Microbiota γ-Butyrobetaine Is Associated With Increased Risk of Major Adverse Limb Events in People With Lower Extremity Arterial Disease Undergoing Endovascular Therapy.

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD), a significant contributor to both acute and chronic illnesses, indicates a grave prognosis, but it is often unrecognized and receives inadequate treatment. γ-Butyrobetaine, formed during gut microbial metabolism of L-carnitine, acts as a proatherogenic intermediate in the production of trimethylamine -oxide (TMAO). While TMAO has been linked to a heightened risk of cardiovascular mortality of individuals with PAD, the impact of γ-butyrobetaine remains unclear.

MCC950 Alleviates Fat Embolism-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Through Dual Modulation of NLRP3 Inflammasome and ERK Pathways.

Fat embolism is a critical medical emergency often resulting from long bone fractures or amputations, leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, a key regulator of innate immunity, is activated by reactive oxygen species and tissue damage, contributing to inflammatory responses. This study examines the role of NLRP3 in fat embolism-induced ARDS and evaluates the therapeutic potential of MCC950, a selective NLRP3 antagonist.

Comparison of Short-Term Quality of Life Between Subxiphoid and Lateral Intercostal Approaches Thoracoscopic Thymectomy for Nonmyasthenic Early-Stage Thymoma: A Prospective Study.

Introduction: To compare the short-term outcomes and postoperative quality of life of patients with nonmyasthenic early-stage thymoma who underwent subxiphoid approach to video-assisted thoracic surgery (S-VATS) or lateral intercostal approach VATS (L-VATS).

Methods: A prospective, nonrandomized study was conducted. From July 2020 to June 2022, 60 patients with nonmyasthenic early-stage thymoma were enrolled and divided into two groups: 30 received S-VATS and 30 received L-VATS.

Sulfur defect engineering controls LiS crystal orientation towards dendrite-free lithium metal batteries.

Controlling nucleation and growth of Li is crucial to avoid dendrite formation for practical applications of lithium metal batteries. LiS has been exemplified to promote Li transport, but its crystal orientation significantly influences the Li deposition behaviors. Here, we investigate the interactions between Li and various surface structures of LiS, and reveal that the LiS(111) plane exhibits the highest Li affinity and the lowest diffusion barrier, leading to dense Li deposition.

Analysis of risk factors for dysphagia in patients after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.

Background: Gastric cancer is among the most prevalent malignancies worldwide. Despite significant advancements in chemoradiotherapy, targeted therapy, and neoadjuvant therapy, conventional surgical intervention remains the cornerstone of gastric cancer management. Improvements in surgical techniques, coupled with the use of staplers and other advanced instruments, have substantially reduced the incidence of complications and mortality following gastric cancer surgery.

Mild autonomous cortisol secretion in patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma and risk for cardiac remodeling and diastolic dysfunction.

Background: Mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) is common in adrenal adenomas, including patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) with aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA). This study investigated the impact of MACS on cardiac remodeling and diastolic dysfunction in patients with APA.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled 483 patients with APA.

The Captopril Challenge Test Predicts Cardiac Structure and Dysfunction in Primary Aldosteronism.

Context: The captopril challenge test (CCT) is a commonly used confirmation test that identifies the magnitude of renin- and angiotensin II-independent aldosterone production and thus the presence and severity of primary aldosteronism (PA).

Objective: This study investigated the association between the post-CCT plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and cardiovascular remodeling and diastolic dysfunction.

Methods: A total of 540 PA patients with complete CCT and echocardiographic data were retrospectively analyzed.

Comparative analysis of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors/angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor in heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction.

Introduction: To clarify the efficacy of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors/angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors (RASI/ARNI) in heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF).

Methods: This study assessed the association between these medications and outcomes in HFmrEF using data from the National Taiwan University Hospital-integrated Medical Database. The primary outcome was cardiovascular mortality/heart failure hospitalization (HHF).

The relationship between tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 and KCNJ5 mutation in aldosterone-producing adenoma patients.

KCNJ5 somatic mutations in aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) are linked to higher left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and worse diastolic function. We previously identified an association between plasma tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) and an aldosterone-induced increase in LVMI and diastolic dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the association between the presence of KCNJ5 somatic mutation and plasma TIMP-1 in APA patients.

Diagnostic efficacy of aldosterone-to-renin ratio to screen primary aldosteronism in hypertension: a systemic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) is commonly used for screening primary aldosteronism (PA) in patients with difficult-to-control hypertension. Various thresholds have been proposed for the confirmatory tests, leading to inconsistency in the results.

Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate the performance of ARR screening in hypertensive patients.

Evaluating the effects of adrenalectomy and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist on cardiac remodeling and diastolic function in patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma.

Cardiac remodeling and diastolic dysfunction in patients with aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA) can be improved after adrenalectomy. However, the effect of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) treatment remains unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of MRA on cardiac remodeling and diastolic dysfunction in patients with PA.

Aldosterone, mitochondria and regulation of cardiovascular metabolic disease.

Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid hormone involved in controlling electrolyte balance, blood pressure, and cellular signaling. It plays a pivotal role in cardiovascular and metabolic physiology. Excess aldosterone activates mineralocorticoid receptors, leading to subsequent inflammatory responses, increased oxidative stress, and tissue remodeling.

Evaluations of secondary hypertension and laboratory data in the elderly population.

Secondary hypertension in the elderly poses many challenges and requires a comprehensive diagnostic and management approach. This review explores the prevalence, diagnostic strategies, and treatment modalities for secondary hypertension in elderly patients, focusing on etiologies including primary aldosteronism, renal vascular disease, renal parenchymal disease, obstructive sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, Cushing's syndrome, pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas, and drug-induced hypertension. Key considerations include age-related changes in physiology and atypical presentations of underlying conditions necessitating thorough screening with a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies.

Anticoagulation for Patients With Concomitant Atrial Fibrillation and End-Stage Renal Disease: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Background: Concomitant atrial fibrillation and end-stage renal disease is common and associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Although oral anticoagulants have been well established to prevent thromboembolism, the applicability in patients under long-term dialysis remains debatable. The study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of anticoagulation in the dialysis-dependent population.

Synergistic effect of albuminuria on atherosclerosis in patients with primary aldosteronism.

Background: Primary aldosteronism (PA) has been associated with atherosclerosis beyond the extent of essential hypertension, but the impact of albuminuria remains unknown.

Objective: To investigate the effect of concomitant albuminuria on arterial stiffness in PA.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Helicobacter pylori CagA protein induces gastric cancer stem cell-like properties through the Akt/FOXO3a axis.

The presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection poses a substantial risk for the development of gastric adenocarcinoma. The primary mechanism through which H.

Right Ventricular-Vascular Uncoupling Predicts Pulmonary Hypertension in Clinically Diagnosed Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is highly prevalent in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and it is a strong predictor of adverse outcomes. We aimed to determine possible echocardiographic parameters to predict the presence of PH in patients with HFpEF.

Methods And Results: A total of 113 patients with HFpEF were prospectively enrolled from November 2017 to July 2022.

Reversal of arterial stiffness in medically and surgically treated unilateral primary aldosteronism.

Objective: Hyperaldosteronism has adverse effects on cardiovascular structure and function. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the gold standard for patients with unilateral primary aldosteronism. For unilateral primary aldosteronism patients unable or unwilling to undergo surgery, the effects of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) on the reversibility of arterial stiffness and other clinical data remain unclear.

Aldosteronism is associated with more severe cerebral small vessel disease in hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage.

Primary aldosteronism is associated with various types of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular damage independently of hypertension. Although chronic hypertension and related cerebral arteriosclerosis are the main risk factors for intracerebral hemorrhage, the effects of aldosteronism remain poorly understood. We enrolled 90 survivors of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage, 21 of them with aldosteronism and 69 with essential hypertension as controls in this study.

Altered functional connectivity of the nucleus tractus solitarii in patients with chronic cough after lung surgery: an rs-fMRI study.

Background: To explore the altered functional connectivity (FC) of the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) in patients with chronic cough after lung surgery using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), and the association between abnormal FC and clinical scale scores.

Methods: A total of 22 patients with chronic cough after lung surgery and 22 healthy controls were included. Visual analog scale (VAS), Mandarin Chinese version of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ-MC), and Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAMA) scores were assessed, and rs-fMRI data were collected.

LncRNA expression signature identified using genome-wide transcriptomic profiling to predict lymph node metastasis in patients with stage T1 and T2 gastric cancer.

Background: Lymph node (LN) status is vital to evaluate the curative potential of relatively early gastric cancer (GC; T1-T2) treatment (endoscopic or surgery). Currently, there is a lack of robust and convenient methods to identify LN metastasis before therapeutic decision-making.

Methods: Genome-wide expression profiles of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in primary T1 gastric cancer data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used to identify lncRNA expression signature capable of detecting LN metastasis of GC and establish a 10-lncRNA risk-prediction model based on deep learning.