We demonstrated that ASCs upregulated pro-myelination indicators of SCs by indirect contact (through co-culture) and that effects could be potentiated by LIPUS. We conclude that LIPUS, as a mechanical stress, may have potential in nerve regeneration with potential clinical relevance.

Increased expression of fibroblast activating protein (FAP) in fibrous caps may contribute to progression of atherosclerotic plaques. Methods Forty-one patients who underwent gallium-68conjugated quinoline-based FAP inhibitor ( 68 Ga-FAPI-04) PET/CT for non-cardiovascular indications were retrospectively analyzed. Correlations were assessed between the uptake of 68 Ga-FAPI-04 in large arterial walls (SUVmax and target-to-background ratio, TBR) and degree of calcification and cardiovascular risk factors. Results Focal arterial uptake of 68 Ga-FAPI-04 or calcification was detected in 1,177 arterial segments in all 41 patients. TBR was negatively correlated with the degree of calcification (Hounsfield Units, HU) (r = -0.27, P < 0.01). Mean TBR in higher-risk patients was greater than lower-risk patients (2.2 ± 0.3 vs. 1.8 ± 0.3, P < 0.01).Immunohistochemical labeling of carotid plaques exhibited prominent FAP expression in a thin fibrous cap and moderate FAP expression in a thick cap. Conclusion 68 Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT might have potential for imaging fibroblastic activation in the arterial wall.

(1) This study compared [68Ga]PentixaFor uptake in active arterial segments with corresponding [18F]FDG arterial uptake as well as the relationship with cardiac [68Ga]PentixaFor uptake. (2) Method: Tracer uptake on atherosclerotic lesions in the large arteries was measured and target-to-background ratios (TBR) were calculated to adjust background signals with two investigators blinded to the other PET scan. On a patient-based and lesion-to-lesion analysis, TBR values of two tracers were compared and the relationship with cardiac inflammation was further explored. Furthermore, two cardiovascular risk-related groups were divided to explore the value of risk stratification of the two tracers in atherosclerosis. (3) Results: [68Ga]PentixaFor PET/MRI identified more lesions (88% vs. 48%; p < 0.001) and showed higher uptake than [18F]FDG PET/MRI (TBR, 1.90 ± 0.36 vs. 1.63 ± 0.29; p < 0.001). In the patient-based analysis, the TBR of [68Ga]PentixaFor uptake was also significantly higher than [18F]FDG uptake (1.85 ± 0.20 vs. 1.42 ± 0.19; p < 0.001). The TBR of active lesions for [68Ga]PentixaFor was significantly increased in the high-risk group (n = 9), as compared to the low-risk group (n = 10) (2.02 ± 0.15 vs. 1.86 ± 0.10, p = 0.015), but not for [18F]FDG (1.85 ± 0.10 vs. 1.80 ± 0.07, p = 0.149). (4) Conclusion: [68Ga]PentixaFor PET/MRI identified many more lesions than [18F]FDG PET/MRI. Patients with high-risk cardiovascular factors illustrated an increased uptake of [68Ga]PentixaFor. There was a correlation between the elevated uptake of [68Ga]PentixaFor in the active arterial segments and heart.

Background - Warfarin is an effective treatment for thromboembolic disease but has a narrow therapeutic index; optimal anticoagulation dosage can differ tremendously among individuals. We aimed to evaluate whether genotype-guided warfarin dosing is superior to routine clinical dosing for the outcomes of interest in Chinese patients. Methods - We conducted a multicenter, randomized, single-blind, parallel-controlled trial from September 2014 to April 2017 in 15 hospitals in China. Eligible patients were 18 years or older, with atrial fibrillation or deep vein thrombosis without previous treatment of warfarin or a bleeding disorder. Nine follow-up visits were performed during the 12-week study period. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of time in the therapeutic range (%TTR) of the international normalized ratio (INR) during the first 12 weeks after starting warfarin therapy. Results - A total of 660 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to a genotype-guided dosing group or a control group under standard dosing. The genotype-guided dosing group had a significantly higher %TTR than the control group (58.8% vs. 53.2%, 95% confidence interval of group difference (95%CI): 1.1-10.2; P=0.01). The genotype-guided dosing group also achieved the target INR sooner than the control group. In subgroup analyses, warfarin normal sensitivity group had an even higher %TTR during the first 12 weeks compared to the control group (60.8% vs. 48.9%; 95% CI: 1.1-24.4). The incidence of adverse events was low in both groups. Conclusions - The outcomes of genotype-guided warfarin dosing were superior to those of clinical standard dosing. These findings raise the prospect of precision warfarin treatment in China.

ObjectiveWe sought to investigate somatic symptoms detected by the Somatic Self-rating Scale and to evaluate whether they were associated with the psychological symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with cardiac neurosis.MethodsA total of 180 patients with cardiac neurosis at the Third Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China, were surveyed from January 2017 to July 2018. Participants completed a general information questionnaire, the Somatic Self-rating Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7.ResultsThe mean (±standard deviation) somatic symptom score in patients with cardiac neurosis was 40.83 ± 7.12. The most severe symptoms were cardiovascular symptoms, fatigue and muscle soreness. A total of 90 patients (46.4%) had anxiety and 80 (50.0%) had depression. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that somatic symptoms in patients with cardiac neurosis were associated with both anxiety and depression.ConclusionSomatic symptoms in patients with cardiac neurosis were associated with both anxiety and depression. Therefore, it is important to provide effective emotional interventions to promote patient rehabilitation.