Ultrasensitive single-step CRISPR detection of monkeypox virus in minutes with a vest-pocket diagnostic device.

The emerging monkeypox virus (MPXV) has raised global health concern, thereby highlighting the need for rapid, sensitive, and easy-to-use diagnostics. Here, we develop a single-step CRISPR-based diagnostic platform, termed SCOPE (Streamlined CRISPR On Pod Evaluation platform), for field-deployable ultrasensitive detection of MPXV in resource-limited settings. The viral nucleic acids are rapidly released from the rash fluid swab, oral swab, saliva, and urine samples in 2 min via a streamlined viral lysis protocol, followed by a 10-min single-step recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA)-CRISPR/Cas13a reaction. A pod-shaped vest-pocket analysis device achieves the whole process for reaction execution, signal acquisition, and result interpretation. SCOPE can detect as low as 0.5 copies/µL (2.5 copies/reaction) of MPXV within 15 min from the sample input to the answer. We validate the developed assay on 102 clinical samples from male patients / volunteers, and the testing results are 100% concordant with the real-time PCR. SCOPE achieves a single-molecular level sensitivity in minutes with a simplified procedure performed on a miniaturized wireless device, which is expected to spur substantial progress to enable the practice application of CRISPR-based diagnostics techniques in a point-of-care setting.

CRISPR/Cas13a-based single-nucleotide polymorphism detection for reliable determination of ABO blood group genotypes.

The ABO blood group plays an important role in blood transfusion, linkage analysis, individual identification, etc. Serologic methods of blood typing are gold standards for the time being, which require stable typing antisera and fresh blood samples and are labor intensive. At present, reliable determination of ABO blood group genotypes based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among A, B, and O alleles remains necessary. Thus, in this work, CRISPR/Cas13a-mediated genotyping for the ABO blood group by detecting SNPs between different alleles was proposed. The ABO*O.01.01(c.261delG) allele (G for the A/B allele and del for the O allele) and ABO*B.01(c.796C > A) allele (C for the A/O allele and A for the B allele) were selected to determine the six genotypes (AA, AO, BB, BO, OO, and AB) of the ABO blood group. Multiplex PCR was adapted to simultaneously amplify the two loci. CRISPR/Cas13a was then used to specifically differentiate ABO*O.01.01(c.261delG) and ABO*B.01(c.796C > A) of A, B, and O alleles. Highly accurate determination of different genotypes was achieved with a limit of detection of 50 pg per reaction within 60 min. The reliability of this method was further validated based on its applicability in detecting buccal swab samples with six genotypes. The results were compared with those of serological and sequencing methods, with 100% accuracy. Thus, the CRISPR/Cas13a-mediated assay shows great application potential in the reliable identification of ABO blood group genotypes in a wide range of samples, eliminating the need to collect fresh blood samples in the traditional method.

Ligand engineering to achieve synergistic properties in a 2D bilayer supertetrahedral chalcogenide cluster-based assembled material.

Incorporating functional organic linkers into supertetrahedral chalcogenolate cluster-based materials is an effective synthetic strategy to expand structural diversity and generate tunable optical and photoelectric properties arising from synergistic effects. Herein, a mixed ligand engineering approach was adopted to design a supertetrahedral cluster-based assembled material [(Cd6Ag4(SPh)16(TPPA)(BPE)0.5)·2DMF]n (denoted as SCCAM-3) with a 2D bilayer architecture and broader visible-light absorption. Interestingly, SCCAM-3 demonstrates a long-lived afterglow at 83 K and efficient photocatalytic activity for degrading tetracycline in water.

Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Porous Brass by Chemical Dealloying for Efficient Emulsion Separation.

By taking advantage of typical dealloying and subsequent aging methods, a novel homogeneous porous brass with a micro/nano hierarchical structure was prepared without any chemical modification. The treatment of commercial brass with hot concentrated HCl solution caused preferential etching of Zn from Cu62Zn38 alloy foil, leaving a microporous skeleton with an average tortuous channel size of 1.6 µm for liquid transfer. After storage in the atmosphere for 7 days, the wettability of the dealloyed brass changed from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic with a contact angle > 156° and sliding angle < 7°. The aging treatment enhanced the hydrophobicity of the brass by the formation of Cu2O on the surface. By virtue of the opposite wettability to water and oil, the aged brass separated surfactant-stabilized water-in-oil emulsions with separation efficiency of over 99.4% and permeate flux of about 851 L·m-2·h-1 even after recycling for 60 times. After 10 times of tape peeling or sandpaper abrasion, the aged brass maintained its superhydrophobicity, indicating its excellent mechanical stability. Moreover, the aged brass still retained its superhydrophobicity after exposure to high temperatures or corrosive solutions, displaying high resistance to extreme environments. The reason may be that the bicontinuous porous structure throughout the whole foil endows stable mechanical properties to tolerate extreme environments. This method should have a promising future in expanding the applications of alloys.

Multidimensional Analysis of a Cell-Free DNA Whole Methylome Sequencing Assay for Early Detection of Gastric Cancer: Protocol for an Observational Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Commonly used noninvasive serological indicators serve as a step before endoscope diagnosis and help identify the high-risk gastric cancer (GC) population. However, they are associated with high false positives and high false negatives. Alternative noninvasive approaches, such as cancer-related features in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments, have been gradually identified and play essential roles in early cancer detection. The integrated analysis of multiple cfDNA features has enhanced detection sensitivity compared to individual features. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and validate an assay based on assessing genomic-scale methylation and fragmentation profiles of plasma cfDNA for early cancer detection, thereby facilitating the early diagnosis of GC. The primary objective is to evaluate the overall specificity and sensitivity of the assay in predicting GC within the entire cohort, and subsequently within each clinical stage of GC. The secondary objective involved investigating the specificity and sensitivity of the assay in combination with possible serological indicators. METHODS: This is an observational case-control study. Blood samples will be prospectively collected before gastroscopy from 180 patients with GC and 180 nonmalignant control subjects (healthy or with benign gastric diseases). Cases and controls will be randomly divided into a training and a testing data set at a ratio of 2:1. Plasma cfDNA will be isolated and extracted, followed by bisulfite-free low-depth whole methylome sequencing. A multidimensional model named Thorough Epigenetic Marker Integration Solution (THEMIS) will be constructed in the training data set. The model includes features such as the methylated fragment ratio, chromosomal aneuploidy of featured fragments, fragment size index, and fragment end motif. The performance of the model in distinguishing between patients with cancer and noncancer controls will then be evaluated in the testing data set. Furthermore, GC-related biomarkers, such as pepsinogen, gastrin-17, and Helicobacter pylori, will be measured for each patient, and their predictive accuracy will be assessed both independently and in combination with the THEMIS model. RESULTS: Recruitment began in November 2022 and will be ended in April 2024. As of August 2022,250 patients have been enrolled. The final data analysis is anticipated to be completed by September 2024. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first registered case-control study designed to investigate a stacked ensemble model integrating several cfDNA features generated from a bisulfite-free whole methylome sequencing assay. These features include methylation patterns, fragmentation profiles, and chromosomal copy number changes, with the aim of identifying the GC population. This study will determine whether multidimensional analysis of cfDNA will prove to be an effective strategy for distinguishing patients with GC from nonmalignant individuals within the Chinese population. We anticipate the THEMIS model will complement the standard-of-care screening and aid in identifying high-risk patients for further diagnosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrial.gov NCT05668910; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05668910. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/48247.

Magnetically Assisted Immobilization-Free Detection of microRNAs Based on the Signal Amplification of Duplex-Specific Nuclease.

The double specific nuclease (DSN)-based methods for microRNAs (miRNAs) detection usually require the immobilization of DNA probes on a solid surface. However, such strategies have the drawbacks of low hybridization and cleavage efficiency caused by steric hindrance effect and high salt concentration on the solid surface. Herein, we proposed an immobilization-free method for miRNA detection on the basic of DSN-assisted signal amplification. The biotin- and fluorophore-labeled probes were captured by streptavidin-modified magnetic beads through streptavidin-biotin interactions, thus producing a poor fluorescence signal. Once the DNA probes were hybridized with target miRNA in solution to form DNA-miRNA duplexes, DNA stands in the duplexes would be selectively digested by DSN. The released target miRNA could initiate the next hybridization/cleavage recycling in the homogeneous solution, finally resulting in the release of numerous fluorophore-labeled fragments. The released fluorophores remained in solution and emitted strong fluorescence after treatment by the streptavidin-modified magnetic beads. The immobilization-free method achieved the assays of miRNA-21 with a detection limit down to 0.01 pM. It was employed to evaluate the expression levels of miRNA-21 in different cancer cells with satisfactory results.

Rapid genotyping of 32 insertion/deletion panel for human identification using fluorogenic probes-based multiplex real-time PCR.

BACKGROUND: Insertion and deletion (InDel) polymorphisms have considerable potential in the field of forensic genetics because of their low mutation rate and small amplicons. At present, InDel polymorphisms detection based on the technique of capillary electrophoresis is the main technique used in forensic DNA laboratory. However, this method is complicated and time-consuming, and is not suitable for rapid on-site paternity and personal identification. Next-generation sequencing analysis of InDels polymorphisms requires expensive instruments, large upfront reagent and supply costs, computational requirements and complex bioinformatics, increased the time to obtain results. Thus, there is an urgent need to establish a method to provide reliable, rapid, sensitive and economical genotyping for InDels. METHOD: A rapid InDels (32 InDels) panel was established using fluorogenic probes-based multiplex real-time PCR with microfluidic test cartridge and portable real-time PCR instrument. Then, we performed several validation studies including concordance, accuracy, sensitivity, stability, species specificity. RESULTS: It showed that the complete genotypes could be obtained from ≥100 pg of input DNA and from a series of challenging samples with high accuracy and specificity within 90 min. CONCLUSION: This method provides a rapid and cost-effective solution for InDels genotyping and personal identification in portable format.

Association of the coexistence of intracranial atherosclerotic disease and cerebral small vessel disease with acute ischemic stroke.

PURPOSE: Whether the coexistence of intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is an effective indicator for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association of coexistence of ICAD and CSVD with AIS. METHODS: Patients with symptomatic ICAD were recruited from a multicenter study. All patients underwent intracranial artery vessel wall and brain magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at 3.0 T. The characteristics of T1 hyperintensity, plaque enhancement, and surface irregularity of the ICAD were assessed. The types of CSVD including enlarged perivascular space, white matter hyperintensity and lacune, and AIS were also analyzed. Logistic regressions were used to evaluate the associations of coexistence of ICAD and CSVD with AIS. RESULTS: Of 122 recruited patients (mean age: 56.69 ± 11.07 years; 70 males), 69 (56.56%) had AIS. Coexistence of ICAD and CSVD was more likely found in patients with AIS compared to those without AIS (all P < 0.05). After full adjustment, coexistences of surface irregularity and EPVS (odds ratio [OR], 12.770; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.163-75.380; P = 0.005), surface irregularity and lacune (OR, 8.450; 95% CI, 2.028-35.213; P = 0.003), enhancement and lacune (OR, 13.888; 95% CI, 2.888-66.786; P = 0.001), surface irregularity and WMH (OR, 3.692; 95% CI, 1.264-10.786; P = 0.017), and enhancement and WMH (OR, 7.899; 95% CI, 2.357-26.475; P = 0.001) were significantly associated with AIS. CONCLUSION: Coexistence of intracranial atherosclerosis and cerebral small vessel disease might be a stronger indicator for acute ischemic stroke than each alone.

Value of diffusion-weighted imaging in diagnosis and therapy response assessment of hepatic fungal infection in patients with acute leukemia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for diagnosis and posttreatment assessment of hepatic fungal infection in patients with acute leukemia. METHODS: Patients with acute leukemia and highly suspected hepatic fungal infection were collected in the study. All the patients underwent MRI examination, including initial and follow-up DWI. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the lesions and the normal liver parenchyma were compared using Student's t-test. The ADC values of the hepatic fungal lesions of pretreatment and posttreatment were compared using paired t-test. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients with hepatic fungal infections have enrolled this study. Hepatic lesions were rounded or oval shaped, measured from 0.3 to 3 cm in diameter. The lesions showed significantly hyperintense signal on DWI and markedly hypointense signal on the ADC map, reflecting a marked restricted diffusion. The mean ADC values of the lesions were significantly lower than those of normal liver parenchyma (1.08 ± 0.34 × 10-3 vs. 1.98 ± 0.12 × 10-3 mm2 /s, p < 0.001). After treatment, the mean ADC values of the lesions were significantly increased when comparing with those of pretreatment (1.39 ± 0.29 × 10-3 vs. 1.06 ± 0.10 × 10-3 mm2 /s, p = .016). CONCLUSION: DWI can provide diffusion information of hepatic fungal infection in patients with acute leukemia, which could be taken as a valuable tool for diagnosis and therapy response assessment of these patients.

Regulating the Coordination Geometry and Oxidation State of Single-Atom Fe Sites for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysis.

FeNC catalysts demonstrate remarkable activity and stability for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells and Zn-air batteries (ZABs). The local coordination of Fe single atoms in FeNC catalysts strongly impacts ORR activity. Herein, FeNC catalysts containing Fe single atoms sites with FeN3 , FeN4 , and FeN5 coordinations are synthesized by carbonization of Fe-rich polypyrrole precursors. The FeN5 sites possess a higher Fe oxidation state (+2.62) than the FeN3 (+2.23) and FeN4 (+2.47) sites, and higher ORR activity. Density functional theory calculations verify that the FeN5 coordination optimizes the adsorption and desorption of ORR intermediates, dramatically lowering the energy barrier for OH- desorption in the rate-limiting ORR step. A primary ZAB constructed using the FeNC catalyst with FeN5 sites demonstrates state-of-the-art performance (an open circuit potential of 1.629 V, power density of 159 mW cm-2 ). Results confirm an intimate structure-activity relationship between Fe coordination, Fe oxidation state, and ORR activity in FeNC catalysts.

Bifunctional Supertetrahedral Chalcogenolate Cluster-Based Assembly Materials Constructed by a Photoactive Ligand.

The assembly of supertetrahedral chalcogenolate clusters (SCCs) and multifunctional organic linkers could lead to the formation of tunable structures and synergistic properties. Two SCC-based assembled materials (SCCAM-1 and -2) constructed by a triangular chromophore ligand, tris(4-pyridylphenyl)amine, were successfully synthesized and characterized. The SCCAMs demonstrate unusually long-lived afterglow at low temperatures (83 K) and efficient activities for the photocatalytic degradation of organic dye in water.

Syntheses, Crystal Structures and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Activity of Aroylhydrazones.

A series of hydrazones, (E)-N'-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-4-nitrobenzohydrazide (1), (E)-4-(dimethylamino)-N'-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide (2), N'-(2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzylidene)-4-nitrobenzohydrazide (3) and 2-fluoro-N'-(2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzylidene)benzohydrazide (4), were prepared and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR and 1H NMR spectra, and X-ray single crystal determination. The xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities of the compounds were investigated. Among the compounds, N'-(3-methoxybenzylidene)-4-nitrobenzohydrazide (1) showed the strongest activity. Docking simulations were performed to insert the compounds into the crystal structure of xanthine oxidase at the active site and to investigate the probable binding modes.

Slice-based and time-specific hemodynamic measurements discriminate carotid artery vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hemodynamic patterns play key roles in progression of carotid vulnerable plaques. However, most of previous studies utilized maximum or averaged value of hemodynamic measurements which is not an ideal representative of hemodynamic patterns. This study aimed to investigate the association of slice-based and time-specific hemodynamic measurements with carotid vulnerable plaque using magnetic resonance (MR) vessel wall imaging and histology. METHODS: Thirty-two patients (mean age: 63.9±8.1 years; 25 males) with carotid atherosclerotic stenosis (≥50% stenosis) referred to carotid endarterectomy were recruited and underwent MR vessel wall imaging. Carotid plaque burden was evaluated on MR images and vulnerable plaque features including calcification, lipid-rich necrotic core, and intra-plaque hemorrhage (IPH) were identified by histology. The slice-based and time-specific hemodynamic measurements were extracted from computational fluid dynamics simulation of 3D carotid arterial model. Correlation coefficients between hemodynamic measurements and carotid plaque features were calculated and the logistic regressions with generalized estimating equation (GEE) were conducted. The value in discriminating carotid vulnerable plaque features was determined by receiver-operating-characteristic analysis. RESULTS: Of 102 MR-histology matched slices from 32 patients, time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) (r=0.263, p=0.008), oscillatory shear index (OSI) (r=-0.374, p<0.001), and peakWSS (r=0.232, p=0.019) were significantly associated with carotid IPH. The logistic regression with GEE revealed that peakWSS (OR, 1.206; 95% CI, 1.026-1.418; p, 0.023) and TAWSS (OR, 0.364, 95% CI, 0.138-0.959; p, 0.041) were significantly associated with presence of IPH after adjusting for age and BMI. In discriminating carotid IPH, the AUC of TAWSS, OSI, combined TAWSS with maximum wall thickness (MWT) and combined OSI with MWT was 0.656, 0.722, 0.761, and 0.764, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Slice-based and time-specific hemodynamic characteristics could effectively discriminate carotid IPH. Combination of hemodynamic measurements with carotid plaque burden might be a stronger indicator for carotid vulnerable plaque features than each measurement alone.

[Rapid identification of SARS-CoV-2 main variants using real-time quantitative PCR assay].

A TaqMan probe real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) approach was developed for rapid identification of SARS-CoV-2 main variants. Specific primers and probes were designed based on the sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 wild and main variants alpha (N501Y, HV69-70del), beta (E484K, K417N), gamma (K417T, V1176F), delta (L452R, T478K) and omicron (H655Y, N679K, P681H) genes. The specificity, sensitivity and performance of the RT-qPCR assay were tested. The assay can identify SARS-CoV-2 wild type and main variants efficiently, and has no crossover with a panel of respiratory pathogens (n=21), showing high specificity toward SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The assay's sensitivity was determined to be 2×102 copies/mL. In summary, we developed a simple, rapid and cost-effective RT-qPCR assay that enables identification of SARS-CoV-2 main variants. It can be used to monitor the variation of SARS-CoV-2 strain for accurate identification, prevention and control of outbreaks.

Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Docking Studies of Hydrazones as Novel Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors.

A series of hydrazones, 2-cyano-N'-(4-diethylamino-2-hydroxybenzylidene)acetohydrazide (1), N'-(5-bromo-2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-3-chlorobenzohydrazide monohydrate (2·H2O), N'-(2-hydroxy-3-methylbenzylidene)-4-nitrobenzohydrazide (3), and N'-(2-hydroxy-3-trifluoromethoxybenzylidene)-4-nitrobenzohydrazide (4), were prepared and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR and 1H NMR spectra, and single crystal X-ray determination. Xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities of the compounds were studied. Among the compounds, 2-cyano-N'-(4-diethylamino-2-hydroxybenzylidene)acetohydrazide shows the most effective activity. Docking simulation was performed to insert the compounds into the crystal structure of xanthine oxidase at the active site to investigate the probable binding modes.

Optimization and performance evaluation of double-stranded probe in real-time PCR.

BACKGROUND: TaqMan probe-based real-time PCR (qPCR/RT-qPCR) has been widely used in various fields because of its high sensitivity and specificity. However, TaqMan probes are associated with a relatively higher background signal, and hence negatively affect the detection results. METHODS: Double-stranded probes (DSPs) were designed for the high sensitive detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA using qPCR/RT-qPCR. Old DSPs (ODSPs) consist of different lengths of positive and negative strands with complementary oligonucleotides. We systematically optimized ODSPs length, the free energy of hybridization (ΔG) between complementary oligonucleotides, and the length of sticky ends, and the novel DSPs performances were evaluated in comparison with other types of probes. RESULTS: By using similar length positive and negative strands, controlling ΔG between complementary oligonucleotides to approximately -30 kcal/mol, and maintaining the sticky end length at 4-6 nt, the analytical performances of DSPs were significantly improved. Compared with other types of probes, DSPs are advantageous in fluorescence signal intensity and sensitivity. CONCLUSION: DSPs can further improve the detection sensitivity and the detection rate of low-concentration samples in molecular diagnosis.

Sound Insulation Properties of Hollow Polystyrene Spheres/Polyethylene Glycol/Epoxy Composites.

The generation of noise requires a noise source, transmission path, and passive acceptance target of noise, all of which are indispensable. Blocking the propagation path of noise is one of the available means when the existence of the noise source and passive receiving target cannot be addressed. This is an effective way to prevent noise pollution, often using sound insulation materials to block the path of noise transmission. In this work, composites with excellent sound insulation properties were designed and prepared. These composites, using epoxy resin (EP) as the matrix, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and hollow polystyrene spheres (HPS), were added to epoxy resin as a toughening agent and functional filler to prepare the ternary HPS/PEG/EP composites. The soundproofing results showed that when the thickness of the sample was 3 mm, the average sound transmission loss (STL) value of the neat EP and the HPS/PEG/EP composites with an HPS 32 vol% was up to 19.0 dB and 42.1 dB, and the STL values of the composites were increased by approximately 120% compared to the pure epoxy. When the sample was 10 mm thick, the average STL value of the HPS/PEG/EP composites with HPS 32 vol% contents was enhanced to 55.7 dB.

The active ingredient (DSH-20) of Salvia miltiorrhiza flower reduces oxidative damage and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes by regulating miR-1.

BACKGROUND: DSH-20, the active ingredient of Salvia miltiorrhiza flower extract, is used to treat cardiovascular diseases. However, its mechanism of action remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the intervention of DSH-20 in H2O2-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. METHODS AND RESULTS: H2O2 was used to induce oxidative damage and apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Based on concentration gradient studies, we found that 62.5 µg/mL DSH-20 significantly reduced reactive oxygen species and lactate dehydrogenase levels and increased superoxide dismutase levels. DSH-20 also alleviated the apoptosis rate, the changes in mRNA of apoptosis-related genes (Bcl-2, BAX, and Caspase-3) and miR-1 expression. Moreover, transfection of miR-1 mimics aggravated oxidative damage and apoptosis, whereas DSH-20 alleviated these effects. CONCLUSIONS: DSH-20 reduced H2O2-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes likely by downregulating miR-1 expression.

Risk Factors for Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerosis Determined by Magnetic Resonance Vessel Wall Imaging in Chinese Population: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The association between risk factors and intracranial atherosclerosis disease (ICAD) determined by magnetic resonance (MR) vessel wall imaging in Chinese population has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of conventional vascular risk factors with asymptomatic and symptomatic ICAD using MR vessel wall imaging in Chinese population. METHODS: The study population was recruited from two cohort studies of ICASMAP and CAMERA comprised 104 symptomatic ICAD subjects (57.1 ± 11.1 years; 35.6% females), 51 asymptomatic ICAD subjects (70.1 ± 8.4 years; 50.0% females) and 418 controls (58.0 ± 13.3 years; 61.0% females) defined as asymptomatic subjects without ICAD on MR vessel wall imaging. We compared the vascular risk factors between the three groups using a multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Compared with controls, there was a significant positive association between age (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03-1.10, p < 0.001) and hypertension (OR: 3.03, 95% CI: 1.45-6.36, p = 0.003) and asymptomatic ICAD. There was a positive association of smoking (OR: 3.41, 95% CI: 1.57-7.42, p = 0.001), hypertension (OR: 7.43, 95% CI: 3.81-14.49, p < 0.001) and diabetes (OR: 3.54, 95% CI: 1.93-6.49, p < 0.001) and an inverse association of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (p < 0.017) with symptomatic ICAD. Compared to asymptomatic ICAD, there was a significant inverse association of age (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.81-0.92, p < 0.001) and HDL (p < 0.001) with symptomatic ICAD. CONCLUSION: Old age and hypertension are associated with asymptomatic ICAD and smoking, hypertension, diabetes and lower HDL are associated with an increased risk of symptomatic ICAD in Chinese population. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT03417063.

Acetylene hydrochlorination over tin nitrogen based catalysts: effect of nitrogen carbon-dots as nitrogen precursor.

The catalysts comprising the main active compounds of Sn-Nx were synthesized using trichlorophenylstannane ((C6H5)Cl3Sn), nitrogen carbon-dots (NCDs), and activated carbon (AC) as starting materials, and the activity and stability of catalysts was evaluated in the acetylene hydrochlorination. According to the results on the physical and chemical properties of catalysts (TEM, XRD, BET, XPS and TG), it is concluded that NCDs@AC can increase (C6H5)Cl3Sn dispersity, retard the coke deposition of (C6H5)Cl3Sn/AC and lessen the loss of (C6H5)Cl3Sn, thereby further promoting the stability of (C6H5)Cl3Sn/AC. Based on the characterization results of C2H2-TPD and HCl adsorption experiments, we proposed that the existence of Sn-Nx can effectively strengthen the reactants adsorption of catalysts. By combing the FT-IR, C2H2-TPD and Rideal-Eley mechanism, the catalytic mechanism, in which C2H2 is firstly adsorbed on (C6H5)Cl3Sn to form (C6H5)Cl3Sn-C2H2 and then reacted with HCl to produce vinyl chloride, is proposed.