Two genetic variants in the HIBCH and FTCDNL1 genes are associated with susceptibility to developmental dysplasia of the hips among the Han Chinese population of Southwest China.

BACKGROUND: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a common cause of childhood disability, and the incidence of DDH shows significant familial aggregation. As the genetic factors of DDH remain unknown, the correlation between five candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and DDH was evaluated in the Han Chinese population of Southwest China. METHODS: A case‒control association study was conducted in 276 patients with DDH and 318 healthy controls. SNP genotyping in the case and control groups was performed by SNPshot and multiple PCR. SNPs were genotyped in the case and control groups by multiplex PCR. The relationship between DDH and candidate SNPs was evaluated using the χ2 test. RESULTS: The genotype distributions of rs291412 in HIBCH and rs769956 in FTCDNL1 were different between the case and control groups (P < 0.05). After genetic model analysis, logistic regression analysis revealed that the C allele of rs291412 had a protective effect on DDH (OR = 0.605, P = 0.010) and that the G allele of rs769956 was a risk factor (OR = 2.939, P = 0.010).s. CONCLUSION: These SNPs could be associated with susceptibility to DDH but larger population-based studies should confirm the current results.

Peptides derived from growth factors: Exploring their diverse impact from antimicrobial properties to neuroprotection.

Growth factor-derived peptides are bioactive molecules that play a crucial role in various physiological processes within the human body. Over the years, extensive research has revealed their diverse applications, ranging from antimicrobial properties to their potential in neuroprotection and treating various diseases. These peptides exhibit innate immune responses and have been found to possess potent antimicrobial properties against a wide range of pathogens. Growth factor-derived peptides have demonstrated the ability to promote neuronal survival, prevent cell death, and stimulate neural regeneration. As a result, they hold immense promise in the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis, as well as in the management of traumatic brain injuries. Moreover, growth factor-derived peptides have shown potential for supporting tissue repair and wound healing processes. By enhancing cell proliferation and migration, these peptides contribute to the regeneration of damaged tissues and promote a more efficient healing response. The applications of growth factor-derived peptides extend beyond their therapeutic potential in health; they also have a role in various disease conditions. For example, researchers have explored their influence on cancer cells, where some peptides have demonstrated anti-cancer properties, inhibiting tumor growth and promoting apoptosis in cancer cells. Additionally, their immunomodulatory properties have been investigated for potential applications in autoimmune disorders. Despite the immense promise shown by growth factor-derived peptides, some challenges need to be addressed. Nevertheless, ongoing research and advancements in biotechnology offer promising avenues to overcome these obstacles. The review summarizes the foundational biology of growth factors and the intricate signaling pathways in various physiological processes as well as diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular ailments, and metabolic syndromes.

Outcomes of non-angiosarcoma radiation-associated soft tissue sarcomas of the chest.

BACKGROUND: Radiation-associated soft tissue sarcomas (RA-STS) are rare complications of patients receiving radiation therapy (RT) and are generally associated with a poor prognosis. Most of the literature surrounding RA-STS of the chest is centered on angiosarcoma. Therefore, we aim to document the management and outcome of patients with non-angiosarcoma RA-STS of the chest. METHODS: We reviewed 17 patients (all female, median age 65 years) diagnosed with RA-STS. The most common primary malignancy was breast carcinoma (n = 15), with a median RT dose of 57.9 Gy. All patients underwent surgical resection; five patients (29%) received radiotherapy; and five patients (29%) received peri-operative chemotherapy. RESULTS: The 5-year local recurrence and metastatic-free survival were 61% and 60%, while the 5-year disease-specific survival was 53%. Local recurrence was associated with death due to disease (HR 9.06, p = 0.01). Complications occurred in nine of patients, most commonly due to a wound complication (n = 7). At the most recent follow-up, the median Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score was 63%. CONCLUSION: RA-STS involving the chest wall are aggressive tumors with a high risk of local relapse and death due to disease. Local recurrence was associated with death due to disease; as such, we recommend aggressive surgical management with evaluation for adjuvant therapies.

The effect of surgery started at different time point during the day on the clinical outcomes of mitral valve surgery.

Background: The clinical prognosis of mitral valve surgery at morning, afternoon, and evening is not yet clear. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of different time periods of surgery in the morning, afternoon and evening on the short-term and long-term results of mitral valve surgery. Methods: From January 2018 to December 2020, 947 patients with mitral valve surgery in our department were selected. These patients were divided into 3 groups according to the starting time of surgery. Morning group (operation start time 8:00-10:30, n = 231), afternoon group (operation start time 12:00-14:30, n = 543), and evening group (operation start time 17:30-20:00, n = 173). The short-term and long-term results of the three groups were compared. Results: There were no significant difference in the long-term mortality, long-term risk of stroke and reoperation. And there were no significant difference in in-hospital outcomes, including mortality, stroke, cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross clamp time, mitral valve repair convert to mitral valve replacement, number of aortic cross clamp ≥2 times, unplanned secondary surgery during hospitalization (including thoracotomy hemostasis, thoracotomy exploration, redo mitral valve surgery, and debridement), intra-aortic balloon pump, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, continuous renal replacement therapy, mechanical ventilation time, and intensive care unit length of stay. Conclusion: There is no significant difference in the risk of short-term and long-term survival and adverse events after mitral valve surgery at different time periods in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Mitral valve surgery at night is safe.

Transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation treatment with the J-valve system for tricuspid bioprosthesis deterioration: a report of two cases.

Background: Patients with tricuspid bioprosthetic structural valve degeneration (SVD) often present with right ventricular enlargement and severe dysfunction, which cause a higher risk for redo cardiac surgery. In 2019, our center innovated using the J-valve system for valve-in-valve (ViV) implantation to treat tricuspid bioprosthetic SVD. The purpose of this study was to summarize the clinical effect after 1-year follow-up. Case Description: From April 2019 to October 2019, two cases of tricuspid bioprosthetic dysfunction were treated with the J-valve system. Both patients were male, aged 46 and 67 years, respectively. The preoperative evaluation showed that the risk of conventional redo open heart surgery was high. The J-valve implantation was successful in both cases. One patient had slight valve displacement when the transporter was withdrawn during the operation, and a second J-valve was implanted in an ideal position. There was no death, no delayed valve displacement, and no readmission during the follow-up period of 12 months. In both cases, there was an absence of trace tricuspid regurgitation. After 6 months of anticoagulation with warfarin, the patients were converted to long-term aspirin treatment. Conclusions: The ViV technique with J-valve is feasible and effective in treating tricuspid bioprosthetic SVD in high-risk patients, avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass and conventional thoracotomy injury.

Design and Synthesis of Novel Diphenyl Ether Carboxamide Derivatives To Control the Phytopathogenic Fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) caused by the phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum has led to serious losses in the yields of oilseed rape and other crops every year. Here, we designed and synthesized a series of carboxamide derivatives containing a diphenyl ether skeleton by adopting the scaffold splicing strategy. From the results of the mycelium growth inhibition experiment, inhibition rates of compounds 4j and 4i showed more than 80% to control S. sclerotiorum at a dose of 50 µg/mL, which is close to that of the positive control (flubeneteram, 95%). Then, the results of a structure-activity relationship study showed that the benzyl scaffold was very important for antifungal activity and that introducing a halogen atom on the benzyl ring would improve antifungal activity. Furthermore, the results of an in vitro activity test suggested that these novel compounds can inhibit the activity of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), and the binding mode of 4j with SDH was basically similar to that of the flutolanil derivative. Morphological observation of mycelium revealed that compound 4j could cause a damage on the mycelial morphology and cell structure of S. sclerotiorum, resulting in inhibition of the growth of mycelia. Furthermore, in vivo antifungal activity assessment of 4j displayed a good control of S. sclerotiorum (>97%) with a result similar to that of the positive control at a concentration of 200 mg/L. Thus, the diphenyl ether carboxamide skeleton is a new starting point for the discovery of new SDH inhibitors and is worthy of further development.

Scoring model based on cardiac CT and clinical factors to predict early good mitral valve repair in rheumatic mitral disease.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the mitral valve calcification and mitral structure detected by cardiac computed tomography (cardiac CT) and establish a scoring model based on cardiac CT and clinical factors to predict early good mitral valve repair (EGMR) and guide surgical strategy in rheumatic mitral disease (RMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective bi-center cohort study. Based on cardiac CT, mitral valve calcification and mitral structure in RMD were quantified and evaluated. The primary outcome was EGMR. A logical regression algorithm was applied to the scoring model. RESULTS: A total of 579 patients were enrolled in our study from January 1, 2019, to August 31, 2022. Of these, 443 had baseline cardiac CT scans of adequate quality. The calcification quality score, calcification and thinnest part of the anterior leaflet clean zone, and papillary muscle symmetry were the independent CT factors of EGMR. Coronary artery disease and pulmonary artery pressure were the independent clinical factors of EGMR. Based on the above six factors, a scoring model was established. Sensitivity = 95% and specificity = 95% were presented with a cutoff value of 0.85 and 0.30 respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic of external validation set was 0.84 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73-0.93). CONCLUSIONS: Mitral valve repair is recommended when the scoring model value > 0.85 and mitral valve replacement is prior when the scoring model value < 0.30. This model could assist in guiding surgical strategies for RMD. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The model established in this study can serve as a reference indicator for surgical repair in rheumatic mitral valve disease. KEY POINTS: • Cardiac CT can reflect the mitral structure in detail, especially for valve calcification. • A model based on cardiac CT and clinical factors for predicting early good mitral valve repair was established. • The developed model can help cardiac surgeons formulate appropriate surgical strategies.