Long-term effects of left atrial appendage isolation in surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation based on lesion set: a multi-centre propensity-score weighted study.

BACKGROUND: This present study aimed to investigate the impact of left atrial appendage (LAA) isolation on adverse clinical outcomes, with a further stratified analysis by biatrial (BA) and left atrial lesion sets, in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing surgical ablation (SA) concurrent with mitral valve (MV) surgery. METHODS: We evaluated 875 patients (aged 65.1±12.0 years) who underwent SA of AF concomitant to MV surgery, excluding those with mechanical prostheses requiring lifelong anticoagulation, between 2005 and 2017 in five tertiary cardiac centres in South Korea. Of these, 458 had isolated the LAA, whereas the remainder (n=417) had the LAA preserved. Comparative risk of stroke, mortality and AF recurrence was assessed between the groups, considering death as a competing event. Inverse-probability treatment weighting was used for baseline adjustment. RESULTS: During the median follow-up of 57.4 months (IQR, 32.5-92.4 months), the adjusted risk of long-term stroke was significantly lower in the patients who underwent LAA isolation compared with those who preserved the LAA (subdistribution HR (SHR), 0.28; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.51; p<0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the adjusted risk of mortality (HR, 0.85; 95% CI 0.57 to 1.27; p=0.429) or AF recurrence (SHR, 0.92; 95% CI 0.78 to 1.08; p=0.291) between LAA isolation and preservation. In the subgroup of patients who underwent BA ablation, LAA isolation was associated with a lower long-term risk of stroke and AF recurrence (SHR, 0.77; 95% CI 0.61 to 0.94; p=0.029) compared with LAA preservation. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant LAA isolation during SA of AF in patients undergoing MV surgery was associated with a significantly lower risk of long-term stroke, but no survival benefit was observed.

Near-infrared laser diode mitigates Aß1-42-induced neurodegeneration in cortical neurons.

Alzheimer's disease, a prevalent neurodegenerative condition primarily affecting older adults, remains incurable. Its principle pathological hallmark is the accelerated accumulation of amyloid ß (Aß) protein. This study investigates the potential of photobiomodulation using near infrared light to counteract Aß1-42-induced synaptic degeneration and neurotoxicity. We focused on the effect of 808 nm near-infrared laser diode (LD) on Aß1-42 cytotoxicity in primary cultured cortical neurons. We assessed cell survival using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, observing substantial benefits from LD irradiation with a power of 10 mW and a dose of 30 J. Cells exposed to Aß1-42 exhibited morphological changes indicative of synaptic damage and a significant decrease in the number of postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) contacts, which were significantly improved with near-infrared LD therapy. Furthermore, this therapy reduced Aß and phosphorylated tau (P-tau) protein accumulation. Additionally, near-infrared LD irradiation substantially lessened the Aß1-42-induced rise in glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA1) in astrocytes and microglia. Remarkably, near-infrared LD irradiation effectively inhibited phosphorylation of key proteins involved in Aß1-42-induced necroptosis, namely Receptor-interacting protein kinase-3 (RIP3) and Mixed Lineage Kinase domain-Like protein (MLKL). Our findings suggest that near-infrared LD treatment significantly reduces neurodegeneration by reducing glial overactivation and neuronal necroptosis triggered by Aß1-42. Thus, near-infrared LD treatment emerges as a promising approach for slowing or treating Alzheimer's disease, offering new avenues in its management.

Effect of physical activity on risk reduction of infective endocarditis among patients with diabetes: a nationwide cohort study.

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are at a higher risk of infectious diseases, and exercise is an important treatment modality for DM. Despite their susceptibility to infection in diabetic patients, the association between the amount of physical activity and the incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) is unclear. We attempted to demonstrate risk reduction by physical activity in diabetic patients with IE. From the National Health Insurance database, patients with DM were verified, and the incidence of IE was investigated. The level of physical activity was categorized into < 500, 500-999, 1,000-1,499, and ≥ 1,500 metabolic equivalent task (METs) minutes/week. Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyze the relationship between incident IE and physical activity. A total of 2,603,012 patients were included in this study. The incidence rate of IE was 10.06, 9.45, 7.78, and 8.84 in < 500, 500-999, 1,000-1,499, and ≥ 1,500 METs-minutes/week groups, respectively (100,000 person/year). A significant risk reduction of incident IE was observed in the 1,000-1499 and ≥ 1,500 METs-min/week groups compared to the < 500 METs-min/week group (Hazard ratio = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [0.690-0.976], HR = 0.831, 95% CI [0.704-0.981]). An analysis of a large national cohort database demonstrated that physical exercise reduced the risk of IE in patients with DM.

Influence of Frailty Status on the Efficacy of Epidural Steroid Injections in Elderly Patients With Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Disease.

Background: The global increase in the elderly population has led to a higher prevalence of degenerative lumbar spinal diseases. Epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a widely used procedure for managing lower back pain. This study investigated the association of preprocedural frailty status with the efficacy of ESI in elderly patients diagnosed with degenerative lumbar spinal diseases. Methods: This retrospective observational study included patients aged 65 years and older who underwent lumbar ESI. Frailty status (robust, prefrail, and frail) assessed via the Frailty Phenotype Questionnaire was collected along with demographic and clinical parameters. Good analgesia was defined as a ≥ 50% reduction in pain score at 4-week follow-up evaluation. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with poor analgesia. Results: We included 289 patients in this study. Frailty status correlated with analgesic outcomes, with worsening frailty status correlating with increasingly poor analgesia after the injection (robust = 34.5%, prefrail = 40.8%, and frail = 60.0%, p=0.003), predominantly in female patients. After adjusting for demographic and clinical factors, frail patients demonstrated much higher odds of poor analgesia than robust individuals (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.673, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.338-5.342, p=0.005). Conversely, prefrail patients did not show a significant association with analgesic outcome (aOR = 1.293, 95% CI = 0.736-2.272, p=0.372). Conclusions: Frailty, but not prefrailty, appeared to be an independent factor associated with poor analgesic efficacy of ESI in elderly patients with symptomatic degenerative lumbar spinal disease receiving conservative care.

Novel Flowable Hemostatic Agent ActiClot: Efficacy and Safety Assessment in Rat and Porcine Models.

Background/Objectives: This study evaluated the hemostatic performance and safety of ActiClot (ATC), a new flowable hemostatic agent, through in vivo tests. Methods: ATC was compared with the commercially available FLOSEAL®. ATC consists of carboxymethyl starch, thrombin, and sorbitol powders in Syringe I, and a calcium chloride solution in Syringe II. In vivo evaluation used rat liver bleeding and porcine heart bleeding models. Safety was assessed using a rat subcutaneous implantation model. Results: ATC significantly reduced hemostasis time (70.00 ± 7.35 s) compared to gauze control (240.63 ± 32.31 s) in the rat liver model, showing a 70% reduction. There was no significant difference between ATC and FLOSEAL® (58.75 ± 13.42 s). In the porcine heart model, both agents achieved 100% hemostasis within 3 min, with no significant difference in success rates within 2 min (ATC 87.5%, FLOSEAL® 75%). The gauze control group failed in all tests. The rat subcutaneous implantation model showed no visual ATC observation after 48 h, indicating biocompatibility, with no inflammation observed. Conclusions: ATC demonstrated effective hemostatic performance similar to FLOSEAL® in two in vivo models, with faster hemostasis in the rat liver model. It also showed excellent safety and biocompatibility, indicating its potential for surgical and emergency bleeding control.

Performance of calf circumference in identifying sarcopenia in older patients with chronic low back pain: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Calf circumference is currently recommended as a case-finding marker for sarcopenia, but its usefulness has not been determined in chronic pain conditions. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the predictive performance of calf circumference in diagnosing sarcopenia in older patients with chronic low back pain. METHODS: Ambulatory adult patients aged ≥ 65 years with chronic low back pain were enrolled. A diagnosis of sarcopenia was established based on the criteria outlined by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia in 2019. Patient demographics, pain-related factors, clinical factors, and sarcopenia-related measurements were compared between non-sarcopenic and sarcopenic patients. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the correlation of calf circumference with muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. Also, a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for calf circumference in predicting sarcopenia was conducted; and area under the curve (AUC) values, along with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), were calculated. RESULTS: Data from 592 patients were included in the analysis. Eighty-five patients were diagnosed with sarcopenia (14.3%), 71 of whom had severe sarcopenia (11.9%). A higher prevalence of sarcopenia was observed in female patients (9.0% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.016). After adjusting for age, BMI, and comorbidities, calf circumference correlated positively with muscle mass but not with muscle strength and physical performance. The AUC values for sarcopenia were 0.754 (95% CI = 0.636-0.871, p = 0.001) in males and 0.721 (95% CI = 0.657-0.786, p < 0.001) in females. The cut-offs for calf circumference in predicting sarcopenia were 34 cm (sensitivity 67.1%, specificity 70.6%) in males, and 31 cm (sensitivity 82.5%, specificity 51.5%) in females. CONCLUSIONS: Even though sex differences in its predictive value for sarcopenia should be considered, our findings suggest that calf circumference can be used as an indicator for predicting muscle mass and may serve as a potential marker for identifying sarcopenia in older patients with chronic low back pain.

Standardization of an antimicrobial resistance surveillance network through data management.

Introduction: The rapid spread of COVID-19 worldwide within 2 months demonstrated the vulnerability of the world's population to infectious diseases. In 2015, the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) was launched to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, there has been no comprehensive assessment of the decade-long global battle against AMR based on GLASS data. Methods: South Korea established Kor-GLASS (Korean-GLASS) to proactively monitor data quality and enable international collaborations. A unique feature of Kor-GLASS is the quality control center (QCC), which uses network hubs and ensures standardized, high-quality data through interlaboratory proficiency testing (IPT) and external quality assessment (EQA). In addition, the QCC multifaceted endeavors for integrated data quality management. Results: Since 2020, high-quality AMR data have indicated fluctuating antibiotic resistance rates in South Korea. This trend does not align with the decrease in antibiotic usage seen in humans but coincides with non-human antibiotic sales, indicating a need for greater monitoring of non-human antibiotic resistance. Comprehensive and robust management taking account of the intricate interplay among humans, animals, and the environment is essential. Kor-GLASS has been expanded into a "One Health" multiagency collaborative initiative. Discussion: Although a standardized solution is not suitable for all countries, it must align with the local context and international standards. A centralized top-down management structure such as that of the QCC is essential to ensure continuous data quality coordination. Sustained efforts and surveillance systems are crucial for monitoring and managing AMR and safeguarding human health.

Exposure to Radiofrequency Induces Synaptic Dysfunction in Cortical Neurons Causing Learning and Memory Alteration in Early Postnatal Mice.

The widespread use of wireless communication devices has necessitated unavoidable exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). In particular, increasing RF-EMF exposure among children is primarily driven by mobile phone use. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of 1850 MHz RF-EMF exposure at a specific absorption rate of 4.0 W/kg on cortical neurons in mice at postnatal day 28. The results indicated a significant reduction in the number of mushroom-shaped dendritic spines in the prefrontal cortex after daily exposure for 4 weeks. Additionally, prolonged RF-EMF exposure over 9 days led to a gradual decrease in postsynaptic density 95 puncta and inhibited neurite outgrowth in developing cortical neurons. Moreover, the expression levels of genes associated with synapse formation, such as synaptic cell adhesion molecules and cyclin-dependent kinase 5, were reduced in the cerebral cortexes of RF-EMF-exposed mice. Behavioral assessments using the Morris water maze revealed altered spatial learning and memory after the 4-week exposure period. These findings underscore the potential of RF-EMF exposure during childhood to disrupt synaptic function in the cerebral cortex, thereby affecting the developmental stages of the nervous system and potentially influencing later cognitive function.

Licochalcone A attenuates NMDA-induced neurotoxicity.

This study investigates the effect of Licochalcone A (Lico-A), a flavonoid from licorice roots known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties, on NMDA-induced neurotoxicity in primary cultured rat hippocampal neurons. The study measured cell survival following NMDA and Lico-A exposure, revealing that Lico-A at a 2.5 µg/ml significantly improved cell viability, countering the detrimental effects of NMDA. The study also analyzed synaptic changes by examining both postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95) and synaptophysin-targeted imaging, showing that Lico-A treatment resulted in a significant increase in synaptic puncta, contrasting with the reduction observed under NMDA exposure. Furthermore, levels of phosphorylated mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase (P-MLKL) and phosphorylated receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3 (P-RIP3), key necroptosis regulators, were measured using Western blotting. The results showed an increase in P-MLKL and P-RIP3 in neurons exposed to NMDA, which was reduced following Lico-A treatment. The response of astrocyte and microglia was also evaluated by immunostaining for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA-1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). These markers exhibited heightened expression in the NMDA group, which was substantially reduced by Lico-A treatment. These findings suggest that Lico-A has neuroprotective effects against NMDA-induced neurotoxicity, potentially contributing to synaptic preservation, inhibition of neuronal necroptosis, and modulation of glial activation. Therefore, Lico-A shows promise as a neuroprotective agent for conditions associated with NMDA-related neurotoxicity.

Association between Systolic Blood Pressure Variability and Incident Aortic Stenosis.

Background: This study investigated the potential link between blood pressure variability (BPV) and the incidence of aortic stenosis (AS) using Korean National Health Insurance Service data from 2002 to 2019. Methods: We collected annual systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV) measurements consisting of three consecutive blood pressure readings each year over three years. The obtained SBPV data was divided into five quantiles, with the highest quintile representing a high fluctuation of blood pressure. Results: Analyzing 9,341,629 individuals with a mean age of 40.7 years, the study found 3981 new AS diagnoses during an average 8.66-year follow-up. Independent predictors for AS included higher blood pressure levels and elevated systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV). The hazard ratios (HR) for different SBPV quintiles compared to the reference (1st quintile) were as follows: 2nd quintile HR 1.09 (p = 0.18), 3rd quintile HR 1.13 (p = 0.04), 4th quintile HR 1.13 (p = 0.04), and 5th quintile HR 1.39 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that both hypertension and high fluctuations in SBP during consecutive visits are associated with an increased risk of incident AS. These results emphasize the importance of blood pressure management and stability in the prevention of AS.

Anti-inflammatory effect of the combined treatment of LMT-28 and kaempferol in a collagen-induced arthritis mouse model.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and swelling. Several studies have demonstrated that RA fibroblast-like synovial cells (RA-FLS) play an important role in RA pathogenesis. Activated RA-FLS contribute to synovial inflammation by secreting inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. LMT-28 is derivative of oxazolidone and exerts anti-inflammatory effects on RA via IL-6 signaling pathway regulation. LMT-28 also regulates T cell differentiation in RA condition. However, the effect of LMT-28 on the migration and invasion of RA-FLS remains unknown. Kaempferol has been reported to have pharmacological effects on various diseases, such as inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Additionally, kaempferol has been reported to inhibit RA-FLS migration and invasion, but it is not known about the therapeutic mechanism including molecular mechanism such as receptor. The present study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of the combined treatment of LMT-28 and kaempferol on RA-FLS activation and RA pathogenesis in mouse model. LMT-28 and kaempferol co-administration inhibited RA disease severity and histological collapse in the joint tissues of CIA mice, as well as downregulated the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in mouse serum. Additionally, the combined treatment inhibited excessive differentiation of T helper 17 cells and osteoclasts. Furthermore, compared with single treatments, combined treatment showed enhanced inhibitory effects on the hyperactivation of IL-6-induced signaling pathway in RA-FLS. Combined treatment also inhibited RA-FLS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and suppressed the expression of matrix metalloproteinase in RA-FLS. Furthermore, we confirmed that the combined treatment inhibited chondrocyte proliferation, migration, and invasion. In conclusion, our results suggest that the combined treatment of LMT-28 and kaempferol exerts a synergistic effect on the RA development via the regulation of IL-6-induced hyperactivation of RA-FLS. Furthermore, this study suggests that combination therapies can be an effective therapeutic option for arthritis.

IL-6 Inhibitory Compounds from the Aerial Parts of Piper attenuatum and Their Anticancer Activities on Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines.

Piper attenuatum Buch-Ham, a perennial woody vine belonging to the Piperaceae family, is traditionally used in Southeast Asia for treating various ailments such as malaria, headache, and hepatitis. This study described the isolation and identification of three new compounds, piperamides I-III (1-3), which belong to the maleimide-type alkaloid skeletons, along with fifteen known compounds (4-18) from the methanol extract of the aerial parts of P. attnuatum. Their chemical structures were elucidated using spectroscopic methods (UV, IR, ESI-Q-TOF-MS, and 1D/2D NMR). All the isolates were evaluated for their ability to inhibit IL-6 activity in the human embryonic kidney-Blue™ IL-6 cell line and their cytotoxic activity against ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV3/SKOV3-TR) and chemotherapy-resistant variants (cisplatin-resistant A2780/paclitaxel-resistant SKOV3). The compounds 3, 4, 11, 12, 17, and 18 exhibited IL-6 inhibition comparable to that of the positive control bazedoxifene. Notably, compound 12 displayed the most potent anticancer effect against all the tested cancer cell lines. These findings highlight the importance of researching the diverse activities of both known and newly discovered natural products to fully unlock their potential therapeutic benefits.

A derivative of 3-(1,3-diarylallylidene)oxindoles inhibits dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice.

BACKGROUND: IA-0130 is a derivative of 3-(1,3-diarylallylidene)oxindoles, which is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). A previous study demonstrated that SERM exhibits anti-inflammatory effects on colitis by promoting the anti-inflammatory phenotype of monocytes in murine colitis. However, the therapeutic effects of oxindole on colitis remain unknown. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy of IA-0130 on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse colitis. METHODS: The DSS-induced colitis mouse model was established by administration of 2.5% DSS for 5 days. Mice were orally administered with IA-0130 (0.01 mg/kg or 0.1 mg/kg) or cyclosporin A (CsA; 30 mg/kg). Body weight, disease activity index score and colon length of mice were calculated and histological features of mouse colonic tissues were analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression of inflammatory cytokines and tight junction (TJ) proteins were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling molecules in colonic tissues were investigated using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS: IA-0130 (0.1 mg/kg) and CsA (30 mg/kg) prevented colitis symptom, including weight loss, bleeding, colon shortening, and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in colon tissues. IA-0130 treatment regulated the mouse intestinal barrier permeability and inhibited abnormal TJ protein expression. IA-0130 down-regulated IL-6 expression and prevented the phosphorylation of signaling molecules in colonic tissues. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that IA-0130 suppressed colitis progression by inhibiting the gp130 signaling pathway and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and maintaining TJ integrity.

[Normal Development and Variants in Pediatric Bone]. / 소아 뼈의 ì •ìƒ 발달과 변이.

Normal variants refer to imaging findings that are generally asymptomatic and discovered incidentally, yet may exhibit findings similar to those observed in pathological conditions. Recognizing normal variants in pediatric bone requires comprehension of the developmental process of long tubular bones and secondary ossification centers. Familiarity with various radiological findings of normal variants can prevent unnecessary follow-up imaging tests, as well as incorrect diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we will discuss the characteristic imaging findings of normal variants seen in growing pediatric bones, along with strategies for distinguishing them from pathologic conditions.

A Tailored Intervention for Improving Diabetes Self-care Among Adults With Visual Impairment: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim in this study was to develop and evaluate a tailored intervention for improving diabetes self-care among people with visual impairment (TID-VI) in South Korea. METHODS: The TID-VI program was designed around the barriers, resources, and perceptual factors to promote diabetes self-care in those with visual impairment (VI). A single-arm pilot study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effects of the intervention. Diabetes self-efficacy, self-care behaviours, depression, health-related quality of life, and clinical outcomes (fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin [A1C], lipids, and blood pressure) were measured before and up to 2 months after the 12-week intervention. RESULTS: All 14 participants completed TID-VI. Diabetes self-efficacy, diabetes self-care behaviours, depression, and health-related quality of life showed improvement from baseline that was sustained at 2 months. Although high- and low-density lipoprotein also improved, there were no differences in blood glucose, A1C, total cholesterol, or blood pressure at 2 months. CONCLUSIONS: A theory-driven, tailored intervention specific to the needs of adults with VI can produce substantial improvements in patient-reported quality of life and health status outcomes, although the benefits are yet to be confirmed in a controlled study.

Influence of frailty status on the health-related quality of life in older patients with chronic low back pain: a retrospective observational study.

PURPOSE: Understanding the influence of frailty on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older individuals experiencing chronic low back pain can provide valuable insights into the impact of frailty. Therefore, the aim of our study is to assess how different frailty statuses among older outpatients with chronic low back pain affect their HRQoL. METHODS: Patients aged 60 and above with chronic low back pain were recruited from March 2022 to February 2023. Frailty was assessed via the frailty phenotype questionnaire, and HRQoL was evaluated using the EQ-5D-5L. Multiple regression models were used to explore the influence of frailty status on the EQ-5D-5L index and EQ-VAS. Logistic regression was used to determine odds ratios for the impact of frailty status on belonging to the lowest EQ-5D-5L index quartile. RESULTS: A total of 1,054 participants were classified into robust (29.8%), pre-frail (47.7%), and frail (22.5%) groups. Frailty was significantly associated with declining HRQoL. Pre-frail and frail statuses were inversely linked to the EQ-5D-5L index, with significantly higher odds of scoring in the lowest quartile compared to robust individuals. Stratification analysis identified sex as an effect modifier, emphasizing a more substantial association between frailty and the lowest EQ-5D-5L index quartile in female patients. CONCLUSIONS: A significant association exists between frailty and reduced HRQoL in patients with chronic low back pain. This association was predominant in female patients. Furthermore, considering the dynamic nature of frailty, early detection and effective interventions targeting pre-frailty are essential to delaying the transition to full frailty and improving HRQoL.

Improvement of Transfusion Practice in Cardiothoracic Surgery Through Implementing a Patient Blood Management Program.

Background: In this study, we examined the impact of a patient blood management (PBM) program on red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practices in cardiothoracic surgery. Methods: The PBM program had 3 components: monitoring transfusions through an order communication system checklist, educating the medical team about PBM, and providing feedback to ordering physicians on the appropriateness of transfusion. The retrospective analysis examined changes in the hemoglobin levels triggering transfusion and the proportions of appropriate RBC transfusions before, during, and after PBM implementation. Further analysis was focused on patients undergoing cardiac surgery, with outcomes including 30-day mortality, durations of intensive care unit and hospital stays, and rates of pneumonia, sepsis, and wound complications. Results: The study included 2,802 patients admitted for cardiothoracic surgery. After the implementation of PBM, a significant decrease was observed in the hemoglobin threshold for RBC transfusion. This threshold dropped from 8.7 g/dL before PBM to 8.3 g/dL during the PBM education phase and 8.0 g/dL during the PBM feedback period. Additionally, the proportion of appropriate RBC transfusions increased markedly, from 23.9% before PBM to 34.9% and 58.2% during the education and feedback phases, respectively. Among the 381 patients who underwent cardiac surgery, a significant reduction was noted in the length of hospitalization over time (p<0.001). However, other clinical outcomes displayed no significant differences. Conclusion: PBM implementation effectively reduced the hemoglobin threshold for RBC transfusion and increased the rate of appropriate transfusion in cardiothoracic surgery. Although transfusion practices improved, clinical outcomes were comparable to those observed before PBM implementation.

Genetic regulation and targeted reversal of lysosomal dysfunction and inflammatory sterol metabolism in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Vascular inflammation critically regulates endothelial cell (EC) pathophenotypes, particularly in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Dysregulation of lysosomal activity and cholesterol metabolism have known inflammatory roles in disease, but their relevance to PAH is unclear. In human pulmonary arterial ECs and in PAH, we found that inflammatory cytokine induction of the nuclear receptor coactivator 7 (NCOA7) both preserved lysosomal acidification and served as a homeostatic brake to constrain EC immunoactivation. Conversely, NCOA7 deficiency promoted lysosomal dysfunction and proinflammatory oxysterol/bile acid generation that, in turn, contributed to EC pathophenotypes. In vivo, mice deficient for Ncoa7 or exposed to the inflammatory bile acid 7α-hydroxy-3-oxo-4-cholestenoic acid (7HOCA) displayed worsened PAH. Emphasizing this mechanism in human PAH, an unbiased, metabolome-wide association study (N=2,756) identified a plasma signature of the same NCOA7-dependent oxysterols/bile acids associated with PAH mortality (P<1.1x10-6). Supporting a genetic predisposition to NCOA7 deficiency, in genome-edited, stem cell-derived ECs, the common variant intronic SNP rs11154337 in NCOA7 regulated NCOA7 expression, lysosomal activity, oxysterol/bile acid production, and EC immunoactivation. Correspondingly, SNP rs11154337 was associated with PAH severity via six-minute walk distance and mortality in discovery (N=93, P=0.0250; HR=0.44, 95% CI [0.21-0.90]) and validation (N=630, P=2x10-4; HR=0.49, 95% CI [0.34-0.71]) cohorts. Finally, utilizing computational modeling of small molecule binding to NCOA7, we predicted and synthesized a novel activator of NCOA7 that prevented EC immunoactivation and reversed indices of rodent PAH. In summary, we have established a genetic and metabolic paradigm and a novel therapeutic agent that links lysosomal biology as well as oxysterol and bile acid processes to EC inflammation and PAH pathobiology. This paradigm carries broad implications for diagnostic and therapeutic development in PAH and in other conditions dependent upon acquired and innate immune regulation of vascular disease.

Geraniin Alleviates Inflammation in Caco-2 Cells and Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis Mice by Targeting IL-1ß.

IL-1ß is an important cytokine implicated in the progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and intestinal barrier dysfunction. The polyphenolic compound, geraniin, possesses bioactive properties, such as antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antiviral activities; however, its IL-1ß-targeted anticolitis activity remains unclear. Here, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of geraniin in IL-1ß-stimulated Caco-2 cells and a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. Geraniin blocked the interaction between IL-1ß and IL-1R by directly binding to IL-1ß and inhibited the IL-1ß activity. It suppressed IL-1ß-induced intestinal tight junction damage in human Caco-2 cells by inhibiting IL-1ß-mediated MAPK, NF-kB, and MLC activation. Moreover, geraniin administration effectively reduced colitis symptoms and attenuated intestinal barrier injury in mice by suppressing elevated intestinal permeability and restoring tight junction protein expression through the inhibition of MAPK, NF-kB, and MLC activation. Thus, geraniin exhibits anti-IL-1ß activity and anticolitis effect by hindering the IL-1ß and IL-1R interaction and may be a promising therapeutic anti-IL-1ß agent for IBD treatment.

Silent struggles to self-manage high blood pressure among deaf sign language users: a qualitative study.

AIMS: Tailored self-management support of hypertension, considering language and communication, is important for minorities, specifically in the deaf community. However, little is known about the experiences of hypertension self-management in deaf individuals who use sign language. This study aimed to explore the factors and processes of self-management in deaf sign language users with hypertension. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ten men and women who used sign language participated in this study. Data were collected using in-depth personal interviews conducted in the presence of a sign language interpreter between November 2022 and February 2023. All interviews were recorded and transcribed for conventional content analysis. Qualitative analyses identified four categories related to the self-management of hypertension among participants: personal factors (chronic hand pain, unique language and communication, and efforts to turn crisis into opportunities), family and socioeconomic factors (family support and financial burden of living), challenges (limited health literacy and alienation from health education), and desire for health education considering the deaf community. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that family support, socioeconomic status, hand pain, and health literacy should be considered for the planning and development of health education on self-management of hypertension in deaf individuals. In addition, this health education requires cooperation with qualified sign language interpreters in healthcare settings.