Estrogen inhibits TGF‑β1‑stimulated cardiac fibroblast differentiation and collagen synthesis by promoting Cdc42.

17β‑estradiol (E2) can inhibit cardiac fibrosis in female patients with heart failure (HF) and activate cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42), however it is unknown whether 17β‑estradiol (E2) can ameliorate differentiation and collagen synthesis in TGF‑β1‑stimulated mouse cardiac fibroblasts (MCFs) by regulating cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42). The present study aimed to investigate the roles of estrogen and Cdc42 in preventing myocardial fibrosis and the underlying molecular mechanisms. An ELISA was used to measure the levels of E2 and Cdc42 in the serum of patients with heart failure (HF), and western blotting was used to measure the expression levels of Cdc42 in TGF‑β1‑stimulated immortalized MCFs.

Drug-coated balloon in the treatment of coronary artery de-novo large lesions angiography.

The superiority of drug-coated balloon (DCB) in treating small vessels, branching lesions, and high-risk bleeding lesions in coronary heart disease patients has been confirmed. However, its safety and efficacy in large vessels are still unclear. We aimed to investigate whether the efficacy of DCB in large vessels is not inferior to that of drug-eluting stent (DES).

Therapeutic effects on the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction by the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin in type 2 diabetes.

Background: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a common disease with high morbidity and lacks effective treatment. We investigated the protective effects of the long-term application of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) dapagliflozin on diabetes-associated HFpEF in a rat model. Serum proteomics and metabolomics analysis were also conducted in type 2 diabetic patients with HFpEF treated with dapagliflozin.

A Review of Laser Ultrasonic Lamb Wave Damage Detection Methods for Thin-Walled Structures.

Thin-walled structures, like aircraft skins and ship shells, are often several meters in size but only a few millimeters thick. By utilizing the laser ultrasonic Lamb wave detection method (LU-LDM), signals can be detected over long distances without physical contact. Additionally, this technology offers excellent flexibility in designing the measurement point distribution.

Long noncoding RNA regulates endothelial cell proliferation and migration via miR‑25‑5p in coronary artery disease.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be associated with the progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). In our previous study, the levels of lncRNA were upregulated in patients with CAD compared with those in control subjects. However, the role and underlying mechanism of the effects of in CAD remain unknown.

hAECs and their exosomes improve cardiac function after acute myocardial infarction in rats.

Background: Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) are seed cells used to treat acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but their mechanism remains unclear.

Methods: We cultured hAECs and extracted exosomes from culture supernatants. Next, we established a stable AMI model in rats and treated them with hAECs, exosomes, or PBS.

Association of serum Cyr61 levels with peripheral arterial disease in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

Background: The prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) is obviously increased in patients with diabetes. Existing evidence shows that cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (Cyr61), a 40-kD secreted protein, plays important roles in regulating cellular physiological processes. Recent studies have demonstrated a significant correlation between serum Cyr61 and atherosclerosis.

COVID-19 with cystic features on computed tomography: A case report.

Rationale: The cystic features of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) found on computed tomography (CT) have not yet been reported in the published literature. We report the cystic chest CT findings of 2 patients confirmed to have COVID-19-related pneumonia.

Patient Concerns: A 38-year-old man and a 35-year-old man diagnosed with severe COVID-19 pneumonia were admitted to the intensive care unit.

A novel plasma lncRNA ENST00000416361 is upregulated in coronary artery disease and is related to inflammation and lipid metabolism.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a serious threat to human health and a major cause of mortality worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) affect the occurrence and development of CAD via the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis, inflammatory responses and lipid metabolism. Screening methods and therapeutic strategies for CAD have been extensively studied.

Dapagliflozin improves left ventricular remodeling and aorta sympathetic tone in a pig model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Background: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a difficult disease with high morbidity and mortality rates and lacks an effective treatment. Here, we report the therapeutic effect of dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i), on hypertension + hyperlipidemia-induced HFpEF in a pig model.

Methods: HFpEF pigs were established by infusing a combination of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) and angiotensin II (Ang II), and Western diet (WD) feeding for 18 weeks.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 inhibits atherosclerosis in apoE-/- mice by ameliorating Fas-mediated apoptosis.

Background: FGF21 is a critical endogenous regulator in energy homeostasis and systemic glucose and lipid metabolism. Despite intensive study of the metabolic functions of FGF21, its important role in heart disease needs further exploration. Apoptosis induced by ox-LDL in vascular endothelial cells is an important step in the progress of atherosclerosis.