Trends in breast cancer mortality attributable to metabolic risks in Chinese women from 1990 to 2019: an age-period-cohort analysis.

Objective: Metabolic risks (MRs) are the primary determinants of breast cancer (BC) mortality among women. This study aimed to examine the changing trends in BC mortality associated with MRs and explore how they related to age, time period, and birth cohorts in Chinese women aged 25 and above. Methods: Data were sourced from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD2019). The BC mortality trajectories and patterns attributable to MRs were assessed using Joinpoint regression. The age-period-cohort (APC) model was employed to evaluate cohort and time period effects. Results: The age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of BC mortality linked to MRs displayed an escalating trend from 1990 to 2019, demonstrating an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of 1.79% (95% CI: 1.69~1.87). AAPCs attributable to high fasting plasma glucose (HFPG) and high body mass index (HBMI) were 0.41% (95% CI: 0.32~0.53) and 2.75% (95% CI: 2.68~2.82), respectively. APC analysis revealed that BC mortality due to HBMI in women aged 50 and above showed a rise with age and mortality associated with HFPG consistently demonstrated a positive correlation with age. The impact of HBMI on BC mortality significantly outweighed that of HFPG. The risk of BC mortality linked to HBMI has steadily increased since 2005, while HFPG demonstrated a trend of initial increase followed by a decrease in the period effect. Regarding the cohort effect, the relative risk of mortality was greater in the birth cohort of women after the 1960s of MRs on BC mortality, whereas those born after 1980 displayed a slight decline in the relative risk (RR) associated with BC mortality due to HBMI. Conclusion: This study suggests that middle-aged and elderly women should be considered as a priority population, and control of HBMI and HFPG should be used as a primary tool to control metabolic risk factors and effectively reduce BC mortality.

The association between physical activities combined with dietary habits and cardiovascular risk factors.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical activities combined with dietary habits and cardiovascular risk factors in adults from Nanjing, China. Methods: The cross-sectional survey conducted in 2017 involved a sample of 60 283 individuals aged ≥18 years in Nanjing municipality, China. The sampling method used was multistage stratified cluster sampling. The primary outcomes from multivariate logistic regression analysis with adjusted potential confounders were the relationships between physical activities combined with dietary habits and cardiovascular risk variables. Relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable proportion due to interaction (AP), and synergy index (S) were used to assess an additive interaction between dietary habits and physical activities. Results: After adjusting potential confounders, cardiovascular risk factors were significantly associated with the association of physical inactivity and unhealthy diet, with the highest odds ratios (ORs) for low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HLDL-c) (1.64, 95% CI [1.47, 1.84]) and hypertension (1.55, 95% CI [1.46, 1.64]). Additive interactions between physical inactivity and unhealthy diet were found in on cardiovascular risk factors of higher low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HLDL-c) (S, 2.57; 95% CI [1.27, 5.21]), type 2 diabetes (T2D) (S, 1.96; 95% CI [1.23, 3.13]), dyslipidemia (S, 1.69; 95% CI [1.08, 2.66]) and hypertension (S, 1.46; 95% CI [1.12, 1.89]). Their RERI was 0.39 (95% CI [0.18, 0.60]), 0.22 (95% CI [0.09, 0.35]), 0.11 (95% CI [0.03, 0.19]) and 0.17 (95% CI [0.06, 0.28]), respectively. OR of being HLDL-c, T2D, hypertension and dyslipidemia in participants of physical inactivity and unhealthy diet was 24%, 15%, 11% and 8.3%, respectively. Multiplicative interaction was detected in obesity, hypertension, T2D and HLDL-c. Conclusion: An unhealthy diet and physical inactivity were strongly linked to cardiovascular risk factors. This study also showed that an unhealthy diet and physical inactivity combined to produce an additive effect on T2D, hypertension, HLDL-c, and dyslipidemia, suggesting a higher risk than the total of these factors, especially HLDL-c. Preventive strategies aimed at reducing cardiometabolic risks such as hypertension, T2D, HLDL-c, and dyslipidemia are necessary for targeting physical inactivity and unhealthy diet.

Colchicine ameliorates myocardial injury induced by coronary microembolization through suppressing pyroptosis via the AMPK/SIRT1/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Coronary microembolization(CME)is a common complication in acute coronary syndrome and percutaneous coronary intervention, which is closely related to poor prognosis. Pyroptosis, as an inflammatory programmed cell death, has been found to be associated with CME-induced myocardial injury. Colchicine (COL) has potential benefits in coronary artery disease due to its anti-inflammatory effect. However, the role of colchicine in pyroptosis-related CME-induced cardiomyocyte injury is unclear. This study was carried out to explore the effects and mechanisms of colchicine on myocardial pyroptosis induced by CME. METHODS: The CME animal model was constructed by injecting microspheres into the left ventricle with Sprague-Dawley rats, and colchicine (0.3 mg/kg) pretreatment seven days before and on the day of modeling or compound C(CC)co-treatment was given half an hour before modeling. The study was divided into 4 groups: Sham group, CME group, CME + COL group, and CME + COL + CC group (10 rats for each group). Cardiac function, serum myocardial injury markers, myocardial histopathology, and pyroptosis-related indicators were used to evaluate the effects of colchicine. RESULTS: Colchicine pretreatment improved cardiac dysfunction and reduced myocardial injury induced by CME. The main manifestations were the improvement of left ventricular systolic function, the decrease of microinfarction area, and the decrease of mRNA and protein indexes related to pyroptosis. Mechanistically, colchicine increased the phosphorylation level of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), promoted the expression of silent information regulation T1 (SIRT1), and inhibited the expression of NOD-like receptor pyrin containing 3 (NLRP3) to reduce myocardial pyroptosis. However, after CC co-treatment with COL, the effect of colchicine was partially reversed. CONCLUSION: Colchicine improves CME-induced cardiac dysfunction and myocardial injury by inhibiting cardiomyocyte pyroptosis through the AMPK/SIRT1/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Turnover intention and coping strategies among older nursing assistants in China: a qualitative study.

Introduction: With the increasing aging population, older nursing assistants have made significant contributions to institutional eldercare. However, there is a high turnover rate among these workers, and it is crucial to address this issue and find ways to stabilize the workforce. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing turnover intention and coping strategies among older nursing assistants, in order to provide targeted assistance and guidance to reduce their intention to resign and ultimately lower the turnover rate. Methods: Qualitative research methods were employed to conduct semi-structured interviews with older nursing assistants in Changsha. The data obtained from these interviews were then analyzed using a phenomenological analysis approach and NVIVO (QSR International, Doncaster, Australia) software version 11.0. Results: It is found that several factors influence turnover intention among older nursing assistants. Which include work pay, work environment, professional identity, external motivation, and work pressure. Additionally, the coping strategies employed by these individuals in relation to their intention to resign include self-regulation, seeking support, self-improvement, and exploring motivation. Discussion: It is also evident from our study that reducing the turnover intention of older nursing assistants requires a collaborative effort from older adult care institutions, functional departments, and eldercare nursing assistants themselves. By addressing the factors influencing turnover intention and providing support and resources for coping strategies, we can work towards stabilizing the workforce and improving institutional eldercare.

Burden of falls attributable to low bone mineral density among people aged 60 years and over in China from 1990 to 2019.

Objective: Falls in older people have become a major public health, economic and societal problem. Osteoporosis predisposes older adults to high risk of falls, which were the most common outcome attributable to low bone mineral density (LBMD). In this study, we analyze the long-term trends in falls burden attributable to LBMD among people aged 60 years and over from 1990 to 2019, using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019 (GBD 2019). Methods: Data from GBD 2019 were used to assess the long-term trends in mortality and disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) rates by Joinpoint regression. The age-period-cohort (APC) model was used to evaluate the effects of age, period and cohort on mortality rate of falls attributable to LBMD. Results: The mortality and DALYs rates of falls attributable to LBMD among people aged 60 years and over increased from 1990 to 2019, with average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) of 1.74% (95% CI: -1.47 to 2.01%) and 0.99% (95% CI: 0.80-1.19%), respectively. APC analysis revealed that the mortality rate due to LBMD significantly increased among the older people over the age of 75 years. The risk of falls mortality due to LBMD during the period of 1990-2019 initially declined but later elevated. An overall increasing risk for falls death attributable to LBMD was presented across birth cohorts, but in cohorts born after 1930, the upward trend has slowed down. The overall net drift per year attributable to LBMD was above 0. The corresponding results showed that the negative impact of period and cohort effects among males was more pronounced than those among females. Conclusions: Falls attributable to LBMD remain an ongoing health burden in the older people in China, and the mortality has been on the rise from 1990 to 2019, especially among the older people aged 80+ years group. The prevention and treatment of LBMD should be emphasized, especially among males and oldest-old people. Furthermore, there is an urgent need to strengthen the implementation of system-wide, integrated and effective public health policies and other health interventions in China.

Time Trends in Ischemic Heart Disease Mortality Attributable to PM2.5 Exposure in Southeastern China from 1990 to 2019: An Age-Period-Cohort Analysis.

PM2.5 exposure is a major environmental risk factor for the mortality of ischemic heart disease (IHD). This study aimed to analyze trends in IHD mortality attributable to PM2.5 exposure in Jiangsu Province, China, from 1990 to 2019, and their correlation with age, period, and birth cohort. METHODS: Data were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019 (GBD2019). The magnitude and direction of the trends in IHD mortality attributable to PM2.5 exposure were analyzed by Joinpoint regression. The age-period-cohort (APC) model was used to evaluate the cohort and period effect. RESULTS: Age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of IHD attributable to PM2.5 exposure decreased from 1990 to 2019, with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of -1.71% (95%CI: -2.02~-1.40), which, due to ambient PM2.5 (APM) exposure and household PM2.5 (HPM) exposure increased with AAPCs of 1.45% (95%CI: 1.18~1.72) and -8.27% (95%CI: -8.84~-7.69), respectively. APC analysis revealed an exponential distribution in age effects on IHD mortality attributable to APM exposure, which rapidly increased in the elderly. The risk for IHD mortality due to HPM exposure showed a decline in the period and cohort effects, which, due to APM, increased in the period and cohort effects. However, favorable period effects were found in the recent decade. The overall net drift values for APM were above zero, and were below zero for HPM. The values for local drift with age both for APM and HPM exposures were initially reduced and then enhanced. CONCLUSION: The main environmental risk factor for IHD mortality changed from HPM to APM exposure in Jiangsu Province, China. Corresponding health strategies and prevention management should be adopted to reduce ambient air pollution and decrease the effects of APM exposure on IHD mortality.

Dynamic characteristics of a COVID-19 outbreak in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, China.

Objectives: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) lineage B.1.617.2 (also named the Delta variant) was declared as a variant of concern by the World Health Organization (WHO). This study aimed to describe the outbreak that occurred in Nanjing city triggered by the Delta variant through the epidemiological parameters and to understand the evolving epidemiology of the Delta variant. Methods: We collected the data of all COVID-19 cases during the outbreak from 20 July 2021 to 24 August 2021 and estimated the distribution of serial interval, basic and time-dependent reproduction numbers (R0 and Rt), and household secondary attack rate (SAR). We also analyzed the cycle threshold (Ct) values of infections. Results: A total of 235 cases have been confirmed. The mean value of serial interval was estimated to be 4.79 days with the Weibull distribution. The R0 was 3.73 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.66-5.15] as estimated by the exponential growth (EG) method. The Rt decreased from 4.36 on 20 July 2021 to below 1 on 1 August 2021 as estimated by the Bayesian approach. We estimated the household SAR as 27.35% (95% CI, 22.04-33.39%), and the median Ct value of open reading frame 1ab (ORF1ab) genes and nucleocapsid protein (N) genes as 25.25 [interquartile range (IQR), 20.53-29.50] and 23.85 (IQR, 18.70-28.70), respectively. Conclusions: The Delta variant is more aggressive and transmissible than the original virus types, so continuous non-pharmaceutical interventions are still needed.

Case Report: Late-Onset Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome Treated With Stereotactic Electroencephalography-Guided Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation Before Craniotomy.

The onset of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), a severe epilepsy syndrome, is typically before 8 years of age. Late-onset LGS (with onset in adolescence and adulthood) is relatively rare clinically and has some differences from classical LGS. Herein, we describe the case of a patient with late-onset LGS and provide a literature review of such cases. The patient had focal epilepsy onset at 8 years of age. After a 9-year evolution, he suffered seizures of different types and had a diagnosis of late-onset LGS. Drug treatment was ineffective. Nothing was found on stereotactic electroencephalography (SEEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during the course of the disease. After the second presurgical evaluation, we found a suspicious focus on high-resolution structural MRI which was verified by SEEG at last. After SEEG-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC), his seizures were controlled, and his cognitive function and quality of living clearly improved. However, his seizures recurred 2 years later, and he underwent left occipital resection. Thereafter, his seizures have been controlled until now. This case emphasizes the importance of high-resolution structural MRI in the treatment of LGS. Furthermore, it suggests that late-onset LGS may be caused by focal lesions and evolve from focal epilepsy. Thus, characterizing the clinical symptoms and performing individualized electroencephalographic follow-up are both very important. Additionally, the clinical outcome in this case implies the value and limitations of RFTC in patients with epilepsy and a clear focal lesion. Moreover, this case further supports differences between late-onset and classical LGS in terms of clinical manifestation, cognitive changes, prognosis, and treatment.

Association of socioeconomic status with hypertension prevalence and control in Nanjing: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The role of socioeconomic status (SES) on hypertension prevalence and hypertension control has gotten much attention but with conflicting results. This paper aimed to quantify the association of SES with both hypertension prevalence and hypertension control rate in Nanjing, China. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using multistage random sampling on 60,283 adults aged more than 18 years between March 2017 and June 2018. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or self-reported diagnosis of hypertension or respondent's report of taking antihypertensive medications. The controlled hypertension was defined by systolic BP < 140 mmHg and diastolic BP of < 90 mmHg among the subjects that self-reported exhibiting hypertensive and taking antihypertensive medications. The associations between SES with hypertension prevalence and hypertension control were quantified using generalized mixed model regression analysis and reported as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: There was a high prevalence of subjects with primary educational level (49.6%) or unemployed and retired (49.5%) or lower annual household income level (44.9%) in each SES group, respectively. After adjustments for potential confounding factors, there were higher odds of hypertension among those with primary educational level (OR = 1.56), but lower odds for controlled BP (OR = 0.51). Higher odds of hypertension could be found among unemployed and retired, and higher odds of controlled BP was observed in the mental laborers or students (OR = 1.30), compared with the other categories, respectively. The lower-income group was more likely to be hypertensive (OR = 1.35) and less likely to have controlled hypertension (OR = 0.73). CONCLUSION: Socioeconomic status played an important role in hypertension prevalence and hypertension control among adults in Nanjing, China. Strategies for hypertension prevention and control should especially focus on people in the vulnerable lower SES groups.

'Trend in premature mortality from four major NCDs in Nanjing, China, 2007-2018'.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to analyze the trends of premature mortality caused from four major non-communicable diseases (NCDs), namely cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes in Nanjing between 2007 and 2018 and project the ability to achieve the "Healthy China 2030" reduction target. METHODS: Mortality data of four major NCDs for the period 2007-2018 were extracted from the Death Information Registration and Management System of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Population data for Nanjing were provided by the Nanjing Bureau of Public Security. The premature mortality was calculated using the life table method. Joinpoint regression model was used to estimate the average annual percent changes (AAPC) in mortality trends. RESULTS: From 2007 to 2018, the premature mortality from four major NCDs combined in Nanjing decreased from 15.5 to 9.5%, with the AAPC value at - 4.3% (95% CI [- 5.2% to - 3.4%]). Overall, it can potentially achieve the target, with a relative reduction 28.6%. The premature mortality from cancer, CVD, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes all decreased, with AAPC values at - 4.2, - 5.0%, - 5.9% and - 1.6% respectively. A relative reduction of 40.6 and 41.2% in females and in rural areas, but only 21.0 and 12.8% in males and in urban areas were projected. CONCLUSION: An integrated approach should be taken focusing on the modifiable risk factors across different sectors and disciplines in Nanjing. The prevention and treatment of cancers, diabetes, male and rural areas NCDs should be enhanced.

Networking retinomorphic sensor with memristive crossbar for brain-inspired visual perception.

Compared to human vision, conventional machine vision composed of an image sensor and processor suffers from high latency and large power consumption due to physically separated image sensing and processing. A neuromorphic vision system with brain-inspired visual perception provides a promising solution to the problem. Here we propose and demonstrate a prototype neuromorphic vision system by networking a retinomorphic sensor with a memristive crossbar. We fabricate the retinomorphic sensor by using WSe2/h-BN/Al2O3 van der Waals heterostructures with gate-tunable photoresponses, to closely mimic the human retinal capabilities in simultaneously sensing and processing images. We then network the sensor with a large-scale Pt/Ta/HfO2/Ta one-transistor-one-resistor (1T1R) memristive crossbar, which plays a similar role to the visual cortex in the human brain. The realized neuromorphic vision system allows for fast letter recognition and object tracking, indicating the capabilities of image sensing, processing and recognition in the full analog regime. Our work suggests that such a neuromorphic vision system may open up unprecedented opportunities in future visual perception applications.

Gate-tunable van der Waals heterostructure for reconfigurable neural network vision sensor.

Early processing of visual information takes place in the human retina. Mimicking neurobiological structures and functionalities of the retina provides a promising pathway to achieving vision sensor with highly efficient image processing. Here, we demonstrate a prototype vision sensor that operates via the gate-tunable positive and negative photoresponses of the van der Waals (vdW) vertical heterostructures. The sensor emulates not only the neurobiological functionalities of bipolar cells and photoreceptors but also the unique connectivity between bipolar cells and photoreceptors. By tuning gate voltage for each pixel, we achieve reconfigurable vision sensor for simultaneous image sensing and processing. Furthermore, our prototype vision sensor itself can be trained to classify the input images by updating the gate voltages applied individually to each pixel in the sensor. Our work indicates that vdW vertical heterostructures offer a promising platform for the development of neural network vision sensor.

Oxidized low density lipoprotein induces endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition by stabilizing Snail in human aortic endothelial cells.

The endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) of endothelial cells contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. Oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) is a highly risk factor for atherosclerosis. However, whether ox-LDL causes EndMT and the underlying mechanism are unclear. We report here that ox-LDL treatment is able to induce EndMT in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs), and that the ox-LDL-induced EndMT is strictly dependent on the presence of its innate receptor, ox-LDL Receptor-1 (LOX-1). In addition, ox-LDL specifically upregulates EndMT transcriptional factor Snail, and knockdown of Snail completely attenuates ox-LDL-induced EndMT, indicating an essential role of Snail in mediating this effect. Mechanically, ox-LDL induces Snail stabilization by inhibiting its ubiquitination, which is in part attributed to inhibited GSK-3ß activity. Hence, our findings suggest that inducing EndMT of aortic endothelial cells by ox-LDL might contribute to its detrimental role in promoting atherosclerosis development.

Presetting conductive pathway induced the switching uniformity evolution of a-SiNx:H resistive switching memory.

Si-based resistive random access memory (RRAM) devices at the nanoscale with high uniformity have great potential applications in the future. We demonstrate that the uniformity evolution of the a-SiNx:H RRAM at the low resistance state (LRS) and the high resistance state (HRS) can be clearly monitored by presetting a Si dangling bond (Si-DB) conductive pathway through thermal energy. It is found that the increased magnitude of uniformity for the LRS and the HRS are determined by the number of preset Si-DBs, which can be controlled by tuning thermal energy. As for LRS, the Si-DBs produced under the electric field along with the preset Si-DB conductive pathways form the main conductive pathway. Theoretical calculation of current-voltage (I-V) curves indicates that the Si-DB conductive pathways obey the trap-assisted tunneling model. In the HRS, the preset Si-DBs induced by thermal energy are the unique source of the conductive pathway. The transmission mechanism involves a trap-to-trap process by the hopping of electrons under a low electric field, Poole-Frenkel emission in the main region under the medium electric field and Fowler-Nordheim tunneling under the high electric field. Our discovery of the uniformity evolution for a-SiNx:H RRAM device through presetting the Si-DB conductive pathway provides new insight into the resistive switching mechanism of next generation Si-based RRAM devices.

Circulating miRNA-155 as a Potential Biomarker for Coronary Slow Flow.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have demonstrated that miRNA-155 is involved in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, miRNA-155 has emerged as a new indirect marker for inflammation associated with adverse outcomes in oncology and cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the correlation between the levels of miRNA-155 and coronary slow flow (CSF). METHODS: A total of 66 patients with CSF and 66 patients with normal coronary flow were enrolled in this study. Coronary flow velocity was determined using the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (TFC) method. The plasma levels of miRNA-155 were quantified using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The plasma levels of miRNA-155 were significantly higher in the CSF group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, miRNA-155 levels were positively correlated with TFC and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels (P < 0.05 for both parameters). Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that plasma miRNA-155 (OR = 2.384, 95% confidence interval 1.847-3.273, P = 0.032) and hs-CRP (OR = 1.273, 95% confidence interval 1.036-2.253, P = 0.013) were independent predictors for CSF. Using plasma miRNA-155 levels as the test variable, ROC curve analysis indicated that the area under the curve was 0.782 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with CSF have higher plasma levels of miRNA-155, and this may play an important role in the pathogenesis of CSF, and an elevated plasma miRNA-155 level may be a predictor for CSF. A large-scale and multicenter study is required to elucidate the role of miRNA-155 as a potential biomarker for patients with CSF.

Role of high mobility group A1/nuclear factor-kappa B signaling in coronary microembolization-induced myocardial injury.

OBJECTIVE: Coronary microembolization (CME) is a common complication in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Local myocardial inflammation caused by CME is the major cause of progressive cardiac dysfunction. High mobility group A1 (HMGA1)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling plays an important role in the development and progression of inflammation, but its role in CME remains unclear. This study evaluated the effect of HMGA1/NF-κB signaling on CME-induced myocardial inflammation and cardiac dysfunction. METHODS: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham, CME, CME + HMGA1 small interfering RNA (HMGA1 siRNA), and CME + scrambled siRNA (control siRNA) groups, with 10 animals each. The CME model group was established by clamping the ascending aorta and injecting microspheres through the left ventricular apex for embolization, and the sham group was established by injecting the same amount of normal saline. The HMGA1 siRNA group was injected with HMGA1 siRNA transfection complexes into the tail vein 72 h before CME modeling, and the control siRNA group was caudally injected with the same amount of scrambled siRNA 72 h before CME modeling. Twelve hours after the operation, cardiac function, serum c-troponin I level, and microinfarct size were examined. The levels of HMGA1, NF-κB p65, TNF-α, and IL-1ß were detected. RESULTS: Myocardial dysfunction, enhanced serum c-troponin I, and microinfarct were induced following CME. Moreover, CME induced an increased expression of HMGA1, NF-κB p65, TNF-α, and IL-1ß. The HMGA1 siRNA reversed these effects by CME, while the scrambled siRNA had no effect. CONCLUSIONS: HMGA1/NF-κB signaling is involved in CME-induced myocardial inflammation. Inhibition of HMGA1/NF-κB signaling attenuated the CME-induced myocardial injury and improved cardiac function, suggesting a new potential target for the prevention and treatment of CME-induced myocardial injury.

An electronic synaptic device based on HfO2TiOx bilayer structure memristor with self-compliance and deep-RESET characteristics.

We reported on a Ti/HfO2/TiOx/Pt memristor with self-compliance, deep-RESET characteristics and excellent switching performance, including ultrafast program/erase speed (10 ns), a large memory window (103) and good pulse endurance (107 cycles). The self-compliance and deep-RESET characteristics are beneficial for protecting the device from permanent breakdown in both SET and RESET processes especially under the pulse operation mode. In addition to bistable state switching, we also achieved multiple or even continuous conductance state switching under a DC sweep and a pulse-train operation mode in the Ti/HfO2/TiOx/Pt memristor, which can be seen as a substitution of a biological synapse. The capability of continuous modulation conductance (synaptic weight) in the Ti/HfO2/TiOx/Pt memristor was investigated and the potentiation and depression characteristics of the synaptic weight could be precisely tuned by the number or amplitude of the input pulse-train. Moreover, clear experimental evidence of short-term plasticity (STP) and long-term plasticity (LTP) in a single memristor was also demonstrated. Increasing the pulse amplitude or width, or decreasing the interval of two adjacent pulses of the input pulse-train resulted in the memristor behavior transitioning from STP to LTP. The realization of those important synaptic functions in the Ti/HfO2/TiOx/Pt memristor may be suitable for applications in artificial neural systems.

Effects of the TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway on NLRP3 Inflammasome in Coronary Microembolization-Induced Myocardial Injury.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Coronary microembolization (CME) is a common complication of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); Myocardial inflammation, caused by CME, is the main cause of cardiac injury. TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling plays an important role in the development of myocardial inflammation, but its effects on CME remain unclear. To assess the cardiac protective effects of TAK-242 (TLR4 specific inhibitor) on CME-induced myocardial injury, and explore the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Cardiac function, serum c-troponin I level, microinfarct were examined by cardiac ultrasound, myocardial enzyme assessment, HBFP staining. The levels of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome pathway were detected by ELISA, qRT-PCR and western blot. RESULTS: The results showed inflammatory responses in the myocardium after CME, with increased expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-18. Meanwhile, TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling and the NLRP3 inflammasome were involved in the inflammatory process. TAK-242 administration before CME effectively inhibited the inflammatory response in the rat myocardium after CME and reduced myocardial injury, mainly by inhibiting TLR4/ MyD88/NF-κB signaling and reducing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In addition, in vitro assays with neonatal rat cardiomyocytes further confirmed that TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling was significantly activated in the inflammatory response of LPS-induced cardiomyocytes, via activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Inhibition of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling resulted in increased survival of cardiomyocytes mainly by reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines and decreasing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. CONCLUSIONS: TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling participates in the inflammatory response of the myocardium after CME, activating the NLRP3 inflammasome, promoting the inflammatory cascade, and aggravating myocardial injury. Blocking TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling may help reduce myocardial injury and improve cardiac function after CME.

Pinocembrin protects endothelial cells from oxidized LDL-induced injury.

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis and often causes injury to vascular endothelial cells. We found that pinocembrin, a natural antioxidant found in honey and certain herbs, protects human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) from ox-LDL-induced injury. Pinocembrin suppresses the expression of pro-inflammatory vascular adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin) and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-8), as well as ROS production induced by ox-LDL. Pinocembrin potently inhibits the attachment of monocytes to HAEC cells. Mechanistically, pinocembrin suppresses activation of the MAPK kinase p38 and NF-κB pathways in the context of ox-LDL. Our data indicate that pinocembrin is a promising versatile natural compound that can protect endothelial cells from injury.

Prevalence and clustering of cardiovascular risk factors: a cross-sectional survey among Nanjing adults in China.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate prevalence and clustering of cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs), and investigate the association between relevant characteristics and CRF clustering among adults in eastern China. DESIGN: Community-based cross-sectional study. SETTING: Data were collected by interview survey, physical measurements and laboratory examinations from the 2011 Nanjing Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance. PARTICIPANTS: A representative sample of 41 072 residents aged ≥18 years volunteered to participate in the survey, with a response rate of 91.3%. We excluded 1232 subjects due to missing data or having a history of cardiovascular diseases; a total of 39 840 participants were included in the analysis. OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence and clustering of five major CRFs including hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, overweight or obesity and current smoking. RESULTS: Of 39 840 participants (mean age 47.9±16.2 years), 17 964 (45.1%) were men and 21 876 (54.9%) were women. The weighted prevalence of CRFs ranged between 6.2% for diabetes and 35.6% for overweight or obesity. The proportion of CRFs tended to be higher in men, the elderly, participants who lost a life partner, or lived in rural areas, or had lower level of education and total annual income. Overall, 30.1% and 35.2% of participants had one and at least two CRFs, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that men, older age, loss of a life partner, lower level of socioeconomic status, rural areas, insufficient physical activity or unhealthy diets were positively associated with CVD risk factor clustering, compared with their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: High regional prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidaemia, overweight or obesity and their clustering are present in Nanjing. The Nanjing government should develop effective public health policies at the regional level especially for high-risk groups, such as enhancing the public's health awareness, organising health promotion programmes, implementing smoke-free law, producing healthy nutrient foods, providing free or low-cost public sports and fitness facilities.