Multi-organ proteomic landscape of COVID-19 autopsies.

The molecular pathology of multi-organ injuries in COVID-19 patients remains unclear, preventing effective therapeutics development. Here, we report a proteomic analysis of 144 autopsy samples from seven organs in 19 COVID-19 patients. We quantified 11,394 proteins in these samples, in which 5,336 were perturbed in the COVID-19 patients compared to controls. Our data showed that cathepsin L1, rather than ACE2, was significantly upregulated in the lung from the COVID-19 patients. Systemic hyperinflammation and dysregulation of glucose and fatty acid metabolism were detected in multiple organs. We also observed dysregulation of key factors involved in hypoxia, angiogenesis, blood coagulation, and fibrosis in multiple organs from the COVID-19 patients. Evidence for testicular injuries includes reduced Leydig cells, suppressed cholesterol biosynthesis, and sperm mobility. In summary, this study depicts a multi-organ proteomic landscape of COVID-19 autopsies that furthers our understanding of the biological basis of COVID-19 pathology.

Protein Kinase A Is a Master Regulator of Physiological and Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy.

BACKGROUND: The sympathoadrenergic system and its major effector PKA (protein kinase A) are activated to maintain cardiac output coping with physiological or pathological stressors. If and how PKA plays a role in physiological cardiac hypertrophy (PhCH) and pathological CH (PaCH) are not clear. METHODS: Transgenic mouse models expressing the PKA inhibition domain (PKAi) of PKA inhibition peptide alpha (PKIalpha)-green fluorescence protein (GFP) fusion protein (PKAi-GFP) in a cardiac-specific and inducible manner (cPKAi) were used to determine the roles of PKA in physiological CH during postnatal growth or induced by swimming, and in PaCH induced by transaortic constriction (TAC) or augmented Ca2+ influx. Kinase profiling was used to determine cPKAi specificity. Echocardiography was used to determine cardiac morphology and function. Western blotting and immunostaining were used to measure protein abundance and phosphorylation. Protein synthesis was assessed by puromycin incorporation and protein degradation by measuring protein ubiquitination and proteasome activity. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) infected with AdGFP (GFP adenovirus) or AdPKAi-GFP (PKAi-GFP adenovirus) were used to determine the effects and mechanisms of cPKAi on myocyte hypertrophy. rAAV9.PKAi-GFP was used to treat TAC mice. RESULTS: (1) cPKAi delayed postnatal cardiac growth and blunted exercise-induced PhCH; (2) PKA was activated in hearts after TAC due to activated sympathoadrenergic system, the loss of endogenous PKIα (PKA inhibition peptide α), and the stimulation by noncanonical PKA activators; (3) cPKAi ameliorated PaCH induced by TAC and increased Ca2+ influxes and blunted neonatal rat cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by isoproterenol and phenylephrine; (4) cPKAi prevented TAC-induced protein synthesis by inhibiting mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling through reducing Akt (protein kinase B) activity, but enhancing inhibitory GSK-3α (glycogen synthase kinase-3α) and GSK-3ß signals; (5) cPKAi reduced protein degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome system via decreasing RPN6 phosphorylation; (6) cPKAi increased the expression of antihypertrophic atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP); (7) cPKAi ameliorated established PaCH and improved animal survival. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiomyocyte PKA is a master regulator of PhCH and PaCH through regulating protein synthesis and degradation. cPKAi can be a novel approach to treat PaCH.

Comparing Sonazoid contrast-enhanced ultrasound to contrast-enhanced CT and MRI for differentially diagnosing renal lesions: a prospective multicenter study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced (CE) ultrasound using Sonazoid (SNZ-CEUS) by comparing with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) for differentiating benign and malignant renal masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 306 consecutive patients (from 7 centers) with renal masses (40 benign tumors, 266 malignant tumors) diagnosed by both SNZ-CEUS, CE-CT or CE-MRI were enrolled between September 2020 and February 2021. The examinations were performed within 7 days, but the sequence was not fixed. Histologic results were available for 301 of 306 (98.37%) lesions and 5 lesions were considered benign after at least 2 year follow-up without change in size and image characteristics. The diagnostic performances were evaluated by sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and compared by McNemar's test. RESULTS: In the head-to-head comparison, SNZ-CEUS and CE-MRI had comparable sensitivity (95.60 vs. 94.51%, P = 0.997), specificity (65.22 vs. 73.91%, P = 0.752), positive predictive value (91.58 vs. 93.48%) and negative predictive value (78.95 vs. 77.27%); SNZ-CEUS and CE-CT showed similar sensitivity (97.31 vs. 96.24%, P = 0.724); however, SNZ-CEUS had relatively lower than specificity than CE-CT (59.09 vs. 68.18%, P = 0.683). For nodules > 4 cm, CE-MRI demonstrated higher specificity than SNZ-CEUS (90.91 vs. 72.73%, P = 0.617) without compromise the sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: SNZ-CEUS, CE-CT, and CE-MRI demonstrate desirable and comparable sensitivity for the differentiation of renal mass. However, the specificity of all three imaging modalities is not satisfactory. SNZ-CEUS may be a suitable alternative modality for patients with renal dysfunction and those allergic to gadolinium or iodine-based agents.

Feasibility and prognostic value of tissue motion annular displacement in patients with heart transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Tissue motion of mitral annular displacement (TMAD) assessment has proved to be an effective method for several cardiovascular diseases including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, heart failure, non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, etc. However, there are no studies exploring the feasibility of TMAD in heart transplantation (HT) recipients, and the predictive value of this parameter for adverse outcomes in these patients remains unknown. Consequently, this study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of TMAD in the evaluation of left ventricular (LV) systolic function in clinically well adult HT patients, and further investigate the prognostic value of TMAD. METHODS: Echocardiography was performed in 155 adult HT patients and 49 healthy subjects. All the subjects were examined by conventional transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) with evaluation of the LV end-diastolic diameter, LV end-diastolic volume index, LV end-systolic volume index, interventricular septal thickness, left atrial diameter, mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE), LV ejection fraction (LVEF), TMAD and LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS). The end point was defined as all-causes mortality or posttransplant related hospitalization during follow up. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of the parameters for predicting poor outcomes in HT patients. RESULTS: A significant positive correlation was found between the measurements of TMAD and LVGLS (r = .714, p < .001). TMAD obtained by 2D-STE had good reproducibility. The LVGLS and TMAD were significantly lower in HT group than in control group (both p < .001). In HT patients, compared with event free group, adverse outcome group displayed reduced TMAD and LVGLS, and elevated age (p < .001, < .001, = .017, respectively). Patients with higher TMAD (> 9.1 mm) had comparatively better survival when stratified by cutoff value (log-rank p < .001). LVGLS and TMAD were independently associated with adverse outcomes in multivariable analysis (both p < .001). CONCLUSION: Assessment of TMAD is effective for evaluating LV longitudinal systolic function and predicting adverse outcomes in clinically well adult HT patients.

Application of apical myocardial perfusion quantitative analysis by contrast-enhanced ultrasound utilizing high-frequency linear probe.

BACKGROUND: Due to insufficient near-field resolution and artifacts, it is challenging to evaluate the left ventricular apical perfusion with phased-array probes. By combining high-frequency linear probe and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), imaging of apical myocardial perfusion could be improved. The study aims to evaluate the preliminary application of CEUS by high-frequency linear probes to assess the apical perfusion. METHODS: The study enrolled retrospectively 91 patients to test the feasibility of the novel method. In protocol 1, patients were stratified into a group with left anterior descending artery (LAD) stenosis (N = 40) and a group without LAD stenosis or coronary artery disease (N = 41) based on the degree of coronary artery narrowing, quantified by >50% stenosis in coronary angiography. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed to test the diagnostic value of perfusion parameters. In protocol 2, the reproducibility of high-frequency linear probe in apical perfusion analysis was compared with the conventional phased-array probe in 30 patients. RESULTS: (1) The novel method is feasible in 81(89.01%) patients. (2) In protocol 1, to detect LAD stenosis, the best cut-off of ß, T, A, and MBF were 10.32, 3.28, 9.39, and 4.99, respectively. Area under the curve of ß, T, A, and MBF were .880, .881, .761, and .880, respectively. (3) In protocol 2, compared with phased-array probe, the quantitative analysis of high-frequency linear probe is of high reproducibility and could get good curve fitting (R2 = .29 vs. R2 = .71, P < .01). CONCLUSION: Observation of apical perfusion using this method is feasible and quantitative analysis allows an accurate and convenient identification of LAD stenosis. This method provides an alternative for patients who have difficulties in visualizing the apical region with a phased-array probe.

Transthoracic echocardiographic Doppler metrics in evaluating bioprosthetic tricuspid valve dysfunction.

PURPOSE: There is currently limited information on the utility of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)-derived Doppler parameters for assessing bioprosthetic tricuspid valve (BTV) dysfunction. Our study aimed to establish the precision and appropriate reference ranges for routinely collected transthoracic Doppler parameters in the assessment of BTV dysfunction. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 100 BTV patients who underwent TTE. Based on redo surgical confirmation or more than 2 repeat TTE or transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) examinations, patients were allocated to normal (n = 61), regurgitant (n = 24), or stenotic (n = 15) BTV group. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression were performed to identify TTE Doppler parameters that detected BTV dysfunction. RESULTS: The VTI ratio (VTITV/VTILVOT) was the most accurate Doppler parameter for detecting BTV dysfunction, with a ratio of >2.8 showing 84.6% sensitivity and 90.2% specificity. VTI ratio > 3.2, mean gradient (MGTV) > 6.2 mmHg and pressure half-time > 218 ms detected significant BTV stenosis, with sensitivities of 100%, 93.3% and 93.3% and specificities of 82.4%, 75.3% and 87.1%, respectively. After multivariate analysis, the VTI ratio > 2.8 (OR = 9.00, 95% CI = 2.13-41.61, p = .003) and MGTV > 5.1 mmHg (OR = 6.50, 95% CI = 1.69-27.78, p = .008) were the independent associations of BTV dysfunction. With these cutoff values, 75.0%-92.2% of normal and 62.5%-96.0% of dysfunctional BTV were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Doppler parameters from TTE can accurately identify BTV dysfunction, particularly with VTI ratio > 2.8 and MGTV > 5.1 mmHg, to assess the need for additional testing with TEE.

Echocardiographic assessment of pediatric heart transplantation: A single-center experience in China.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric heart transplant (HT) has become the standard of care for end-stage heart failure in children worldwide. Serial echocardiographic evaluations of graft anatomy and function during follow-up are crucial for post-HT management. However, evolution of cardiac structure and function after pediatric HT has not been well described, especially during first year post-HT. This study aimed to characterize the evolution of cardiac structure and function after pediatric HT and investigate the correlation between biventricular function with adverse clinical outcomes. METHODS: A single-center retrospective study of echocardiographic data obtained among 99 pediatric HT patients was conducted. Comprehensive echocardiographic examination was performed in all patients at 1-, 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-months post-HT. We obtained structural, functional and hemodynamic parameters from both left- and right-side heart, such as left ventricular stroke volume (LVSV), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC), etc. The cardiac evolution of pediatric HT patients during first post-HT year was described and compared between different time points. We also explored the correlation between cardiac function and major adverse transplant events (MATEs). RESULTS: 1) Evolution of left heart parameters: left atrial length, mitral E velocity, E/A ratio, LVSV and LVEF significantly increased while mitral A velocity significantly decreased over the first year after HT (P < .05). Compared with 1 month after HT, interventricular septum (IVS) and left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW) decreased at 3 months but increased afterwards. (2) Evolution of right heart parameters: right ventricular base diameter and mid-diameter; right ventricular length diameter, tricuspid E velocity, E/A ratio, tricuspid annular velocity e' at free wall, and RVFAC increased, while tricuspid A velocity decreased over the first year after HT (P < .05). (3) Univariate logistic regression model suggests that biventricular function parameters at 1-year post-HT (LVEF, RVFAC, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity) were associated with MATEs. CONCLUSION: Gradual improvement of LV and RV function was seen in pediatric HT patients within the first year. Biventricular function parameters associated with MATEs. The results of this study pave way for designing larger and longer follow-up of this population, potentially aiming at using multiparameter echocardiographic prediction of adverse events.

Left atrial strain, embolic stroke of undetermined source, and atrial fibrillation detection.

BACKGROUND: Atrial cardiopathy is a proposed mechanism of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Left atrial (LA) strain may identify early atrial cardiopathy prior to structural changes. We aim to study the associations between LA strain, ESUS, and atrial fibrillation (AF) detection in ESUS. METHODS: The study population included patients with ESUS and noncardioembolic (NCE) stroke presenting to the Rhode Island Hospital Stroke Center between January 2016 and June 2017 who underwent transthoracic echocardiography. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) was used to measure the three phases of LA strain (reservoir, conduit, and contractile). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the associations between LA strain and stroke subtype (ESUS vs. NCE) as well as follow-up detection of AF in ESUS patients. RESULTS: We identified 656 patients, 307 with ESUS and 349 with NCE. In binary logistic regression, the lowest tertiles of LA reservoir (adjusted OR 1.944, 95% CI 1.266-2.986, p = .002), contractile (aOR 1.568, 95% CI 1.035-2.374, p = .034), and conduit strain (aOR 2.288, 95% CI 1.448-3.613, p = .001) were more likely to be significantly associated with ESUS compared to NCE stroke. Among all ESUS patients, the lowest tertiles of LA reservoir strain (OR 2.534, 95% CI 1.029-6.236, p = .043), contractile strain (OR 2.828, 95% CI 1.158-6.903, p = .022), and conduit strain (OR 2.614, 95% CI 1.003-6.815, p = .049) were significantly associated with subsequent detection of AF. CONCLUSION: Reduced LA strain is associated with ESUS occurrence and AF detection in ESUS patients. Therefore, quantification of LA strain in ESUS patients may improve risk stratification and guide secondary prevention strategies.

Multimodality US versus Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System Criteria in Recommending Fine-Needle Aspiration of Thyroid Nodules.

Background Current guidelines recommend the use of conventional US for risk stratification and management of thyroid nodules. However, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is often recommended in benign nodules. Purpose To compare the diagnostic performance of multimodality US (including conventional US, strain elastography, and contrast-enhanced US [CEUS]) with the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) in the recommendation of FNA for thyroid nodules to reduce unnecessary biopsies. Materials and Methods In this prospective study, 445 consecutive participants with thyroid nodules from nine tertiary referral hospitals were recruited between October 2020 and May 2021. With univariable and multivariable logistic regression, the prediction models incorporating sonographic features, evaluated with interobserver agreement, were constructed and internally validated with bootstrap resampling technique. In addition, discrimination, calibration, and decision curve analysis were performed. Results A total of 434 thyroid nodules confirmed at pathologic analysis (259 malignant thyroid nodules) in 434 participants (mean age, 45 years ± 12 [SD]; 307 female participants) were included. Four multivariable models incorporated participant age, nodule features at US (proportion of cystic components, echogenicity, margin, shape, punctate echogenic foci), elastography features (stiffness), and CEUS features (blood volume). In recommending FNA in thyroid nodules, the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.81, 0.89) for the multimodality US model, and the lowest AUC was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.59, 0.68) for TI-RADS (P < .001). At the 50% risk threshold, 31% (95% CI: 26, 38) of FNA procedures could be avoided with multimodality US compared with 15% (95% CI: 12, 19) with TI-RADS (P < .001). Conclusion Multimodality US had better performance in recommending FNA to avoid unnecessary biopsies than the TI-RADS. Clinical trial registration no. NCT04574258 © RSNA, 2023 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Noninvasive ultrasound stimulation to treat myocarditis through splenic neuro-immune regulation.

BACKGROUND: The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) has been widely studied to modulate the immune response. Current stimulating strategies are invasive or imprecise. Noninvasive low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has become increasingly appreciated for targeted neuronal modulation. However, its mechanisms and physiological role on myocarditis remain poorly defined. METHODS: The mouse model of experimental autoimmune myocarditis was established. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound was targeted at the spleen to stimulate the spleen nerve. Under different ultrasound parameters, histological tests and molecular biology were performed to observe inflammatory lesions and changes in immune cell subsets in the spleen and heart. In addition, we evaluated the dependence of the spleen nerve and cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in treating autoimmune myocarditis in mice through different control groups. RESULTS: The echocardiography and flow cytometry of splenic or heart infiltrating immune cells revealed that splenic ultrasound could alleviate the immune response, regulate the proportion and function of CD4+ Treg and macrophages by activating cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, and finally reduce heart inflammatory injury and improve cardiac remodeling, which is as effective as an acetylcholine receptor agonists GTS-21. Transcriptome sequencing showed significant differential expressed genes due to ultrasound modulation. CONCLUSIONS: It is worth noting that the ultrasound therapeutic efficacy depends greatly on acoustic pressure and exposure duration, and the effective targeting organ was the spleen but not the heart. This study provides novel insight into the therapeutic potentials of LIPUS, which are essential for its future application.

Enhanced Local Delivery of microRNA-145a-5P into Mouse Aorta via Ultrasound-Targeted Microbubble Destruction Inhibits Atherosclerotic Plaque Formation.

Abnormal proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a key role in the formation and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. Previous studies have confirmed that microRNA-145 (miR-145) is involved in the phenotypic regulation of VSMCs and reduction of atherosclerosis. At present, seeking safe and effective gene delivery remains a key problem restricting the development of gene therapy. In recent years, ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) has become a safe and effective transfection method that is widely used in the basic research of gene therapy for heart and tumor diseases. Here, we synthesized cationic microbubbles to encapsulate miR-145 and targeted their release into VSMCs in vitro and in vivo using ultrasound. The feasibility of this gene therapy was verified by fluorescence microscopy and an in vivo imaging system. The results showed that treatment with miR-145 delivered via UTMD considerably improved the gene transfection efficiency and promoted the contraction phenotype of VSMCs in vitro. In vivo, this treatment reduced the atherosclerotic plaque area by 48.04% compared with treatment with free miR-145. Therefore, UTMD-mediated miRNA therapy may provide a new targeted therapeutic approach for atherosclerotic plaques.

Prognostic value of feature-tracking right ventricular longitudinal strain in heart transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVES: The prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT)-derived right ventricular longitudinal strain (RVLS) post-heart transplantation has not been studied. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of CMR-FT-derived RVLS, in patients post- heart transplantation and to directly compare its value with that of conventional RV ejection fraction (RVEF). METHODS: In a cohort of consecutive heart transplantation recipients who underwent CMR for surveillance, RVLS from the free wall was measured by CMR-FT. The composite endpoint was all-cause death or major adverse cardiac events. The Cox regression model was used to examine the independent association between RVLS and the endpoint. RESULTS: A total of 96 heart transplantation recipients were retrospectively included. Over a median follow-up of 41 months, 20 recipients reached the composite endpoint. The multivariate Cox analysis showed that the model with RVLS (hazard ratio [HR]:1.334; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.148 to 1.549; p < 0.001; Akaike information criterion [AIC] = 140, C-index = 0.831) was better in predicting adverse events than the model with RVEF (HR:0.928; 95% CI: 0.868 to 0.993; p = 0.030; AIC = 149, C-index = 0.751). Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curves revealed that the accuracy for predicting adverse events was greater for RVLS than RVEF (area under the curve: 0.85 vs 0.76, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: CMR-FT-derived RVLS is an independent predictor of adverse events in post-heart transplantation, and its predictive value was better than RVEF. Therefore, our study highlighted the importance of evaluating RVLS for risk stratification after heart transplantation. KEY POINTS: • CMR-RVLS is an independent predictor of adverse events post-heart transplantation and provides greater predictive value. • CMR-RVLS may help clinicians to risk stratification in heart transplantation recipients.

Apoptotic tumor cell-derived microparticles loading Napabucasin inhibit CSCs and synergistic immune therapy.

BACKGROUND: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are crucial for the growth, metastasis, drug resistance, recurrence, and spread of tumors. Napabucasin (NAP) could effectively inhibit CSC, but its mechanism has not been fully explained. Additionally, NAP also has the drawbacks of poor water solubility and low utilization. Therefore, this study not only elaborated the new mechanism of NAP inhibiting CSCs, but also built NAP-loaded nanoprobes using apoptotic tumor-derived microparticles (TMPs) as carriers to combine diagnose and treat of colon cancer and lessen the adverse effects of NAP. RESULTS: The study discovered a new mechanism for NAP inhibiting tumors. NAP, in addition to inhibiting STAT3, may also inhibit STAT1, thereby inhibiting the expression of CD44, and the stemness of colon cancer. N3-TMPs@NAP was successfully synthesized, and it possessed a lipid bilayer with a particle size of 220.13 ± 4.52 nm, as well as strong tumor binding ability and anti-tumor effect in vitro. In static PET/CT imaging studies, the tumor was clearly visible and showed higher uptake after N3-TMPs@NAP injection than after oral administration. The average tumor volume and weight of the N3-TMPs@NAP group on day 14 of the treatment studies were computed to be 270.55 ± 107.59 mm3 and 0.30 ± 0.12 g, respectively. These values were significantly lower than those of the other groups. Additionally, N3-TMPs@NAP might prevent colon cancer from spreading to the liver. Furthermore, due to TMPs' stimulation of innate immunity, N3-TMPs@NAP might stimulate anti-tumor. CONCLUSIONS: As a combined diagnostic and therapeutic nanoprobe, N3-TMPs@NAP could successfully conduct PET/CT imaging, suppress CSCs, and synergistically stimulate anticancer immune responses. Additionally, this nanoprobe might someday be employed in clinical situations because TMPs for it can be produced from human tissue and NAP has FDA approval.

Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction promotes PDGF-primed bone mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for myocardial protection in acute Myocardial Infarction in rats.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) has emerged as a promising strategy for the targeted delivery of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to the ischemic myocardium. However, the limited migration capacity and poor survival of MSCs remains a major therapeutic barrier. The present study was performed to investigate the synergistic effect of UTMD with platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) on the homing of MSCs for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: MSCs from male donor rats were treated with PDGF-BB, and a novel microbubble formulation was prepared using a thin-film hydration method. In vivo, MSCs with or without PDGF-BB pretreatment were transplanted by UTMD after inducing AMI in experimental rats. The therapeutic efficacy of PDGF-BB-primed MSCs on myocardial apoptosis, angiogenesis, cardiac function and scar repair was estimated. The effects and molecular mechanisms of PDGF-BB on MSC migration and survival were explored in vitro. RESULTS: The results showed that the biological effects of UTMD increased the local levels of stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), which promoted the migration of transplanted MSCs to the ischemic region. Compared with UTMD alone, UTMD combined with PDGF-BB pretreatment significantly increased the cardiac homing of MSCs, which subsequently reduced myocardial apoptosis, promoted neovascularization and tissue repair, and increased cardiac function 30 days after MI. The vitro results demonstrated that PDGF-BB enhanced MSC migration and protected these cells from H2O2-induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, PDGF-BB pretreatment promoted MSC migration and inhibited H2O2-induced MSC apoptosis via activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/serine-threonine kinase (PI3K/Akt) pathway. Furthermore, crosstalk between PDGF-BB and stromal-derived factor-1/chemokine receptor 4 (SDF-1/CXCR4) is involved in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that UTMD combined with PDGF-BB treatment could enhance the homing ability of MSCs, thus alleviating AMI in rats. Therefore, UTMD combined with PDGF-BB pretreatment may offer exciting therapeutic opportunities for strengthening MSC therapy in ischemic diseases.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) enhances the anti-inflammatory effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)-derived extracellular vesicles.

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have shown potent anti-inflammatory function in various pathological conditions, such as osteoarthritis and neurodegenerative diseases. Since the number of EVs naturally secreted by cells is finite and they usually bear specific repertoires of bioactive molecules to perform manifold cell-cell communication, but not one particular therapeutic function as expected, their practical application is still limited. Strategies are needed to increase the production of EVs and enhance their therapeutic function. Recent studies have suggested that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a promising non-invasive method to increase the secretion of EVs and promote their anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effect of LIPUS stimulation of BMSCs on EVs derived from the cells remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate whether LIPUS stimulation on BMSCs could increase the secretion of EVs and enhance their anti-inflammatory effects. METHODS: BMSCs were exposed to LIPUS (300 mW/cm2) for 15 min and EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation. Anti-inflammatory effects of EVs were investigated on RAW264.7 cells in vitro and in the allogeneic skin transplantation model. Small RNA-seq was utilized to identify components difference in EVs with/without LIPUS irradiation. RESULTS: In this study, we found that LIPUS stimulation could lead to a 3.66-fold increase in the EVs release from BMSCs. Moreover, both in vitro and in vivo experimental results suggested that EVs secreted from LIPUS-treated BMSCs (LIPUS-EVs) possessed stronger anti-inflammatory function than EVs secreted from BMSCs without LIPUS stimulation (C-EVs). RNA-seq analysis revealed that miR-328-5p and miR-487b-3p were significantly up-regulated in LIPUS-EVs compare with C-EVs. The suppression of MAPK signaling pathway by these two up-regulated miRNAs could be the potential mechanism of strengthened anti-inflammatory effects of LIPUS-EVs. CONCLUSION: LIPUS stimulation on BMSCs could significantly increase the secretion of EVs. Moreover, EVs generated from LIPUS-treated BMSCs possessed much stronger anti-inflammatory function than C-EVs. Therefore, LIPUS could be a promising non-invasive strategy to promote the production of EVs from BMSCs and augment their anti-inflammatory effects.

A rare combination of Ebstein's anomaly with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction.

We describe a rare case of Ebstein's anomaly (EA) combined with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in a 54-year-old man that was accurately identified by echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). The imaging result was ultimately validated by surgery. We emphasize the clinical importance of using echocardiography and CMR together to provide a thorough, noninvasive explanation of these results.

A giant ascending aortic aneurysm associated with a ruptured sinus of valsalva into the right atrium: Role of multimodality imaging.

A giant ascending aortic aneurysm associated with a ruptured sinus of Valsalva is rare. A 53-year-old male patient successfully underwent Bentall procedure after multimodality imaging which enable the correct diagnosis to be established and intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography provides additional information on the surgical planning.

Left atrial strain brings new insights for evaluating early diastolic dysfunction in patients with well-functioning bicuspid aortic valve.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial reservoir strain (LARS) is an early sensor of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction. Still, the clinical implications of LARS in patients with well-functioning bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) remain unknown. MATERIALS: The study recruited 103 patients with well-functioning BAV and 50 controls with tricuspid aortic valves. LARS, LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and aortic elasticity indices (aortic strain, aortic distensibility and stiffness index) were acquired. This study aimed to analyze the changes of LARS and further explore the influential factors of LARS in patients with well-functioning BAV. RESULTS: Patients with BAV had lower LARS (34.17 ± 4.85 vs. 44.72 ± 6.06 %, P < .001) and LVGLS (20.53 ± 1.28 vs. 22.30 ± .62 %, P < .001), and abnormal aortic elasticity indices (aortic strain:7.14 ± 1.57 vs. 10.99 ± 1.03 %, aortic distensibility: 5.82 ± 1.50 vs. 8.98 ± 2.42 (10-6 cm2 dyne-1 ), and stiffness index: 6.30 ± 2.30 vs. 3.92 ± .98, all P < .05) compared with controls. LARS was associated with LVGLS (r = .799), interventricular septum index (r = -.232), lateral e' (r = .290), septal e' (r = .308), E/e' ratio (r = -.392), aortic strain (r = .829), aortic distensibility (r = .361), and stiffness index (r = -.724) (all P < .05). LVGLS, aortic strain and E/e' ratio were independent influencers of LARS in the multifactorial analysis model (all P < .05). CONCLUSION: In patients with well-functioning BAV, decreased LARS may provide evidence of subclinical LV diastolic function impairment. LARS may be helpful for clinical risk stratification in such a population.

Heavy metal stabilization remediation in polluted soils with stabilizing materials: a review.

The remediation of soil contaminated by heavy metals has long been a concern of academics. This is due to the fact that heavy metals discharged into the environment as a result of natural and anthropogenic activities may have detrimental consequences for human health, the ecological environment, the economy, and society. Metal stabilization has received considerable attention and has shown to be a promising soil remediation option among the several techniques for the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils. This review discusses various stabilizing materials, including inorganic materials like clay minerals, phosphorus-containing materials, calcium silicon materials, metals, and metal oxides, as well as organic materials like manure, municipal solid waste, and biochar, for the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils. Through diverse remediation processes such as adsorption, complexation, precipitation, and redox reactions, these additives efficiently limit the biological effectiveness of heavy metals in soils. It should also be emphasized that the effectiveness of metal stabilization is influenced by soil pH, organic matter content, amendment type and dosage, heavy metal species and contamination level, and plant variety. Furthermore, a comprehensive overview of the methods for evaluating the effectiveness of heavy metal stabilization based on soil physicochemical properties, heavy metal morphology, and bioactivity has also been provided. At the same time, it is critical to assess the stability and timeliness of the heavy metals' long-term remedial effect. Finally, the priority should be on developing novel, efficient, environmentally friendly, and economically feasible stabilizing agents, as well as establishing a systematic assessment method and criteria for analyzing their long-term effects.

Ultrasonography and clinicopathological features of breast cancer in predicting axillary lymph node metastases.

BACKGROUND: Early identification of axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM) in breast cancer (BC) is still a clinical difficulty. There is still no good method to replace sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). The purpose of our study was to develop and validate a nomogram to predict the probability of ALNM preoperatively based on ultrasonography (US) and clinicopathological features of primary tumors. METHODS: From September 2019 to April 2022, the preoperative US) and clinicopathological data of 1076 T1-T2 BC patients underwent surgical treatment were collected. Patients were divided into a training set (875 patients from September 2019 to October 2021) and a validation set (201 patients from November 2021 to April 2022). Patients were divided into positive and negative axillary lymph node (ALN) group according pathology of axillary surgery. Compared the US and clinicopathological features between the two groups. The risk factors for ALNM were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis, and a nomogram was constructed. AUC and calibration were used to assess its performance. RESULTS: By univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, age (p = 0.009), histologic grades (p = 0.000), molecular subtypes (p = 0.000), tumor location (p = 0.000), maximum diameter (p = 0.000), spiculated margin (p = 0.000) and distance from the skin (p = 0.000) were independent risk factors of ALNM. Then a nomogram was developed. The model was good discriminating with an AUC of 0.705 and 0.745 for the training and validation set, respectively. And the calibration curves demonstrated high agreement. However, in further predicting a heavy nodal disease burden (> 2 nodes), none of the variables were significant. CONCLUSION: This nomogram based on the US and clinicopathological data can predict the presence of ALNM good in T1-T2 BC patients. But it cannot effectively predict a heavy nodal disease burden (> 2 nodes).