Association Between the Aggregate Index of Systemic Inflammation and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Retrospective Study.

Purpose: The Aggregate Index of Systemic Inflammation (AISI) has emerged as a novel marker for inflammation and prognosis, but its role in patients with acute myocardial infarction has not been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of different AISI levels on the clinical outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction. Patients and Methods: This study was a retrospective study, including 1044 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who were treated at the Fujian Medical University Affiliated Union Hospital, China from May 2017 to December 2022. The patients were divided into high and low AISI groups based on the median value (Q1 Group, ≤ 416.15, n=522; Q2 Group, ≥ 416.16, n=522), and the differences in baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes between the two groups were analyzed. The primary outcome included major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), while the secondary outcomes included contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) risk and all-cause rehospitalization rate. Results: The findings of the single-factor analysis suggest that a significant association between high AISI levels and the occurrence of MACCEs in AMI patients. After adjusting for confounding factors, the results indicated that compared to Q1, patients in the Q2 group had a higher risk of all-cause mortality [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.64; 95% CI 1.37-15.72; p=0.032], new-onset atrial fibrillation (aOR 1.75; 95% CI 1.02-3.00; p=0.047), and CIN (aOR 1.75; 95% CI 1.02-3.01; p=0.043), with all differences being statistically significant. Conclusion: In the population of AMI patients, an elevated AISI level is significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death and can serve as an early marker for adverse prognosis.

Sex-related differences in clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of patients in acute type A aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate sex-related differences in the clinical characteristics and hospital outcomes of patients undergoing surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD). METHODS: This study was a retrospective study. Patients who underwent surgery for AAAD at the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, from January 2014 to March 2023 were consecutively included. Data was extracted from electronic medical records. The primary outcome measure was in-hospital mortality, and secondary outcome measures included new-onset postoperative arrhythmia (POA), acute kidney injury (AKI), hepatic dysfunction, neurological complications, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, ICU length of stay, and hospital length of stay. Patients were divided into two groups based on sex, and data analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0 software. RESULTS: A total of 1137 subjects were included, with 863 males (75.9%) and 274 females (24.1%). There were statistically significant differences in age and BMI between the two groups (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of pain at the onset between the two groups, but chest tightness in females was higher than in males (22.6% vs. 13.8%). Regarding primary outcomes, the in-hospital mortality rate was 11.1% for males and 10.6% for females (P = 0.803). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in ICU days, length of hospitalization, neurological complications, or liver dysfunction (P > 0.05). The rate of POA in females was 4.7%, higher than in males (2.2%), but AKI and gastrointestinal hemorrhage were both higher in males than in females (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that age, white blood cell (WBC) counts, lactic acid, operation duration and prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) increased the risk of in-hospital mortality in male patients. Hypertension, WBC counts, lactic acid, and PMV increased the risk of in-hospital mortality in female patients. CONCLUSION: Despite significant baseline characteristic differences between male and female AAAD patients, there were no significant differences in onset symptoms. The in-hospital mortality rates were similar between male and female patients, but the risk factors for in-hospital mortality differed.

The Complete Mitochondrial Genome of the Siberian Scoter Melanitta stejnegeri and Its Phylogenetic Relationship in Anseriformes.

The Siberian Scoter (Melanitta stejnegeri) is a medium sea duck distinct from M. deglandi due to the absence of hybridization and differences in morphological characteristics. However, knowledge of its phylogenetic relationships within Anseriformes is limited due to a lack of molecular data. In this study, the complete mitogenome of M. stejnegeri was firstly sequenced, then annotated and used to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of 76 Anseriformes species. The complete mitogenome of M. stejnegeri is 16,631 bp and encodes 37 typical genes: 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs, and 1 non-coding control region. Its mitogenome organization is similar to that of other Anseriformes species. The phylogenetic relationships within the genus Melanitta are initially clarified, with M. americana at the base. M. stejnegeri and M. deglandi are sister groups, clustering with M. fusca and M. perspicillata in order. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that Mareca falcata and M. strepera are sister groups, differing from previous studies. Results firstly indicate that Clangula hyemalis and Somateria mollissima are sister groups, suggesting a potentially skewed phylogenetic relationship may have been overlooked in earlier analyses relying solely on mitochondrial genomes. Our results provide new mitogenome data to support further phylogenetic and taxonomic studies of Anseriformes.

The growth-promoting effect of water extract of Chuanminshen violaceum stem and leaf on broilers.

Currently, developing nonantibiotic growth promoters is a broad consensus in broiler industry, which is one of the effective ways to reduce drug-resistant strains. Chuanminshen violaceum is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that is commonly used for its roots, while the stems and leaves are often discarded, resulting in a huge amount of waste. This study optimized the preparation process of water extract of Chuanminshen violaceum stems and leaves (CVSLE) by response surface analysis based on the yields of polysaccharide and protein. The CVSLE and herbal powder (CVSL) were then processed into granules before being used as feed additives. The Macleaya cordata powder was used as positive control. The results showed that the addition of CVSLE (0.5% of the feed) showed the highest growth-promoting activity than other CVSLE groups (0.2% and 1%), 1% CVSL group and positive control (0.05%). CVSLE at the dosage of 0.5% could significantly increase the ADG and reduce the FCR from d 21 to 42, d 0 to 42. The HI antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus and avian influenza virus were significantly enhanced at 21, 28 and 42 d. CVSLE did not affect the slaughtering performances, but could significantly elevate the spleen, thymus and bursa of Fabricius indices and the transcriptional levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-γ in spleen. The intestinal barrier function of broilers was significantly enhanced by increased levels of immune barrier (sIgA), physical barrier (ZO-1, OCL and Muc-2) and flora barrier (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium). These results suggest that CVSLE was a promising herbal additive candidate for broilers.

The effects of ACSM-based exercise on breast cancer-related lymphoedema: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) frequently occurs after axillary lymph node dissection and remains incurable even with lymphaticovenular anastomosis. Exercise interventions have emerged as a potential non-pharmacological management approach. However, standardized exercise recommendations tailored to BCRL patients are lacking. Purpose: This study evaluated the impact of high and low compliance exercise interventions, aligned with ACSM recommendations, on quality of life (QOL), shoulder range of motion (ROM), and arm volume in BCRL patients. It further aimed to determine the optimal exercise dosage, assessed via the FITT (frequency, intensity, time, type) principle, that maximizes health benefits for BCRL patients. Methods: Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses, we conducted a comprehensive literature search in various databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, encompassing the period from the inception of these databases to December 2023. We extracted data on exercise form, frequency, intensity, duration, repetitions, and sets from the identified studies. Subsequently, a meta-analysis and review were conducted. The exercise interventions were evaluated based on ACSM recommendations and categorized as either high or low compliance with ACSM standards. Fixed or random effects models were employed to compare outcomes across study subgroups with comparable results. Additionally, funnel plot analyses, sensitivity analyses, and Egger's and Begg's tests were conducted to evaluate the potential for bias. Results: 15 studies encompassing 863 patients with BCRL were analyzed. Eleven studies exhibited high ACSM compliance, while four demonstrated low ACSM compliance. Regarding QOL, the overall standard mean difference (SMD) was 0.13 (95% CI: -1.07, 1.33). Specifically, the SMD for the high-adherence subgroup was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.33, 1.49; p = 0.002). For ROM, the overall SMD was 1.21 (95% CI: -0.19, 2.61). For arm volume, the overall SMD was -0.06 (95% CI: -0.22, 0.10). QOL results differed significantly in the high-adherence subgroup, whereas no significant effect on ROM or arm volume was observed. Conclusion: The study revealed significant QOL improvements in patients with high ACSM compliance, contrasted with those with low compliance. Conversely, no notable changes in ROM or arm volume were observed. Notably, the high adherence group tended to show better ROM during exercise and stable arm volume. Future research is needed to validate these findings.

The Pan-Immune Inflammation Value at Admission Predicts Postoperative in-hospital Mortality in Patients with Acute Type A Aortic Dissection.

Purpose: The inflammatory response of the body is intimately linked to the quick onset and high in-hospital mortality of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection (ATAAD). The purpose of the study was to examine the connection between in-hospital mortality in patients with ATAAD upon admission and the Pan-Immune-Inflammation Value (PIV). Patients and Methods: 308 patients who were diagnosed with ATAAD between September 2018 and October 2021 at Fujian Provincial Center for Cardiovascular Medicine had their clinical data retrospectively examined. PIV was assessed at the time of study population admission, with in-hospital mortality serving as the main outcome measure. Patients were divided into two groups, the high PIV group (PIV > 1807.704) and the low PIV group (PIV < 1807.704), based on the PIV ROC curve and the best threshold of the Youden index. The clinical results of the two groups were then compared. Results: Among ATAAD patients, postoperative in-hospital mortality was higher in the high PIV group (54.7% vs 10.6%, P < 0.001), and the high PIV group had significantly higher rates of postoperative acute kidney injury, acute liver insufficiency, and gastrointestinal hemorrhage (P < 0.05). Additionally, the high PIV group's ICU stays lasted longer than the low PIV group's (P < 0.05). The results of multifactorial logistic regression analysis, which controlled for other variables, indicated that the mechanical ventilation time (OR = 1.860, 95% CI: 1.437, 2.408; P < 0.001), the high PIV group (> 1807.704) (OR = 1.939, 95% CI: 1.257, 2.990; P = 0.003), the cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR = 1.011, 95% CI: 1.004, 1.018; P = 0.002), and the white blood cell count (OR = 1.188, 95% CI: 1.054, 1.340; P = 0.005) were independent risk factors for postoperative in-hospital mortality in ATAAD patients. Conclusion: Postoperative death in ATAAD patients was independently predicted by high PIV levels at admission. Patients should be informed about their preoperative inflammatory status and actively participate in prompt clinical decision-making and treatment.

Association of triglyceride glucose-related parameters with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease in NAFLD patients: NHANES 1999-2018.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and its derived index, the triglyceride glucose-waist height ratio (TyG-WHtR), with mortality and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains unclear. METHODS: This study enrolled 6627 adults aged 18 and above diagnosed NAFLD from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 1999-2018). Binary weighted logistic regression analyses, cox proportional hazards model and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were used to analyze the relationship between TyG and TyG-WHtR with all-cause mortality, CVD mortality and CVDs. Mediation analysis explored the mediating role of glycohemoglobin, insulin and hypertension in the above relationships. Meanwhile, the incremental predictive value of the TyG index and TyG-WHtR was further assessed. RESULTS: Except for no significant association between the TyG index and both all-cause mortality and chronic heart failure (CHF), both TyG and TyG-WHtR exhibited significant positive correlations or trends of positive correlation with all-cause mortality, CVD mortality, total-CVD, CHF, coronary heart disease (CHD) and angina pectoris. For all-cause mortality, CVD mortality and CHF, TyG-WHtR was a better predictor than TyG (TyG-WHtR: HR 1.31, 95%CI 1.03-1.66; HR 2.22, 95%CI 1.42-3.47; OR 3.99, 95%CI 1.79-8.93). In contrast, TyG index demonstrated a stronger association with total-CVD, CHD and angina pectoris (TyG index: OR 2.00, 95%CI 1.26-3.18; OR 1.85, 95%CI 1.19-2.91; OR 2.93, 95%CI 1.23-7.00). RCS analysis showed that after adjusting for covariates, most of the aforementioned relationships were linear(P overall < 0.0001, P-nonlinear > 0.05), while the associations of the TyG index and TyG-WHtR with all-cause mortality and CHF were non-linear(P overall < 0.0001, P nonlinear < 0.05). The addition of the TyG index and TyG-WHtR to the basic model for outcomes improved the C-statistics, net reclassification improvement value, and integrated discrimination improvement value. CONCLUSIONS: The predictive value of TyG or TyG-WHtR for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular risk in NAFLD patients was significant. The TyG index and TyG-WHtR might be valid predictors of cardiovascular outcomes of patients with NAFLD.

Predictive value of inflammatory prognostic index for contrast-induced nephropathy in patients undergoing coronary angiography and/or percutaneous coronary intervention.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between Inflammatory Prognostic Index (IPI) levels and Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (CIN) risk and postoperative clinical outcomes in patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) and/or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A total of 3,340 consecutive patients who underwent CAG and/or PCI between May 2017 and December 2022 were enrolled in this study. Based on their baseline IPI levels, patients were categorized into four groups. Clinical characteristics and postoperative outcomes were compared among these groups. In-hospital outcomes focused on CIN risk, repeated revascularization, major bleeding, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), while the long-term outcome examined the all-cause readmission rate. Quartile analysis found a significant link between IPI levels and CIN risk, notably in the highest quartile (P < 0.001). Even after adjusting for baseline factors, this association remained significant, with an adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) of 2.33 (95%CI 1.50-3.64; P = 0.001). Notably, baseline IPI level emerged as an independent predictor of severe arrhythmia, with aOR of 0.50 (95%CI 0.35-0.69; P < 0.001), particularly driven by the highest quartile. Furthermore, a significant correlation between IPI and acute myocardial infarction was observed (P < 0.001), which remained significant post-adjustment. For patients undergoing CAG and/or PCI, baseline IPI levels can independently predict clinical prognosis. As a comprehensive inflammation indicator, IPI effectively identifies high-risk patients post-procedure. This study underscores IPI's potential to assist medical professionals in making more precise clinical decisions, ultimately reducing mortality and readmission rates linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD).

The 3d-4f electron transition of the CoS2/CeO2 heterojunction for efficient oxygen evolution.

CoS2/CeO2, exhibiting the 3d-4f orbital coupling effect, is developed and shows exceptional OER activity, with an overpotential of 140 mV at 10 mA cm-2. DFT calculation and Raman spectra show the existence of a d-p-f electron transport ladder that can accelerate electron transfer through the Co-O(S)-Ce bond, optimize the adsorption free energy, and enhance the catalytic activity.

Marinicella meishanensis sp. nov., a novel Marinicella member isolated from coastal mudflat sediment of Meishan Islandin the East China Sea.

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile and strictly aerobic strain, designated NBU2979T, was isolated from a coastal mudflat located on Meishan Island in the East China Sea. Strain NBU2979T grew optimally at 32 °C, with 2.0 % NaCl (w/v) and at pH 7.0-7.5. The predominant fatty acid (>10 %) was iso-C15 : 0. The major polar lipids included phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, an unidentified glycolipid, two unidentified aminophospholipids, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified lipid. The only respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain NBU2979T exhibited highest similarity to Marinicella sediminis F2T (98.0 %), Marinicella marina S1101T (97.5 %), Marinicella litoralis KMM 3900T (96.6 %), Marinicella rhabdoformis 3539T (95.5 %), Marinicella pacifica sw153T (95.2 %) and Marinicella gelatinilytica S6413T (94.9 %). Phylogenetic analyses indicated that strain NBU2979T clustered with the genus Marinicella and was closely related to strain M. sediminis F2T. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain NBU2979T and related species of genus Marinicella were well below the threshold limit for prokaryotic species delineation. The DNA G+C content of strain NBU2979T was 51.6 mol%. Based on its phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic data, strain NBU2979T (=KCTC 82911T=MCCC 1K06402T) is considered to be a representative of a novel species in the genus Marinicella, for which the name Marinicella meishanensis sp. nov. is proposed.

Microplastics footprint in nature reserves-a case study on the microplastics in the guano from Yancheng Wetland Rare Birds National Nature Reserve, China.

Bio-ingestion of microplastics poses a global threat to ecosystems, yet studies within nature reserves, crucial habitats for birds, remain scarce despite the well-documented ingestion of microplastics by avian species. Located in Jiangsu Province, China, the Yancheng Wetland Rare Birds Nature Reserve is home to diverse bird species, including many rare ones. This study aimed to assess the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in common bird species within the reserve, investigate microplastic enrichment across different species, and establish links between birds' habitat types and microplastic ingestion. Microplastics were extracted from the feces of 110 birds, with 84 particles identified from 37.27% of samples. Among 8 species studied, the average microplastic abundance ranged from 0.97 ± 0.47 to 43.43 ± 61.98 items per gram of feces, or 1.5 ± 0.87 to 3.4 ± 1.50 items per individual. The Swan goose (Anser cygnoides) exhibited the highest microplastic abundance per gram of feces, while the black-billed gull (Larus saundersi) had the highest abundance per individual. The predominant form of ingested microplastics among birds in the reserve was fibers, with polyethylene being the most common polymer type. Significant variations in plastic exposure were observed among species and between aquatic and terrestrial birds. This study represents the first quantitative assessment of microplastic concentrations in birds within the reserve, filling a crucial gap in research and providing insights for assessing microplastic pollution and guiding bird conservation efforts in aquatic and terrestrial environments.

Effects of fecal microbiota transfer on blood pressure in animal models: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Numerous recent studies have found a strong correlation between intestinal flora and the occurrence of hypertension. However, it remains unclear whether fecal microbiota transfer might affect the blood pressure of the host. This study aimed to quantify both associations. METHODS: An electronic search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang database, Weipu, Embase, and SinoMed to retrieve relevant studies. The final search was completed on August 22, 2022. Two authors independently applied the inclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias assessment. All data were analyzed using RevMan 5.4. RESULTS: A total of 5 articles were selected for final inclusion. All studies were assessed as having a high risk of bias according to the SYRCLE risk of bias tool. The meta-analysis results showed that transplantation of fecal bacteria from the hypertensive model can significantly improve the host's systolic pressure (MD = 18.37, 95%CI: 9.74~26.99, P<0.001), and diastolic pressure (MD = 17.65, 95%CI: 12.37~22.93, P<0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed that the increase in systolic pressure in the hypertension model subgroup (MD = 29.56, 95%CI = 23.55-35.58, P<0.001) was more pronounced than that in the normotensive model subgroup (MD = 12.48, 95%CI = 3.51-21.45, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests a relationship between gut microbiota dysbiosis and increased blood pressure, where transplantation of fecal bacteria from the hypertensive model can cause a significant increase in systolic pressure and diastolic pressure in animal models.

Dysfunctional regulatory T cell: May be an obstacle to immunotherapy in cardiovascular diseases.

Inflammatory responses are linked to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in various forms. Tregs, members of CD4+ T cells, play important roles in regulating immune system and suppressing inflammatory response, thus contributing to maintaining immune homeostasis. However, Tregs exert their powerful suppressive function relying on the stable phenotype and function. The stability of Tregs primarily depends on the FOXP3 (Forkhead box P3) expression and epigenetic regulation. Although Tregs are quite stable under physiological conditions, prolonged exposure to inflammatory cues, Tregs may lose suppressive function and require proinflammatory phenotype, namely plastic Tregs or ex-Tregs. There are extensive researches have established the beneficial role of Tregs in CVDs. Nevertheless, the potential risks of dysfunctional Tregs lack deep research. Anti-inflammatory and immunological modulation have been hotspots in the treatment of CVDs. Tregs are appealing because of their crucial role in resolving inflammation and promoting tissue repair. If alleviating inflammatory response through modulating Tregs could be a new therapeutic strategy for CVDs, the next step to consider is how to prevent the formation of dysfunctional Tregs or reverse detrimental Tregs to normal phenotype.

Reticulon 3 regulates sphingosine-1-phosphate synthesis in endothelial cells to control blood pressure.

The discovery of the endothelium as a major regulator of vascular tone triggered intense research among basic and clinical investigators to unravel the physiologic and pathophysiologic significance of this phenomenon. Sphingosine-l-phosphate (S1P), derived from the vascular endothelium, is a significant regulator of blood pressure. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of S1P biosynthetic pathways in arteries remain to be further clarified. Here, we reported that Reticulon 3 (RTN3) regulated endothelial sphingolipid biosynthesis and blood pressure. We employed public datasets, patients, and mouse models to explore the pathophysiological roles of RTN3 in blood pressure control. The underlying mechanisms were studied in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We reported that increased RTN3 was found in patients and that RTN3-null mice presented hypotension. In HUVECs, RTN3 can regulate migration and tube formation via the S1P signaling pathway. Mechanistically, RTN3 can interact with CERS2 to promote the selective autophagy of CERS2 and further influence S1P signals to control blood pressure. We also identified an RTN3 variant (c.116C>T, p.T39M) in a family with hypertension. Our data provided the first evidence of the association between RTN3 level changes and blood pressure anomalies and preliminarily elucidated the importance of RTN3 in S1P metabolism and blood pressure regulation.

Protective effects of an alcoholic extract of Kaempferia galanga L. rhizome on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The rhizome of Kaempferia galanga L., a medicinal and edible Plant, was widely distributed in many Asian and African counties. It has been traditionally used to treat gastroenteritis, hypertension, rheumatism and asthma. However, there is a lack of modern pharmacology studies regarding its anti-gastric ulcer activity. AIM OF THE STUDY: The objective of this study is to investigate the protective effects of an extract from K. galanga L. rhizome (Kge) and its active components kaempferol and luteolin on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The kge was prepared by ultrasonic-assisted extraction, and the contents of kaempferol and luteolin were determined by HPLC. The mice were randomly divided into seven groups: blank control (0.5 % CMC-Na; 0.1 mL/10 g), untreatment (0.5 % CMC-Na; 0.1 mL/10 g), Kge (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), kaempferol (100 mg/kg) and luteolin (100 mg/kg) groups. The mice were treated intragastrically once daily for 7 days. At 1 h post the last administration, the mice in all groups except the blank control group were intragastrically administrated with anhydrous alcohol (0.1 mL/10 g) once to induce gastric ulcer. Then, fasting was continued for 1 h, followed by sample collection for evaluation by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay. RESULTS: The contents of kaempferol and luteolin in Kge were determined as 3713 µg/g and 2510 µg/g, respectively. Alcohol induced severely damages with edema, inflammatory cell infiltration and bleeding, and the ulcer index was 17.63 %. After pre-treatment with Kge (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), kaempferol and luteolin, the pathological lesions were obviously alleviated and ulcer indices were reduced to 13.42 %, 11.65 %, 6.54 %, 3.58 % and 3.85 %, respectively. In untreated group, the contents of Ca2+, myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde, NO, cyclic adenosine monophosphate and histamine were significantly increased, while the contents of hexosamine, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and prostaglandin E2 were significantly decreased; the transcriptional levels of IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-6, calcitonin gene related peptide, substance P, M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, histamine H2 receptor, cholecystokinin 2 receptor and H+/K+ ATPase were significantly increased when compared with the blank control group. After pre-treatment, all of these changes were alleviated, even returned to normal levels. Kge exhibited anti-gastric ulcer activity and the high dose of Kge (400 mg/kg) exhibited comparable activity to that of kaempferol and luteolin. CONCLUSION: The study showed that K. galanga L., kaempferol, and luteolin have protective effects against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers. This is achieved by regulating the mucosal barrier, oxidative stress, and gastric regulatory mediators, as well as inhibiting the TRPV1 signaling pathway and gastric acid secretion, ultimately reducing the gastric ulcer index.

Correction to: Increased RTN3 phenocopies nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by inhibiting the AMPK-IDH2 pathway.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1002/mco2.226.].

Effect of ATG8 or SAC1 deficiency on the cell proliferation and lifespan of the long-lived PMT1 deficiency yeast cells.

Autophagy is pivotal in maintaining intracellular homeostasis, which involves various biological processes, including cellular senescence and lifespan modulation. Being an important member of the protein O-mannosyltransferase (PMT) family of enzymes, Pmt1p deficiency can significantly extend the replicative lifespan (RLS) of yeast cells through an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway, which is participated in protein homeostasis. Nevertheless, the mechanisms that Pmt1p regulates the lifespan of yeast cells still need to be explored. In this study, we found that the long-lived PMT1 deficiency strain (pmt1Δ) elevated the expression levels of most autophagy-related genes, the expression levels of total GFP-Atg8 fusion protein and free GFP protein compared with wild-type yeast strain (BY4742). Moreover, the long-lived pmt1Δ strain showed the greater dot-signal accumulation from GFP-Atg8 fusion protein in the vacuole lumen through a confocal microscope. However, deficiency of SAC1 or ATG8, two essential components of the autophagy process, decreased the cell proliferation ability of the long-lived pmt1Δ yeast cells, and prevented the lifespan extension. In addition, our findings demonstrated that overexpression of ATG8 had no potential effect on the RLS of the pmt1Δ yeast cells, and the maintained incubation of minimal synthetic medium lacking nitrogen (SD-N medium as starvation-induced autophagy) inhibited the cell proliferation ability of the pmt1Δ yeast cells with the culture time, and blocked the lifespan extension, especially in the SD-N medium cultured for 15 days. Our results suggest that the long-lived pmt1Δ strain enhances the basal autophagy activity, while deficiency of SAC1 or ATG8 decreases the cell proliferation ability and shortens the RLS of the long-lived pmt1Δ yeast cells. Moreover, the maintained starvation-induced autophagy impairs extension of the long-lived pmt1Δ yeast cells, and even leads to the cell death.

Durability Properties of Macro-Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete.

Concrete is one of the most commonly used construction materials; however, its durability plays a pivotal role in areas where the concrete is exposed to severe environmental conditions, which initiate cracks inside and disintegrate it. Randomly distributed short fibers arrest the initiation and propagation of micro-cracks in the concrete and maintain its integrity. Traditional polypropylene fibers are thin and encounter the problem of balling effects during concrete mixing, leading to uneven fiber distribution. Thus, a new polypropylene fiber is developed by gluing thin ones together, forming macro-polypropylene fibers. Thus, different amounts of fibers, 0-1.5% v/f with an increment of 0.5% v/f, are used in different grades of concrete to study their impact on durability properties, including resistance to freezing and thawing cycles, sulfate, and acid attacks. A total of 432 cube samples were tested at 28, 56, and 92 days. The results reveal that the maximum durability, in terms of compressive strength loss, is noted with a fiber content of 1% with improved resistance of 72%, 54%, and 24% against freeze-thaw cycles, sulfate attack, and hydrochloric acid attack, respectively, at 92 days. Thus, the resulting fiber-reinforced concrete may be effective in areas where these extreme exposure conditions are expected.

Influence of Impaired Hydration Status on Postoperative in-Hospital Death in Patients with Acute Type A Aortic Dissection.

Background: The hydration state of the body is getting more and more attention from researchers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between impaired hydration status and postoperative hospitalization death in patients with A AAD. Methods: From January 2019 to October 2021, the clinical data of 299 patients undergoing A AAD surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into normal hydration group, imminent dehydration group and current dehydration group according to the dehydration standard at admission. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine the independent risk factors for in-hospital death of patients with A AAD. Results: Postoperative in-hospital death in A AAD patients was significantly more common in the imminent and current dehydration groups (>295mmol/L) (26.7% vs 11.9%; P=0.001). The length of ICU stay was significantly longer in the impending and current dehydration groups (P<0.05). After controlling for other factors by multivariate logistic regression analysis, the results showed that the group of impending and current dehydration (>295) (OR=3.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.61-8.06; P=0.002), CRRT (OR=10.55, 95%[CI]: 3.59-31.01; P<0.001), lactic acid (OR=1.25, 95%[CI]: 1.13-1.38; P<0.001), CAD (OR=5.27, 95%[CI]: 1.12-24.80; P=0.035) was an independent risk factor for in-hospital death in A AAD patients. Albumin (OR=0.92, 95%[CI]: 0.85-0.99; P=0.040) is a protective factor. Conclusion: The presence of high serum osmotic pressure on admission of A AAD patients can independently predict postoperative death, and the impaired body hydration status should be paid attention to.

The blood glucose-potassium ratio at admission predicts in-hospital mortality in patients with acute type A aortic dissection.

Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a serious cardiovascular emergency with high risk and mortality after surgery. Recent studies have shown that serum glucose-potassium ratio (GPR) is associated with the prognosis of cerebrovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between GPR and in-hospital mortality in patients with ATAAD. From June 2019 to August 2021, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 272 patients who underwent ATAAD surgery. According to the median value of GPR (1.74), the patients were divided into two groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine the risk factors of in-hospital mortality after ATAAD. In-hospital death was significantly more common in the high GPR group (> 1.74) (24.4% vs 13.9%; P = 0.027). The incidence of renal dysfunction in the low GPR group was significantly higher than that in the high GPR group (26.3% vs 14.8%: P = 0.019). After controlling for potential confounding variables and adjusting for multivariate logistic regression analysis, the results showed a high GPR (> 1.74) (AOR 4.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.13-10.40; P = < 0.001), lactic acid (AOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03-1.26; P = 0.009), smokers (AOR 2.45, 95% CI 1.18-15.07; P = 0.039), mechanical ventilation (AOR 9.47, 95% CI 4.00-22.38; P = < 0.001) was independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality in ATAAD patients, albumin (AOR 0.90, 95% CI 0.83-0.98; P = 0.014) was a protective factor for in-hospital prognosis. High GPR is a good predictor of in-hospital mortality after ATAAD surgery.