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Abstract Background Acute Type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a life-threatening cardiovascular disease associated with high mortality rates, where surgical intervention remains the primary life-saving treatment. However, the mortality rate for ATAAD operations continues to be alarmingly high. To address this critical issue, our study aimed to assess the correlation between preoperative laboratory examination, clinical imaging data, and postoperative mortality in ATAAD patients. Additionally, we sought to establish a reliable prediction model for evaluating the risk of postoperative death. Methods In this study, a total of 384 patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) who were admitted to the emergency department for surgical treatment were included. Based on preoperative laboratory examination and clinical imaging data of ATAAD patients, logistic analysis was used to obtain independent risk factors for postoperative in-hospital death. The survival prediction model was based on cox regression analysis and displayed as a nomogram. Results Logistic analysis identified several independent risk factors for postoperative in-hospital death, including Marfan syndrome, previous cardiac surgery history, previous renal dialysis history, direct bilirubin, serum phosphorus, D-dimer, white blood cell, multiple aortic ruptures and age. A survival prediction model based on cox regression analysis was established and presented as a nomogram. The model exhibited good discrimination and significantly improved the prediction of death risk in ATAAD patients. Conclusions In this study, we developed a novel survival prediction model for acute type A aortic dissection based on preoperative clinical features. The model demonstrated good discriminatory power and improved accuracy in predicting the risk of death in ATAAD patients undergoing open surgery.

Abstract Background Postoperative hyper-inflammation is a frequent event in patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) after surgical repair. This study's objective was to determine which inflammatory biomarkers could be used to make a better formula for identifying postoperative hyper-inflammation, and which risk factors were associated with hyper-inflammation. Methods A total of 405 patients were enrolled in this study from October 1, 2020 to April 1, 2023. Of these patients, 124 exhibited poor outcomes. In order to investigate the optimal cut-off values for poor outcomes, logistic and receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed on the following parameters on the first postoperative day: procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII). These cut-off points were used to separate the patients into hyper-inflammatory (n = 52) and control (n = 353) groups. Finally, the logistic were used to find the risk factors of hyper-inflammatory. Results PCT, CRP, IL-6, and SII were independent risk factors of poor outcomes in the multivariate logistic model. Cut-off points of these biomarkers were 2.18 ng/ml, 49.76 mg/L, 301.88 pg/ml, 2509.96 × 109/L respectively. These points were used to define postoperative hyper-inflammation (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.35–6.53, P 180 min, and deep hypothermia circulatory arrest (DHCA) > 40 min were the independent risk factors for hyper-inflammation. Conclusions PCT > 2.18, CRP > 49.76, IL-6 > 301.88, and SII 180 min and DHCA > 40 min were separate risk factors for postoperative hyper-inflammation.

AIM: To investigate the role and mechanism of N6-methyladenosine(m6A)methyltransferase 3(METTL3)in the pathogenesis of diabetic cataract.METHODS: We cultured SRA01/04 cells in low and high sugar media for 24h and measured changes in epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)indicators(E-Cadherin, N-Cadherin, ZO-1 and α-SMA)using RT-qPCR and Western blot assays. Cell migration was also assessed using transwell and scratch assays. To investigate the expression level and localization of METTL3 in human lens anterior capsules tissues. Additionally, we used m6A dot blot assay to detect the m6A methylation level of cells cultured in low and high glucose media for 24h, and employed RT-qPCR and Western blot experiments to detect RNA and protein expression of METTL3 in cells. We then treated the cells with METTL3 inhibitor and measured changes in EMT markers by RT-qPCR and Western blot; m6A methylation level was detected by m6A dot blot test; cell migration was detected by Transwell. Finally, the expression of transforming growth factor-β(TGFβ1)in cultured cells was assessed by immunofluorescence staining and the expression levels of TGFβ1 and SNAIL in cells were determined using RT-qPCR and Western blot.RESULTS: Under high glucose conditions, the expression of EMT markers, METTL3, and m6A methylation levels were significantly increased in cells(P

AIM: To investigate the role and mechanism of methyltransferase-like 3(METTL3)-mediated N6-methyladenosine(m6A)methylation modification in regulating biological activity of vascular endothelial cells in the pathogenesis of choroidal neovascularization.METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC)cultured in vitro were divided into the following groups: control group(normal culture), low density lipoprotein(LDL)group, fluorescence-labelled LDL(Dil-LDL)group, 12.5μg/mL and 25μg/mL oxidized LDL(ox-LDL)groups, 12.5μg/mL and 25μg/mL fluorescence-labelled ox-LDL(Dil-ox-LDL)groups, DMSO group, STM2457(METTL3 inhibitor)group, DAPT group; and monkey retina-choroidal endothelial cells(RF/6A)cultured in vitro were divided into control group, DMSO group, 12.5 μg/mL ox-LDL group, and DAPT group. Endocytosed lipoprotein level was examined through fluorescence microscopy. RNA m6A methylation level was detected through a dot blot assay. Protein and RNA levels of METTL3 or angiogenesis-related markers were measured through Western blot assays and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR), respectively. METTL3 expression and localization were investigated through immunofluorescence. Cell migratory and tube formation capacities were assessed through transwell migration and tube formation assays, respectively.RESULTS: Endocytosed lipoprotein levels in HUVECs exposed to Dil-LDL, 12.5μg/mL and 25μg/mL Dil-ox-LDL groups were significantly higher than those in the control group. 12.5μg/mL and 25μg/mL ox-LDL groups significantly increased m6A methylation(all P0.05). The expression of VEGF and NICD(all P

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive and presently an incurable disorder disease, which complicates a considerable number of cardiovascular along with respiratory conditions. The treatment options available to prevent advancement of PAH to right ventricular (RV) dysfunction hypertrophy, as well as failure are few. Although it has been reported that Yiqi Fumai lyophilized injection (YQFM) plays an indispensable role in protecting the heart, the effect of YQFM on the heart injury caused by PAH is still unclear. Purpose: In this study, we explored whether YQFM can change the results related to PAH-induced heart damage and its mechanism of action. Study design: MCT-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension rat model was established, and YQFM was administered. Methods: The chemical components of YQFM were analyzed by HPLC-QQQ-MS. In vivo experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of YQFM on right heart dysfunction caused by pulmonary hypertension. All hemodynamic and histology of heart and lung were done at the end of the study. Biochemical measurements and Western blotting prove the expression of related factors and proteins. Results: Compared with the control group, daily administration of YQFM significantly improved the survival rate of rats with severe MCT triggered pulmonary hypertension. Hemodynamic evaluation illustrated that YQFM remarkably lowered mean pulmonary artery pressure and RV systolic pressure. YQFM treatment could reduce right ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis. Conclusion: YQFM can reduce mortality, RV systolic pressure along with RV injury in PAH induced by MCT. In MCT-induced animal models, YQFM has the therapeutic potential to prevent and reduce the development of PAH. YQFM protects right ventricular hypertrophy in PAH induced by MCT through ACE2-Ang (1–7)-Mas axis and PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway. Therefore, YQFM may be a useful treatment strategy for the treatment of human PAH and subsequent right heart hypertrophy.

AIM: To assess the application of ciliary sulcus suture fixation of intraocular lens(IOL)through reverse partial-thickness scleral flap.METHODS: The clinical data of 14 patients(14 eyes )who needed secondary IOL implantations due to different reasons in our department were retrospectively analyzed. All cases underwent ciliary sulcus suture fixation of IOL through reverse partial-thickness scleral flap. One or two reverse partial-thickness scleral flap were made during the surgery. Preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, intraoperative and postoperative complications and the stability of the IOLs were observed.RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 3.5-6mo. The preoperative best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)(LogMAR)was 0.50±0.54, and the uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA)at 1mo after surgery was 0.46±0.39(P>0.05). The BCVA at 1mo after surgery was 0.36±0.35, which was improved compared with the preoperative one, but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05). Three cases had transient intraocular hypertension postoperatively. One case had vetrious hemorrhage. One case had moderate anterior chamber inflammatory response. There were serious complications, such as cystoid macular edema, choroidal detachment, retinal detachment during the follow-up period.CONCLUSION: Ciliary sulcus suture fixation of IOL through reverse partial-thickness scleral flap is a effective and safe method for aphakia.

In the title compound, C7H10N+·ClO4−·C20H24O6, the protonated benzylamine cation forms a rotator–stator complex with the 18-crown-6 (1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane) molecule via N—H...O hydrogen bonds. The cations are associated via weak C—H...π interactions, forming chains parallel to [011], while the perclorate anions are located between these chains.

The title compound, C8H12NO+·Br−, is built up from roughly planar (r.m.s. deviation for the non-H atoms = 0.062 Å) protonated 4-ethoxyanilimium cations and Br− anions. In the crystal, the cations and anions are linked by N—H...Br and N—H...(Br,Br) hydrogen bonds, generating (100) sheets. Very weak C—H...π interactions may also help to stabilize the crystal structure.

Background: Currently, no drugs can specifically improve clinical cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury or the prognosis of hemodialysis. Salvianolic acid B (SalB) is a widely used cardiac protectant; however, its clinical application is limited by its low oral bioavailability and poor intestinal absorption. The exploration of its preparation and clinical applications has become a research hotspot in recent years. Methods: To determine whether mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) efficiently delivered SalB to the heart and SalB@MSNs-RhB reduced myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, we constructed a myocardial ischemia-reperfusion male rat model, hypoxia/reoxygenation cardiomyocytes, and treated them with SalB@MSNs-RhB. Results: SalB@MSNs-RhB showed improved bioavailability, therapeutic effect, heightened JAK2/STAT3-dependent pro-survival signaling, and antioxidant responses, thereby protecting cardiomyocytes from ischemia-reperfusion injury-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. Conclusion: This use of SalB-loaded nanoparticles and investigation of their mechanism of action may provide a new strategy for treating cardiomyocytes. Thus, hypoxia/reoxygenation promotes the clinical application of SalB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Shengmai decoction, which has been included in the diagnosis and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is effective in the early treatment of patients with severe COVID-19. Yiqi Fumai lyophilized injection (YQFM) is a modern Chinese medicine preparation of the Shengmai decoction. The mechanism of its intervention at the molecular level in the severe stage of COVID-19 remains unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the mechanism of YQFM in the treatment of patients with severe COVID-19. Methods: The corresponding target genes of the main active ingredients in YQFM and COVID-19 were obtained by using multiple databases and literature retrieval. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed, and enrichment analysis of the target was performed using Cytoscape 3.8.1. Lastly, the docking of all the identified compounds with angiotensin-converting enzyme II was confirmed by applying molecular docking technology. Results: YQFM has anti-inflammatory effects on RAW267.4 macrophages. The main active compounds of YQFM are all effective anti-inflammatory agents, and these active compounds also show beneficial physiological functions, such as anti-oxidation, anti-bacterial, and anticancer activities. Gene Ontology analysis showed enrichment in the following pathways: lipopolysaccharides, interleukins, NF-kappa B, interleukin-2 and others, revealing that YQFM may play a role in the treatment of patients with severe COVID-19 through these pathways. Conclusion: YQFM has multicomponent and multitarget characteristics, and it could reduce lung injury by inhibiting inflammatory reactions, promoting antiviral activities, and regulating immunity, among other functions, to treat patients with severe COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a foldable ring-shaped light-emitting diode (LED) lighting assembly, designed to attach to a rubber wound retractor, is realized and tested through porcine animal experiments. Enabled by the small size and the high efficiency of LED chips, the lighting assembly is compact, flexible, and disposable while providing direct and high brightness lighting for more uniform background illumination in video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). When compared with a conventional fiber bundle coupled light source that is usually used in laparoscopy and endoscopy, the much broader solid angle of illumination enabled by the LED assembly allows greatly improved background lighting and imaging quality in VATS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]