative nausea and vomiting(PONV)incidence and time of first out-of-bed mobilization were also recorded.Results Compared with the transversus abdominis group,the quadratus lumborum group had lower movement NRS scores at 2,4,6,12,24 and 48 hours postoperatively,and lower rest NRS scores at 2,4,6,12 and 24 hours postoperatively(P＜0.05).The quadratus lumborum group had higher QoR-15 scores at 1 and 3 days postoperatively(P＜0.05).Patients in the quadratus lumborum group had reduced perioperative remifentanil and sufentanil consumption,postoperative 48-hour rescue analgesia use,PCIA pressing frequency,PONV incidence and time of first out-of-bed mobilization(P＜0.05).Conclusion QLB-LSAL block provides superior analgesic effects and recovery quality compared to TAPB block after LPH.

With the continuous development of medical science and the widespread use of antibiotics,the problem of bacterial resistance is increasing,especially the increasing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae(CRE)infection,and the high mortality rate,which brings great challenges to clinical treatment.In this paper,the mechanism of drug resistance,existing antibac-terial drugs,and exploratory treatment options for CRE are reviewed,and the research progress in treating CRE infection is dis-cussed to provide more reliable evidence and a theoretical basis for clinical practice.

Objective To investigate the relationship between polymorphism of resistin(RETN)gene and metabolic associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)patients in middle and high altitude areas.Methods A total of 400 patients with T2DM in Qinghai area were recruited and divided into simple T2DM group(T2DM,n=200)and T2DM combined with MAFLD group(T2DM+ MAFLD,n=200)according to liver ultrasonography.Healthy individuals confirmed by physical examination were selected as the normal control group(NC,n=180).Plasma resistin levels were measured by ELISA.The polymorphism of RETN-420C/G and +299G/A genes were detected by PCR sequencing.Results By comparing the polymorphism of RETN-420C/G gene in each group,it was found that the frequencies of G/G genotype and G allele frequency in T2DM+MAFLD group were higher than those in NC group and T2DM group(P<0.05),while the frequencies of C/C genotype and C allele frequency were lower than those in NC group and T2DM group(P<0.05).The risk of MAFLD increased by 1.571,2.126 and 1.537 times respectively in T2DM patients with C/G,G/G genotype and G allele.Logistic regression analysis showed that G/G genotype was a risk factor for MAFLD in T2DM patients.By comparing the polymorphism of RETN+299G/A gene in each group,it was found that A allele frequency in T2DM+MAFLD group was higher than that in NC group and T2DM group,while G allele frequency was lower than that in NC group and T2DM group(P<0.05).The allele A increased the risk of MAFLD in T2DM patients by 1.432 times compared to allele G.Conclusion RETN gene-420C/G locus G/G genotype increases the risk of T2DM combined with MAFLD in middle and high altitudeareas.

As the continuation of the left ventricle,the left atrium and left ventricle interact and play an important role in the function of the whole heart.At present,there are many techniques to evaluate the atrial structure and function,but the left atrial structure is complex and the myocardium is thin,which brings some challenges to the relevant evaluation.This paper introduces the parameters,precautions and relevant clinical applications in the process of left atrial evaluation from the aspects of myocardial strain and delayed enhancement.

Objective:To discuss the clinical curative effect of the treatment of bundling bone fragment with figure-of-eight suture through double bone tunnels in the chronic bong mallet finger.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on patients with chronic bong mallet fingers who underwent surgery in the Department of Hand and Foot Microsurgery of Nanjing Jiangbei Hospital from May 2021 to February 2023. During the procedure, made into transverse double bone tunnels on the base of the distal phalanx with 0. 8 mm Kirschner wire, bundling bone fragment with figure-of-eight suture through double bone tunnels, then fixed with Kirschner wire elastic compression. Removal of the Kirschner wire 3 weeks after the procedure, the active flexion and extension range of the joints of the affected finger and the corresponding finger were measured at the last follow-up, then the range of motion (ROM) of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) and total action movement (TAM) of the fingers (affected and healthy finger) were recorded. The curative effects were evaluated according to the TAM system of the American Association of Hand Surgeons, including 4 grades: excellent, good, fair, and poor. SPSS 13. 0 software was used for statistical analysis of the data, and the measurement data conforming to normal distribution were expressed as Mean ± SD. The ROM of DIPJ and TAM of the affected finger were compared with the corresponding healthy finger 6 months after surgery by a paired sample t test. P<0. 05 indicates that the difference is statistically significant. Results:A total of 30 patients (30 digits) were enrolled, including 19 males and 11 females, and the age ranged from 18 to 62 years old, with an average age of 31 years old. The time from injury to operation was 24 to 65 days (mean of 35 days) . According to Wehbe and Schneider classification, there were 8 cases of type Ⅰa, 6 cases of type Ⅰb, 7 cases of type Ⅱa, 5 cases of type Ⅱb, 2 cases of type Ⅲa and 2 cases of type Ⅲb. All incisions healed well, the intraoperative blood loss was minimal, with no infection. All 30 cases were followed up for 6 to 7 months. All fractures were well aligned and healed, malformed fingers were completely corrected, and no needle tunnel infection or needle breakage were observed. At the last follow-up, the differences of the ROM of the DIPJ [ (30. 2±3. 5) °vs. (30. 4±3. 3) °, t=2. 57, P=0. 463] and the TAM [ (235. 3± 3. 6) ° vs. (237. 7± 4. 2) °, t=1. 78, P= 0. 247 ] between the affected and healthy fingers were not statistically significant. Finger function assessment: 27 cases were excellent, and 3 cases were good, and the excellent and good rate was 100%. Conclusion:Satisfactory therapeutic outcome for the treatment of chronic bong mallet finger deformity can be achieved by bundling bone fragment with figure-of-eight suture through double bone tunnels. It is an effective and practical method.

Objective To explore the correlations between serum soluble growth stimulation gene 2 protein (sST2), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the degree of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods A total of 205 patients with acute ischemic stroke were selected as study group, and were divided into mild group with 100 cases, moderate group with 70 cases, and severe group with 35 cases according to the severity of carotid atherosclerosis. Another 150 healthy people who received physical examination during the same period were selected as control group. Serum levels of sST2 and BNP were compared among all groups. The correlations of sST2 and BNP levels with the degree of carotid atherosclerosis were analyzed. The influencing factors of different degree of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke were analyzed. The predictive value of sST2 combined with BNP on the degree of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke was analyzed. Results The serum sST2 level of the study group was significantly lower than that of the control group, and the serum BNP level was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The sST2 levels in moderate and severe groups were significantly lower, BNP levels were significantly higher than that in the mild group (P < 0.05). BNP level in the severe group was significantly higher, sST2 level was significantly lower than that in the moderate group (P < 0.05). The degree of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke was correlated with age, history of hypertension, history of smoking, history of diabetes, levels of total cholesterol (TC), C-reactive protein (CRP), homocysteine (Hcy) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) (P < 0.05). Age, hypertension history, smoking history, diabetes history, TC, CRP, Hcy, LDL, BNP and sST2 were the influencing factors for degree of carotid atherosclerosis (P < 0.05). Serum BNP level was positively correlated with the degree of carotid atherosclerosis, while sST2 level was negatively correlated with the degree of carotid atherosclerosis (P < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) for the combined prediction of sST2 and BNP was significantly greater than that for the individual prediction of sST2 and BNP (P < 0.001). Conclusion Clinical observation of the changes in serum levels of sST2 and BNP in patients with acute ischemic stroke can effectively assess the progression of the disease, which is beneficial for improving the severity of carotid atherosclerosis in patients. The combined assessment of sST2 and BNP shows good diagnostic performance for evaluating the severity of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

ObjectiveTo analyze the scores of the second-tier assessment on theory of competency of Traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM） physicians based on cognitive diagnostic model， and to provide a reference for cognitive diagnostic studies of large-scale medical examinations. MethodsCognitive diagnostic analyses were conducted by selecting the responses of 16，310 candidates who took the theory examination of the second-tier assessment on the competency of TCM physicians in 2023. The degree of fit between the topological deterministic input noise and gate model （G-DINA model） and the examination data was examined； item parameter analysis and reliability analysis were conducted under the cognitive diagnostic framework； the candidates' mastery of cognitive attributes was comprehensively analysed at different levels. ResultsThe mean score of 16，310 candidates in this study was （189.76 ± 40.86）， and a total of 9，994 candidates passed this examination， with a pass rate of 61.28 %. The total number of questions in the examination was 300， and among the five modules， the frequency of assessment of TCM fundamentals was the highest （132 questions， 44%）， followed by TCM clinic （87 questions， 29%）， Western medicine fundamentals （60 questions， 20%）， and TCM classics （12 questions， 4%） and medical humanities （9 questions， 3%） was less. The results of the model fit index showed that the area under the curve （AUC） of the G-DINA model was 0.98， indicating that the model fit the study data excellently. The results of item parameter analysis showed that all the discriminations of the cognitive diagnostic model for the 300 test questions were greater than 0， with an average discrimination of 0.25， and the overall performance of the question discriminations was good. The results of the reliability analysis showed that the test level classification accuracy was 0.75， and the attribute level classification accuracy was 0.83 to 0.99， indicating that the G-DINA model has high attribute classification accuracy. The results of the cognitive diagnostic analyses showed that the proportion of candidates who had passed the exam was higher for the cognitive attributes of each module compared to those who had not passed the exam. ConclusionThe analysis of large-scale TCM examinations based on cognitive diagnosis can provide support for improving the quality of TCM talent education and cultivation.