High-mobility-group box protein 1 A box reduces development of sodium laurate-induced thromboangiitis obliterans in rats

ObjectiveHigh-mobility-group box protein 1 (HMGB1), as a late mediator of inflammation, plays a key role in inflammatory responses by inducing and extending the production of proinflammatory cytokines. The effect of HGMB1 in the inflammatory disease thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) is unknown. We aimed to investigate the role of HMGB1 in sodium laurate-induced TAO in rats.MethodsMale Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 8 each) for treatment: normal, sham-operated, TAO model, and low-dose (15 mg/kg) or high-dose (30 mg/kg) recombinant A box (rA box) infection (administered intraperitoneally once daily for 15 days). The TAO model was induced by sodium laurate and graded by gross appearance on day 15 after femoral artery injection. Histologic changes were measured by histopathology in rat femoral arteries. Plasma levels of HMGB1, thromboxane B2, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1-α, and blood cell counts and blood coagulation levels were measured. Expression of HMGB1, receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), interleukin-6, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 was assessed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, Western blot analysis, and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction.ResultsThe typical signs and symptoms of TAO were observed on day 15 after sodium laurate injection. The expression of HMGB1, RAGE, interleukin-6, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 was markedly increased in rat femoral arteries. Plasma levels of HMGB1 and thromboxane B2 were elevated, but the level of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1-α was decreased. Blood was in a hypercoagulable state, and prothrombin, thrombin, and activated partial thromboplastin times were all significantly shortened, whereas fibrinogen level was increased in TAO rats compared with sham-operated rats. These effects were terminated by the HMGB1 antagonist rA box.ConclusionsHMGB1 is involved in the inflammatory state in a model of TAO induced by sodium laurate in rats, probably via its receptor RAGE. As the antagonist of HMGB1, rA box can attenuate the development of TAO, which may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of TAO.Clinical RelevanceThromboangiitis obliterans (TAO), or Buerger disease, is a segmental nonatherosclerotic inflammatory disorder. Patients with Buerger disease have a lower quality of life because of intermittent claudication, rest pain, ulcers, and superficial thrombophlebitis. The specific etiology and pathologic mechanisms remain not elucidated. High-mobility-group box protein 1, as a late mediator of inflammation, plays a key role in inflammatory responses to tissue injury and infection by inducing and extending the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Here, we explored the role of high-mobility-group box protein 1 in rat model of TAO, discovering a new damage marker in TAO. We also investigated the unique role of recombinant A box in the prevention and treatment of TAO

Influence of lifestyle on suboptimal health: Insights from a national cross-sectional survey in China

Background: Suboptimal health status (SHS) is a non-clinical or pre-disease state between optimal/ideal health and disease. While its etiology remains unclear, lifestyle is considered one of the most important risk factors. We aimed to examine the effects of lifestyles on SHS through a nationwide survey in China. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 148 cities across China between 20 June and 31 August 2022, on 30 505 participants from rural and urban communities gathered through stratified quota sampling. We measured SHS with the Short-Form Suboptimal Health Status Questionnaire (SHSQ-SF). We gathered information on participants\u27 lifestyles (ie, smoking, alcohol consumption, breakfast habits, weekly food delivery frequency, intermittent fasting, sleep duration and physical activities) through face-to-face interview. We determined the relationship between lifestyle and SHS logistic regression analysis by based on odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: We included 22 897 participants (female: 13 056, male: 9841), 12 108 (52.88%) of whom reported exposure to SHS. After adjusting for demographic characteristics, individuals who currently smoked (OR = 1.165; 95% CI = 1.058-1.283) and those who drank alcohol (OR = 1.483; 95% CI = 1.377.1.596) were at a higher risk of SHS than those who have never done either. In a dose-response way, takeaway food consumption was associated with a higher risk of SHS, while increased frequency of breakfast and mild-intensity exercise conversely reduced said risk. Individuals with shorter sleep duration had a higher risk of SHS when compared to those who slept for more than seven hours per day. Conclusions: We observed a relatively high prevalence of SHS across China, highlighting the importance of lifestyle in health promotion. Specifically, adopting healthy dietary habits, engaging in regular physical activity, and ensuring high-quality sleep are key in preventing SHS. Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200061046)

Quasi-1D graphene superlattices formed on high index surfaces

We report preparation of large area quasi-1D monolayer graphene superlattices on a prototypical high index surface Cu(410)-O and characterization by Raman spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), low energy electron diffraction (LEED), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS). The periodically stepped substrate gives a 1D modulation to graphene, forming a superlattice of the same super-periodicity. Consequently the moire pattern is also quasi-1D, with a different periodicity. Scanning tunneling spectroscopy measurements revealed new Dirac points formed at the superlattice Brillouin zone boundary as predicted by theories.Comment: 4 figure

Partial preservation of the normal thyroid gland based on tumor diameter may be possible in small medullary thyroid carcinoma: a two-center 15-year retrospective study

BackgroundAt present, there are some controversies in the formulation of surgical protocol for small medullary thyroid carcinoma(s-MTC). We wanted to explore the feasibility of normal thyroid gland retention in small medullary thyroid carcinoma based on different tumor diameters and its prognostic impact on the tumor.MethodsThe data of patients with stage T1 MTC treated at Tianjin Cancer Hospital and Sichuan Cancer Hospital from 2006 to 2021 were analyzed. The tumor diameters of 0.5 cm and 1.0 cm were used as dividing points. The outcomes were tumor recurrence, metastasis, or patient death. Survival was estimated by the Kapan–Meier curve.ResultsA total of 121 T1 s-MTC patients were included, including 55 with total thyroidectomy (TT) and 66 with subthyroidectomy (Sub-TT). There were eleven cases of tumor recurrence and metastasis, and four patients died. When the tumor diameter was 1.0 cm as the cut-off point, tumor diameter (p = 0.010), TT (p = 0.028), unilateral and bilateral type (p = 0.009), and TNM staging (p = 0.007) had significant effects on progression-free survival (PFS). The tumor diameter, unilateral and bilateral type, and TT were risk factors for the prognosis of T1 MTC (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe tumor diameter of 1.0 cm can be used as a cut-off point for stage T1 MTC. Alt-hough there was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) between T1a and T1b in patients, tumor diameter significantly influenced PFS. TT is not necessary for patients with sporadic MTC with T1a

Coupling Effect of Nonlinear Stiffness of Tape Spring Hinges and Flexible Deformation of Panels during Orbit Maneuvers

Many solar panels for spacecrafts are deployed by Tape Spring Hinges (TSHs) which have changeable stiffness. The stiffness of TSH is small when panels are folded, and it becomes large quickly in its deployed status. Since the solar panel is a thin sheet, flexible deformation is easily generated by orbit maneuvers. The coupling effect between the nonlinear TSHs and the flexible panels generates obvious vibration which affects the operational stability of the satellite. To investigate this coupling effect, non-deformable, linear deformable and nonlinear deformable panels were modelled by rigid body, modal order reduction method (MORM) and finite element method (FEM), respectively. The driving torque of TSH was described as a function of the rotation angle and angular velocity. The nonlinear properties of the TSH were reflected by one angle-stiffness spline multiplied by one stiffness coefficient. Dynamic responses of a satellite in deployment and orbit steering were analyzed by numerical simulations. Analysis results indicate the local deformation of panels keeps the stiffness of the TSH within a large range which accelerates the orbit maneuvers. However, much vibration is generated by the coupling effect if the luck-up status is broken up. The coupling effect affects the sequence of deployment, overshoot phenomenon and acceleration magnitude of the panels. Although the MORM is more efficient than FEM in computation, we propose FEM is better suited in the design of TSH and in studying the precise control of spacecraft with flexible solar panels and TSHs