Gender differences in the association between insulin resistance assessed by estimated glucose disposal rate and the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular deaths in adults without diabetes.

Aim: We intended to examine the relationship between estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) and risks of all-cause and cardiovascular deaths in non-diabetic adults.

Methods: 38,175 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2018) were included, and deaths were identified through the National Death Index.

Results: With a median follow-up of 9.

Perioperative Outcomes: Polycarbonate Polyurethane Artificial Blood Vessel Versus Polyester Artificial Blood Vessel.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the perioperative performance of the novel large-diameter composite polycarbonate polyurethane graft and the polyester graft.

Methods: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed 14 patients with thoracic aortic prosthesis replacement from 2016 to 2021. The preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data of the 2 groups were assessed in detail.

Impact of first-line antihypertensive drug class and intensity on NT-proBNP improvement and cardiovascular outcomes among hypertensive patients with pre-heart failure: findings from SPRINT trial.

Five first-line classes of antihypertensive drugs are recommended for hypertension treatment. However, it is unclear which class should be chosen for hypertensive patients with pre-heart failure (pre-HF). The study aimed to investigate the association between antihypertensive drug classes and intensity with probability of NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) improvement and risk of cardiovascular events among pre-HF hypertensive patients.

Correlation of aortic root dimensions and mortality in acute heart failure: A nationwide prospective cohort study.

Background: An association between increased aortic root dimensions (ARD) and elevated risk of cardiovascular mortality has been reported in the general population. However, evidence regarding the association between ARD and mortality in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) is limited.

Methods: In a nationwide prospective cohort of the China Patient-Centered Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events Prospective Heart Failure Study, ARD was measured during diastole using echocardiography and indexed to body mass index (BMI).

Penguin-Driven Dissemination and High Enrichment of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Lake Sediments across Antarctica.

Numerous penguins can propagate pathogens with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) into Antarctica. However, the effects of penguin dissemination on the lake ARGs still have received little attention via guano deposition. Here, we have profiled ARGs in ornithogenic sediments subject to penguin guano (OLS) and nonornithogenic sediments (NOLS) from 16 lakes across Antarctica.

Development and Validation of a Nomogram of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Adult Pretricuspid Shunts After Correction.

Background: Pretricuspid shunts have been associated with poorer survival rates in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome compared with postricuspid shunts and complex lesions. However, the risk stratification for persistent pulmonary hypertension (PH) in this population remains uncertain.

Methods And Results: We retrospectively enrolled 103 patients with pretricuspid shunts with high total pulmonary resistance >4.

Left ventricular hypertrophy phenotype to predict incident atrial fibrillation: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Background And Aim: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has been shown to be associated with the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the predictive value of the LVH phenotype for incident AF remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of LVH phenotype for incident AF.

Surgical Outcome of Proximal Isolated Subclavian Artery Aneurysms: A Single-Center Retrospective Observational Study.

Objective: The objective of this study was to introduce our institutional experience of treatment strategies (cervical subclavian artery reconstruction, thoracotomy subclavian artery reconstruction and endovascular treatment) for proximal isolated subclavian artery aneurysms (PISAAs).

Methods: we retrospectively analyzed 15 consecutive patients with PISAAs treated by different treatment strategies (cervical reconstruction, thoracotomy reconstruction and endovascular treatment) in our institution from May 2016 to May 2022. Baseline data, surgery-related data, postoperative information and long-term follow-up were assessed.

Effects of coal-fired power plants on soil microbial diversity and community structures.

Long-term deposition of atmospheric pollutants emitted from coal combustion and their effects on the eco-environment have been extensively studied around coal-fired power plants. However, the effects of coal-fired power plants on soil microbial communities have received little attention through atmospheric pollutant deposition and coal-stacking. Here, we collected the samples of power plant soils (PS), coal-stacking soils (CSS) and agricultural soils (AS) around three coal-fired power plants and background control soils (BG) in Huainan, a typical mineral resource-based city in East China, and investigated the microbial diversity and community structures through a high-throughput sequencing technique.

Space Station-like Composite Nanoparticles for Co-Delivery of Multiple Natural Compounds from Chinese Medicine and Hydrogen in Combating Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

Ototoxic drugs such as aminoglycoside antibiotics and cisplatin (CDDP) can cause sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), which is closely related to oxidative stress and the acidification of the inner ear microenvironment. Effective treatment of SNHL often requires multifaceted approach due to the complex pathology, and drug combination therapy is expected to be at the forefront of modern hearing loss treatment. Here, space-station-like composite nanoparticles (CCC@mPP NPs) with pH/oxidation dual responsiveness and multidrug simultaneous delivery capability were constructed and then loaded with various drugs including panax notoginseng saponins (PNS), tanshinone IIA (TSIIA), and ammonia borane (AB) to provide robust protection against SNHL.

A prestin-targeting peptide-guided drug delivery system rearranging concentration gradient in the inner ear: An improved strategy against hearing loss.

Hearing loss is mainly due to outer hair cell (OHC) damage in three cochlear turns. Local administration via the round window membrane (RWM) has considerable otological clinical potential in bypassing the blood-labyrinth barrier. However, insufficient drug distribution in the apical and middle cochlear turns results in unsatisfactory efficacy.

Interventional Occlusion of Large Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Adults with Severe Pulmonary Hypertension.

(1) Background: the indications for transcatheter closure of large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) are still unclear, and scholars have not fully elucidated the factors that affect PH prognosis. (2) Methods: we retrospectively enrolled 134 consecutive patients with a PDA diameter ≥10 mm or a ratio of PDA and aortic >0.5.

Percutaneous Transluminal Renal Angioplasty for Fibromuscular Dysplasia and Prognostic Risk Factors: A Retrospective Chinese Cohort Study.

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a non-atherosclerotic, non-inflammatory vascular disease involving small-to-medium-sized arteries. The characteristics of Chinese patients with FMD remain unclear. We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with renal FMD who underwent percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) for the first time at Fuwai Hospital between 2010 and 2021.

Apparent mineralocorticoid excess: comprehensive overview of molecular genetics.

Apparent mineralocorticoid excess is an autosomal recessive form of monogenic disease characterized by juvenile resistant low-renin hypertension, marked hypokalemic alkalosis, low aldosterone levels, and high ratios of cortisol to cortisone metabolites. It is caused by defects in the HSD11B2 gene, encoding the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), which is primarily involved in the peripheral conversion of cortisol to cortisone. To date, over 50 deleterious HSD11B2 mutations have been identified worldwide.

Factors associated with in-hospital mortality from free wall rupture after acute myocardial infarction.

Background: Free wall rupture is a fatal and emergency complication of acute myocardial infarction. The factors associated with in-hospital mortality from free wall rupture remain unclear.

Objectives: To investigate the factors associated with in-hospital mortality from free wall rupture.

Is Revascularization of V1 Segment of Vertebral Artery Combined with Ipsilateral Carotid Endarterectomy Safe?

Background: The recommendation of the European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) is that vertebral revascularization combined with ipsilateral CEA (carotid endarterectomy) should not be performed in the same operation. ESVS believes that vertebral revascularization combined with ipsilateral CEA increases perioperative death/stroke rates. In our opinion, revascularization of the first segment of vertebral artery (V1) combined with ipsilateral CEA is safe compared to vertebral V1 revascularization in the perioperative period.

Transcatheter closure of inferior sinus venosus defect using a patent ductus arteriosus occluder following simulation with a 3D-printed model.

Background: Transcatheter closure of inferior sinus venosus defect (ISVD) is still contraindication. To explore whether transcatheter closure with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occluders is possible for ISVD.

Methods: From June 2014 to March 2021, 12 patients were recruited diagnosed as <25 mm ISVD.

A Novel Frame-Shift Mutation in Identified in a Chinese Family Characterized by Early-Onset Hypertension.

Background: Liddle syndrome is a form of monogenic hypertension caused by mutations in the three homologous subunits of the epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs), α, β, and γ. It is characterized by early-onset refractory hypertension, hypokalemia, low renin activity, and hypoaldosteronism. In this study, we report a novel frame-shift mutation in responsible for Liddle syndrome in a Chinese family.

Transcatheter Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus via Different Approaches.

There have been marked advances in devices such as Amplatzer Duct Occluder II (ADO-II) or vascular plug through 5Fr delivery sheath for closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in the past five decades, making it possible for cardiologists to deliver occluders via different approaches. However, comparisons of these different approaches have not been reported. Therefore, the aim of this study was to summarize and compare the advantages of different approaches for PDA closure, and to guide clinical strategies.

Impact of meteorological conditions at multiple scales on ozone concentration in the Yangtze River Delta.

Tropospheric ozone is known to have adverse effects on human health. Ozone pollution events are often associated with specific atmospheric circulation conditions. Therefore, studying the relationship between atmospheric circulation and ozone is particularly important for early warning and forecasting of ozone pollution events.

Effects of Composting Different Types of Organic Fertilizer on the Microbial Community Structure and Antibiotic Resistance Genes.

Organic fertilizer is a major carrier that stores and transmits antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). In the environment, due to the application of organic fertilizers in agriculture, the increasing diversity and abundance of ARGs poses a potential threat to human health and environmental safety. In this paper, the microbial community structure and ARGs in different types of organic fertilizer treated with composting were examined.

Cardiac MR image segmentation and left ventricle surface reconstruction based on level set method.

A two-stage segmentation algorithm is presented to solve the problems of inhomogeneity, weak edges and artifacts exhibited in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. First, the K-mean clustering algorithm is applied to classify the objects. Then, a speed function based on the clustering results is defined in order to search the rough boundary.