Association between synoptic types in Beijing and acute myocardial infarction hospitalizations: A comprehensive analysis of environmental factors.

BACKGROUND: Environmental factors like air pollution and temperature can trigger acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the link between large-scale weather patterns (synoptic types) and AMI admissions has not been extensively studied. This research aimed to identify the different synoptic air types in Beijing and investigate their association with AMI occurrences. METHODS: We analyzed data from Beijing between 2013 and 2019, encompassing 2556 days and 149,632 AMI cases. Using principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering, classification into distinct synoptic types was conducted based on weather and pollution measurements. To assess the impact of each type on AMI risk over 14 days, we employed a distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM), with the reference being the lowest risk type (Type 2). RESULTS: Four synoptic types were identified: Type 1 with warm, humid weather; Type 2 with warm temperatures, low humidity, and long sunshine duration; Type 3 with cold weather and heavy air pollution; and Type 4 with cold temperatures, dryness, and high wind speed. Type 4 exhibited the greatest cumulative relative risk (CRR) of 1.241 (95%CI: 1.150, 1.339) over 14 days. Significant effects of Types 1, 3, and 4 on AMI events were observed at varying lags: 4-12 days for Type 1, 1-6 days for Type 3, and 1-11 days for Type 4. Females were more susceptible to Types 1 and 3, while individuals younger than 65 years old showed increased vulnerability to Types 3 and 4. CONCLUSION: Among the four synoptic types identified in Beijing from 2013 to 2019, Type 4 (cold, dry, and windy) presented the highest risk for AMI hospitalizations. This risk was particularly pronounced for males and people under 65. Our findings collectively highlight the need for improved methods to identify synoptic types. Additionally, developing a warning system based on these synoptic conditions could be crucial for prevention.

Hedan tablet ameliorated non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by moderating NF-κB and lipid metabolism-related pathways via regulating hepatic metabolites.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe form of fatty liver disease. If not treated, it can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis and even liver cancer. However, advances in treatment have remained relatively slow, and there is thus an urgent need to develop appropriate treatments. Hedan tablet (HDP) is used to treat metabolic syndrome. However, scientific understanding of the therapeutic effect of HDP on NASH remains limited. We used HDP to treat a methionine/choline-deficient diet-induced model of NASH in rats to elucidate the therapeutic effects of HDP on liver injury. In addition, we used untargeted metabolomics to investigate the effects of HDP on metabolites in liver of NASH rats, and further validated its effects on inflammation and lipid metabolism following screening for potential target pathways. HDP had considerable therapeutic, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects on NASH. HDP could also alter the hepatic metabolites changed by NASH. Moreover, HDP considerable moderated NF-κB and lipid metabolism-related pathways. The present study found that HDP had remarkable therapeutic effects in NASH rats. The therapeutic efficacy of HDP in NASH mainly associated with regulation of NF-κB and lipid metabolism-related pathways via arachidonic acid metabolism, glycine-serine-threonine metabolism, as well as steroid hormone biosynthesis.

YIQIFUMAI INJECTION AMELIORATED SEPSIS-INDUCED CARDIOMYOPATHY BY INHIBITION OF FERROPTOSIS VIA XCT/GPX4 AXIS.

ABSTRACT: Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy ( SIC ) is a distinct form of myocardial injury that disrupts tissue perfusion and stands as the significant cause of mortality among sepsis patients. Currently, effective preventive or treatment strategies for SIC are lacking. YiQiFuMai injection (YQFM), composed of Panax ginseng C.A. Mey., Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker Gawl., and Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., is widely used in China to treat cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, and SIC . Research has shown that YQFM can improve cardiac function and alleviate heart failure through multiple pathways. Nevertheless, the mechanisms through which YQFM exerts its effects on SIC remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we firstly investigated the therapeutic effects of YQFM on a SIC rat model and explored its effects on myocardial ferroptosis in vivo. Then, LPS-induced myocardial cell death model was used to evaluate the effects of YQFM on ferroptosis and xCT/GPX4 axis in vitro . Furthermore, using GPX4 inhibitors, we aimed to verify whether YQFM improved cardiomyocyte ferroptosis through the xCT/GPX4 axis. The results showed that YQFM was effective in alleviating myocardial injury in septic model rats. Besides, the concentrations of iron and the levels of lipid peroxidation-related factors (ROS, MDA, and 4-HNE) were significantly decreased and the expression of xCT/GPX4 axis was upregulated in SIC rats after YQFM treatment. In vitro studies also showed that YQFM alleviated iron overload and lipid peroxidation and activated xCT/GPX4 axis in LPS-induced myocardial cell death model. Moreover, GPX4 inhibitor could abolish the effects above. In summary, the study highlights the regulatory effect of YQFM in mitigating myocardial injury. It probably achieves this ameliorative effect by enhancing xCT/GPX4 axis and further reducing ferroptosis.

Optimal fractionation and timing of weekly cone-beam CT in daily surface-guided radiotherapy for breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Surface-guided radiotherapy (SGRT) has been demonstrated to be a promising supplement to cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in adjuvant breast cancer radiotherapy, but a rational combination mode is lacking in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to explore this mode and investigate its impact on the setup and dose accuracy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Daily SGRT and weekly CBCT images were acquired for 23 patients with breast cancer who received conventional fractionated radiotherapy after lumpectomy. Sixteen modes were acquired by randomly selecting one (CBCT1), two (CBCTij), three (CBCTijk), four (CBCTijkl), and five (CBCT12345) images from the CBCT images for fusion with the SGRT. The CTV-PTV margins, OAR doses, and dose coverage (V95%) of PTV and CTV was calculated based on SGRT setup errors with different regions of interest (ROIs). Dose correlations between these modalities were investigated using Pearson and Spearman's methods. Patient-specific parameters were recorded to assess their impact on dose. RESULTS: The CTV-PTV margins decreased with increasing CBCT frequencies and were close to 5 mm for CBCTijkl and CBCT12345. For the ipsilateral breast ROI, SGRT errors were larger in the AP direction, and target doses were higher in all modes than in the whole breast ROI (P < 0.05). In the ipsilateral ROI, the target dose correlations between all modes increased with increasing CBCT time intervals, decreased, and then increased with increasing CBCT frequencies, with the inflection point being CBCT participation at week 5. The dose deviations in CBCT123, CBCT124, CBCT125, CBCTijkl, and CBCT12345 were minimal and did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). There was excellent agreement between CBCT124 and CBCT1234, and between (CBCTijkl, CBCT12345) and CBCT125 in determining the classification for the percentage of PTV deviation (Kappa = 0.704-0.901). In addition, there were weak correlations between the patient's Dips_b (ipsilateral breast diameter with bolus) and CTV doses in modes with CBCT participation at week 4 (R = 0.270 to 0.480). CONCLUSIONS: Based on weekly CBCT, these modes with ipsilateral ROI and a combination of daily SGRT and a CBCT frequency of ≥ 3 were recommended, and CBCT was required at weeks 1 and 2 for CBCTijk.

Association of long noncoding RNA MALAT1 with the radiosensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma cells via the miR-140/PD-L1 axis.

Objective: To investigate the effect of MALAT1 on the modulating the radiosensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma, through regulation of the expression of the miR-140/PD-L1 axis. Methods: The online databases UALCAN and dbDEMC were searched for the MALAT1 and miR-140 expressions in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), respectively. Then analyze their relationship with overall survival rates separately in the UALCAN and ONCOMIR databases. A functional analysis was performed for A549 cells by transfecting small-interfering RNAs or corresponding plasmids after radiotherapy. Xenograft models of LUAD exposed to radiation were established to further observe the effects of MALAT1 on the radiosensitivity of LUAD. The luciferase assay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were performed to assess the interaction between miR-140 and MALAT1 or PD-L1. Results: MALAT1 were overexpressed in human LUAD tumor tissues and cell lines, while miR-140 were inhibited. MALAT1 knockdown or miR-140 increase suppressed cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis in LUAD after irradiation. LUAD xenograft tumor growth was also inhibited by MALAT1 knockdown combined with irradiation. miR-140 could directly bind with MALAT1 or PD-L1. Furthermore, MALAT1 knockdown inhibited PD-L1 mRNA and protein expressions by upregulating miR-140 in LUAD cells. Conclusion: MALAT1 may function as a sponge for miR-140a-3p to enhance the PD-L1 expression and decrease the radiosensitivity of LUAD. Our results suggest that MALAT1 might be a promising therapeutic target for the radiotherapy sensitization of LUAD.

Therapeutic effects of paeoniflorin on irritable bowel syndrome in rats.

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder (FBD). OBJECTIVES: To assess the therapeutic effects of paeoniflorin (PF) on IBS in rats. METHOD: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal, model, positive drug, low-dose PF, medium-dose PF and high-dose PF groups (n = 10). After gavage for 2 consecutive weeks, the effect of PF on abdominal pain symptoms was assessed based on the abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) score, fecal water content and pathological changes in colon tissues. D-lactate, interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B (p-NF-κB) p65 was detected by Western blotting. The abundance and diversity changes of intestinal flora were explored using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. RESULT: In PF groups, the mucosal morphology of colon tissues was intact, and the glands were arranged neatly and structured clearly, without obvious inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with the model group, PF groups had significantly elevated pain threshold, and mRNA and protein levels of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin, decreased AWR score at 20 mmHg pressure, fecal water content, mRNA levels of IL-1ß, TGF-ß, and TNF-α, protein level of p-NF-κB p65 and level of serum D-lactate, and reduced levels of serum IL-1ß, TGF-ß, and TNF-α (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). PF groups had higher abundance of Lactobacillus, Akkermansia, Alistipes, and Bacteroides, but lower abundance of Desulfovibrio, Parasutterella, and Enterococcus than those of the model group. CONCLUSIONS: PF exerts therapeutic effects on IBS in rats probably by regulating the intestinal flora, and then up-regulating the expressions of ZO-1 and occludin in colon tissue while down-regulating the levels of IL-1ß, TGF-ß, TNF-α, D-lactate and p-NF-κB p65.

Coordination of intertracheid pit traits and climate effects among cycads.

Interconduit pit membranes, which are permeable regions in the primary cell wall that connect to adjacent conduits, play a crucial role in water relations and the movement of nutrients between xylem conduits. However, how pit membrane characteristics might influence water-carbon coupling remains poorly investigated in cycads. We examined pit characteristics, the anatomical and photosynthetic traits of 13 cycads from a common garden, to determine if pit traits and their coordination are related to water relations and carbon economy. We found that the pit traits of cycads were highly variable and that cycads exhibited a similar tradeoff between pit density and pit area as other plant lineages. Unlike other plant lineages (1) pit membranes, pit apertures, and pit shapes of cycads were not coordinated as in angiosperms; (2) cycads exhibited larger pit membrane areas but lower pit densities relative to ferns and angiosperms, but smaller and similar pit membrane densities to non-cycad gymnosperms; (3) cycad pit membrane areas and densities were partially coordinated with anatomical traits, with hydraulic supply of the rachis positively coordinated with photosynthesis, whereas pit aperture areas and fractions were negatively coordinated with photosynthetic traits; (4) cycad pit traits reflected adaptation to wetter habitats for Cycadaceae and drier habitats for Zamiaceae. The large variation in pit traits, the unique pit membrane size and density, and the partial coordination of pit traits with anatomical and physiological traits of the rachis and pinna among cycads may have facilitated their dominance in a variety of ecosystems from the Mesozoic to modern times.

Er-Chen Decoction Alleviates High-Fat Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats through Remodeling Gut Microbiota and Regulating the Serum Metabolism.

Many studies have found that the dysfunction in gut microbiota and the metabolic dysfunction can promote nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development. Er-Chen decoction (EC) can be used in the treatment of NAFLD. However, the mechanism of this hepatoprotection is still unknown. In this study, we constructed a rat model with NAFLD fed with high-fat chow and administered EC treatment. The therapeutic effects of EC on NAFLD were evaluated by measuring transaminases, blood lipid levels, and pathological changes in the liver. In addition, we measured the effects of EC on liver inflammatory response and oxidative stress. The changes in gut microbiota after EC treatment were studied using 16S rRNA sequencing. Serum untargeted metabolomics analysis was also used to study the metabolic regulatory mechanisms of EC on NAFLD. The results showed that EC decreased the serum transaminases and lipid levels and improved the pathological changes in NAFLD rats. Furthermore, EC enhanced the activities of SOD and GSH-Px and decreased MDA level in the liver. EC treatment also decreased the gene and protein levels of IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α in the liver and serum. The 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics indicated that EC treatment affected the gut microbiota and regulated serum metabolism. Correlation analysis showed that the effects of EC on taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, and vitamin B6 metabolism pathways were associated with affecting in the abundance of Lactobacillus, Dubosiella, Lachnospiraceae, Desulfovibri, Romboutsia, Akkermansia, Intestinimonas, and Candidatus_saccharimonas in the gut. In conclusion, our study confirmed the protective effect of EC on NAFLD. EC could treat NAFLD by inhibiting oxidative stress, reducing inflammatory responses, and improving the dysbiosis of gut microbiota and the modulation of the taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, and vitamin B6 metabolism pathways in serum.

Effect of Jiangan-Jiangzhi Pill on Gut Microbiota and Chronic Inflammatory Response in Rats with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease with high rates of occurrence. Research has found that NAFLD patients experience varying degrees of intestinal flora imbalance. There is evidence that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) positively regulates imbalances in the gut microbiota caused by liver diseases. Jiangan-Jiangzhi pill (JGJZ) is a common Chinese remedy that can treat NAFLD clinically. This article investigates how JGJZ affects NAFLD and assesses related changes in the intestinal flora. We established a NAFLD rat model by feeding them a high-fat diet (HFD) and gave different interventions. After twelve weeks, the results revealed that JGJZ decreased the total cholesterol, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase in the serum of NAFLD rats. Histopathological staining demonstrated that JGJZ relieved cellular fat accumulation in the liver. Inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α) were down-regulated. Analysis of 16S rRNA demonstrated that JGJZ changed the community compositional structure of gut microbiota, characterized by a decrease in the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio, and increased gut microbiota diversity and the abundance of dominant groups. Accordingly, our study illustrated that JGJZ exerted a better effect in treating HFD-induced NAFLD, which may be closely related to ameliorating gut microbiota dysbiosis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Ganshuang Granules Attenuate CCl4 -Induced Hepatic Fibrosis by Modulating Gut Microbiota.

Gut dysbiosis contributes to hepatic fibrosis. Emerging evidence revealed the major role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in gut microbiota homeostasis. Here, we aimed to investigate the anti-fibrotic activity and underlying mechanism of ganshuang granules (GS), particularly regarding gut microbiota homeostasis. CCl4 -induced hepatic fibrosis models were allocated into 4 groups receiving normal saline (model), 1.0, 2.0, or 4.0 g/kg GS for 5 weeks. As result, GS treatment alleviated liver injury in CCl4 -induced hepatic fibrosis, presenting as decreases of the liver index, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate transaminase. Histological staining and expression revealed that the enhanced oxidative stress, inflammatory and hepatic fibrosis in CCl4 -induced models were attenuated by GS. Immunohistochemical staining showed that tight junction-associated proteins in intestinal mucosa were up-regulated by GS. 16S rRNA sequencing showed that GS rebalanced the gut dysbiosis manifested as improving alpha and beta diversity of gut microbiota, reducing the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, and regulating the relative abundance of various bacteria. In summary, GS decreased the intestinal permeability and rebalanced the gut microbiota to reduce the oxidative stress and inflammation, eventually attenuating CCl4 -induced hepatic fibrosis.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of endangered Cycads Zamia fischeri Miq. ex Lem.

The whole chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of Zamia fischeri has been characterized. The cp genome length was 164,767 bp in length, with a GC content of 39.7%, containing a large single copy (LSC) of 90,226 bp, a small single copy (SSC) of 23,223 bp, and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 25,659 bp. The genome contained 127 genes, including 88 protein-coding genes, 31 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. A phylogenetic analysis based on complete chloroplast genomes in Cycads indicates that Z. fischeri clustered with another Zamia (Z. furfuracea). This complete chloroplast sequence offers a promising tool for further species identification, population genetic conservation, and evolutionary studies of Zamiaceae, as well as for Cycadales.