Comparison of the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of histologically defined vulnerable carotid plaque: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Vulnerable carotid plaque is closely associated with ischemic stroke. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) are two imaging modalities capable of assessing the vulnerability of carotid plaques. This systematic review aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of CEUS and HR-MRI in the evaluation of histologically defined vulnerable carotid plaques. Methods: A systematic literature search with predefined search terms was performed on PubMed, the Cochrane library, Embase, and Web of Science from January 2001 to December 2023. Studies that evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of vulnerable carotid plaques confirmed by histology with CEUS and/or HR-MRI were included. The pooled values were calculated using a random-effects meta-analysis to determine diagnostic power. Results: This analysis included a total of 839 patients from 20 studies comprising 1,357 HR-MRI plaques and CEUS 504 plaques. With the reference to histological results, all nine CEUS studies focused on the detection of intraplaque neovascularization (IPN), and three studies also examined morphological changes or ulcerated plaques; meanwhile, among the HR-MRI studies, seven predominantly focused on identifying intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) and three mainly examined lipid-rich necrotic cores (LRNCs). The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and the area under the curve (AUC) for CEUS studies were 0.85 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.81-0.89], 0.76 (95% CI: 0.69-0.83), 3.41 (95% CI: 1.68-6.94), 0.14 (95% CI: 0.05-0.38), 27.68 (95% CI: 5.78-132.62), and 0.89 [standard error (SE) 0.06], respectively; for HR-MRI, these values were 0.88 (95% CI: 0.85-0.90), 0.89 (95% CI: 0.86-0.92), 7.49 (95% CI: 3.28-17.09), 0.17 (95% CI: 0.12-0.24), 49.13 (95% CI: 23.87-101.11), and 0.94 (SE 0.01), respectively. The difference in AUC between the two modalities was not statistically significant (Z=0.82; P=0.68). Conclusions: CEUS and HR-MRI are valuable noninvasive diagnostic tools for identifying histologically confirmed vulnerable carotid plaques and demonstrate similar diagnostic performance. CEUS is more capable of detecting IPN and morphological changes, while HR-MRI is more suited to classifying IPH and LRNCs.

Polyethyleneimine-functionalized magnetic sugarcane bagasse cellulose film for the efficient adsorption of ibuprofen.

Polyethyleneimine-modified magnetic sugarcane bagasse cellulose film (P-SBC/Fe3O4 film) was simply fabricated for the removal of ibuprofen (IBP), a typical emerging organic contaminant. The P-SBC/Fe3O4 film exhibited an equilibrium adsorption amount of 370.52 mg/g for IBP and a corresponding removal efficiency of 92.63 % under following adsorption conditions: 318 K, pH 4, and 0.25 mg/mL dosage. Thermodynamic studies indicated that adsorption of IBP on the P-SBC/Fe3O4 film was spontaneous (∆G < 0) and endothermic (∆H > 0). The adsorption data conformed to the Freundlich isotherm model and multilayer adsorption model (two layers), and an average of 3-4 active sites on the P-SBC/Fe3O4 film share an IBP molecule. Both the EDR-IDR and AOAS models vividly described the dynamic characteristics of adsorption process. Model fitting results, theoretical calculations, and comprehensive characterization revealed that adsorption is driven by electrostatic interactions between the primary amine of P-SBC/Fe3O4 film and the carboxyl group of IBP molecule, while other weak interactions are also non-ignorable. Furthermore, quantitative calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) underscored the importance of PEI functionalization. In conclusion, P-SBC/Fe3O4 film is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective adsorbent with significant potential for effectively removing IBP, while maintaining its efficacy over multiple cycles.

High capacity and selective adsorption of Congo red by cellulose-based aerogel with mesoporous structure: Adsorption properties and statistical data simulation.

Large quantities of organic dyes are discharged into the environment, causing serious damage to the ecosystem. Therefore, it is urgent to develop inexpensive adsorbents to remove organic dyes. A novel cellulose-based aerogel (MPPA) with 3D porous structure was prepared by using cassava residue (cellulose) as basic construction blocks, doping ferroferric oxide (Fe3O4) for magnetic separation, and applying polyethyleneimine (PEI) as functional material for highly efficient and selective capture of Congo red (CR). MPPA exhibited porous network structure, numerous active capture sites, nontoxicity, high hydrophilicity, and excellent thermal stability. MPPA showed superior adsorption property for CR, with an equilibrium adsorption capacity of 2018.14 mg/g, and still had an adsorption property of 1189.31 mg/g after five recycling procedures. In addition, MPPA has excellent selectivity for CR in four binary dye systems. The adsorption behavior of MPPA on CR was further explored using a multilayer adsorption model, EDR-IDR hybrid model and AOAS model. Electrostatic potential and independent gradient models were used to further verify the possible interaction between MPPA and CR molecules. In conclusion, MPPA is a promising adsorbent in the field of treating anionic dyes.