ObjectiveTo explore whether fluoroethylnormemantine （FENM）， an NMDA receptor antagonist， could improve compulsive-like behaviors and to investigate its underlying mechanisms in the RU24969-induced obsessive-compulsive disorder （OCD） mouse model. MethodsThirty-two mice were randomly assigned to four groups： Saline （n=8）， RU24969 （n=8）， RU+FENM （n=8）， and FENM （n=8）. Mice received FENM or an equivalent volume of saline for pre-treatment， followed by RU24969 or saline for model induction 30 minutes later. Behavioral tests were performed 1 hour after modeling， and serum samples were collected to measure the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF）. Evans Blue dye was intravenously injected to assess dye content in brain tissue， thereby evaluating potential blood-brain barrier damage. ResultsFENM treatment significantly improved repetitive stereotyped circling behavior （F=39.850， P＜0.001） and alleviated persistent motor activity （F=50.200， P＜0.001） in RU24969 model mice. Additionally， FENM treatment significantly increased serum BDNF level in RU24969-induced OCD mice （F=18.930， P＜0.001）. ConclusionsFENM ， an NMDA receptor antagonist， may alleviate compulsive behaviors in OCD mice by modulating BDNF levels ， thereby exerting anti-compulsive effects. Neither the RU24969 model nor FENM treatment significantly affectes blood-brain barrier integrity.

In recent years,the infection of nontuberculous mycobacterium(NTM)has been increasing rapidly,which captivates widespread attention.The infection rate of NTM in kidney transplant recipients is more significantly elevated due to the impact of immunosuppressive drugs and other factors.However,due to the lack of sufficient research evidence,relevant guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of NTM after kidney transplantation are still lacking.To further standardize the diagnosis and treatment of NTM disease in kidney transplant recipients,and deepen medical practitioners'understanding and diagnosis and treatment of NTM disease in organ transplantation in China,Branch of Organ Transplantation of Chinese Medical Association organized relevant experts to formulate this guideline by referring to the latest edition of"An official ATS/IDSA statement:diagnosis,treatment,and prevention of nontuberculous mycobacterial diseases","Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Disease",and"Technical Specification for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in Organ Transplant Recipients(2019 Edition)",and considering the characteristics of kidney transplant recipients.

Objective To assess the value of cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR)imaging for predicting adverse left ventricular remodeling in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI).Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data and serial CMR(cine and LGE sequences)images of 86 STEMI patients within 1 week and 5 months after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI),including 25 patients with adverse LV remodeling and 61 without adverse LV remodeling,defined as an increase of left ventricular end-systolic volume(LVESV)over 15%at the second CMR compared to the initial CMR.The CMR images were analyzed for LV volume,infarct characteristics,and global and infarct zone myocardial function.The independent predictors of adverse LV remodeling following STEMI were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Logistic regression methods.Results The initial CMR showed no significant differences in LV volume or LV ejection fraction(LVEF)between the two groups,but the infarct mass and microvascular obstructive(MVO)mass were significantly greater in adverse LV remodeling group(P<0.05).Myocardial injury and cardiac function of the patients recovered over time in both groups.At the second CMR,the patients with adverse LV remodeling showed a significantly lower LVEF,a larger left ventricular end-systolic volume index(LVESVI)and a greater extent of infarct mass(P<0.001)with lower global peak strains and strain rates in the radial,circumferential,and longitudinal directions(P<0.05),infarct zone peak strains in the 3 directions,and infarct zone peak radial and circumferential strain rates(P<0.05).The independent predictors for adverse LV remodeling following STEMI included the extent of infarct mass(AUC=0.793,95%CI:0.693-0.873;cut-off value:30.67%),radial diastolic peak strain rate(AUC=0.645,95%CI:0.534-0.745;cut-off value:0.58%),and RAAS inhibitor(AUC= 0.699,95%CI:0.590-0.793).Conclusion The extent of infarct mass,peak radial diastolic strain rate,and RAAS inhibitor are independent predictors of adverse LV remodeling following STEMI.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics of first-episode and recurrent acute hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis (HTGP).Methods:The retrospective cohort study was con-ducted. The clinical data of 313 patients with HTGP admitted to 26 medical centers in China in the Chinese Acute Pancreatitis Clinical Research Group (CAPCTG)-PERFORM database from November 2020 to December 2021 were collected. There were 219 males and 94 females, aged 38(32,44)years. Of the 313 patients, 193 patients with first-episode HTGP were allocated into the first-episode group and 120 patients with recurrent HTGP were allocated into the recurrent group. Observation indica-tors: (1) propensity score matching and comparison of general data of patients between the two groups after matching; (2) comparison of severity and prognosis in the course of disease within 14 days between the two groups; (3) the association between recurrent HTGP and the risk of persistent organ failure (POF); (4) follow-up. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the independent sample t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M( Q1, Q3), and comparison between groups was conducted using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Count data were expressed as absolute numbers or percentages, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test. Comparison of ordinal data was conducted using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot the cumulative recurrence rate curve and Log-Rank test was used for survival analysis. The Logistic regression model was used for multivariate analysis, and continuous variables were converted into categorical variables according to the mean value or common criteria. Propensity score matching was performed by 1∶1 nearest neighbor matching method, with caliper value of 0.02. Paired t test or Wilcoxon rank sum test and McNemar′s test were used for comparison between matched groups. Results:(1) Propensity score matching and comparison of general data of patients between the two groups after matching. Of the 313 patients,208 cases were successfully matched, including 104 cases in the first-episode group and 104 cases in the recurrent group. After propensity score matching, there was no significant difference in demographic characteristics, severity of illness scores and laboratory test between the two groups ( P>0.05). The elimination of gender, acute physiology and chornic health evaluation (APACHE) Ⅱ score, computed tomography severity index score, systemic inflammatory response syndrome score, sequential organ failure assessment score, apolipoprotein E, C-reactive protein, creatinine, lactic acid dehydrogenase, procal-citonin confounding bias ensured comparability between the two groups. (2) Comparison of severity and prognosis in the course of disease within 14 days between the two groups. There were signifi-cant differences in POF and local complications between the first-episode group and the recurrent group ( P<0.05). (3) The association between recurrent HTGP and the risk of POF. Results of uncor-rected univariate analysis showed that there was no association between recurrent HTGP and the risk of POF ( odds ratio=0.78, 95% confidence interval as 0.46-1.30, P>0.05). Results of multivariate analysis after adjusting for covariates such as gender, age, APACHE Ⅱ score, C-reactive protein, triglyceride and total cholesterol showed that compared with first-episode HTGP, recurrent HTGP was associated with a higher risk of POF ( odds ratio=2.22, 95% confidence interval as 1.05-4.71, P<0.05). Results of subgroup analysis showed that age<40 years was associated with an increased risk of POF ( odds ratio=3.31, 95% confidence interval as 1.09-10.08, P<0.05). (4) Follow-up. Twelve of the 313 patients died during hospitalization, including 9 cases in the first-episode group and 3 cases in the recurrent group. The rest of 301 surviving patients, including 184 cases in the first-episode group and 117 cases in the recurrent group, were followed up for 19.2(15.5, 21.9)months. Results of follow-up showed that for 184 survived patients of the first-episode group, 164 cases were followed up and 24 cases experienced recurrence, for 117 survived patients of the recurrent group,29 cases experienced recurrence, showing a significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=4.67, P<0.05). Conclusion:Compared with first-episode HTGP, patients with recurrent HTGP are more prone to POF and local complications, and are more prone to recurrence after discharge. The risk of POF in recurrent HTGP patients is 2.22 times that of those with first-episode, and the risk is higher in patients with age <40 years.

Objective To assess the value of cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR)imaging for predicting adverse left ventricular remodeling in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI).Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data and serial CMR(cine and LGE sequences)images of 86 STEMI patients within 1 week and 5 months after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI),including 25 patients with adverse LV remodeling and 61 without adverse LV remodeling,defined as an increase of left ventricular end-systolic volume(LVESV)over 15%at the second CMR compared to the initial CMR.The CMR images were analyzed for LV volume,infarct characteristics,and global and infarct zone myocardial function.The independent predictors of adverse LV remodeling following STEMI were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Logistic regression methods.Results The initial CMR showed no significant differences in LV volume or LV ejection fraction(LVEF)between the two groups,but the infarct mass and microvascular obstructive(MVO)mass were significantly greater in adverse LV remodeling group(P<0.05).Myocardial injury and cardiac function of the patients recovered over time in both groups.At the second CMR,the patients with adverse LV remodeling showed a significantly lower LVEF,a larger left ventricular end-systolic volume index(LVESVI)and a greater extent of infarct mass(P<0.001)with lower global peak strains and strain rates in the radial,circumferential,and longitudinal directions(P<0.05),infarct zone peak strains in the 3 directions,and infarct zone peak radial and circumferential strain rates(P<0.05).The independent predictors for adverse LV remodeling following STEMI included the extent of infarct mass(AUC=0.793,95%CI:0.693-0.873;cut-off value:30.67%),radial diastolic peak strain rate(AUC=0.645,95%CI:0.534-0.745;cut-off value:0.58%),and RAAS inhibitor(AUC= 0.699,95%CI:0.590-0.793).Conclusion The extent of infarct mass,peak radial diastolic strain rate,and RAAS inhibitor are independent predictors of adverse LV remodeling following STEMI.

Osteosarcoma, a highly malignant tumor originating from bone tissue, is characterized by a high mortality along with a poor prognosis. The heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in its development and prognosis. Single-cell sequencing technology emerges as a crucial tool in elucidating this heterogeneity by delineating the functional characteristics and gene expression patterns of tumor cells, immune cells, and stromal cells within osteosarcoma tissues. This technology enables the depiction of the intricate interaction network between these cells. Utilizing the high-resolution advantage of single-cell sequencing, novel cell subtypes such as SPP1 (+) macrophages, C1QC (+) macrophages, and CLEC11A (+) B cells have been identified in osteosarcoma tissues, contributing to tumor growth and invasion within the tumor microenvironment. Identification of osteosarcoma stem cell subpopulations suggests that SERPINA1_CSCL1, FUS_CSCL2, and SPP1_CSCL3 populations may serve as the origin of osteosarcoma cells. Moreover, single-cell sequencing has revealed that mregDCs promote immune escape and tumor progression by selectively expressing CCR7, CCL17, CCL19, and CCL22 factors, thereby recruiting Treg cells. Additionally, this technology aids in the development of personalized chemotherapy regimens by pinpointing potential drug resistance targets in osteosarcoma, leading to the establishment of a drug resistance risk score model. In terms of disease prognosis, single-cell sequencing has identified immune infiltration-associated genes in osteosarcoma (e.g., EPHX2, FDPS, GBP1, MMD, ZYX), facilitating the construction of a prognostic analysis model for osteosarcoma patients, thus aiding in prognostic prediction.

BACKGROUND: Islet transplantation is currently considered the most promising method for treating insulin-dependent diabetes. The two most-studied artificial islets are alginate-encapsulated b cells or b cell spheroids. As three-dimensional (3D) models, both artificial islets have better insulin secretory functions and transplantation efficiencies than cells in twodimensional (2D) monolayer culture. However, the effects of these two methods have not been compared yet. Therefore, in this study, cells from the mouse islet b cell line Min6 were constructed as scaffold-free spheroids or alginate-encapsulated dispersed cells. METHODS: MIN6 cell spheroids were prepared by using Agarose-base microwell arrays. The insulin secretion level was determined by mouse insulin ELISA kit, and the gene and protein expression status of the MIN6 were performed by Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot, respectively. RESULTS: Both 3D cultures effectively promoted the proliferation and glucose-stimulated insulin release (GSIS) of MIN6 cells compared to 2D adherent cells. Furthermore, 1% alginate-encapsulated MIN6 cells demonstrated more significant effects than the spheroids. In general, three pancreatic genes were expressed at higher levels in response to the 3D culture than to the 2D culture, and pancreatic/duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX1) expression was higher in the cells encapsulated in 1% alginate than that in the spheroids. A western blot analysis showed that 1% alginate-encapsulated MIN6 cells activated the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/serine/threonine protein kinase (AKT)/forkhead transcription factor FKHR (FoxO1) pathway more than the spheroids, 0.5% alginate-, or 2% alginate-encapsulated cells did. The 3D MIN6 culture, therefore, showed improved effects compared to the 2D culture, and the 1% alginate-encapsulated MIN6 cells exhibited better effects than the spheroids. The upregulation of PDX1 expression through the activation of the PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 pathway may mediate the improved cell proliferation and GSIS in 1% alginate-encapsulated MIN6 cells. CONCLUSION This study may contribute to the construction of in vitro culture systems for pancreatic islets to meet clinical requirements.

Patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) are characterized by asymmetric anatomy, severe calcification and combined aortic dilatation. Compared with tricuspid aortic valve stenosis patients, patients with BAV stenosis confront with greater surgical risks in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), including paravalvular leak, aortic valve rupture, coronary artery obstruction, atrioventricular block and so on. However, with the advent of new generation of prosthetic valves and optimization of surgical strategies, several studies have shown that TAVR is safe and effective in the treatment of BAV stenosis. Therefore, we aim to provide an overview of the use of TAVR in patients with BAV stenosis.

Objective:To explore the effect and mechanism of microRNA (miRNA)-4320 on the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer MGC803 cells.Methods:Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of miR-4320 in four gastric cancer cell lines(MGC803, HS-746T, SGC7901, BGC823) MGC803 cells were infected with recombinant lentivirus carrying miR-4320 interference fragments or blank lentivirus, and set as si-miR-4320 group and NC group. Thiazole blue colorimetry and Transwell small box experiment were used to detect the proliferation and migration of MGC803 cells after miR-4320 was down-regulated. The bioinformatics software RNAhybrid was used to predict the target gene of miR-4320. The targeting relationship between miR-4320 and target gene was verified by dual-luciferase reporter gene experiment. qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of miR-4320 target gene. Measurement data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation ( ± s), and t-test or one-way ANOVA was used for comparison between groups. Results:The expression of miR-4320 in the four gastric cancer cell lines was significantly higher than that of normal gastric mucosal epithelial cells ( P<0.01). The expression of miR-4320 in MGC803 cells in the NC group and the si-miR-4320 group were 8.19±1.00 and 1.09±0.31, respectively. The miR-4320 interference fragment significantly reduced the expression of miR-4320 ( P<0.01). The absorbance of MGC803 cells in the si-miR-4320 group was significantly lower than that of the NC group ( P<0.05), and the migration ability was significantly lower than that of the NC group ( P<0.01). Suppressor of cytokine signaling1 ( SOCSI) is the target gene of miR-4320. Compared with the NC group, the SOCS1 gene expression in the si-miR-4320 group was significantly up-regulated ( P<0.01). Conclusions:The expression of miR-4320 is increased in gastric cancer cell lines. Down-regulating the expression of miR-4320 can inhibit the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer MGC803 cells by inducing the expression of SOCS1 gene.

Objective To investigate the predictive and diagnostic value of absolute value and function of different lymphocyte subsets in evaluating the risk of early viral infection after kidney transplantation. Methods Ninety-five kidney transplant recipients were enrolled in this prospective observational cohort study, and divided into the stable group (n=77) and infection group (n=18) according to postoperative immune status. Peripheral blood samples were collected for flow cytometry before operation, and 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months and 6 months after operation. The dynamic changes of the absolute values of CD4⁺T cells, CD8⁺T cells and natural killer (NK) cells were compared between two groups. The function of lymphocyte subsets in two groups was evaluated by detecting the proportion of interferon (IFN)-γ⁺CD4⁺T cells, IFN-γ⁺CD8⁺T cells and IFN-γ⁺NK cells. The value of the absolute values and function of lymphocyte subsets in predicting and diagnosing viral infection in the early stage after kidney transplantation was evaluated. Results During viral infection, the absolute values of CD4⁺T cells, CD8⁺T cells and NK cells in the infection group were at a relatively low level. At 2 months after operation, the absolute values of CD4⁺T cells and NK cells in the infection group were lower than those in the stable group. At 6 months after operation, the absolute values of CD4⁺T cells and CD8⁺T cells in the infection group were significantly lower compared with those in the stable group (all P < 0.05). During viral infection, the proportion of IFN-γ⁺CD4⁺T cells, IFN-γ⁺CD8⁺T cells and IFN-γ⁺NK cells in the infection group were all at a relatively low level, especially that of IFN-γ⁺CD8⁺T cells decreased most significantly. At postoperative 2 months, the proportion of IFN-γ⁺CD8⁺T cells and IFN-γ⁺NK cells in the infection group was significantly higher than those in the stable group. At 6 months after operation, the proportion of IFN-γ⁺CD4⁺T cells and IFN-γ⁺CD8⁺T cells in the infection group was significantly higher than those in the stable group (all P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the increasing proportion of IFN-γ⁺CD8⁺T cells and IFN-γ⁺NK cells was correlated with the increasing risk of viral infection at 2 months after operation (both P < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve demonstrated that the diagnostic value of absolute values of lymphocyte subsets combined with IFN-γ secretion function for viral infection in the immunocompromised recipients was significantly higher than that of absolute values of lymphocyte subsets alone (P < 0.05). Conclusions Dynamic monitoring of the changes of absolute values and function of lymphocyte subsets provides critical reference value for the prediction, diagnosis and medication guidance of viral infection.