Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury （MIRI） is a common cardiac pathological process， resulting from the combined effects of multiple mechanisms involving metabolic changes and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial quality control （MQC）， as a key regulatory mechanism， may serve as an important target for the prevention and treatment of MIRI. In recent years， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has demonstrated unique advantages in the field of improving MIRI， with multiple targets， multiple pathways， and low toxic and side effects. It has gained widespread clinical recognition and application. Through systematically organizing and summarizing recent studies on the targeting of MQC by monomers， active fractions， herb pairs， compound formulas and related preparations of TCM to improve MIRI， this paper finds that monomers and active fractions of TCM （such as schisandrin B， isoliquiritigenin， calenduloside E， berberine， Lycium barbarum polysaccharides and so on） as well as TCM herb pairs， compound formulas， and related preparations （couplet medicinals of Fuzi-Ganjiang， Yixin formula， Shuangshen ningxin capsule， Baijin formula， Yiqi huoxue decoction and so on）， can alleviate MIRI by activating MQC to reduce oxidative stress-induced damage， promote mitochondrial biogenesis， maintain mitochondrial fission/fusion homeostasis， regulate mitochondrial autophagy， and restore mitochondrial calcium homeostasis.

Background::Hypertension and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) share several pathophysiologic risk factors, and the exact relationship between the two remains unclear. Our study aims to provide evidence concerning the relationship between hypertension and NAFLD by analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018 and Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.Methods::Weighted multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was applied to assess the relationship between hypertension and NAFLD risk by using data from the NHANES 2017-2018. Subsequently, a two-sample MR study was performed using the genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics to identify the causal association between hypertension, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and NAFLD. The primary inverse variance weighted (IVW) and other supplementary MR approaches were conducted to verify the causal association between hypertension and NAFLD. Sensitivity analyses were adopted to confirm the robustness of the results.Results::A total of 3144 participants were enrolled for our observational study in NHANES. Weighted multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis suggested that hypertension was positively related to NAFLD risk (odds ratio [OR] = 1.677; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.159-2.423). SBP ≥130 mmHg and DBP ≥80 mmHg were also significantly positively correlated with NAFLD. Moreover, hypertension was independently connected with liver steatosis ( β = 7.836 [95% CI, 2.334-13.338]). The results of MR analysis also supported a causal association between hypertension (OR = 7.203 [95% CI, 2.297-22.587]) and NAFLD. Similar results were observed for the causal exploration between SBP (OR = 1.024 [95% CI, 1.003-1.046]), DBP (OR = 1.047 [95% CI, 1.005-1.090]), and NAFLD. The sensitive analysis further confirmed the robustness and reliability of these findings (all P >0.05). Conclusion::Hypertension was associated with an increased risk of NAFLD.

Background::Heterotaxy (HTX) is a thoracoabdominal organ anomaly syndrome and commonly accompanied by congenital heart disease (CHD). The aim of this study was to analyze rare copy number variations (CNVs) in a HTX/CHD cohort and to examine the potential mechanisms contributing to HTX/CHD.Methods::Chromosome microarray analysis was used to identify rare CNVs in a cohort of 120 unrelated HTX/CHD patients, and available samples from parents were used to confirm the inheritance pattern. Potential candidate genes in CNVs region were prioritized via the DECIPHER database, and PNPLA4 was identified as the leading candidate gene. To validate, we generated PNPLA4-overexpressing human induced pluripotent stem cell lines as well as pnpla4-overexpressing zebrafish model, followed by a series of transcriptomic, biochemical and cellular analyses. Results::Seventeen rare CNVs were identified in 15 of the 120 HTX/CHD patients (12.5%). Xp22.31 duplication was one of the inherited CNVs identified in this HTX/CHD cohort, and PNPLA4 in the Xp22.31 was a candidate gene associated with HTX/CHD. PNPLA4 is expressed in the lateral plate mesoderm, which is known to be critical for left/right embryonic patterning as well as cardiomyocyte differentiation, and in the neural crest cell lineage. Through a series of in vivo and in vitro analyses at the molecular and cellular levels, we revealed that the biological function of PNPLA4 is importantly involved in the primary cilia formation and function via its regulation of energy metabolism and mitochondria-mediated ATP production. Conclusions::Our findings demonstrated a significant association between CNVs and HTX/CHD. Our data strongly suggested that an increased genetic dose of PNPLA4 due to Xp22.31 duplication is a disease-causing risk factor for HTX/CHD.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in children is one of the most common hereditary cardiomyopathies caused by gene mutations encoding cardiac carcomeric proteins. It is mainly characterized by ventricular hypertrophy and non-enlarged cardiac chambers, with a potential risk of sudden cardiac death. Usually, the assessment is based on the general condition, clinical symptoms, imaging examination results, family history, and genetic testing of the patients, thereby providing a basis for judging the risk of sudden cardiac death, and then identifying the risk factors for sudden cardiac death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Based on the relevant domestic and foreign literature in recent years and the accumulated work experience in the department of cardiology of Beijing Children's Hospital, these risk factors are divided into major and minor risk factors. A comprehensive understanding of these risk factors can guide the clinical early warning of high-risk children with possible sudden death, which is helpful for more accurate assessment of the prognosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in children and the implementation of targeted intervention. This article reviewed the research progress of related risk factors for the prognosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in children.

Nipah virus(NipahVirus,NiV)is a zoonotic virus that can cause encephalitis and severe respiratory symptoms in humans and animals,and is at risk of being introduced into China.At present,there are many factors related to the transmission of Nipah virus disease(NVD),but the actual effects of these factors are controversial.Therefore,with the help of meta-analysis,this paper aims to determine the current mortality and the main means of transmission of NVD,so as to pro-vide reference for the input of controlling Nipah virus disease and making emergency plans for pre-vention and control in our country.By searching the articles published in Pubmed,Embase,Web of knowledge,CNKI,VIP Chinese Sci-tech Journals Database and Wanfang Database up to December 31,2022,the literature of cross-sectional,cohort and case-control studies with NiV encephalitis fa-tality rate(CFR)and risk factors were selected.Results showed that a total of 25 literatures were included in the meta-analysis after retrieval and screening,and the fatality rate of NiV encephalitis was 64.6％(95％CI,60.8-68.2;I2=96.8％).Subgroup analysis showed that tree climbing(OR=1.43;95％CI:1.05-1.96),bats were seen near their nighttime residence(OR=2.38;95％CI:1.74-3.25)and direct contact with date palm SAP(OR=6.01;95％CI:4.07-8.89)Bananas(OR=2.25;95％CI:1.31-3.85)OR porcine(OR=11.87;95％CI:1.15-122.23)was significantly associated with NiV encephalitis.The results of this study suggest that NiV encephalitis has a high mortality rate,and tree climbing,nocturnal exposure to bats,and exposure to pig,banana,and date palm SAP increase the risk of NiV encephalitis.In order to prevent NiV transmission,epidemic surveillance,education and publicity should be strengthened and protective measures should be taken.

Cardiogenic syncope in children is common in clinic and is highly regarded because of its high risk of sudden death.The main causes of cardiogenic syncope in children are organic and arrhythmia.In the diagnosis of syncope in children, the clinical characteristics and the primary diagnosis of the etiology of cardiogenic syncope should be emphasized.Holter electrocardiogram and intracardiac electrophysiology are indispensable in arrhythmia syncope.Cardiac ultrasound and cardiac MRI in syncope with structural heart disease is importance.Genetic testing is highly recognized.Different causes of cardiogenic syncope should be treated in different ways.The aim of this review was to improve the ability of the clinician to identify cardiogenic syncope quickly and accurately, so as to improve the treatment of such children.

Objective:To investigate the pathogenic genes, clinical features and treatment as well as follow-up of children with congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS).Methods:The clinical data, genetic test results and follow-up data of 16 congenital LQTS children with syncope as the first manifestation admitted to the Department of Cardiology, Beijing Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from August 2016 to March 2023 were collected and retrospectively analyzed.Results:Among the 16 LQTS patients, the age of first syncope onset was 1.3-13.3 (7.37±3.41) years, and the interval between first syncope onset and clinical diagnosis was 0-48 (14.8±16.2) months.A total of 13 (81.3%) patients had triggers of syncope, of which nine were exercise-induced and four were emotional induced.Genetic testing was performed in 13 patients with LQTS, of which 12 (92.3%) were found to have pathogenic or suspected pathogenic mutations from KCNQ1, KCNH2, and SCN5A gene.The corrected QT interval of 16 patients was (550.0±50.2) ms, all cases≥460 ms.Schwartz scored 6.0 (5.0, 6.0) points, all cases≥4 points.All patients were initially treated with metoprolol or propranolol, of which 14 patients were followed up to date, three patients had recurrent syncope, and five patients stopped taking the medicines by themselves.One patient with high-dose metoprolol (LQT2) was treated with mexiletine after recurrent episodes.One patient who was intolerant to high-dose propranolol underwent left cardiac sympathectomy and was followed up after surgery without syncope episodes.None of the patients underwent implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation. Conclusion:Children with LQTS and syncope symptoms have high positive rate of genetic tests.The genetic results could assist typing of patients with LQTS and guide treatment.Routine electrocardiogram screening in children with syncope may diagnose LQTS earlier and reduce misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.β-blockers are the cornerstone of treatment for patients with LQTS.Strengthening follow-up management and improving patients′ treatment compliance is conducive to further improving the treatment response rate of patients.

Objective:To analyze the clinical features and follow-up of children with cardiogenic syncope (CS), and accurately and efficiently guide clinical diagnosis as well as improve the prognosis of children with CS.Methods:Ninety-eight children with CS who were hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology, Beijing Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from April 1, 2016 to June 31, 2023 were selected as the study objects.According to the etiology type, the children with CS were divided into arrhythmia group, organic cardiovascular disease group and mixed group.The causes of syncope episodes, type of aura, frequency of syncope at first diagnosis, duration of loss of consciousness, concomitant symptoms, past history, family history, physical examination and follow-up were collected and statistically analyzed in each group.Results:A total of 98 children with CS were included, including 59 males and 39 females.The age of first onset was (8.69±3.90) years old.There were 60 cases in arrhythmia group, 18 cases in organic cardiovascular disease group and 20 cases in mixed group.There were no statistically significant differences among three groups of children in whether had inducement, whether had aura, incidence of aura types, duration of loss of consciousness, incidence of urinary and fecal incontinence and associated symptoms of fall injury, incidence of liver macrosis, and recurrence of syncope during follow-up.The children in arrhythmia group were more likely to induce syncope due to intense exercise than those in mixed group ( χ2=9.785, P<0.05). Compared with the organic cardiovascular disease group and the mixed group, the number of syncope attacks in the arrhythmia group was more than five times at the first diagnosis ( P=0.020). Compared with the organic cardiovascular disease group, the children in mixed group and arrhythmia group were more likely to have accompanying symptoms during syncope( P<0.05), and the incidences of convulsion were the higher in both groups.The positive signs of heart in mixed group were more than those in arrhythmia group and organic cardiovascular disease group( P<0.05). Compared with arrhythmia group, facial cyanosis was more common in mixed group and organic cardiovascular disease group ( P<0.05). Of the 87 children with CS who were followed up regularly, 73 (83.9%) did not have recurrent syncope after timely treatment and regular outpatient medication adjustment. Conclusion:Children with CS have special clinical characteristics, such as syncope is easily induced by strenuous exercise or emotional excitement, syncope is often preceded by no aura of seizure, loss of consciousness lasts for a relatively short period of time, the main accompanying symptom of syncope is convulsions, positive cardiac signs can be seen on physical examination, and there can be cardiac disorders in the past history or sudden death in the family history.It is of great significance to improve the diagnosis and prognosis of children with CS by mastering its characteristics and giving timely and appropriate treatment.

Pyroptosis is a type of programmed cell death distincted from apoptosis and necrosis, which is accompanied by the lysis of cell membranes and the release of cell contents. Pyroptosis occurs as mediated by Gasdermin protein family and is dependent on the activity of caspase. GSDME is one of the most important members of the Gasdermin protein superfamily. GSDME-mediated pyroptosis relies on the activity of caspase-3. In recent years, with further research on pyroptosis, the mechanism of GSDME-induced pyroptosis is becoming clear. Numerous studies have shown that GSDME-mediated pyroptosis plays an important role in the occurrence and development of tumors, as well as chemotherapy resistance. However, GSDME-mediated pyroptosis has no specificity and can induce pyroptosis of normal cells in the body while inducing tumor cell pyroptosis, thus causing different degrees of damage to various organs of the body. Further study on the mechanism of GSDME-induced pyroptosis, the role of GSDME in malignant tumors and the adverse reactions of chemotherapy can provide new ideas for tumor monitoring, treatment and prognosis judgment.

OBJECTIVE: To provide prenatal diagnosis, pedigree analysis and genetic counseling for a pregnant woman who had given birth to a child featuring global developmental delay. METHODS: A pregnant woman who underwent prenatal diagnosis at the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University in August 2021 was selected as the study subject. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the woman, her husband and child, in addition with amniotic fluid sample during mid-pregnancy. Genetic variants were detected by G-banded karyotyping analysis and copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq). Pathogenicity of the variant was predicted based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). Candidate variant was traced in the pedigree to assess the recurrence risk. RESULTS: The karyotypes of the pregnant woman, her fetus, and affected child were 46,XX,ins(18)(p11.2q21q22), 46,X?,rec(18)dup(18)(q21q22)ins(18)(p11.2q21q22)mat and 46,XY,rec(18)del(18)(q21q22)ins(18)(p11.2q21q22)mat, respectively. Her husband was found to have a normal karyotype. CNV-seq has revealed a 19.73 Mb duplication at 18q21.2-q22.3 in the fetus and a 19.77 Mb deletion at 18q21.2-q22.3 in her child. The duplication and deletion fragments were identical to the insertional fragment in the pregnant woman. Based on the ACMG guidelines, the duplication and deletion fragments were both predicted to be pathogenic. CONCLUSION The intrachromosomal insertion of 18q21.2-q22.3 carried by the pregnant woman had probably given rise to the 18q21.2-q22.3 duplication and deletion in the two offspring. Above finding has provided a basis for genetic counseling for this pedigree.
Child ; Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; East Asian People ; Pedigree ; Prenatal Diagnosis/methods* ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 18/genetics* ; Male ; Fetus ; INDEL Mutation