wei liu

The purpose of this study was to assess the risk factors and clinical characteristics of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in elderly hemodialysis patients.

Elderly patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) at Deqing County People’s Hospital in Zhejiang, China, from May 2020 to May 2023 were enrolled in this study. They were divided into two groups depending on the occurrence of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events: the case group and the control group.

A total of 106 patients were enrolled in this study. Among them, 49 patients experienced cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events, resulting in an incidence rate of 46.23%. According to whether cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events occurred, 57 patients were assigned to the control group, and 49 patients were assigned to the case group. Comparing the basic information and clinical indicators of the two groups, significant differences were observed in patients with hypertensive nephropathy and diabetic nephropathy (P < .05). There were also significant differences in dialysis duration, smoking history, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, uric acid, blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG), C-reactive protein (CRP), and PTH (parathyroid hormone) levels and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), between the two groups (P < .05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that longer dialysis duration, higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures, elevated uric acid, TC, TG, LDL-C, PTH, and blood glucose levels, smoking history, elevated PLR, and CRP were independent risk factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. The ROC curve showed that these risk factors predicted cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients.

Patients with underlying diseases such as hypertensive or diabetic nephropathy are more likely to experience cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Longer dialysis duration, higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures, elevated uric acid, TC, TG, LDL-C, PTH and blood glucose levels, and boosted inflammatory reaction are risk factors for these events among elderly HD patients. The purpose of this study is to provide practical guidelines for clinical treatment. Comprehensive measures such as active intervention of risk factors, rational drug use and regular examination should be taken to improve the overall health level to the greatest extent for elderly patients with high-risk HD.

To investigate the effects and mechanisms of ivabradine (IVA) on isoprenaline-induced cardiac injury.

Forty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, high-dose IVA group, and low-dose IVA group. The control group was given saline, other groups were given subcutaneous injections of isoproterenol (ISO) 5 mg/kg/d to make the myocardial remodeling model. A corresponding dose of IVA (high dose 50 mg/kg/d, low dose 10 mg/kg/d) was given by gavage (30 days). A transthoracic echocardiogram was obtained to detect the structure and function of the heart. An electron microscope was used to explore the cardiomyocytes’ apoptosis and autophagy. HE staining and Masson’s trichrome staining were performed to explore myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis. Western blot was used to detect Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3, Becline-1, LC3, phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38MAPK), phosphorylated extracellular regulated protein kinases1/2 (p-ERK1/2), phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the myocardium.

Heart rate in the IVA groups was reduced, and the trend of heart rate reduction was more obvious in the high-dose group. Echocardiography showed that IVA improved the cardiac structure and function compared to the model group. IVA attenuated cardiac fibrosis, decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and increased autophagy. The phosphorylated MAPK in the ISO-induced groups was increased. IVA treatment decreased the p-p38MAPK level. There were no differences in p-ERK and p-JNK levels.

The beneficial effects of IVA on myocardial injury are related to blocking the p38MAPK signal pathway, decreasing cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and increasing cardiomyocyte autophagy.

Neonatal pneumonia (NP) is a frequently occurring illness during the neonatal phase. The study investigated the molecular process and the role of microRNA (miR)-29a-3p in NP. Peripheral blood was collected from NP patients and healthy newborns. Human lung fibroblasts cell line (WI-38) were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)) to establish a cellular model for NP. Then, miR-29a-3p and Krüppel-like Factor 4 (KLF4) levels were detected by RT-qPCR or Western blot. The relationship between miR-29a-3p and KLF4 was confirmed by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. Cell survival was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, whereas the levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-1β were quantified using ELISA. Additionally, apoptosis was evaluated through flow cytometry. Meanwhile, Bax and Bcl-2 were detected by RT-qPCR. Neonatal rats were administered LPS intraperitoneally (3 mg/kg) to induce NP, and pathological injury and inflammatory reaction were analyzed. MiR-29a-3p was elevated but KLF4 was silenced in NP patient’s serum, LPS-treated WI-38 cell line, and LPS-treated newborn rats. Silence of miR-29a-3p or elevation of KLF4 constrained cell proliferation with inflammation of LPS-treated WI-38 cell line. MiR-29a-3p immediately targeted KLF4. Additionally, silence of miR-29a-3p alleviated LPS-stimulated lung injury and inflammation in neonatal rats. The protective action of silenced miR-29a-3p in LPS-treated WI-38 cell line and newborn rats was turned around by silencing KLF4. This study demonstrates originally that miR-29a-3p boosts inflammatory damage in NP via targeting KLF4, offering a basis for clinically diagnosing and treating NP.

In recent years, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained attention in the biomedical field, particularly as drug carriers for treating tumors. Therefore, we decided to synthesize a novel benzoic acid Zn-based MOF and study the Zn-based MOFs' drug-delivery properties and the drug-delivery system's anticancer effects. This study successfully synthesized a zinc-based MOF using solvent thermal synthesis. The crystal structure of a Zn-based MOF was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Subsequently, the results of UV spectrophotometry showed that Doxorubicin was successfully loaded with a loading amount of 33.74%. Furthermore, the drug release experiments demonstrated that the Zn-based MOF was pH-sensitive, releasing more at a pH of 3.8 than at pH 5.8 or 7.4. Finally, the Zn-based MOF loaded with drugs exhibited high antitumor activity against HepG2 cells while demonstrating remarkably low toxicity to normal cells (LO2). Taken together, these results demonstrate that the Zn-based MOF has the potential to serve as a carrier in the field of drug delivery systems.

To investigate the effect of mogroside IIIE (MGIIIE) on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial fibrosis and explore its possible mechanisms.

Forty C57BL/6 male mice (6-8 weeks) were randomly divided into a control group (n=10), model group (n=10), low MGIIIE dose group (n=10), and high MGIIIE dose group (n=10). Myocardial fibrosis was established by subcutaneous ISO injection. After 2 weeks of continuous gastric administration of MGIIIE, the cardiac structure was evaluated by echocardiography. Myocardial inflammation and fibrosis were evaluated by histology examination. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), p-IκBα, p-NF-κB, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression were detected by western blot. Inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in the serum were examined by ELISA. In the in vitro study, Ang II (1 μmol/l) was used to stimulate the fibroblasts, then inflammation and fibrosis index were detected.

MGIIIE inhibited inflammation and fibrosis and down-regulated TLR4, MyD88, TGF-β1, and α-SMA expression in the myocardium. In the in vitro study, MGIIIE ameliorates the deposition of Col Ш and Col I and decreases the release of inflammatory cytokines. MGIIIE increased p-IκBα and reduced p-NF-κB expression both in vivo and in vitro.

MGIIIE plays a role in anti-myocardial fibrosis, by inhibiting TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling expression, and decreasing inflammatory cytokine release. MGIIIE may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for treating cardiac fibrosis.

Breast cancer is a common term for a malignant tumor that arises from the epithelial component of the breast. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy’s efficacy and safety are controversial, considering the impact on patients' quality of life.

The aim of this study was investigating the efficacy and safety of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with docetaxel in locally advanced breast cancer who have received a modified radical mastectomy.

A cohort of 110 female patients with locally advanced breast cancer were included in the present study and divided by chemoradiotherapy mode into a concurrent chemoradiotherapy group (n=58) and a sequential chemoradiotherapy group (n=52). Docetaxel was administered concurrently during radiotherapy in the concurrent group, whereas the sequential group underwent adjuvant radiotherapy 1-3 weeks after chemotherapy. Then, the two groups were compared with respect to clinical efficacy, levels of tumor markers across vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), adverse reactions, and the 3-year overall survival (OS) rate.

The results showed that the mean age, operation, evaluation of Post treatment VEGF (pg / mg) and Post treatment CEA (/g / L), effectiveness of treatment in two sequential and concurrent treatment groups was not significant The results showed that the amount of Prior treatment VGEF (pg / mg) and Post treatment VGEF (pg / mg) in the two groups were statistically significant difference. Which shows the positive effect of this treatment before and after the intervention. Comparison of survival time in the two groups did not show a significant difference.

The chemotherapy protocol with a combination of cyclophosphamide, fluorouracil and epirubicin with concurrent docetaxel presented higher efficacy and prolonged the overall survival in locally advanced breast cancer patients who had undergone a radical mastectomy, while it did not significantly increase the toxicity.

Computed Tomography Perfusion (CTP) maps ischemic core volume (CV) and penumbra following a stroke; however, its accuracy in early symptom onset is not well studied. We compared the accuracy of CTP RAPID estimated CV with diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) infarct volume (IV) in patients following thrombectomy. Charts of anterior circulation large vessel occlusion post-thrombectomy cases with thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) 2b/3 reperfusion from 2017 to 2019 were reviewed. CTP time was dichotomized as 0-3 hours and ≥ 3 hours from the last known normal (LKN) cognition. The volumetric difference (VD), defined as DWI IV minus CTP CV, core volume overestimation (CVO), defined as CTP CV minus DWI IV and Alberta stroke programme early CT score (ASPECTS) were calculated. Large CV was defined as ≥ 50 ml CV. Modified Rankin Score (mRS) at 90 days were reviewed. We performed independent sample t-test and Spearman correlation coefficient test. Total cases (n) were 61. In < 3 hours window from LKN (n = 27), the mean VD was 58.3 ± 0.1 ml (P = 0.990) and CVO (n = 11; 40.7%) was39.6 ± 35.7 ml (P = 0.008). Mean large CV (n = 8) was 78.3 ± 25.4 ml with median ASPECTS of 8 [interquartile range (IQR) = 6.5-9.0]and median mRS at 90 days of 2 (IQR = 0.8-3.3). In ≥ 3 hours window from LKN (n = 34), CVO (n = 5) was uncommon and large CV had median mRS at 90 days of 5 (IQR = 4.0-6.0). CTP more frequently overestimates CV in patients who are < 3 hours from LKN. The treated patients with large CV in < 3 hours and > 3 hours had good and poor functional outcomes, respectively.

Atrazine (ATZ) is a triazine herbicide that is widely used in agriculture and has been detected in surface and underground water. Recently, laboratory and epidemiological research have found that the bioaccumulation of ATZ in the environment leads to biotoxicity in the human immune and endocrine systems and results in tumor development. To investigate the effects of ATZ exposure on epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells and elucidate the potential mechanisms governing these effects. The human EOC cell lines Skov3 and A2780 were used in this study to explore the effects and mechanisms of ATZ exposure on EOC. The mouse embryonic osteoblastic precursor MC3T3-E1 cells served as the control cells to determine the effects of ATZ on cancer cell lines. After exposure to ATZ, the MTT assay, flow cytometry, the colony formation assay, immunohistochemical staining, the cell scratch assay, and the Transwell assay were used to evaluate the proliferative activity, invasion, and migration capabilities of EOC cell lines. Moreover, flow cytometry was also applied to detect the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in these two EOC cell lines, as well as the MC3T3-E1 cells. To further illustrate the underlying mechanisms governing the effect of ATZ on EOC, real-time PCR and Western blotting were employed to assess the transcription and the expression level of Stat3 signaling pathway-related genes in Skov3 and MC3T3-E1 cells. The results showed that following ATZ treatment, the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion potencies of Skov3 and A2780 cells were increased compared to those of the control group. Meanwhile, the ROS levels of EOC and MC3T3-E1 cells were notably elevated after ATZ treatment. In Skov3 cells, the expression levels of p53 and p21 were downregulated, while those of Cyclin E, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2), MMP9, signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (Stat3), and p-Stat3 were upregulated by ATZ treatment. In MC3T3-E1 cells, however, ATZ treatment did not affect the level of p53/p21 mRNA compared to the control groups. Moreover, there was no significant change in the expression levels of Stat3 and p-Stat3 in MC3T3-E1 cells exposed to ATZ. This phenomenon was observed while the proliferation rate was enhanced in MC3T3-E1 cells by ATZ. The results of this study suggest that ATZ effectively promotes the proliferation and metastasis of EOC cells through the Stat3 signaling pathway by inducing low levels of ROS. Additionally, although ATZ might also induce proliferative potential in normal cells, the mechanisms governing its effects in these cells might be different from those in EOC cells.

 Early differential diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Mycoplasma Pneumonia (MP) are hampered by non-specific symptoms, the lack of rapid responding laboratory measures and the presence of family aggregation. Chest computed tomography (CT) plays a significant role to detect the distribution, density and morphology of lesions caused by either COVID-19 or MP.

 To compare the symptoms, laboratory parameters, and chest CT results of adults with COVID-19 and MP and to assess the use of these findings in the differential diagnosis of these diseases.

 The initial clinical manifestations, laboratory results, and chest CT findings of 45 adult patients with COVID-19 (COVID-19 group) and 55 adult patients with MP (MP group) were reviewed retrospectively. All of the patients were diagnosed in the public hospitals in the epidemic area from 20 January to 28 February 2020.

 Muscle ache and fatigue were more frequently present in the COVID-19 group (P = 0.009 and 0.029, respectively). Increased procalcitonin levels were more common in the MP group (P = 0.001). The chest CT results indicated that bilateral lung involvement, ground glass opacities, “crazy-paving” patterns, and air bronchogram signs were more common in the COVID-19 group (P < 0.001 for all), respectively. However, single lobe involvement, pulmonary consolidations, lobular central nodules, generalized bronchial wall thickening with luminal stenosis, and bronchial mucus impaction were more common in the MP group (P < 0.001 for all). Receiver operating characteristic analysis of a model established using CT parameters indicated a good or excellent performance in distinguishing COVID-19 from MP.

 COVID-19 and MP have similar clinical manifestations and laboratory results in early stage. However, the chest CT findings are valuable in the differential diagnosis of these two diseases, particularly in patients from COVID-19 epidemic areas.

We aimed to investigate the effect of self-controlled exercise on the antioxidant activity of red blood cells and the recovery of limb function in patients with breast cancer after rehabilitation.

Overall 130 breast cancer patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China from Feb 2018 to Jan 2019 were divided into intervention group and control group. The control group received perioperative care and chemotherapy, the intervention group implemented a self-controlled exercise program. Indexes were compared between the two groups before intervention, 3 months and 6 months after intervention.

The activity of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD in the intervention group was significantly increased in the first 3 months (P=0.030), and decreased from 3rd to 6th month (P=0.033). The glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in the intervention group increased through the whole intervention period. The plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) in the intervention group was significantly decreased (P=0.029, 0.012). After intervention for 3 months and 6 months, the 6MND distances in the intervention group were significantly longer (P=0.001, 0.045). The average exercise time in the intervention group were significantly increased (P=0.004, 0.000).

Self-controlled exercise can effectively improve the antioxidant ability of red blood cells in patients with breast cancer, improve the mobility of shoulder joints of the affected side and increase their exercise capacity, with good sustainability. It has positive effect on postoperative rehabilitation, could be used in long-term regular clinical work.

The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy and molecular mechanism of the effect of schisandrin b (SCHB) on treating erectile dysfunction (ED) in a rat model with bilateral cavernous crushing nerve injury. The ED rat model was established with bilateral cavernous nerve crushing, and then confirmed by apomorphine. Fifty healthy eight-week-old ED rats were randomly assigned into five group, including control group (sham surgery), bilateral cavernous nerve crushing injury group (BCNC), BCNC with low SCHB (100 mg/d), BCNC with medium SCHB (200 mg/d) and BCNC with high SCHB (400 mg/d). For the last three groups, SCHB was given for 2 months. Then, we examined intracavernosal pressure (ICP), cyclic nucleotides (cAMP, cGMP), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and neuronal NOS (nNOS) in all groups. In the study of ICP, SCHB was able to improve ED in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, as compared to the BCNC group, the relative expression of eNOS and nNOS in medium and high concentration of SCHB-treated groups are higher than BCNC group. Moreover, all groups treated with SCHB showed a significant higher expression level of cAMP and cGMP. These results suggested that SCHB were able to significantly improve the ED on rat model through the NO-cGMP and cAMP- protein kinase A (PKA) pathway.

Increasing evidence suggests that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with diabetes. Rosiglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) agonist and anti-diabetic agent, may improve symptoms of AD. However, the underlying therapeutic potential of it has not been fully elucidated.
Rats were divided into four groups: control group, sham operated group, Streptozotocin (STZ) group, rosiglitazone (RGZ) group. Particularly, the STZ-induced rat model was established by intracerebroventricular injection (3 mg/kg) on the first and third day. The water maze behavioral test was performed to evaluate spatial reference learning and memory of the rats. Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 levels were measured by ELISA method. To determine APP-derived fragment, BACE1 and Aβ degrading enzymes levels, such as NEP and IDE, as well as Aβ transportation protein level, such as LRP1, RAGE, Abca1 and APOE , which were analyzed by Western blot. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the change of Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 in hippocampus.
Chronic treatment with RGZ could reduce the Aβ level and improved spatial memory performance in STZ-induced rat model. However, RGZ modified the expression of specific transport proteins monitoring Aβ clearance, such as ATP-binding cassette transporter 1 (ABCA1), lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), and the advanced glycation end product-specific receptor (RAGE) rather than change levels of Aβ degrading enzymes, such as IDE and NEP, nor affect APP processing.
As a potential therapeutic strategy, rosiglitazone might exert anti-AD effect not by alteration of APP processing pathway and Aβ degradation directly, but through promotion of Aβ clearance indeed.

This study aimed to identify the relationship between fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) level and potential factors in non-asthmatic children from Shanghai, China.From March to April 2012, the school-aged children fulfilling the inclusion criteria were recruited. The FeNO levels of non-asthmatic children were detected by the Nano Coulomb nitric oxide analyzer. Questionnaires were recorded, including personal data, family illness history and daily habits. In addition, not only the number of leukocytes and eosinophils but also the level of hemoglobin in peripheral blood, were measured via the automated blood cell analyzer. All data were statistically analyzed with SPSS version 17.0 software and the correlation of these potential factors with FeNO level was calculated via Kendall''s rank correlation.A total of 132 healthy children (aging 6-13 years) were enrolled in Minhang District, Shanghai, China. The mean value of FeNO level was 15.05 ppb. The correlation analyses revealed that age (R=0.190, p=0.029) and eosinophil number (R=0.575, p=0.000) were significantly and positively correlated with FeNO levels. The FeNO levels of individuals aged 10-13 years was significantly higher than those of the individuals aged 6-9 years (22.65± 18.82 ppb vs. 15.28 ± 9.78 ppb, p<0.05). However, other potential factors were not significantly correlated with FeNO level.The FeNO levels in healthy school-aged children may reflect airway eosinophilic inflammation levels, and was affected by eosinophil count and age significantly.

The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic profiles of baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein and wogonin after oral administration of pure baicalin, Radix scutellariae and Scutellariae-Paeoniae couple extracts were administered and the pharmacokinetics profiles were compared between normal and ulcerative colitis rats. The plasma concentrations of the four flavonoids were determined by using a simple and rapid high-performance liquid chromatography method. All the rats were divided randomly into two groups (ulcerative colitis and normal groups). Each group contained three subgroups: pure baicalin, Radix scutellariae and Scutellariae-Paeoniae couple extracts subgroup. Each group received oral administration of pure baicalin, Radix Scutellariae and Scutellariae-Paeoniae couple extracts at the same dose of 200 mg/kg baicalin. The results showed that wogonoside, possibily as a methylated product of baicalin, was found in plasma after oral administration of pure baicalin or formulas to rats. Baicalin and wogonoside demonstrated bimodal phenomenon. Baicalin and wogonoside in Scutellariae-Paeoniae couple extract had shown better absorption than which in pure baicalin and Radix Scutellariae extract. Whether oral administration of pure baicalin, Radix Scutellariae or Scutellariae-Paeoniae couple extracts, ulcerative colitis rats showed better absorption than normal rats. For example AUC(0–t) of baicalin were: (41.46 ± 0.62), (59.12 ± 6.42) and (104.87 ± 0.86) (μg/mL)·h in UC groups vs (17.77 ± 0.66), (28.04 ± 4.06) and (49.01 ± 4.61) (μg/mL)·h in normal groups, respectively. The pharmacokinetics properties of the four flavonoids differed between ulcerative colitis and normal rats, including AUC(0–t) and Cmax (p < 0.05).

There has been concern regarding the long-term safety of the current drug-eluting stents (DESs) using "durable-polymer" technology. On this background, a number of second generation DESs using bioabsorbable-polymer are put under tests. In our study, we assessed the in vitro degradation and biocompatibility of poly (D,L-lactic- co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) 90L/10G, as a biodegradable material. In vitro degradation characteristics were evaluated by measuring decrease in the mass loss of PLGA films. In order to evaluate the cytotoxicity of PLGA, calf vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were incubated with PLGA films. Cells that were incubated in culture medium alone were used as controls. We determined the cell viability by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2, 5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the distribution of cell cycle phases by flow cytometry. The morphology of VSMCs seeded on PLGA films was observed by scanning electron microscopy technique. PLGA films were inserted into the anterior wall of the left ventriculators and circumflex arteries of 6 dogs that served as test animals. The animals were sacrificed after 2 weeks, 1 month, and 2 months. Pathohistological and ultrastructural changes in the myocytes and vasculature were examined by light and electron microscopy. High-molecular-weight PLGA degraded slowly in the first 4 months. There was 10% mass loss at the 120th day and rapid mass loss thereafter. There were no differences in the cell viability and distribution of cell cycle phases between the control and PLGA groups. The cells attached favourably and grew well on the films. A slight inflammatory change occurred with regard to the pathohistology and ultrastructure of the myocardium and vessels. Thus, the low cytotoxicity, good histocompatibilty, and biodegradable nature of PLGA 90/10 make it a promising material as a useful vehicle for locally administered drugs.