Interlayer Coupling in Anisotropic/Isotropic Van der Waals Heterostructures of ReS2 and WS2.

Van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures are composed of atomically thin layers assembled through weak (vdW) force, which have opened a new era for integrating materials with distinct properties and specific applications. However, few studies have focused on whether and how anisotropic materials affect heterostructure system. The study introduces anisotropic and isotropic materials in a heterojunction system to change the in-plane symmetry, offering a new degree of freedom for modulating its properties. The sample is fabricated by manually stacking ReS2 and WS2 flakes prepared by mechanical exfoliation. Raman spectra and photoluminescence measurements confirm the formation of an effective heterojunction, indicating interlayer coupling of the system. The anisotropy and asymmetry of the WS2 -ReS2 heterostructure system can be adjusted by the introduction of isotropic WS2 and anisotropic ReS2 , which can be proved by the change of the polarized Raman pattern. In the transient absorption measurement, the transient absorption spectra of WS2 -ReS2 heterostructure are red-shifted compared to those of WS2 monolayer, and the charge transfer is observed in the heterostructure. These results show the potential of anisotropic 2D materials in anisotropy modulation of heterostructures, which may promote future electronic or photonic application.

Insulin-like growth factor 1 knockdown attenuates high glucose-induced podocyte injury by promoting the JAK2/STAT signalling-mediated autophagy.

PURPOSE: Podocyte injury plays a crucial role in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). A high serum level of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) has been observed in patients with DN. This paper is to study the role and mechanism of IGF-1 in high glucose (HG)-induced podocyte injury. METHODS: Mouse podocytes MPC-5 were treated with HG to establish a DN model in vitro. db/db diabetic mice and db/m nondiabetic mice were used to evaluate the IGF-1 role in vivo. Western blotting was used for measuring protein levels of IGF-1 receptor, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signalling pathway-related markers, podocyte markers podocin and nephrin, apoptosis- and autophagy-related markers in MPC-5 cells. Immunofluorescence staining was implemented for measuring the expression of nephrin and the autophagy marker LC3. Flow cytometry was used for detecting podocyte apoptosis. RESULTS: IGF-1 expression was increased in HG-stimulated MPC-5 cells and the kidney of db/db diabetic mice compared with corresponding controls. Knocking down IGF-1 downregulated IGF-1R and inhibited JAK2/STAT signalling pathway in HG-treated MPC-5 cells and db/db diabetic mice. IGF-1 silencing attenuated HG-induced podocyte injury, apoptosis and reduction in autophagy. Activating the JAK2/STAT signalling pathway or inhibiting autophagy reversed the effects of IGF-1 silencing on HG-treated MPC-5 cells. CONCLUSION: Knocking down IGF-1 alleviates HG-induced podocyte injury and apoptosis by inactivating the JAK2/STAT signalling pathway and enhancing autophagy.

Maternal intrapartum fever during epidural labour analgesia: Incidence and influencing factors.

BACKGROUND: The management and nursing care of women's temperature during delivery is an important part of clinical obstetrics. We aimed to evaluate maternal intrapartum fever during epidural labour analgesia to provide evidence for the management and care of women in labour. METHODS: This study was conducted and reported according to the STROBE statement. Women in labour undergoing epidural labour analgesia in our hospital from 1 January 2021 to 31 August 2022 were retrospectively selected. The characteristics of women in labour with and without intrapartum fever were compared. Pearson correlation and logistic regression analysis were used to analyse the influencing factors of postpartum fever. RESULTS: A total of 196 women in labour were included, the incidence of maternal intrapartum fever in women in labour undergoing epidural analgesia was 27.5%. Pearson correlation analyses showed that BMI, oxytocin use, labour duration, number of vaginal examinations, time from rupture of the foetal membranes to the end of labour and duration of epidural analgesia were all correlated with the occurrence of intrapartum fever (all P < 0.05). Logistic regression analyses indicated that body mass index ≥28 kg/m2 (OR = 1.825), oxytocin use (OR = 2.082), labour duration ≥9.2 h (OR = 2.613), number of vaginal examinations ≥8 (OR = 2.044-3.115), the time from rupture of the foetal membranes to the end of labour ≥250 min (OR = 2.766) and duration of epidural analgesia ≥300 min (OR = 3.106) were risk factors for intrapartum fever in women in labour undergoing epidural analgesia (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal intrapartum fever in women in labour undergoing epidural analgesia is common and influenced by many factors. Nurses should take early preventive care measures according to these factors during epidural analgesia in labour.

Aurantio-obtusin exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on acute kidney injury by inhibiting NF-κB pathway.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the major complications of sepsis. Aurantio-obtusin (AO) is an anthraquinone compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study was developed to concentrate on the role and mechanism of AO in sepsis-induced AKI. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) and BALB/c mice receiving cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery were used to establish in vitro cell model and in vivo mouse model. HK-2 cell viability was measured using MTT assays. Histological alterations of mouse renal tissues were analyzed via hematoxylin and eosin staining. Renal function of mice was assessed by measuring the levels of serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). The concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in HK-2 cells and serum samples of mice were detected using corresponding ELISA kits. Protein levels of factors associated with nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway were measured in HK-2 cells and renal tissues by Western blotting. AO exerted no cytotoxic effect on HK-2 cells and AO dose-dependently rescued LPS-induced decrease in HK-2 cell viability. The concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines were increased in response to LPS or CLP treatment, and the alterations were reversed by AO treatment. For in vivo experiments, AO markedly ameliorated renal injury and reduced high levels of SCr and BUN in mice underwent CLP operation. In addition, AO administration inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, AO alleviates septic AKI by suppressing inflammatory responses through inhibiting the NF-κB pathway.

Enhanced HER Efficiency of Monolayer MoS2 via S Vacancies and Nano-Cones Array Induced Strain Engineering.

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2 ) has gained significant attention as a promising catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The catalytic performance of MoS2 can be enhanced by either altering its structure or regulating external conditions. In this study, a novel approach combining the introduction of sulfur vacancy (VS ) and biaxial tensile strain to create more active sites and modulate the band structure of monolayer MoS2 is proposed. To achieve the desired strain level, nano-cones (NCs) array substrates facilely fabricated by dip-pen nanolithography (DPN) are employed. The magnitude of the applied tensile strain can be finely tuned via adjusting the height of the NCs. Furthermore, on-chip electrochemical devices are constructed based on artificial structures, enabling precise optimization of HER performance of MoS2 through the synergistic effect of VS and strain. Combined with the d-band theory, it reveals that the HER properties of VS -MoS2 are highly dependent on the degree of tensile strain. This study presents a promising avenue for the design and preparation of high-performance 2D catalysts for energy conversion and storage applications.

Activating the Electrocatalysis of MoS2 Basal Plane for Hydrogen Evolution via Atomic Defect Configurations.

Point defects of heteroatoms and vacancies can activate the inert basal plane of molybdenum sulfide (MoS2 ) to improve its performance on catalyzing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, the synergy between heteroatoms and vacancies is still unclear. Here, a chemical vapor deposition-assisted in situ vanadium (V) doping method is used to synthesize monolayer MoS2 with abundant and tunable vacancies and V-dopants in the lattice. Ten delicate defect configurations are prepared to provide a complex system for the relationship investigation between microstructure and catalytic performance. The combination of on-chip electrochemical tests and theoretical calculations indicates that the HER performance greatly depends on the type and amount of defect configurations. The optimal configuration is that three V atoms are aggregated and accompanied by abundant sulfur vacancies, in which, H atoms directly interact with Mo and V atoms to form the most stable metal-bridge structure. The on-chip measurements also confirm that the sample with high concentrations of this type of defect configuration exhibits the best catalytic performance, indicating the efficient synergy in the optimal configuration. The revealed effects of defect configurations are expected to inspire the design and regulation of high-efficiency 2D catalysts.

The Influence of Life-and-Death Views on the Well-Being of Chinese Tujia Ethnic Adolescents.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how a person's view of life and death might influence various aspects of well-being. Similar studies have been conducted with adolescents in different cultures, but not with Chinese Tujia ethnic adolescents. Tujia adolescents (N = 309) completed the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), the Death Attitude Profile (DAP), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Happiness Inventory (HI). Results indicated that Chinese Tujia ethnic adolescents maintain a relatively positive life-and-death view and overall well-being. Meaning in life and death attitude both corresponded with overall well-being. A dominance analysis indicated that meaning in life can predict the well-being of a person better than a death attitude. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Forecasting the incidence of mumps in Chongqing based on a SARIMA model.

BACKGROUND: Mumps is classified as a class C infection disease in China, and the Chongqing area has one of the highest incidence rates in the country. We aimed to establish a prediction model for mumps in Chongqing and analyze its seasonality, which is important for risk analysis and allocation of resources in the health sector. METHODS: Data on incidence of mumps from January 2004 to December 2018 were obtained from Chongqing Municipal Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention. The incidence of mumps from 2004 to 2017 was fitted using a seasonal autoregressive comprehensive moving average (SARIMA) model. The root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) were used to compare the goodness of fit of the models. The 2018 incidence data were used for validation. RESULTS: From 2004 to 2018, a total of 159,181 cases (93,655 males and 65,526 females) of mumps were reported in Chongqing, with significantly more men than women. The age group of 0-19 years old accounted for 92.41% of all reported cases, and students made up the largest proportion (62.83%), followed by scattered children and children in kindergarten. The SARIMA(2, 1, 1) × (0, 1, 1)12 was the best fit model, RMSE and MAPE were 0.9950 and 39.8396%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on the study findings, the incidence of mumps in Chongqing has an obvious seasonal trend, and SARIMA(2, 1, 1) × (0, 1, 1)12 model can also predict the incidence of mumps well. The SARIMA model of time series analysis is a feasible and simple method for predicting mumps in Chongqing.

Citrate pretreatment attenuates hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced cardiomyocyte injury via regulating microRNA-142-3p/Rac1 aix.

Purpose: Citrate has a positive effect on improving the pathophysiological changes of cardiomyocytes such as cardiac failure and auricular fibrillation. However, the underlying mechanism remains still unclear.Methods: Rat cardiomyocytes were used to establish hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) cell model. Citrate was conduct to pretreat with cardiomyocytes, and microRNA-142-3p (miR-142-3p) knockdown and overexpression were used to determine the underlying mechanism of their functions in cardiomyocytes. Cell viability and apoptosis were respectively detected by CCK-8 and flow cytometry. Protein and mRNA levels were determined by Western blot and qRT-PCR. Luciferase reporter assay and Targetscan were performed to study the regulation of miR-142-3p and Rac1.Results: The level of miR-142-3p was down-regulated in H/R model, but up-regulated in cardiomyocytes following citrate treatment. Citrates attenuated H/R injury induced miR-142-3p level and cell viability, and also inhibited H/R injury induced apoptosis, LDH, MDA and autophagy. Cell viability was improved, and autophagy was suppressed by miR-142-3p mimic, while inhibitor had opposite results. Compared with H/R + miR-142-3p inhibitor group, cell viability was higher, and apoptosis and autophagy were lower in Cit + H/R + miR-142-3p inhibitor group. Furthermore, Rac1 was target gene of miR-142-3p, and decreased by citrate, in comparison with H/R + miR-142-3p inhibitor group.Conclusion: Taken together, our findings indicated that citrate ameliorates H/R injury-induced cardiomyocytes autophagy by regulating miR-142-3p/Rac1 aix.

Correction to: One-pot fabrication of dual-emission and single-emission biomass carbon dots for Cu2+ and tetracycline sensing and multicolor cellular imaging.

The authors would like to call the reader's attention to the fact that unfortunately the wrong file was published as Fig. 2.

One-pot fabrication of dual-emission and single-emission biomass carbon dots for Cu2+ and tetracycline sensing and multicolor cellular imaging.

Dual-emission and single-emission carbon dots (DCDs and SCDs) have been simultaneously synthesized by one-pot solvothermal treatment of leek. Different graphitization and surface functionalization were responsible for their distinction in fluorescence characteristics. DCDs with an average size of 5.6 nm exhibited two emissions at 489 and 676 nm under 420-nm excitation. Complexation between DCDs' surface porphyrins and Cu2+ led to quenching of the 676-nm emission, which resulted in the ratiometric determination of Cu2+ with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.085 µM. SCDs, containing additional sulfur element (0.50%) with an average size of 7.7 nm, presented a single emission at 440 nm under 365-nm excitation. The static quenching and inner filter effects between SCDs and tetracyclines (TCs) made SCDs a fluorescence nanoprobe for TCs' determination with LODs of 0.26-0.48 µM. Applications of DCDs and SCDs for respective determination of Cu2+ and TCs in milk and pig liver samples were successfully demonstrated. Moreover, good photostability, low toxicity, and outstanding biocompatibility made DCDs and SCDs suitable for multicolor cellular imaging. Results indicate that natural products are excellent raw materials to controllably synthesize CDs with prominent physicochemical and fluorescence properties.Graphical abstract.

A Hybrid Procedure Combining Mini-Thoracotomy with Interventional Endocardial Lead Implantation for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Patients with Chronic Congestive Heart Failure: A Report of Four Cases.

BACKGROUND: We describe the application and effectiveness of transthoracic electrode implantation for epicardial left ventricular pacing in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) for patients with chronic congestive heart failure. METHODS: We assessed four patients with chronic congestive heart failure for whom implantation of endocardial electrodes was contraindicated. The epicardial electrodes were implanted via a mini-thoracotomy in the fourth or fifth left intercostal space. We analyzed the surgical implantation technique and the short-term effectiveness of the procedure. RESULTS: The epicardial electrodes successfully were implanted in all four patients. The patients' hemodynamic status, cardiac function, and symptoms significantly improved. Patients I, II, III, and IV were discharged from the hospital on the 8, 11, 4, and 7 days, respectively, after the operation. Follow up lasted for 12 months. None of the patients presented with electrode fractures or surgical wound infections, and the pacing threshold and electrode impedance were normal. In one case, phrenic nerve stimulation occurred due to the low placement position of the electrode. When the electrode was moved slightly inward and upward, the sacral nerve stimulation sign disappeared, and no other complications were noted. One patient developed capsule infection, and the presence of an ectopic pacemaker was noted; therefore, a pacemaker replacement procedure was required. CONCLUSION: In CRT, the implantation of a left ventricular epicardial electrode through a left-sided small incision is safe, feasible, and effective. This hybrid surgery combining interventional and cardiac techniques can maximize the curative effect of CRT.

Surgical Treatment of Coronary Pseudoaneurysm: A Case Report and Literature Review.

A coronary pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication of chest trauma. In this report, we describe the case of a 65-year-old man with a mediastinal lesion. On admission, he complained of chest tightness and dry cough, and a pseudoaneurysm was confirmed in the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery on chest computerized tomography, angiography, and coronary angiography. The patient had experienced chest trauma 5 years previously. With the help of extracorporeal bypass surgery, the pseudoaneurysm was resected under direct observation. The patient recovered well after surgery. Traumatic coronary artery pseudoaneurysms usually are asymptomatic and often misdiagnosed. Preoperative coronary angiography is a crucial diagnostic used for deciding appropriate surgical management.

[Upregulation of miR-498 suppresses Th17 cell differentiation by targeting STAT3 in rheumatoid arthritis patients].

To investigate the effect and mechanism of miR-498 on Th17 cell differentiation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBCs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, peripheral blood samples were collected from RA patients and healthy controls, respectively. The proportion of CD4+IL-17+ T cells (Th17 cells) or CD4+FOXP3+ T cells (Tregs) in T cells and the Th17/Treg ratio were identified by the flow cytometer. The STAT3 and miR-498 expression were measured by Western blot and real-time PCR, respectively. ELISA was used to detect IL-17 concentrations. Luciferase assay was performed to confirm that miR-498 directly targeted the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of STAT3 in CD4+ T cells. The effect of miR-498 on Th17 cell differentiation was explored by transfection of miR-498 mimic and/or pcDNA-STAT3 into CD4+ T cells. In PMBCs of RA patients, the Th17/CD4+ T cell ratio was significantly increased, while the Tregs/CD4+ T cell ratio was obviously decreased, leading to a higher Th17/Treg ratio. The results showed a reduced miR-498 expression and an increased STAT3 protein expression in PMBCs, and an increased IL-17 concentration in serum of RA patients. In cells transfected with wild-type-STAT3-LU, miR-498 mimic significantly reduced the luciferase activity, STAT3 gene and protein expression, and miR-498 inhibitor had an opposite function. While the miR-498 mimic/inhibitor had no effect on the luciferase activity and STAT3 expression in cells transfected with mutant-STAT3-LU. CD4+ T cells transfected with miR-498 mimic had a lower Th17/CD4+ T cell ratio and IL-17 concentration, however, transfection of pcDNA-STAT3 reversed the effect of miR-498 mimic on Th17/CD4+ T cell ratio and IL-17 concentration. These results suggest that overexpression of miR-498 suppresses Th17 cell differentiation by targeting STAT3 in RA patients.

Etiology and Outcome of Crescentic Glomerulonephritis From a Single Center in China: A 10-Year Review.

BACKGROUND: The disease spectrum of crescentic glomerulonephritis (GN) has been described in only a few previous studies, and detailed epidemiologic data from China are unavailable to date. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 528 patients with biopsy-proven crescentic GN in 2003 to 2013 from a single center. PREDICTOR: Crescentic GN was classified into 3 types according to immunofluorescence findings: type I was defined as linear deposition of immunoglobulins along the glomerular basement membrane; type II, as glomerular deposition of immune complex; and type III, as pauci-immune deposition. OUTCOMES: Demographic, clinical, and serologic characteristics. RESULTS: Of 528 cases identified, 208 (39.4%) were men, with a mean age of 37.6±16.4 (SD) years at kidney biopsy. 61 (11.6%) patients had type I crescentic GN, 331 (62.7%) had type II (lupus nephritis, 34.3%; immunoglobulin A [IgA] nephropathy, 17.4%), and 136 (25.8%) had type III. Proportions of patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), acute kidney diseases and disorders without AKI, and chronic kidney disease were 86.9%, 0%, and 13.1% for type I; 42.0%, 19.6%, and 38.4% for type II; and 84.6%, 2.9%, and 12.5% for type III crescentic GN, respectively. Serum antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies were detected in 11 (18.0%) patients with type I, 15 (4.5%) with type II, and 117 (86.0%) with type III. Anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies were found in 60 (98.4%) patients with type I, 3 (0.9%) with type II, and 5 (3.7%) with type III. 5-year cumulative renal survival rates for patients with types I, II, and III were 17.6%, 70.1%, and 44.3%, respectively. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study, single-center experience. CONCLUSIONS: Lupus nephritis may be the most common type of crescentic GN in China, followed by pauci-immune crescentic GN and IgA nephropathy. Almost half the patients presented with AKI, whereas 28.8% of cases showed chronic kidney disease. Clinical manifestations and outcomes varied according to crescentic GN type. The distinction between subtypes based on immunofluorescence and serologic findings has important implications for therapy and outcome.

PI3K-Akt/eNOS in remote postconditioning induced by brief pulmonary ischemia.

PURPOSE: Postconditioning, a series of brief ischemia-reperfusion sequences given before an ischemic heart undergoes sustained reperfusion, has been shown to lessen ischemia/reperfusion injury. The current study establishes a rabbit model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion and studied the effects of pulmonary remote postconditioning in this model. METHODS: Serum levels of creatine kinase (CK), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA), protein expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), Rho kinase (ROCK- 2), and protein kinase B (Akt) in myocardial cells and the apoptosis index of myocardial cells were examined. RESULTS: Pulmonary remote postconditioning decreased CK, significantly decreased MDA, and increased SOD. Postconditioning significantly increased eNOS protein expression. Administration of eNOS inhibitor, L-NAME, dramatically suppressed the postconditioning-induced eNOS protein expression and serum SOD level, but significantly increased MDA level. The two longer sessions of postconditioning increased Akt, although this increase was not accompanied by changes in levels of the Akt inhibitor, ROCK-2. Blocking eNOS activity with L-NAME had no visible effect on either Akt or ROCK-2. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a role for Akt in remote postconditioning-induced myocardial protection, but do not support an involvement of eNOS in Akt-mediated action.

Efficacy and safety of fractional carbon dioxide laser followed by 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy for keloids.

BACKGROUND: Keloids are aggressive fibroproliferative disorders that cause aesthetic and functional damage. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown promise as a novel treatment for keloids. However, the limited penetration of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and unsatisfactory outcomes in dense scars hinder its effectiveness as a monotherapy. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of fractional CO2 laser followed by 5-ALA PDT for keloids. METHODS: A total of 12 patients with keloid were included in our study. Each lesion was pretreated by fractional CO2 laser with 26-28 W to create microthermal zones. After topical application of 5-ALA solution, an irradiation of 635 nm red light with 120 J/cm2 was performed. The treatment was repeated at least every 2 weeks. Efficacy and safety were evaluated using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for keloid-related symptoms and documentation of postoperative complications. Statistical analysis was performed to compare VSS and keloid-related symptom VAS scores of the baseline and final treatment sessions. RESULTS: The final treatment resulted in a statistically significant decrease in all parameters of VSS and VAS for pruritus and pain compared to the baseline. Except for postoperative hyperpigmentation, no infections, scar aggravation, or recurrence were observed during at least 6 months of follow-up. Overall, patients expressed a high level of satisfaction with the treatment outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Fractional CO2 laser followed by 5-ALA PDT is a promising method for treating keloids. However, its synergetic effects need to be validated through clinical trials involving larger patient cohorts.

Del Nido cardioplegia versus cold blood cardioplegia in adult cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: Systematic evaluation of the safety of del Nido cardioplegia compared to cold blood cardioplegia in adult cardiac surgery. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized clinical trials (published by 14 January 2024) comparing del Nido cardioplegia to cold blood cardioplegia in adult. Our main endpoints were myocardial injury markers and clinical outcomes. We assessed pooled data by use of a random-effects model or a fixed-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 10 studies were identified, incorporating 889 patients who received del Nido cardioplegia and 907 patients who received cold blood cardioplegia. The meta-analysis results showed that compared with the cold blood cardioplegia, the del Nido cardioplegia had less volume of cardioplegia, higher rate of spontaneous rhythm recovery after cross clamp release, lower levels of postoperative cardiac troponin T and creatinine kinase-myocardial band, all of which were statistically significant. However, there was no statistically significant difference in postoperative troponin I and postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction. The clinical outcomes including mechanical ventilation time, intensive care unit stay time, hospital stay time, postoperative stroke, postoperative new-onset atrial fibrillation, postoperative heart failure requiring intra-aortic balloon pump mechanical circulation support, and in-hospital mortality of both are comparable. CONCLUSION: Existing evidence suggests that del Nido cardioplegia reduced volume of cardioplegia administration and attempts of defibrillation. The superior postoperative results in CTnT and CK-MB may provide a direction for further research on improvement of the composition of cardioplegia.

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis LPL-RH improves postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms and nutrition indexes by regulating the gut microbiota in patients with valvular heart disease: a randomized controlled trial.

Gastrointestinal symptoms constitute a frequent complication in postoperative patients with valvular heart disease (VHD), impacting their postoperative recovery. Probiotics contribute to regulating human gut microbiota balance and alleviating postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms. Our objective involved assessing the potential of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis LPL-RH to alleviate postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms and expedite patient recovery. Adult patients diagnosed with VHD scheduled for valve surgery were enrolled. 110 patients were randomly divided into two groups and received LPL-RH or a placebo for 14 days. Gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated using the Gastrointestinal Symptoms Questionnaire. An analysis of the time to recovery of bowel function and various postoperative variables was conducted in both study groups. Variations in the intestinal microbiota were detected via 16S rRNA sequencing. The study was completed by 105 participants, with 53 in the probiotic group and 52 in the placebo group. Compared to the placebo group, LPL-RH significantly reduced the total gastrointestinal symptom score after surgery (p = 0.004). Additionally, LPL-RH was found to significantly reduce abdominal pain (p = 0.001), bloating (p = 0.018), and constipation (p = 0.022) symptom scores. Furthermore, LPL-RH dramatically shortened the time to recovery of bowel function (p = 0.017). Moreover, LPL-RH administration significantly enhanced patients' postoperative nutrition indexes (red blood cell counts, hemoglobin level, p < 0.05). Microbiome analysis showed that the composition and diversity of the postoperative intestinal microbiota differed between the probiotic and placebo groups. No adverse incidents associated with probiotics were documented, emphasizing their safety. This study initially discovered that oral B. animalis subsp. lactis LPL-RH can assist in regulating intestinal microbiota balance, alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms, promoting intestinal function recovery, and enhancing nutrition indexes in patients with VHD after surgery. Regulating the intestinal microbiota may represent a potential mechanism for LPL-RH to exert clinical benefits.

Lactobacillus plantarum 24-7 improves postoperative bloating and hard stools by modulating intestinal microbiota in patients with congenital heart disease: a randomized controlled trial.

Gastrointestinal symptoms are a common postoperative complication in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), affecting their postoperative recovery. Probiotic intervention may be a promising therapeutic approach to alleviate postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of Lactobacillus plantarum 24-7 (L. plantarum 24-7) in mitigating postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms and promoting patient recovery. Adult CHD patients scheduled for surgical intervention were recruited. One hundred and twenty patients were randomized and received L. plantarum or placebo intervention twice daily for ten days. Gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed utilizing the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). Various postoperative variables were analyzed across both groups. Alterations in gut microbiota were evaluated through 16S rRNA sequencing. 112 patients completed the study, with 55 in the probiotic group and 57 in the placebo group. While the disparity in overall postoperative GSRS scores between the two groups did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.067), marked differences were observed in bloating (P = 0.004) and hard stool (P = 0.030) scores. Furthermore, individuals within the probiotic group exhibited lower postoperative neutrophil counts (P = 0.007) and concurrently higher lymphocyte counts (P = 0.001). Variations in the diversity and composition of postoperative gut microbiota were discerned between the probiotic and placebo groups. Remarkably, no probiotic-related adverse events were documented. Supplementation with L. plantarum was well-tolerated and demonstrated partial efficacy in ameliorating gastrointestinal symptoms in postoperative CHD patients. Modulating the gut microbiota may be a potential mechanism by which L. plantarum exerts clinical benefits.