Causal association between plasma metabolites and neurodegenerative diseases.

BACKGROUND: Establishing causal relationships between metabolic biomarkers and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) is a challenge faced by observational studies. In this study, our aim was to investigate the causal associations between plasma metabolites and neurodegenerative diseases using Mendelian Randomization (MR) methods. METHODS: We utilized genetic associations with 1400 plasma metabolic traits as exposures. We used large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for AD and PD as our discovery datasets. For validation, we performed repeated analyses using different GWAS datasets. The main statistical method employed was inverse variance-weighted (IVW). We also conducted enrichment pathway analysis for IVW-identified metabolites. RESULTS: In the discovered dataset, there are a total of 69 metabolites (36 negatively, 33 positively) potentially associated with AD, and 47 metabolites (24 negatively， 23 positively) potentially associated with PD. Among these, 4 significant metabolites overlap with significant metabolites (PIVW < 0.05)in the validation dataset for AD, and 1 metabolite overlaps with significant metabolites in the validation dataset for PD. Three metabolites serve as common potential metabolic markers for both AD and PD, including Tryptophan betaine, Palmitoleoylcarnitine (C16:1), and X-23655 levels. Further pathway enrichment analysis suggests that the SLC-mediated transmembrane transport pathway, involving tryptophan betaine and carnitine metabolites, may represent potential intervention targets for treating AD and PD. CONCLUSION: This study offers novel insights into the causal effects of plasma metabolites on degenerative diseases through the integration of genomics and metabolomics. The identification of metabolites and metabolic pathways linked to AD and PD enhances our comprehension of the underlying biological mechanisms and presents promising targets for future therapeutic interventions in AD and PD.

The association of cognitive function and its changes with all-cause mortality among community-dwelling older adults.

Background: The association of cognitive function, its changes, and all-cause mortality has not reached a consensus, and the independence of the association between changes in cognitive function and mortality remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the longitudinal association between baseline cognitive function and cognitive changes over 1 year with subsequent all-cause mortality among the older adults aged 60 and above. Methods: A prospective cohort study utilizing the Community Older Adults Health Survey data. Initiated in 2018, the study annually assessed all individuals aged 60+ in Dalang Town, Dongguan City. Cognitive function was assessed using the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). A total of 6,042 older adults individuals were included, and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine cognitive function's impact on mortality. Results: Participants' median age was 70 years, with 39% men. Over a median 3.08-year follow-up, 525 died. Mortality risk increased by 6% per MMSE score decrease (adjusted HR = 1.06, 95%CI: 1.05-1.08). Compared to those with normal cognitive function at baseline, participants with mild cognitive impairment and moderate to severe cognitive impairment had significantly higher mortality risks (adjusted HR = 1.40, 95%CI: 1.07-1.82; HR = 2.49, 95%CI: 1.91-3.24, respectively). The risk of death was 5% higher for each one-point per year decrease in cognitive function change rate (HR = 1.05, 95%CI: 1.02-1.08). Compared with participants with stable cognitive function, those with rapid cognitive decline had a 79% increased risk of death (adjusted HR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.11-2.87), with baseline cognitive function influencing this relationship significantly (P for interaction = 0.002). Conclusion: Baseline cognitive impairment and rapid cognitive decline are associated with higher all-cause mortality risks in Chinese older adults. Baseline function influences the mortality impact of cognitive changes.

Chronologic evolution and prognostic implications of impaired coronary flow after chronic total occlusion angioplasty.

Background: Although vessels have the potential to recover following successful recanalization of chronic total occlusion (CTO), evidence is limited about the clinical significance of slow flow (SF) phenomenon after recanalization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the determinants, development and prognostic impact of SF after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for CTO. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study, 500 patients were consecutively enrolled undergoing CTO PCI and consecutive follow-up angiography in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, between 2015 and 2020. Coronary flow was assessed by corrected Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame count (CTFC). The association between SF and outcomes of CTO PCI was evaluated by analyzing the clinical, angiographic, and procedural characteristics. Results: SF was observed in 29 (5.8%) patients immediately after CTO PCI. Prior myocardial infraction, right coronary artery (RCA) revascularization and lack of bilateral collaterals were independent predictors of SF. SF was associated with increased risks of periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) [adjusted odds ratio (adOR): 4.12; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.68-10.07; P=0.002] and target lesion restenosis (adOR: 2.50; 95% CI: 1.10-5.72; P=0.030). In patients with baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤60%, systolic improvement was compromised in the SF group (LVEF: 55.4%±9.6% in follow up vs. 52.1%±9.4% before CTO PCI, P=0.147) compared with that of the normal group (LVEF: 55.7%±9.3% vs. 51.6%±8.5%, P<0.001). Conclusions: SF has a significant influence on the prognosis of patients undergoing CTO PCI. Achieving normal coronary flow is essential in CTO revascularization.

A cross-sectional survey on mother-to-child transmission of HIV among the migrant population in Dongguan, China.

Introduction: The migrant population, consisting of individuals who relocate from rural to urban areas, faces unique challenges that heighten their vulnerability to HIV infection. These challenges stem from a combination of sociodemographic factors and limited access to healthcare services. Understanding the dynamics of HIV transmission within this population is crucial for the development of effective prevention strategies. Methods: To investigate the factors contributing to HIV vulnerability among migrants, we conducted a cross-sectional study at Dongguan People's Hospital from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2021. Our study focused on pregnant women living with HIV and their infants, with a particular emphasis on sociodemographic characteristics, HIV testing and treatment profiles, and neonatal clinical data. Data were systematically collected using standardized forms. Results: Analysis of data from 98 participants revealed noteworthy findings. No significant associations were observed between age, marital status, and educational background regarding HIV vulnerability. Similarly, factors such as the status of sexual partners, spousal therapy, and the number of children had no significant impact. However, our analysis highlighted the critical role of treatment strategies for HIV-positive women and the timing of antiretroviral therapy initiation for women with HIV, both of which were associated with HIV transmission (P < 0.05). Additionally, factors such as feeding type, neonatal antiretroviral prophylaxis, and preventive treatment strategies showed significant associations, while the preventive treatment program for neonates demonstrated no significant impact. Discussion: These findings provide valuable insights into the specific risk factors and barriers to HIV prevention faced by the migrant population in Dongguan. They underscore the importance of targeted interventions and policies aimed at curtailing mother-to-child HIV transmission. By addressing the unique challenges experienced by migrant mothers and their infants, this study contributes significantly to broader efforts in controlling the spread of HIV, ultimately enhancing the health outcomes and well-being of Dongguan's migrant population. Furthermore, our research introduces a distinctive perspective within the extensively examined domain of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programs, focusing on the internally migrant Chinese population, an understudied demographic group in this context. This study, conducted in Dongguan, China, represents one of the pioneering investigations into pregnant women with HIV and their infants within this migrant community.

Are baseline conditions of coronary arteries sufficient for calculating angio-based index of microcirculatory resistance and fractional flow reserve?

Background: Angio-based index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) and fractional flow reserve (FFR) have been developed, however, the differences between baseline and hyperemic data and their effects on their computation have not yet been discussed. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of a novel method for calculating IMR and FFR from coronary angiography under baseline and hyperemic conditions. Methods: We performed a retrospective study to investigate the diagnostic performance of angiography-derived IMR (AccuIMR) and FFR (AccuFFRangio) computed from the hyperemic condition (AccuIMRhyp, AccuFFRangiohyp) and baseline condition (AccuIMRbase, AccuFFRangiobase) in 101 consecutive patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) who underwent measurements of IMR and FFR at a single center, using wire-based IMR and FFR as the reference standard. Results: AccuIMRhyp showed much better correlation with IMR than AccuIMRbase (r=0.77 vs. 0.47, P<0.001). The diagnostic accuracy and area under the curve (AUC) for identifying significant microvascular dysfunction was higher for AccuIMRhyp than AccuIMRbase [92.1% (95% CI: 85.0-96.5%) vs. 83.2% (95% CI: 74.4-89.9%), P=0.012; 0.942 (95% CI: 0.877-0.979) vs. 0.815 (95% CI: 0.726-0.886), P=0.003]. The computed AccuFFRangio showed good correlations with FFR and good diagnostic performance under both hyperemic and baseline conditions [r=0.68 vs. 0.68, P>0.99; diagnostic accuracy =95.9% (95% CI: 89.8-98.9%) vs. 94.9% (95% CI: 88.4-98.3%), P=0.728; AUC =0.989 (95% CI: 0.942-1.000) vs. 0.973 (95% CI: 0.919-0.995), P=0.381]. The net reclassification index (NRI) demonstrated that hyperemic group had improved reclassification ability compared to the baseline group in identification of IMR >25 (NRI =0.20, P<0.001) and FFR ≤0.8 (NRI =0.11, P<0.001). Conclusions: By comparing the calculated angio-derived IMR and FFR under the baseline and hyperemic conditions, this study demonstrates that AccuIMR calculation is more accurate using the hyperemic condition, while AccuFFRangio calculation is accurate under both conditions.

Treatment strategy for spontaneous coronary artery dissection based on anatomical characteristics.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical and angiographic characteristics of high-risk and low-risk spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) patients to determine the optimal treatment strategy. BACKGROUND: SCAD is a rare and emerging cause of acute coronary syndrome and sudden cardiac death, especially in young female patients. However, the indication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with SCAD remains elusive. METHODS: We evaluated the clinical and angiographic characteristics of all SCAD patients admitted to our center from 2012 to 2020. The outcomes of the high-risk and low-risk SCAD patients according to the location of the lesion segment with dissection or intramural hematoma were compared. Further analyses were performed to evaluate the vessel healing or residual dissection in the patients receiving the follow-up angiography. RESULTS: A total of 81 SCAD patients were enrolled in the present study, in which 38 patients were categorized as high-risk group, defined as involvement of the left main artery or proximal segment of any main coronary artery. PCI was the more common treatment approach in the high-risk group (68.4%), while conservative treatment was more common in the low-risk group (62.8%). The incidence of major adverse cardiac events, defined as cardiac death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, severe arrhythmias, or heat failure, within 1 year follow-up was similar between the two groups. 57 patients (70.4%) received the follow-up angiography after 1 year. The high- and low-risk groups had a similar rate of vessel healing among the PCI treatment patients. However, more patients achieved spontaneous healing in the low-risk group than the high-risk group among the conservative treatment patients (86.4% vs. 33.3%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Conservative management remains the recommended treatment strategy for the low-risk SCAD patients. PCI could be considered in high-risk SCAD patients with favorable clinical outcomes and vessel healing. Characterization of lesion anatomy may be an important indicator for treatment decision.

The relationship between test anxiety and emotion regulation: the mediating effect of psychological resilience.

BACKGROUND: Test anxiety has been widely found in medical students. Emotion regulation and psychological resilience have been identified as key factors contributing to anxiety. However, studies on relationships were limited. This study investigated the links between psychological resilience, emotion regulation, and test anxiety in addition to exploring the differences about socio-demographic factors. METHODS: A sample of 1266 medical students was selected through cross-sectional survey from a medical university in China during 2019. Data were obtained by network technique using designed questionnaire, which assesses the level of test anxiety, emotion regulation and psychological resilience, respectively. RESULTS: Medical students experienced test anxiety at different levels, 33.7% of these were seriously. It revealed significant effects of the gender and academic performance on test anxiety. Results of logistic regression indicated that test anxiety was significantly associated with emotion regulation and psychological resilience (p < 0.01). Psychological resilience played a mediating role on the relationship between emotion regulation and test anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of psychological resilience and emotion regulation in understanding how psychological resilience relates to test anxiety in medical students. Resilience-training intervention may be developed to support students encountering anxiety during the exam.

Risk assessment of drought disaster in summer maize cultivated areas of the Huang-Huai-Hai plain, eastern China.

Agricultural drought risk analysis is useful for reducing probable drought risk in the background of global warming. This study aims to identify spatiotemporal characteristics of drought and drought disaster risk in the summer maize growth period under climate change condition. In this research, we use daily datasets from 79 meteorological stations and the maize yield data in the Huang-Huai-Hai (HHH) plain, eastern China during the period 1960-2015. The drought disaster risk index (DDRI) model was applied to assess the drought disaster risk. The maize drought disaster risk maps were drawn under current and future climate change conditions. The results showed that the high DDRI was distributed in northern region and low DDRI was distributed in most of southern region in the HHH plain. During the summer maize growth period, the DDRI decreased gradually from the northern to southern region. The results also exhibited that under the RCP4.5 (Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5) scenario, about one half of the HHH plain belonged to the slight and sub-slight DDRI region in the future 80 years. Overall, our results demonstrated that the DDRI model provided an accurate assessment in both spatial and temporal scales and had a theoretical guidance for improving the adaptation of crop production. Elevating maize drought risk management helps to lessen the anticipated risk to crop production in the HHH plain under the context of climate change.

Association between Single Nucleotide Polymorphism rs9891119 of STAT3 Gene and the Genetic Susceptibility to Type 2 Diabetes in Chinese Han Population from Guangdong.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs9891119 of the signal transducer and activator of the transcription 3 (STAT3) gene and genetic susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in Chinese Han population from the Guangdong province. Objective: The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism rs9891119 of STAT3 gene and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which provides a basis for molecular genetic research on the pathogenesis of T2DM in Chinese Han population. Methods: In our case-control study, the SNP rs9891119 was picked out from the STAT3 gene and the SNP genotyping was performed by using the SNPscan™ kit in 1092 patients with type 2 diabetes as cases and 1092 normal persons as controls. The distributions of genotype and allele frequencies in two groups were analyzed by SPSS 20.0 software. Results: Our results showed that the alleles of A and C of rs9891119 of the STAT3 gene were 54.3 and 45.7% in patients with type 2 diabetes, while 55.5% and 44.5% in the normal persons, which have no statistical significance (P > 0.05). There were also no significant differences in AA, AC, and CC genotype frequencies between type 2 diabetes patients and normal persons. There were no significant differences in codominant, dominant, recessive, and overdominant genetic models of SNP rs9891119 before and after adjusting the covariant factors (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Therefore, genetic susceptibility to type 2 diabetes may be not associated with SNP rs9891119 of the STAT3 gene in Chinese Han population from the Guangdong province.

Overexpression of Circular RNA ciRS-7 Abrogates the Tumor Suppressive Effect of miR-7 on Gastric Cancer via PTEN/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway.

Gastric cancer (GC) has one of the highest mortality rates of malignancies globally. Currently, ciRS-7, a novel circular RNA, has emerged as a potential sponge for miR-7. However, few studies on ciRS-7 in GC have been performed. In this study, we investigated the clinical significance and function of ciRS-7 in GC. First, the expression levels of ciRS-7 in 102 primary GC tissues and the matched para-carcinoma tissues were evaluated and the clinical relevance was confirmed in an independent validation cohort (n = 154). Second, the effects of ciRS-7 on miR-7, PTEN, and PI3K were evaluated. Finally, the function of ciRS-7 in GC was analyzed with cell lines and nude mice. The expression of ciRS-7 was significantly upregulated in GC tissues compared with the matched para-carcinoma tissues (P = 0.0023), and the upregulation of ciRS-7 was linked to poor survival in the testing (P = 0.0143) and validation cohort (P = 0.0061). Multivariate survival analysis revealed that ciRS-7 was probably an independent risk factor of overall survival (P < 0.05). Furthermore, overexpression of ciRS-7 blocked the miR-7-induced tumor suppression in MGC-803 and HGC-27 cells and led to a more aggressive oncogenic phenotype, via antagonizing miR-7-mediated PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway. ciRS-7 may act as a prospective prognostic biological marker and a promising therapeutic target for GC. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 440-446, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Erratum: Laparoscopic versus opengastric surgery for the treatment of pathological T1N0M0 gastric cancer in elderly patients: a matched study.

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.

Laparoscopic versus opengastric surgery for the treatment of pathological T1N0M0 gastric cancer in elderly patients: a matched study.

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic surgery (LAP) and open gastric surgery (OP) in early gastric cancer patients aged ≥70 years.We conducted a retrospectively analysis among patientswith pathological T1N0M0 gastric cancer,who underwent LAP or OP between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2008. We identified a well-balanced cohort of 2,360 patients (1180 patients in each group). LAP has been shown to offer a superior perioperative results to OP, including lower blood loss, shorter time to oral intake, walk and bowel function recovery, shorter time of hospital stay, and less blood transfusion required. However, the intraoperative and postoperative complications, local recurrence, and metastasis didn't show statistically significant differences between groups. The 5-year overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were 60.1% vs.63.2%, 80.8% vs. 83.3%, and 87.6% vs. 89.5% in the LAP group and OP group, respectively. The hazard ratios (HR) for OS, DFS, and CSS were 1.09(95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95-1.25; P = 0.215), 1.03(95% CI: 0.91-1.18; P = 0.636), and 1.07 (95% CI: 0.88-1.30; P = 0.484), respectively, compared LAP group with OP group. In conclusion, LAP is an acceptable alternative to OP in elderly patients with early gastric cancer.