Theoretical Investigation of Ru(II) Complexes with Long Lifetime and a Large Two-Photon Absorption Cross-Section in Photodynamic Therapy.

Two-photon photodynamic therapy (TP-PDT), as a new method for cancer, has shown unique advantages in tumors. A low two-photon absorption cross-section (δ) in the biologic spectral window and a short triplet state lifetime are the important issues faced by the current photosensitizers (PSs) in TP-PDT. In this paper, the photophysical properties of a series of Ru(II) complexes were studied by density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory methods. The electronic structure, one- and two-photon absorption properties, type I/II mechanisms, triplet state lifetime, and solvation free energy were calculated. The results showed that the substitution of methoxyls by pyrene groups greatly improved the lifetime of the complex. Furthermore, the addition of acetylenyl groups subtly enhanced δ. Overall, complex 3b possess a large δ(1376 GM), a long lifetime (136 µs), and better solvation free energy. It is hoped that it can provide valuable theoretical guidance for the design and synthesis of efficient two-photon PSs in the experiment.

Association of gender-specific risk factors in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases: an NHANES-based cross-sectional study.

In the present cross-sectional study, based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2007-2010) cohorts, various risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) were analyzed (n=12,153). The variables analyzed include, demographics, comorbidities associated with MetS or CVD, behavioral and dietary factors, while the primary endpoints were the prevalence of MetS and CVD. The prevalence of MetS and CVD was slightly higher in males as compared with females (42.50% and 7.65% vs 41.29% and 4.13%, respectively). After controlling for confounding factors, advanced age, family history of diabetes mellitus (DM), overweight, and obesity were significantly associated with the likelihood of MetS, irrespective of gender differences. In males, the diagnosis of prostate cancer and regular smoking were additional risk factors of MetS, whereas, advanced age, family history of heart attack or angina, health insurance coverage, diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis or depression, obesity and low calorie intake were identified as risk factors for CVD. In addition to the above risk factors, higher physical activity and vitamin D insufficiency were also found to increase the risk of CVD in females. Furthermore, obesity was a higher risk factor for MetS than CVD. Emerging risk factors for CVD identified in this study has major clinical implications. Of interest is the correlation of higher physical activity and the risk of CVD in women and the role of depression and lower calorie intake in general population.

Relationship between high blood pressure and cardiovascular outcomes in elderly frail patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Prior studies have suggested that lower blood pressure increases the mortality risk in the elderly. This study examines the relationship between change in blood pressure and overall mortality in frail elderly patients. Medline, PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases were searched until April 2, 2015 using search terms: frail/frailty, elderly/aged, blood pressure, hypertension, cardiovascular events, and mortality/prognosis. Two-arm prospective and retrospective studies that investigated BP and the incidence of mortality in frail elderly patients were included. We found that the chance of mortality decreased with increasing systolic blood pressure (SBP) (pooled HR = 0.870, 95% CI = 0.776-0.976, P = 0.018) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (pooled HR = 0.837, 95% CI = 0.77-0.911, P < 0.001). Pulse pressure was not associated with mortality risk (pooled HR = 0.949, 95% CI = 0.897-1.004, P < 0.071). In elderly frailty patients, hypertension has a protective effect in lowering risk of overall mortality. Accurate identification of such elderly population is necessary for optimizing health care.