Synthesis of micro-crosslinked adamantane-containing matrix resins designed for deep-UV lithography resists and their application in nanoimprint lithography.

A certain type of photoresist used for deep-UV lithography (DUVL) can also be used for other types of photolithography. Thus, to meet the requirements of two or more lithography technologies simultaneously, it is necessary to design a variety of corresponding functional groups in the molecules of materials and obtain the required properties. Herein, we designed four matrix resins based on acrylate for DUVL, employing alkyl sulfide, adamantane, methyladamantane, and hydroxyl as dangling groups and a microcrosslinking network by adding a small amount of crosslinker. These polymers were used in the thermal nanoimprint lithography (NIL) process, and distinct patterns with a resolution of 100 nm were observed. The acrylate copolymers designed for DUVL in this work can be used as thermal NIL resists and to obtain good patterns. It was found that ethylene dimethacrylate (EDMA) and adamantane endowed the matrix resins with good thermal stability and that PMMHM demonstrated the best patterning performance among the four resins. These polymers can be applied in the manufacturing of high-density integrated circuits, nano-transistors, optoelectronic devices and other components in the future.

Epitope mapping and establishment of a blocking ELISA for mAb targeting the p72 protein of African swine fever virus.

The African swine fever virus (ASFV) has the ability to infect pigs and cause a highly contagious acute fever that can result in a mortality rate as high as 100%. Due to the viral epidemic, the pig industry worldwide has suffered significant financial setbacks. The absence of a proven vaccine for ASFV necessitates the development of a sensitive and reliable serological diagnostic method, enabling laboratories to effectively and expeditiously detect ASFV infection. In this study, four strains of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against p72, namely, 5A1, 4C4, 8A9, and 5E10, were generated through recombinant expression of p72, the main capsid protein of ASFV, and immunized mice with it. Epitope localization was performed by truncated overlapping polypeptides. The results indicate that 5A1 and 4C4 recognized the amino acid 20-39 aa, 8A9 and 5E10 are recognized at 263-282 aa, which is consistent with the reported 265-280 aa epitopes. Conserved analysis revealed 20-39 aa is a high conservation of the epitopes in the ASFV genotypes. Moreover, a blocking ELISA assay for detection ASFV antibody based on 4C4 monoclonal antibody was developed and assessed. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) was performed to identify the best threshold value using 87 negative and 67 positive samples. The established test exhibited an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9997, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 99.87 to 100%. Furthermore, the test achieved a diagnostic sensitivity of 100% (with a 95% confidence interval of 95.72 to 100%) and a specificity of 98.51% (with a 95% confidence interval of 92.02 to 99.92%) when the threshold was set at 41.97%. The inter- and intra-batch coefficient of variation were below 10%, demonstrating the exceptional repeatability of the method. This method can detect the positive standard serum at a dilution as high as 1:512. Subsequently, an exceptional blocking ELISA assay was established with high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, providing a novel tool for detecting ASFV antibodies. KEY POINTS: • Four strains of ASFV monoclonal antibodies against p72 were prepared and their epitopes were identified. • Blocking ELISA method was established based on monoclonal antibody 4C4 with an identified conservative epitope. • The established blocking ELISA method has a good effect on the detection of ASFV antibody.

Novel deformable self-assembled magnetic anastomosis ring for endoscopic treatment of colonic stenosis via natural orifice.

BACKGROUND: Although endoscope-assisted magnetic compression anastomosis has already been reported for colonic anastomosis, there is no report on a single-approach operation using the natural orifice. AIM: To design a deformable self-assembled magnetic anastomosis ring (DSAMAR) for colonic anastomosis for use in single-approach operation and evaluate its feasibility and safety through animal experiments. METHODS: The animal model for colonic stenosis was prepared by partial colonic ligation in eight beagles. The magnetic compression anastomosis of their colonic stricture was performed by endoscopically assisted transanal implantation of the DSAMAR. The anastomotic specimen, obtained 2 wk after the operation, was observed by both the naked eye and a light microscope. RESULTS: The DSAMAR was successfully inserted into the proximal end of colon stenosis through the anus. The DSAMAR of seven dogs was successfully transformed into rings, while that of the remaining dog was removed after the first deformation failed. The rings were successfully retransformed after optimization. All animals underwent colonic anastomosis using the DSAMAR. No device-related or procedure-related adverse events were observed. The colostomy specimens of the experimental dogs were obtained 2 wk after the operation. Both gross and histological observations showed good anastomotic healing. CONCLUSION: The DSAMAR is a safe and feasible option for the treatment of colon stenosis. Its specific deformation and self-assembly capability maximize the applicability of the minimally invasive treatment.

Correlation between abnormal energy metabolism of ovarian granulosa cells and in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity.

CONTEXT: Granulosa cells (GCs) that surround oocytes in mammalian reproduction play an active role in oocyte differentiation through proliferation and energy production. AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of the energy metabolism of ovarian GCs and the influence of GCs on the early embryonic development in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: The clinical characteristics and in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer treatment outcomes of 39 patients with PCOS and 68 patients with simple tubal factor infertility who underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation were analyzed and summarized. The mitochondrial function and glucose metabolism level of the GCs were determined, as well as the content of oxidative stress markers in the follicular fluid (FF) of patients with and without PCOS. KEY RESULTS: When compared to the non-PCOS group, patients with PCOS had a significantly increased number of retrieved oocytes but a significantly decreased number of high-quality embryos, available embryos, and high-quality blastocyst formation (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the mitochondrial membrane potential, adenosine triphosphate level, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number decreased in the GCs, whereas the levels of reactive oxygen species increased (P < 0.01). The levels of malondialdehyde and 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in the follicular fluid (FF) of the patients with PCOS were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05), and superoxide dismutase was increased by compensation (P < 0.05). In the PCOS group, the expressions of GLUT1, LDHA, and PFKP were lower than those in the non-PCOS group, and glucose levels were higher. CONCLUSIONS: The low oocyte competence of PCOS may be associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and abnormal glycolysis. IMPLICATIONS: This research offers explanations for the possible connections influencing human ovarian folliculogenesis.

Eco-Friendly Silver Nanoparticles/Chitosan/Poly(vinyl alcohol) Composites Exhibit Remarkable EMI Shielding Capabilities and Outstanding Thermal Conductivities.

The integration and miniaturization of contemporary electronics have led to significant challenges in dealing with electromagnetic (EM) radiation and heat accumulation. Despite these issues, achieving high thermal conductivity (TC) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) in polymer composite films remains an exceptionally difficult task. In this work, we used a straightforward in situ reduction process and a vacuum-drying method to successfully prepare a flexible Ag NPs/chitosan (CS)/PVA nanocomposite with three-dimensional (3D) conductive and thermally conductive network architectures. The 3D silver pathways formed by attaching to the chitosan fibers endow the material with simultaneous exceptional TC and EMI capabilities. At a silver concentration of 25 vol %, the TC of Ag NPs/CS/PVA nanocomposites reaches 5.18 W·m-1·K-1, exhibiting an approximately 25 times increase compared to CS/PVA composites. The electromagnetic shielding performance of 78.5 dB significantly outperforms the specifications of standard commercial EMI shielding applications by a significant margin. Additionally, Ag NPs/CS/PVA nanocomposites have greatly benefited from microwave absorption (SEA), effectively impeding the transmission of EM waves and reducing the reflected secondary EM wave pollution. Meanwhile, the composite material still maintains good mechanical properties and bendability. This endeavor helped develop malleable and durable composites that possess superior EMI shielding capabilities and intriguing heat dissipation properties using innovative design and fabrication methods.

Biomimetic redox-responsive smart coatings with resistance-release functions for reverse osmosis membranes.

Membrane fouling induces catastrophic loss of separation performance and seriously restricts the applications of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. Inspired by the mussel structure, polydopamine (PDA) and cystamine molecules (CA) with excellent anti-fouling properties were used to prepare accessible, biocompatible, and redox-responsive coatings for RO membranes. The PDA/CA-coated RO membranes exhibit a superior water flux of 65 L m-2 h-1 with a favourable NaCl rejection exceeding 99%. The water permeability through the PDA/CA-coated membrane is much higher than that of most membranes with similar rejection rates. Due to the formed protective hydration layers by PDA/CA coatings, anti-fouling properties against proteins, polysaccharides and surfactants were evaluated separately, and ultralow fouling properties were demonstrated. Moreover, the disulfide linkages in CA molecules can cleave in a reducing environment, yielding the degradation of PDA/CA coatings, thereby removing the foulants deposited on the coatings. The degradation endows the coated membranes with satisfying longtime anti-fouling properties, where the flux recovery reaches up to 90%. The construction of redox-responsive smart coatings not only provided a promising route to alleviate membrane fouling but can also be upscaled for use in numerous practical applications like sensors, medical devices, and drug delivery.

Donnan Effect-Engineered Covalent Organic Framework Membranes toward Size- and Charge-Based Precise Molecular Sieving.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), with ordered pores and well-defined topology, are ideal materials for nanofiltration (NF) membranes because of their capacity of transcending the permeance/selectivity trade-off predicament. However, most reported COF-based membranes are focused on separating molecules with different sizes, resulting in low selectivity to similar molecules with different charges. Here, the negatively charged COF layer was fabricated in situ on a microporous support for the separation of molecules with different sizes and charges. Ultrahigh water permeance (216.56 L m-2 h-1 bar-1) was obtained because of the ordered pores and excellent hydrophilicity, which exceeds that of most membranes with similar rejections. For the first time, we used multifarious dyes with different sizes and charges, for the investigation of the selectivity behavior caused by the Donnan effect and size exclusion. The obtained membranes represent superior rejections to negatively and neutrally charged dyes larger than 1.3 nm, while positively charged dyes with a size of 1.6 nm can pass through the membrane, resulting in the separation of negative/positive mixed dyes with similar molecular sizes. This strategy of combining the Donnan effect and size exclusion in nanoporous materials may evolve into a generic platform for sophisticated separation.

The long-term outcomes of vaginoplasty using acellular porcine small intestinal submucosa grafts in patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome: A case series.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long-term outcomes for Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKH) patients undergoing vaginoplasty using acellular porcine small intestinal submucosa grafts (SIS). DESIGN: A case series. POPULATION: Seventy-eight MRKH syndrome patients and a post-SIS patient who delivered a baby following the world's first robot-assisted uterus transplantation. METHODS: Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome patients were grouped based on the postoperative time and the diagnosis-surgery interval. Outcomes of sexual function and psychological status were assessed using the female sexual function index (FSFI), self-rating scale of body image (SSBI) and self-acceptance questionnaire (SAQ). Anatomical outcomes were measured by clinicians. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was restoration of sexual function, defined by an FSFI score in the 'good' range. Anatomical and psychological outcomes were also analysed. RESULTS: Sexual function was restored in 42.3% (33/78) of patients and the total FSFI score was 23.44 ± 4.43. Three factors (body defect, recognition of physical appearance and willingness to change physical appearance scores) in the SSBI and two in the SAQ decreased as the postoperative time increased. Based on the interval between diagnosis and surgery, the total SSBI score was lower in the short-interval group than in the long-interval group (7.25 ± 5.55 versus 12.04 ± 10.21, p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of MRKH patients in our study had good long-term sexual function after SIS vaginoplasty. Sexual function and psychological status improved as postoperative time increased. In addition, reducing the diagnosis to surgery interval was associated with improved psychological function.

Temperature-adjustable F-carbon nanofiber/carbon fiber nanocomposite fibrous masks with excellent comfortability and anti-pathogen functionality.

Wearing surgical masks remains the most effective protective measure against COVID-19 before mass vaccination, but insufficient comfortability and low antibacterial/antiviral activities accelerate the replacement frequency of surgical masks, resulting in large amounts of medical waste. To solve this problem, we report new nanofiber membrane masks with outstanding comfortability and anti-pathogen functionality prepared using fluorinated carbon nanofibers/carbon fiber (F-CNFs/CF). This was used to replace commercial polypropylene (PP) nonwovens as the core layer of face masks. The through-plane and in-plane thermal conductivity of commercial PP nonwovens were only 0.12 and 0.20 W/m K, but the F-CNFs/CF nanofiber membranes reached 0.62 and 5.23 W/m K, which represent enhancements of 380% and 2523%, respectively. The surface temperature of the PP surgical masks was 23.9 ℃ when the wearing time was 15 min, while the F-CNFs/CF nanocomposite fibrous masks reached 27.3 ℃, displaying stronger heat dissipation. Moreover, the F-CNFs/CF nanofiber membranes displayed excellent electrical conductivity and produced a high-temperature layer that killed viruses and bacteria in the masks. The surface temperature of the F-CNFs/CF nanocomposite fibrous masks reached 69.2 ℃ after being connected to a portable power source for 60 s. Their antibacterial rates were 97.9% and 98.6% against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively, after being connected to a portable power source for 30 min.

Highly thermally conductive and eco-friendly OH-h-BN/chitosan nanocomposites by constructing a honeycomb thermal network.

More than 110,000,000 tons of mismanaged plastics were to be produced in 2020. Polymers are favored in the preparation of thermally conductive materials due to their excellent comprehensive properties. However, most polymers fabricated for thermally conductive materials are difficult to degrade in the natural environment. To alleviate the increasingly severe environmental problems, we reported a novel eco-friendly material with high thermal conductivity, which was composited of chitosan microspheres (CSM) and hydroxyl-functionalized hexagonal boron nitride (OH-h-BN) nanoplatelets. Utilizing their significant difference in scales, the OH-h-BN nanoplatelets were arranged between each CSM. Their overall structure was similar to the honeycomb: CSM were honeycomb cores, and OH-h-BN nanoplatelets were honeycomb network. The routine-structure OH-h-BN/CS nanocomposites were only 0.94 ± 0.02 W·m-1·K-1 at 50 wt% in thermal conductivity. However, the OH-h-BN/CSM nanocomposites with honeycomb structure can reach 5.66 ± 0.32 W·m-1·K-1 in the same loading, for enhancement of 502% and 1914% than OH-h-BN/CS nanocomposites and pure CS, respectively.

Heat Conduction and Antibacterial Hexagonal Boron Nitride/Polypropylene Nanocomposite Fibrous Membranes for Face Masks with Long-Time Wearing Performance.

Wearing surgical masks is one of the best protective measures to protect humans from viral invasion during the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. However, wearing surgical masks for extended periods will cause uncomfortable sweltering sense to users and are easy to breed bacteria. Here, we reported a novel fibrous membrane with outstanding comfortability and antibacterial activity prepared by PP ultrafine fiber nonwovens and antibacterial functionalized h-BN nanoparticles (QAC/h-BN). The thermal conductivity of commercial PP nonwovens was only 0.13 W m-1 K-1, but that of the QAC/h-BN/PP nanocomposite fibrous membranes can reach 0.88 W m-1 K-1, an enhancement of 706.5% than commercial PP nonwovens. The surface temperature of commercial PP surgical masks was 31.8 °C when the wearing time was 60 min. In contrast, QAC/h-BN/PP surgical masks can reach 33.6 °C at the same tested time, exhibiting stronger heat dissipation than commercial PP surgical masks. Besides, the antibacterial rates of QAC/h-BN/PP nanocomposite fibrous membranes were 99.3% for E. coli and 96.1% for S. aureus, and their antibacterial mechanism was based on "contact killing" without the release of unfavorable biocides. We think that the QAC/h-BN/PP nanocomposite fibrous membranes could provide better protection to people.

An l-cystine/l-cysteine impregnated nanofiltration membrane with the superior performance of an anchoring heavy metal in wastewater.

Considerable efforts are being made to develop new materials and technologies for the efficient and fast removal of toxic ions in drinking water. In this work, we developed a sulfur-complexed strategy to enhance the removal capability of heavy metal ions using the polyamide nanofiltration membrane by the covalent anchoring of l-cystine and l-cysteine. The sulfur-functionalized polyamide nanofiltration membrane exhibits superior complexation of heavy metal ions and can efficiently remove them from high-concentration wastewater. As a result, the sulfur-functionalized nanofiltration membrane not only showed excellent desalination performance but also achieved a record removal rate of heavy metal ions (99.99%), which can effectively reduce Hg(ii) concentration from 10 ppm to an extremely low level of 0.18 ppb, well below the acceptable limits in drinking water (2 ppb). Moreover, the sulfur-functionalized nanofiltration membrane showed an exciting long-term stability and can be easily regenerated without significant loss of Hg(ii) removal efficiency even after six cycles. Such outstanding performances were attributed to the synthetic effect of Hg-S coordinative interaction, electrostatic repulsion, and the sieving action of nanopores. These results highlight the tremendous potential of thiol/disulfide-functionalized NF active layer as an appealing platform for removing heavy metal ions from polluted water with high performance in environmental remediation.

Sulfaguanidine nanofiltration active layer towards anti-adhesive and antimicrobial attributes for desalination and dye removal.

A novel sulfaguanidine (SG)-modified polyamide thin-film composite (TFC) nanofiltration (NF) membrane was constructed by the strategy referred to as co-solvent assisted interfacial polymerization (CASIP), which involves the respective interfacial polymerization (IP) of piperazine (PIP) and SG with trimesoyl chloride (TMC) on porous polysulfone (PSf) supports. CASIP enables the formation of a defect-free thin dense active layer and favors higher water permeance up to 79.0 L m-2 h-1 with rejection above 98.3% for Na2SO4. The resulting PA membrane also demonstrates a high flux recovery ratio of nearly 98.9% to bovine serum albumin protein after being cleaned. More importantly, the current membrane shows excellent anti-adhesive and antimicrobial performances against Gram-negative Escherichia coli, Gram-positive Bacillus pumilus LDS.33 and Aspergillus parasiticus JFS. This promises great potential application of the PA membrane for practical water/wastewater treatment. The prospect of using the co-solvent mediated SG-modified layer as a next-generation anti-fouling/antimicrobial membrane is very encouraging.

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As a kind of globally widely distributed soil microorganism, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi form the symbiosis with the majority of land plants, which is important for plant nutrition and ecosystem functioning. Few vascular species are considered to be nonmycorrhizal, especially those within the families Amaranthaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Carophyllaceae and Brassicaceae. At present, the interactions between these non-host plants and AM fungi are few and scattered, lacking systematic summary. In this paper, the type of non-host plants, the reason of low mycotrophy, and the effect of AM network formed by neighbor plants on AM fungi colonization on the non-host, and the possible interaction between AM fungi and non-host, as well as the material exchange between plants and AM fungi and their possible ecological functions were reviewed in order to give some new ideas on the function of the nonmycorrhizal plants in the fragile ecosystems.

Ultrathin Active Layer for Transparent Electromagnetic Shielding Window.

Recently, electromagnetic (EM) shielding (EMS) window, especially the ultrathin, transparent EMS active layer, has been the primary objective of extensive studies because of its widely potential applications in stealth technology, high radiation pollution, and others. However, several defects, including opacity and large thickness, have severely restricted the application in optical EMS devices. Herein, we developed an ultrathin and highly transparent EMS active layer on a rigid glass and a flexible polyethylene terephthalate substrate by chemical doping CVD (chemical vapor deposition) graphene with nitric acid (HNO3) as the P-type dopant, which has a 91% transmittance and 1/1000 thickness compared to the conventional EMS active layer. The HNO3-treated graphene shows excellent EMS efficiency by a factor of 4.5, significantly compensating for the adverse effects of the grain boundaries between CVD graphene crystals. Additionally, 55% HNO3 is the most suitable for achieving high EMS effectiveness, which can be significantly improved by treating for only 5 min. This unique chemical-doping CVD graphene holds potential for being exploited as a transparent active layer in numerous EMS applications.

Progress and Challenges in Transfer of Large-Area Graphene Films.

Graphene, the thinnest, strongest, and stiffest material with exceptional thermal conductivity and electron mobility, has increasingly received world-wide attention in the past few years. These unique properties may lead to novel or improved technologies to address the pressing global challenges in many applications including transparent conducting electrodes, field effect transistors, flexible touch screen, single-molecule gas detection, desalination, DNA sequencing, osmotic energy production, etc. To realize these applications, it is necessary to transfer graphene films from growth substrate to target substrate with large-area, clean, and low defect surface, which are crucial to the performances of large-area graphene devices. This critical review assesses the recent development in transferring large-area graphene grown on Fe, Ru, Co, Ir, Ni, Pt, Au, Cu, and some nonmetal substrates by using various synthesized methods. Among them, the transfers of the most attention kinds of graphene synthesized on Cu and SiC substrates are discussed emphatically. The advances and the main challenges of each wet and dry transfer method for obtaining the transferred graphene film with large-area, clean, and low defect surface are also reviewed. Finally, the article concludes the most promising methods and the further prospects of graphene transfer.

Evolutionary Dynamics and Complicated Genetic Transmission Network Patterns of HIV-1 CRF01_AE among MSM in Shanghai, China.

To explore the evolutionary dynamics and molecular transmission patterns of HIV-1 CRF01_AE in depth among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Shanghai, we constructed phylogenetic tree and genetic transmission networks based on 1, 152 pol sequences from MSM, 282 from other risk groups and 795 references. Phylogenetic analyses identified two distinct major CRF01_AE lineages and a Shanghai-based sub-lineage. The estimated tMRCAs for lineage 1 and 2 were 1996.0 (1992.9-1999.2) and 1997.8 (1994.3-2001.4), respectively. Of the 1, 152 MSM, 681 (59.1%) were identified as belonging to 241 separate networks. Of these 681 individuals in networks, 74.2% were linked to cases diagnosed in different years, 4.3% were linked to heterosexual women, and 0.7% were linked to persons who inject drugs. A total of 71 networks including 180 individuals diagnosed in Shanghai with the same domicile were found. Recent infection (P = 0.022) and sampling year after 2011 (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with potential transmission links among the networks. Besides, a significant transmission of viruses with drug resistant mutations at V179D/E were found in the networks. Given these findings, we propose that genetic transmission analysis is a useful tool in HIV intervention strategies to curb the spread of virus and promoting public health.

[Long-term outcome of patients undergoing recanalization procedures for chronic total coronary occlusion].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the long-term outcomes of patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), or medical therapy for treatment of chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO). METHODS: The patients with CTO were selected from a consecutive cohort of patients who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) between 2008 and 2009. The patients with multiple CAG were excluded. The patients received treatments with PCI, CABG, or conservative medication therapy and were followed for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 5 years. RESULTS: A total of 253 patients were enrolled in this study, including 192 receiving PCI, 48 receiving CABG, and 13 treated conservatively with medications. The baseline clinical characteristics were similar among the 3 groups except for increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TC) in the medication group, and increased Syndax score in CABG group. During the follow-up, the incidences of MACE, AMI, death, stroke or heart failure did not differ significantly among the 3 groups (P>0.05). However, CABG group showed a higher incidence of the stroke than the other two groups although this difference did not reach a statistically significantly level (P=0.06). CONCLUSION: Our study did not demonstrate that recanalization offers greater long-term benefits than medications for treatment of CTO, and the patients receiving CABG appeared to have a higher incidence of stroke.

Calculation of Coronary Angiographic Total Blush in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease and its Prognostic Implication.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial perfusion grade (MPG) is an accepted method of evaluating myocardial perfusion. However, it does not take into the account, the extent of the perfusion. We hypothesized that myocardial blush area times MPG (total blush) would be more accurate than simple MPG, and yield better prognostic information. METHODS: About 34 patients were recruited after they had consented to both coronary angiography (CAG) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and divided into two groups. A special dedicated computer was employed to calculate the total blush. The CAG was performed as a conventional way. Scintigraphic technetium 99m methoxyisobutyl-isonitrile rest and stress images were evaluated quantitatively. The comparison was made between stenosis versus chronic total occlusion (CTO), MPG 1, 2 versus MPG 3, percutaneous intervention (PCI) successful versus failure. A correlation was made between ejection fraction (EF) and myocardial perfusion by MPG, total blush, SPECT, and syntax score. RESULTS: The perfusion indices of total blush, summed difference score (SDS) and syntax score were insignificant between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, the left ventricular end diastolic volume was significantly larger in CTO (P < 0.05). The patients with stenosis had better MPG than with CTO (P < 0.05). The increased MPG was associated with increased total blush, higher syntax score, and EF (P < 0.05). Successful PCI resulted in better perfusion indicated by increased total blush, and MPG (P < 0.05) but successful PCI did not change syntax score, EF and SDS significantly. Multivariate linear analysis with EF as the dependent factor and syntax score, SDS, total blush, blush area, and MPG as the independent factors showed a significantly higher degree of correlation (R = 0.87, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: After PCI the total blush and EF improved significantly indicating its potential application in the future.

HIV-1 Genetic Diversity and Its Impact on Baseline CD4+T Cells and Viral Loads among Recently Infected Men Who Have Sex with Men in Shanghai, China.

The HIV-1 epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) has been spreading throughout China. Shanghai, a central gathering place for MSM, is facing a continuously increasing incidence of HIV-1 infection. In order to better understand the dynamics of HIV-1 diversity and its influence on patient's immune status at baseline on diagnosis, 1265 newly HIV-1-infected MSM collected from January 2009 to December 2013 in Shanghai were retrospectively analyzed for genetic subtyping, CD4+T cell counts, and viral loads. HIV-1 phylogenetic analysis revealed a broad viral diversity including CRF01_AE (62.13%), CRF07_BC (24.51%), subtype B (8.06%), CRF55_01B (3.24%), CER67_01B (0.95%), CRF68_01B (0.4%), CRF08_BC (0.08%) and CRF59_01B (0.08%). Twenty-four unique recombination forms (URFs) (1.98%) were identified as well. Bayesian inference analysis indicated that the introduction of CRF01_AE strain (1997) was earlier than CRF07_BC strain (2001) into MSM population in Shanghai based on the time of the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA). Three epidemic clusters and five sub-clusters were found in CRF01_AE. Significantly lower CD4+T cell count was found in individuals infected with CRF01_AE than in those infected with CRF07_BC infection (P<0.01), whereas viral load was significantly higher those infected with CRF01_AE than with CRF07_BC (P<0.01). In addition, the patients with >45 years of age were found to have lower CD4+T cell counts and higher viral loads than the patients with <25 years of age (P<0.05). This study reveals the presence of HIV-1 subtype diversity in Shanghai and its remarkable influence on clinical outcome. A real-time surveillance of HIV-1 viral diversity and phylodynamics of epidemic cluster, patient's baseline CD4+T cell count and viral load would be of great value to monitoring of disease progression, intervention for transmission, improvement of antiretroviral therapy strategy and design of vaccines.