Development and validation of a multiplex chip-based droplet digital PCR method for detecting CNVs in 7q11.2 and 22q11.2 regions.

Copy number variations (CNVs) in the 7q11.2 and 22q11.2 chromosomal regions are major contributors to genetic disorders such as Williams-Beuren syndrome and 22q11.

Exploring the effects of lactulose on lung-intestinal tissue-associated factors and the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in COPD rats based on lung-gut axis theory.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a systemic inflammatory disease impacting both the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, with its pathogenesis closely linked to the lung-gut axis theory. In this study, we established a rat model of COPD using a fumigation method combined with intra-airway administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to investigate the effects of lactulose on lung and intestinal tissues, focusing on related inflammatory markers and the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. We further explored the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of lactulose on the lung-intestinal tissues in COPD rats, aiming to expand its potential application in chronic respiratory diseases.

Vagal response during radiofrequency catheter ablation initiated from right superior pulmonary vein: Incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes.

Background: The vagal response (VR) is unavoidable during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF). In this study, we aimed to investigate the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of VR during PVI initiated from the right superior pulmonary vein (RSPV).

Methods: Patients with AF were consecutively enrolled.

Stroke-bleeding risk score pairings within individuals in the outcomes registry for better informed treatment of atrial fibrillation (ORBIT-AF) registry.

Background: Decisions about stroke prevention strategies in atrial fibrillation (AF) typically balance thromboembolism reduction against increased bleeding from oral anticoagulation therapy (OAC). When determining eligibility for OAC, guidelines recommend calculation of thromboembolic event rates using a validated score such as CHA2DS2-VASc. In contrast, routine calculation of bleeding scores is not recommended, in part because many patient factors associated with an increased risk of bleeding are associated with an even larger increased risk of ischemic stroke.

Sex-related differences in response to lomitapide in HoFH: A subanalysis of the Pan-European Lomitapide retrospective observational study.

Background And Aims: Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) is a hereditary lipid metabolism disorder characterized by severe elevation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and heightened risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Lomitapide, an inhibitor of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, has shown promise in reducing LDL-C levels, albeit with variable response in real-world settings. Sex-based differences in treatment efficacy and safety remain unclear.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in women: A forgotten cardiovascular risk factor.

Sleep-disordered breathing is a highly prevalent disorder with negative impact on healthcare systems worldwide. This condition has detrimental effects on cardiovascular health and quality of life, and is frequently associated with a variety of comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, heart failure, diabetes and atrial fibrillation. Nevertheless, it remains frequently undiagnosed and undertreated, especially in specific populations.

A novel mitochondrial-targeted fluorescent probe for ratiometric imaging of nitric oxide in cells and zebrafish.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a key signaling molecule that regulates energy metabolism, apoptosis, and antioxidant balance within mitochondria. It is closely associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Therefore, developing fluorescent probes capable of accurately detecting NO levels in mitochondria is essential for understanding disease mechanisms and clinical diagnostics.

Protocol for isolating extracellular vesicles from alveolar macrophages phagocytosing MRSA in vitro cell culture models.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in delivering bioactive cargo in infectious diseases. Here, we present a protocol for isolating EVs from alveolar macrophages (AMs) that phagocytose methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in vitro cell culture models. We describe steps for bacterial preparation; infection of AMs with MRSA; and isolation, purification, and characterization of EVs.

Protocol for high-resolution 3D spatial transcriptomics using Open-ST.

Spatial transcriptomics (ST) is fundamental for understanding molecular mechanisms in health and disease. Here, we present a protocol for efficient and high-resolution ST in 2D/3D with Open-ST. We describe all steps for repurposing Illumina flow cells into spatially barcoded capture areas and preparing ST libraries from stained cryosections.

Intraoperative Cardiac Arrests in Asian Recipients of Liver Transplantation-Second Report After Learning Curve.

Background: Although surgical competency and anesthesia for liver transplantation (LT) have evolved significantly in the past decades, intraoperative cardiac arrest (ICA) is still an event that brings a poor prognosis to the recipient. We report a second-decade experience of ICA as a follow-up study of our first report at our institution.

Methods: This is a retrospective observational study of the medical records and the Liver Transplant Program database of our institution.

Mitral Regurgitation Evaluation in Modern Echocardiography: Bridging Standard Techniques and Advanced Tools for Enhanced Assessment.

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is one of the most common valvular heart diseases worldwide. Echocardiography remains the first line and most effective imaging modality for the diagnosis of mitral valve (MV) pathology and quantitative assessment of MR. The advent of three-dimensional echocardiography has significantly enhanced the evaluation of MV anatomy and function.

An expert consensus statement on biomarkers of ageing for use in intervention studies.

Biomarkers of ageing serve as important outcome measures in longevity-promoting interventions. However, there is limited consensus on which specific biomarkers are most appropriate for human intervention studies. This work aimed to address this need by establishing an expert consensus on biomarkers of ageing for use in intervention studies via the Delphi method.

Effect of adipose tissue on the development of multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma (MM), also referred to as Kahler's disease, is a cancer characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal plasma cells and is associated with alterations in the bone tissue microenvironment. Bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT), which comprises approximately ten percent of total body fat, can influence the progression, survival, and drug resistance of MM cells through paracrine, hormonal, and metabolic pathways. Obesity can lead to an increase in BMAT mass, which not only disrupts bone metabolism but also reduces bone density, potentially progressing from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, a benign condition, to MM.

Impact of hyperkalaemia on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAAS) inhibitor reduction or withdrawal following hospitalisation.

Background: Inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), such as ACE inhibitors (ACEi), angiotensin-II receptor blockers and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, reduce morbidity and mortality in hypertension, congestive heart failure and chronic kidney disease. However, their use can lead to hyperkalaemia. We examined the proportions of RAAS inhibitor (RAASi) reduction or withdrawal, across GFR strata, following hospitalisation and the effect on patient mortality.

Crush injuries to the lower limbs at a major UK trauma centre: a retrospective observational study.

Purpose: Crush injuries result from the physical compression of muscles and may lead to crush syndrome. Early fluid resuscitation and surgical intervention is key. Few studies have reported the outcomes of crush injuries in the non-disaster setting.

Intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy in acute stroke patients on direct oral anticoagulants.

Intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy reduce morbidity and improve functional outcome in ischemic stroke. However, acute recanalization therapies may increase the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage due to its effects on the brain tissue. An increasing proportion of patients with ischemic stroke are using direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

Using clinical data to reclassify ESUS patients to large artery atherosclerotic or cardioembolic stroke mechanisms.

Purpose: Embolic stroke of unidentified source (ESUS) represents 10-25% of all ischemic strokes. Our goal was to determine whether ESUS could be reclassified to cardioembolic (CE) or large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) with machine learning (ML) using conventional clinical data.

Methods: We retrospectively collected conventional clinical features, including patient, imaging (MRI, CT/CTA), cardiac, and serum data from established cases of CE and LAA stroke, and factors with p < 0.

Prevalence of comorbidities and cardiovascular risk factor management in hand osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of comorbidities and management of cardiovascular risk factors according to established guidelines for patients with hand osteoarthritis.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted that included 110 hand osteoarthritis patients. The clinical parameters (pain, function, grip strength, quality of life, sarcopenia, and comorbidities) were assessed along with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors (blood pressure, body mass index, and dyslipidaemia).

Re-rupture rate and complications after percutaneous Tenolig® repair in acute midsubstance rupture of Achilles tendon.

Purpose: Acute midsubstance Achilles tendon ruptures are the most common tendon injuries in adults and the choice of surgical technique is still debated. The objective of this study is to evaluate the rate of iterative ruptures and postoperative complications at a minimum follow-up of one year of percutaneous sutures of the Achilles tendon, as well as to investigate the risk factors for rupture.

Methods: In this single-center retrospective study, 142 patients (119 men and 23 women, mean age of 46 years) were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 24 (12-38) months.

eEF2K alleviates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting GSK3β and improving autophagy dysfunction.

Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) poses a threat to the health and prognosis of cancer patients. It is important to find a safe and effective method for the prevention and treatment of DIC. eEF2K, which is a highly conserved α-kinase, is thought to be a therapeutic target for several human diseases.

International Multicenter Cohort Study on Beta-Blocker-Free Treatment Strategies for Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia Patients.

Background: Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a rare, potentially life-threatening genetic heart disease. Nonselective beta-blockers (BBs) are highly effective in reducing CPVT-triggered arrhythmic events. However, some patients suffer from unacceptable BB side effects and might require strategies without a BB.

The Effect of Cold Spray Applied Before Local Anesthesia on Anxiety and Pain in Coronary Angiography Procedure: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Purpose: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Clinically, various techniques are used to diagnose coronary artery diseases. Coronary angiography is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.

Retinal Microperimetry as a Novel Tool for Early Detection of Subclinical Cognitive Dysfunction and Brain Damage in Type 1 Diabetes: A Pilot Study.

Context: Retinal microperimetry (MPR) is a non-invasive method that measures retinal light sensitivity (RS) and gaze fixation stability (GFS). MPR has been described as a marker of cognitive impairment in people with Type 2 diabetes, but it has never been assessed in people with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Our group described subclinical cognitive alterations, structural brain differences, and increased levels of light chain neurofilament (NfL) in people with T1D and impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia.