Jiaying Li

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the correlations between ACE2 polymorphisms and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) combined with cerebral stroke (CS). METHODS: A total of 346 patients treated or hospitalized in our hospital were enrolled, including 181 cases without cerebrovascular complications (T2DM group) and 165 cases combined with CS (T2DM + CS group); 284 healthy individuals were selected as the control group. PCR-RFLP and ELISA were used to analyze ACE2 G8790A polymorphisms and serum ACE2 levels, respectively. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in the genotype/allele frequency of ACE2 G8790A between the T2DM + CS and control groups, and the T2DM and T2DM + CS groups, and in the genotype frequency of ACE2 G8790A between the T2DM and the control groups. The A allele may increase the risk of T2DM combined with CS. The AA genotype may also increase the risk of T2DM combined with CS (OR = 3.733, 95%CI = 2.069-6.738; OR = 3.597, 95%CI = 1.884-6.867). Serum ACE2 levels showed statistically significant differences among the groups. Systolic pressure and diastolic pressure were protective factors of T2DM combined with CS. CONCLUSION: The ACE2 G8790A polymorphism in T2DM patients was correlated with CS, and the A allele might be a risk factor of T2DM combined with CS.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine the association between the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ)-12 score and the 30-day and 1-year rates of composite events of cardiovascular death and heart failure (HF) rehospitalization in patients with acute HF. BACKGROUND: Few studies reported the prognostic effects of KCCQ in acute HF. METHODS: This study prospectively enrolled adult patients hospitalized for HF from 52 hospitals in China and collected the KCCQ-12 score within 48 hour of index admission. The study used multivariable Cox regression to examine the association between KCCQ-12 score and 30-day and 1-year composite events and was further stratified by new-onset HF and acutely decompensated chronic heart failure (ADCHF). Subgroup analyses were performed to explore the potential heterogeneity. The study evaluated the incremental prognostic value of KCCQ-12 score over N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels and established risk scores by C-statistics, net reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination improvement. RESULTS: Among 4,898 patients, 29.4% had new-onset HF. After adjustment, each 10-point decrease in the KCCQ-12 score was associated with a 13% increase in 30-day risk and a 7% increase in 1-year risk. The associations were consistent regardless of new-onset HF or ADCHF, age, sex, left ventricular ejection fraction, New York Heart Association functional class, NT-proBNP level, comorbidities, and renal function. Adding KCCQ-12 score to NT-proBNP and established risk scores significantly improved prognostic capabilities measured by C-statistics, net reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination improvement. CONCLUSIONS: In acute HF, a poor KCCQ-12 score predicted short- and long-term risks of cardiovascular death and HF rehospitalization. KCCQ-12 could serve as a convenient tool for rapid initial risk stratification and provide additional prognostic value over NT-proBNP and established risk scores.

Background We aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of butyric acid on rat myocardial fibrosis (MF). Methods 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze the gut microbiota characteristics of the Sham group and MF group. HPLC was applied to measure butyric acid in the feces and serum. In vitro , rat macrophages RMa-bm were stimulated with LPS and IL-4, respectively, and then butyrate was added to study the influences of butyrate on M1/M2 polarization and mitochondrial function of rat macrophages. The rat macrophages and rat myocardial fibroblasts were co-cultured to explore the effect of butyrate on rat myocardial fibroblasts. In addition, MF rats were fed with butyric acid diet. Results Compared with the Sham group, collagen deposition in the MF group was increased, and fibrosis was serious. The abundance of Desulfovibrionaceae and Helicobacteraceae in the MF group was increased compared with the Sham group. Gut epithelial cells were destroyed in the MF group compared with the Sham group. Compared with the Sham group, LPS content in the MF group was increased and butyric acid was decreased. Butyrate inhibited M1 and promoted M2. Furthermore, butyrate may promote mitochondrial function recovery by regulating M1/M2 polarization of macrophages. After adding butyrate, cell proliferation ability was decreased, and aging and apoptosis were increased, which indicated that butyrate inhibited rat myocardial fibroblasts activity. Moreover, butyric acid could protect mitochondria and improve the symptoms of rats with MF. Conclusions Butyric acid ameliorated MF by regulating M1/M2 polarization of macrophages and promoting recovery of mitochondrial function.

Green innovation is a significant component of high-value growth closely linked to China’s 14th five-year plan. This research investigates the influence of green innovation on the market performance of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The results are based on the primary data gathered via an online questionnaire survey from 453 respondents working for SMEs in China. The structural equation modeling approach is used for data analysis purposes. The research findings highlight that green innovation positively impacts marketing and products. In turn, marketing innovation positively influences product innovation and market performance, and product innovation also significantly boosts market performance. The study’s findings lead us to suggest that organizations in developing countries should focus on SMEs’ green innovation, which will support them in achieving an effective market performance. The study’s limitations are noted so the findings can be interpreted with caution, and directions for future research are outlined for all stakeholders.