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Objective Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) can effectively restore myocardial perfusion in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Nevertheless, STEMI patients may still experience a “no-reflow” phenomenon after PCI. Accordingly, this study focused on the clinical value of low-dose dobutamine stress myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) for evaluating myocardial microcirculation perfusion and long-term prognosis in STEMI patients after PCI. Methods This study included 70 STEMI patients receiving PCI. Low-dose dobutamine stress MCE was performed to detect viable myocardium at 72 h after PCI and quantitatively analyze myocardial microcirculation perfusion at 72 h and 6 months after PCI. Patients were categorized into dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE)-positive and DSE-negative groups, followed by comparisons of LVEF. The 3-year survival of STEMI patients after PCI was analyzed. Results No adverse reactions occurred during low-dose dobutamine stress MCE. Low-dose dobutamine stress MCE effectively detected viable myocardium at 72 h after PCI (AUC: of 0.849). Under the basal or stress state, A, β, and A × β values of viable myocardium at 6 months after PCI were prominently higher than values at 72 h after PCI. A and A × β values of viable myocardium at 6 months after PCI were considerably higher in the stress state than in the basal state. LVEF and long-term survival rates after PCI were markedly higher in the DSE-positive group than in the DSE-negative group. Conclusion Low-dose dobutamine stress MCE is an effective evaluation method for myocardial perfusion, left ventricular function recovery, and poor long-term prognosis in STEMI patients after PCI.

Cultured meat production has emerged as a breakthrough technology for the global food industry with the potential to reduce challenges associated with environmental sustainability, global public health, animal welfare, and competition for food between humans and animals. The muscle stem cell lines currently used for cultured meat cannot be passaged in vitro for extended periods of time. Here, we develop a directional differentiation system of porcine pre-gastrulation epiblast stem cells (pgEpiSCs) with stable cellular features and achieve serum-free myogenic differentiation of the pgEpiSCs. We show that the pgEpiSCs-derived skeletal muscle progenitor cells and skeletal muscle fibers have typical muscle cell characteristics and display skeletal muscle transcriptional features during myogenic differentiation. Importantly, we establish a three-dimensional differentiation system for shaping cultured tissue by screening plant-based edible scaffolds of non-animal origin, followed by the generation of pgEpiSCs-derived cultured meat. These advances provide a technical approach for the development of cultured meat. Cultured meat technology promises to alleviate protein shortages, but still faces many challenges. Here, the authors achieve serum-free myogenic differentiation of porcine pre-gastrulation epiblast stem cells and generate meat-like tissue via edible plant-based scaffolds without any animal compounds.

The association of alcohol intake with incident atrial fibrillation (AF) remains controversial, particularly among older adults. This study explores the association of alcohol intake with incident AF in older adults in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort. Data were obtained from ARIC, a community-based cohort aimed to identify risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Alcohol intake was assessed through interviewer-administered questionnaires. Incident AF was ascertained between the 2011–2013 visit and 2019. Participants were classified as current, former, or never drinkers. Former drinkers were further categorized on weekly alcohol consumption: light, moderate, heavy. Covariates included demographic characteristics, prevalent cardiovascular disease, and other risk factors. The association between drinking characteristics and incident AF was analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models. There were 5,131 participants with mean (SD) age 75.2 (5.0) years, 41% male, 23% Black, and 739 (14%) cases of incident AF. Current and former drinkers had a similar risk of AF compared to never drinkers (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.83–1.29; HR 1.16, 95% CI 0.93–1.45). Within former drinkers, heavy and moderate drinkers had a similar risk compared to light drinkers (HR 1.14, 95% CI 0.84–1.55; HR 1.15, 95% CI 0.75–1.78). AF risk did not differ per 5-year increase in years of abstinence (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.96–1.03) or drinking (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.96–1.19). We did not find consistent evidence supporting an increased risk of AF associated with alcohol intake in older adults, highlighting the need to further explore this relationship in older populations.

Background Risankizumab was an approved novel drug by Japan for psoriasis, we aimed to explore its underlying therapeutic mechanism through the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology. Methods ScRNA-seq data (GSE228421) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Quality control, normalization, clustering, and cell-type annotation were performed using the R packages Seurat and harmony, together with the CellMarker2.0 database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the FindMarkers function, and functional enrichment analysis of DEGs was conducted with the ClusterProfiler R package. Cell differentiation trajectories were inferred by pseudo-time analysis using the Monocle2 package. In addition, THP-1 monocytes were differentiated into macrophages and treated with different concentrations of risankizumab. Cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 assay, while cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13) was measured using ELISA to evaluate the effects of risankizumab on inflammatory responses and macrophage polarization. Results A total of 97,434 cells were analyzed and divided into eight major clusters. Among them, myeloid cells showed the most significant reduction following risankizumab treatment, suggesting that they may be the primary target of the therapy in psoriasis. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that antibacterial humoral response, antimicrobial humoral response, and keratinization activities in myeloid cells were markedly inhibited. Further analysis identified three macrophage subtypes, and risankizumab treatment was found to promote differentiation of anti-inflammatory IL10⁺ M2 macrophages while reducing IL6⁺ M1 macrophages, thereby contributing to the control of psoriasis. Consistently, in-vitro experiments demonstrated that risankizumab suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhanced M2 macrophage polarization, confirming its immunomodulatory role. Conclusions This study reveals that risankizumab exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting M1-type and promoting M2-type macrophage polarization, thereby elucidating its key mechanism for treating psoriasis and providing theoretical support for novel immunotherapy targets.

Aims To evaluate the association of physical activity (PA) with atrial fibrillation (AF) incidence in an elderly population. Methods We studied 5166 participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities cohort examined in 2011–2013 free of AF. Self-reported PA was evaluated with a validated questionnaire. Weekly minutes of leisure-time moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were calculated and categorized using the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (no activity [0 min/week], low [> 0– < 150 min/week], adequate [150– < 300 min/week], high [≥ 300 min/week]). Incident AF through 2019 was ascertained from hospital discharges and death certificates. Cox models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for AF by levels of physical activity adjusting for potential confounders. Results The mean (SD) age for the sample was 75 (5) years (59% female, 22% Black). During a mean (SD) follow-up time of 6.3 (2.0) years, 703 AF events were identified. The association of MVPA with AF incidence showed a U-shaped relationship. Compared to those not engaging in MVPA, individuals with low MVPA had a 23% lower hazard of AF (HR = 0.77; 95% CI 0.61, 0.96), while those with adequate MVPA had a 14% lower hazard (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.69, 1.06). High levels of MVPA were not associated with AF risk (HR 0.97; 95% CI 0.78, 1.20). Conclusion This study suggests that being involved in low to moderate levels of MVPA is associated with lower AF risk, with no evidence of increased risk of AF in those with higher levels of MVPA.

Terminally ill patients can benefit from palliative care, including relief from physical and emotional suffering, improved quality of life, and longer survival rates. However, despite marked development in other countries, palliative care is still in its infancy in China. The general population and healthcare professionals in China have yet to realize the importance of palliative care services. This article describes the status of palliative care services in China, the historic development of palliative care, and the barriers to its advancement. The status quo of hospice and palliative care in China is reviewed, and suggestions are provided on how nurses can improve their abilities to care for patients with cancer at the end of life. A significant amount of work is needed in China to meet the standards of international palliative care societies. Palliative care training for nurses is still very limited. Nurses and other health providers who are engaged in palliative care should be well trained regarding the principles and procedures of palliative care to ensure quality care.

Cross-infection among residents in communities is one of the most critical reasons for the rapid spread of the COVID-19 epidemic. The COVID-19 epidemic has been well controlled within Chinese communities, which has made important contributions to the country's fight against it. In this study, a qualitative case study design, with mixed methods applied to data collection and analysis, was employed to explore epidemic prevention measures taken by a Chinese community, namely Mulin, during the pandemic. The Mulin community established an integrated plan for epidemic prevention, including the prevention of the invasion of COVID-19, the prevention of cross-infection within the community, gaining the residents' trust and support, and providing the residents with convenient services. In the present work, the Mulin community was taken as a typical case study, and qualitative methods were employed to comprehensively summarize the practice and experience of the community's epidemic prevention. Mulin's practices could shed light on how communities in other countries, especially developing countries with large populations, can prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The gut microbiota (GM) and its potential functions play a crucial role in maintaining host health and longevity. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential relationship between GM and longevity. We collected fecal samples from 92 healthy volunteers (middle-aged and elderly: 43–79 years old; longevity: ≥ 90 years old) from Changshou Town, Zhongxiang City, Hubei, China. In addition, we collected samples from 30 healthy middle-aged and elderly controls (aged 51–70 years) from Wuhan, Hubei. The 16S rDNA V3 + V4 region of the fecal samples was sequenced using high-throughput sequencing technology. Diversity analysis results showed that the elderly group with longevity and the elderly group with low body mass index (BMI) exhibited higher α diversity. However, no significant difference was observed in β diversity. The results of the microbiome composition indicate that Firmicutes , Proteobacteria , and Bacteroidota are the core phyla in all groups. Compared to younger elderly individuals, Akkermansia and Lactobacillus are significantly enriched in the long-lived elderly group, while Megamonas is significantly reduced. In addition, a high abundance of Akkermansia is a significant characteristic of elderly populations with low BMI values. Furthermore, the functional prediction results showed that the elderly longevity group had higher abilities in short-chain fatty acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and xenobiotic biodegradation. Taken together, our study provides characteristic information on GM in the long-lived elderly population in Changshou Town. This study can serve as a valuable addition to the current research on age-related GM. Key points • The gut microbiota of elderly individuals with longevity and low BMI exhibit higher alpha diversity • Gut microbiota diversity did not differ significantly between genders in the elderly population • Several potentially beneficial bacteria (e.g., Akkermansia and Lactobacillus) are enriched in long-lived individuals

University students who possess an open-minded attitude and are receptive to new concepts represent a significant potential donor group. Their knowledge and attitudes toward organ donation have a considerable impact on the advancement of organ transplantation. Using the method of content analysis, this qualitative study examine the knowledge and attitude of Chinese university students concerning cadaveric organ donation. The research identified five themes, including cadaveric organ donation as a commendable act, disincentives to cadaveric organ donation, ways to understand cadaveric organ donation, strategies to increase donation rates, and cultural influences regarding cadaveric organ donation. The findings revealed that some participants lacked adequate knowledge of cadaveric organ donation and were unwilling to donate organs after their death due to traditional Chinese family values and culture. Therefore, it is necessary to implement effective measures to enhance death education among Chinese university students and encourage their understanding and acceptance of cadaveric organ donation.

Objective: This study aims to explore Chinese non-medical university students' knowledge and attitudes toward living organ donation. Methods: In this study, sixteen in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted at a Chinese university. Data collection lasted from April 2020 to May 2020. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The method of content analysis was used to analyze non-medical university students' knowledge and attitudes toward living organ donation. Results: Qualitative content analysis of the collected data yielded five themes. Themes involve (1) benefits of living organ donation; (2) disincentives to living organ donation; (3) ways to understand living organ donation; (4) ways to promote the dissemination of living organ donation; and (5) traditional Chinese culture as incentives to living organ donation. Conclusion: This study suggests that almost all participants have positive attitudes toward living organ donation on condition that recipients are their lineal relatives including their parents, children, and siblings. What concerns participants most is the adverse impact of living organ donation on their health. These findings could shed some insight into how to strengthen the knowledge of non-medical university students regarding living organ donation. Keywords: content analysis, living organ donation, Chinese non-medical university students