Coordination Environment Engineering to Regulate the Adsorption Strength of Intermediates in Single Atom Catalysts for High-performance CO2 Reaction Reduction.

The modulation of the coordination environment of single atom catalysts (SACs) plays a vital role in promoting CO2 reduction reaction (CO2 RR). Herein, N or B doped Fe-embedded graphyne (Fe-GY), Fe-nXGYm (n = 1, 2, 3; X = N, B; m = 1, 2, 3), are employed as probes to reveal the effect of the coordination environment engineering on CO2 RR performance via heteroatom doping in SACs. The results show that the doping position and number of N or B in Fe-GY significantly affects catalyst activity and CO2 RR product selectivity. In comparison, Fe-1NGY exhibits high-performance CO2 RR to CH4 with a low limiting potential of -0.17 V, and Fe-2NGY3 is demonstrated as an excellent CO2 RR electrocatalyst for producing HCOOH with a low limiting potential of -0.16 V. With applied potential, Fe-GY, Fe-1NGY, and Fe-2NGY3 exhibit significant advantages in CO2 RR to CH4 while hydrogen evolution reaction is inhibited. The intrinsic essence analysis illustrates that heteroatom doping modulates the electronic structure of active sites and regulates the adsorption strength of the intermediates, thereby rendering a favorable coordination environment for CO2 RR. This work highlights Fe-nXGYm as outstanding SACs for CO2 RR, and provides an in-depth insight into the intrinsic essence of the promotion effect from heteroatom doping.

Emerging non-invasive microwave and millimeter-wave imaging technologies for food inspection.

The microwave and millimeter-wave (MMW) imaging technology is gaining increasing interest for food inspection. It allows for noninvasive, contactless, and fast scanning capabilities, while being cost-efficient and safe to human. This review paper introduces the fundamentals in the interaction of electromagnetic wave with food materials and the current MMW sensing and imaging systems used for foods. Then we present emerging technologies in MMW imaging for inspecting food quality and safety, aiming to meet the modern food industry's demand. According to the most recent technological advancements, it is expected that high-performance antenna, ultrawide bandwidth signal generation, nano-scale semiconductor technologies, radio frequency identification with inductance-capacitance resonator, and machine learning could significantly enhance the capabilities of MMW imaging systems for food inspection.

Lutein supplementation for early-life health and development: current knowledge, challenges, and implications.

Macular carotenoids, which consist of lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin, are dietary antioxidants and macular pigments in the eyes, protecting the macula from light-induced oxidative stress. Lutein is also the main carotenoid in the infant brain and is involved in cognitive development. While a few articles reviewed the role of lutein in early health and development, the current review is the first that focuses on the outcomes of lutein supplementation, either provided to mothers or to infants. Additionally, lutein status and metabolism during pregnancy and lactation, factors that limit the potential application of lutein as a nutritional intervention, and solutions to overcome the limitation are also discussed. In brief, the lutein intake in pregnant and lactating women in the United States may not be optimal. Furthermore, preterm and formula-fed infants are known to have compromised lutein status compared to term and breast-fed infants, respectively. While lutein supplementation via both maternal and infant consumption improves lutein status in infants, the application of lutein as a nutritional intervention may be compromised by its low bioavailability. Various encapsulation techniques have been developed to enhance the delivery of lutein in adult animals or human but should be further evaluated in neonatal models.

Nomogram prediction of the 70-gene signature (MammaPrint) binary and quartile categorized risk using medical history, imaging features and clinicopathological data among Chinese breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: The 70-gene signature (70-GS, MammaPrint) test has been recommended by the main guidelines to evaluate prognosis and chemotherapy benefit of hormonal receptor positive human epidermal receptor 2 negative (HR + /Her2-) early breast cancer (BC). However, this expensive assay is not always accessible and affordable worldwide. Based on our previous study, we established nomogram models to predict the binary and quartile categorized risk of 70-GS. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a consecutive cohort of 150 female patients with HR + /Her2- BC and eligible 70-GS test. Comparison of 40 parameters including the patients' medical history risk factors, imaging features and clinicopathological characteristics was performed between patients with high risk (N = 62) and low risk (N = 88) of 70-GS test, whereas risk calculations from established models including Clinical Treatment Score Post-5 years (CTS5), Immunohistochemistry 3 (IHC3) and Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI) were also compared between high vs low binary risk of 70-GS and among ultra-high (N = 12), high (N = 50), low (N = 65) and ultra-low (N = 23) quartile categorized risk of 70-GS. The data of 150 patients were randomly split by 4:1 ratio with training set of 120 patients and testing set 30 patients. Univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression were performed to establish the two nomogram models to predict the the binary and quartile categorized risk of 70-GS. RESULTS: Compared to 70-GS low-risk patients, the high-risk patients had significantly less cardiovascular co-morbidity (p = 0.034), more grade 3 BC (p = 0.006), lower progesterone receptor (PR) positive percentage (p = 0.007), more Ki67 high BC (≥ 20%, p < 0.001) and no significant differences in all the imaging parameters of ultrasound and mammogram. The IHC3 risk and the NPI calculated score significantly correlated with both the binary and quartile categorized 70-GS risk classifications (both p < 0.001). The area under curve (AUC) of receiver-operating curve (ROC) of nomogram for binary risk prediction were 0.826 (C-index 0.903, 0.799-1.000) for training and 0.737 (C-index 0.785, 0.700-0.870) for validation dataset respectively. The AUC of ROC of nomogram for quartile risk prediction was 0.870 (C-index 0.854, 0.746-0.962) for training and 0.592 (C-index 0.769, 0.703-0.835) for testing set. The prediction accuracy of the nomogram for quartile categorized risk groups were 55.0% (likelihood ratio tests, p < 0.001) and 53.3% (p = 0.04) for training and validation, which more than double the baseline probability of 25%. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, we are the first to establish easy-to-use nomograms to predict the individualized binary (high vs low) and the quartile categorized (ultra-high, high, low and ultra-low) risk classification of 70-GS test with fair performance, which might provide information for treatment choice for those who have no access to the 70-GS testing.

Is Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging Superior to Sonography in Gynecomastia Evaluation and Surgery Planning.

BACKGROUND: Data on the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the preoperative evaluation and surgery planning of gynecomastia are limited. The purpose of this study is to reveal MRI features and categories of gynecomastia and compare surgical outcomes following MRI and sonography as well as their diagnostic accuracy. METHODS: The area of the gland and the whole breast on the transverse plane via nipple of MRI were measured to calculate the ratio between them. Areola, mass and branch patterns were categorized to represent three different gynecomastia type on MRI. 183 patients were included, with 38 in MRI group and 145 in sonography group. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed by the level of agreement between preoperative imaging findings and intraoperative observations. Surgical data, patients' satisfaction and complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: MRI in 75 gynecomastic breasts demonstrated the average ratio of the gland to the whole breast was 10.6%±13.3%. The most common MRI categories were branch patterns (45.3%). The diagnostic concordance rate of MRI was higher than sonography (100% vs. 86.8%, p = 0.001). Among those junior surgeons, the length of surgery was reduced in MRI group (100 min vs. 115 min, p = 0.048). There was no difference in terms of patient's satisfaction and complication rate between MRI and sonography. CONCLUSION: MRI was superior to sonography in diagnostic accuracy to assess the tissue components of gynecomastia and provided informative guidance especially for junior surgeons. Surgical outcomes were comparable regardless of the use of MRI or sonography for evaluation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: IThis journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Long-term survival of screen-detected synchronous and metachronous bilateral non-palpable breast cancer among Chinese women: a hospital-based study (2003-2017).

PURPOSE: Screen-detected unilateral non-palpable breast cancer (NPBC) shows favorable prognosis, whereas bilateral breast cancer (BBC), especially synchronous BBC (SBBC) manifests worse survival than unilateral breast cancer (BC). It remains unclear whether screen-detected bilateral NPBC has compromised survival and requires intensified treatment or favorable prognosis and needs de-escalating therapy. METHODS: From 2003 to 2017, 1,075 consecutive NPBC patients were retrospectively reviewed. There were 988 patients with unilateral NPBC (UniNPBC), and 87 patients with ipsilateral NPBC + any contralateral BC [(N + AnyContra) PBC], including 32 patients with bilateral NPBC (BiNPBC) and 55 patients with ipsilateral NPBC + contralateral palpable cancer [(N + Contra) PBC]. Median follow-up time was 91 (48-227) months. Clinicopathological characteristics were compared between UniNPBC and BBC, whereas relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) among BBC subgroups. RFS and OS factors of BBC were identified. RESULTS: Compared to UniNPBC, patients with screen-detected bilateral BC had more invasive (85.1%, 74.8%), ER negative (26.4%, 17.1%), PR negative (36.8%, 23.5%), triple-negative (21.6%, 8.5%) BC as well as less breast conserving surgery (17.2%, 32.4%), radiotherapy (13.8%, 32.0%) and endocrine therapy (71.3%, 83.9%). 10 year RFS and OS rates of (N + AnyContra) PBC (72.8%, 81.5%), (N + Contra) PBC (60.6%, 73.9%), and synchronous (N + Contra) PBC (58.1%, 70.1%) were significantly compromised compared to UniNPBC (91.0%, 97.2%). RFS factors of BBC included pN3 (p = 0.048), lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.008) and existence of contralateral palpable interval BC (p = 0.008), while the OS relevant factor was pN3 (p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: Screen-detected bilateral NPBC including SynBiNPBC and MetaBiNPBC showed good prognosis as UniNPBC so that the therapy of BiNPBC could be de-escalated and optimized according to UniNPBC. Contrarily, screen-detected ipsilateral NPBC with contralateral palpable BC [(N + Contra) PBC] manifested unfavorable survival worse than UniNPBC and synchronous (N + Contra) PBC had the worst survival among all subgroups, implying that these were actually bilateral interval BC and required intensified treatment.

Sensitive and specific detection of breast cancer lymph node metastasis through dual-modality magnetic particle imaging and fluorescence molecular imaging: a preclinical evaluation.

PURPOSE: A sensitive and specific imaging method to detect metastatic cancer cells in lymph nodes to detect the early-stage breast cancer is still a challenge. The purpose of this study was to investigate a novel breast cancer-targeting and tumour microenvironment ATP-responsive superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIOs) imaging probe (abbreviated as SPIOs@A-T) that was developed to detect lymph node metastasis through fluorescence molecular imaging (FMI) and magnetic particle imaging (MPI). METHODS: The conjugation of the targeted peptide CREKA and SPIOs was via linker sulfo-SMCC, while the dsDNA-Cy5.5 was modified on SPIOs through the conjugation between maleimide group in sulfo-SMCC and sulfydryl group in dsDNA-Cy5.5. SPIOs@A-T was characterised for its imaging properties, targeting ability and toxicity in vitro. Mice with metastatic lymph node (MLN) of breast cancer were established to evaluate the FMI and MPI imaging strategy in vivo. Healthy mice with normal lymph node (NLN) were used as control group. Histological examination and biosafety evaluation were performed for further assessment. RESULTS: After injection with SPIOs@A-T, the obvious high fluorescent intensity and MPI signal were observed in MLN group than those in NLN group. FMI can specifically light up MLN using an ATP-responsive fluorescence design. On the other hand, MPI could complement the limitation of imaging depth from FMI and could detect MLN more sensitively. Besides, the biosafety evaluation results showed SPIOs@A-T had no detectable biological toxicity. CONCLUSION: SPIOs@A-T imaging probe in combination with FMI and MPI can provide a promising novel method for the precise detection of MLN in vivo.

Effectiveness of nanoscale delivery systems on improving the bioavailability of lutein in rodent models: a systematic review.

Lutein, a potent antioxidant and the main macular pigment that protects the macula from light-initiated oxidative damage, has low bioavailability. Various nanoscale delivery systems have been developed for improving its bioavailability. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of nanoscale delivery systems on improving lutein bioavailability in rodent models. Using EBSCOhost and PubMed, a total of eleven peer-reviewed articles published from 2000 to 2020 were identified. Plasma lutein concentration, pharmacokinetic parameters, including maximum concentration (Cmax), area under curve (AUC), and time to reach the maximum concentration (Tmax), and lutein accumulation in organs were extracted to evaluate the bioavailability of lutein using nanoscale delivery methods as compared with unencapsulated or raw lutein. Various nanoscale delivery systems, including polymer nanoparticles, emulsions, and lutein nanoparticles, significantly improved the bioavailability of lutein, as evidenced by increased plasma lutein concentrations, Cmax, or AUC. Additionally, five out of seven studies observed enhanced accumulation of lutein in the liver and the eyes. Polymer nanoparticles and emulsions improve the dispersibility and stability of lutein, thus lutein might be more accessible in the small intestine. Lutein nanoparticles shortened the Tmax. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the effectiveness of nanoscale delivery systems on improving the functionalities of lutein.

A Modified Vancomycin Molecule Confers Potent Inhibitory Efficacy against Resistant Bacteria Mediated by Metallo-ß-Lactamases.

Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections mediated by metallo-ß-lactamases (MßLs) have grown into an emergent health threat, and development of novel antimicrobials is an ideal strategy to combat the infections. Herein, a novel vancomycin derivative Vb was constructed by conjugation of triazolylthioacetamide and vancomycin molecules, characterized by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The biological assays revealed that Vb effectively inhibited S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), gradually increased the antimicrobial effect of ß-lactam antibiotics (cefazolin, meropenem and penicillin G) and exhibited a dose-dependent synergistic antibacterial effect against eight resistant strains tested, which was confirmed by the time-kill curves determination. Most importantly, Vb increased the antimicrobial effect of meropenem against the clinical isolates EC08 and EC10 and E. coli producing ImiS and CcrA, resulting in a 4- and 8-fold reduction in MIC values, respectively, at a dose up to 32 µg/mL. This work offers a promising scaffold for the development of MßLs inhibitors, specifically antimicrobials for clinically drug-resistant isolates.

Impact of dietary intake of resistant starch on obesity and associated metabolic profiles in human: a systematic review of the literature.

As a global public health issue with an increasing prevalence, obesity is related to several metabolic disorders, but is largely preventable. Resistant starch (RS), the indigestible portion of starch, has been studied for its potential effects on reducing obesity. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effect of dietary intake of RS on obesity development and related metabolic profiles in human, including body weight and composition, energy intake and satiety, lipid profiles, blood glucose and insulin, and other blood biomarkers. Eleven peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2000 and 2019 were identified after screening using CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and CINAHL Plus. Based on the results, RS intake had no direct effect on body weight and body composition. Evidence for its effect on reducing energy intake and increasing satiety, as well as improving lipid profiles was inconsistent. Beneficial effects of RS intake on several blood biomarkers were supported, indicating its regulatory roles in blood glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and gut hormone concentrations. Specifically, five out of the eight articles measuring blood glucose reported a decrease in either fasting or postprandial glucose levels; two out of the three articles measuring insulin sensitivity indicated a significant improvement after RS supplementation; studies measuring gut hormone concentrations including glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and peptide YY (PYY) also showed significant improvements after RS interventions. In conclusion, the effect of dietary intake of RS on obesity and its related metabolic complications was not conclusive. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer duration is warranted.

Starch-guest inclusion complexes: Formation, structure, and enzymatic digestion.

Starch/amylose-guest inclusion complexes, a class of supramolecular host-guest assemblies, are of critical importance in the processing, preservation, digestion, nutrients/energy uptake, and health outcomes of starch-containing foods. Particularly, the formation of inclusion complex has been suggested to lower the rate and extent of enzymatic digestion of starch and starch-containing foods. Compared with rapidly digestible starch, starch inclusion complex may fall into the category of slowly digestible starch, providing sustained glucose release and maintaining glucose homeostasis. Therefore, the ability of starch-guest inclusion complex to alter the digestive behavior of energy-dense starchy foods has been of interest to many researchers and has the potential to be developed and formulated into functional foods. In this article, we provide a comprehensive and critical review on the current knowledge of the in vitro and in vivo enzymatic digestion of starch-guest inclusion complexes, by emphasizing the structure-digestibility relationship. We examine the preparation methods employed, crystalline structures obtained, and physicochemical properties characterized in previous reports, which all have implications on the digestive behavior reported on the starch-guest inclusion complexes. In addition, we give suggestions on future research to elucidate the digestive properties of starch-guest inclusion complexes and to develop functional structures based on these complexes for use in foods and nutrition.

Protection of chickens against fowl cholera by supernatant proteins of Pasteurella multocida cultured in an iron-restricted medium.

Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida), a causative agent of fowl cholera, is an important pathogen in the poultry industry. In the present study, we found that the inactivated vaccine of P. multocida grown in an iron-restricted medium provided better protection than that grown in normal medium. Thus, we adopted a comparative proteomics approach, by using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), coupled with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS), to profile the supernatant proteins associated with P. multocida under both conditions. Eleven upregulated proteins were identified, including aspartate ammonia-lyase (AspA), diacylglycerol kinase (DgK), 30S ribosomal protein S6 (RpsF), and eight outer membrane proteins (OMPs). To further characterize the three novel supernatant proteins identified under iron-restricted conditions, the AspA, DgK and RpsF proteins were expressed and purified, and used as immunogens to vaccinate chickens. The results showed that AspA, DgK and RpsF proteins induced 80.0%, 66.7%, and 80.0% immunity, respectively. These data indicate that the three novel proteins identified in the supernatant of the culture media might play important roles in the survival of bacteria under iron-restricted conditions, and thus protect chickens against P. multocida. These findings also suggest that the proteins identified can be used as subunit vaccines.

Initial Experience of the Application of Automated Tube Potential Selection Technique in High-pitch Dual-source CT Angiography of Whole Aorta Using Third-generation Dual-source CT Scanner.

Objective To evaluate the application of automated tube potential selection technique in high-pitch dual-source CT aortic angiography on a third-generation dual-source CT scanner. Methods Whole aorta angiography were indiated in 59 patients,who were divided into 2 groups using a simple random method:in group 1 there were 31 patients who underwent the examination with automated tube potential selection using a vascular setting with a preferred image quality of 288 mA/100 kV;in group 2 there were 28 patients who underwent the examination with a tube voltage of 100 kV and automated tube current modulation using a reference tube current of 288 mA. Both groups were scanned on a third generation dual-source CT device operated in dual-source high-pitch ECG-gating mode with a pitch of 3.0,collimation of 2×192×0.6 mm,and a rotation time of 0.25 s. Iterative reconstruction algorithm was used. For group 1,the volume and flow of contrast medium and chasing saline were adapted to the tube voltage. For group 2,a contrast material bolus of 45 ml with a flow of 4.5 ml/s followed by a 50 ml saline chaser at 5 ml/s was used. CTA scan was automatically started using a bolus tracking technique at the level of the original part of aorta after a trigger threshold of 100 HU was reached. The start delay was set to 6 s in both groups. Effective dose (ED),signal to noise ratio (SNR),contrast to noise ratio (CNR),and subjective diagnostic quality of both groups were evaluated. Results The mean ED were 21.3% lower (t=-3.099,P=0.000) in group 1 [(2.48±0.80) mSv] than in group 2 [(3.15±0.86) mSv]. Two groups showed no significant difference in attenuation,SD,SNR,or CNR at all evaluational parts of aorta (ascending aorta,aortic arch,diaphragmatic aorta,or iliac bifurcation)(all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in subjective diagnostic quality values of two groups [(1.41±0.50) scores vs. (1.39±0.50) scores;W=828.5,P=0.837]. Conclusion Compared with automated tube current modulation,the automated tube potential selection technique in aorta CT angiography on a third-generation dual-source CT can dramatically reduce radiation dose without affecting image quality.

Initial Experience of the Application of Third-generation Dual-source CT Scanner in High-pitch Angiography of Aorta.

Objective To evaluate the value of third-generation dual-source CT scanner in application of high-pitch aorta CT angiography(CTA). Methods Totally 59 patients clinically indicated for whole aorta angiography were divided into 2 groups using a simple random method:in group 1 there were 28 patients who underwent the examination on a third-generation dual-source CT device,with a collimation of 2×192×0.6 mm and a rotation time of 0.25 s;in group 2 there were 31 patients who underwent the examination on a second generation dual-source CT device,with a collimation of 2×128×0.6 mm and a rotation time of 0.28 s. Both groups were given the examination operated in dual-source high-pitch ECG-gating mode with a pitch of 3.0,a tube voltage of 100 kV,and automated tube current modulation using a reference tube current of 288 mA. A contrast material bolus of 45 ml with a flow of 4.5 ml/s followed by a 50 ml saline chaser in 5.0 ml/s was used. CTA scan was automatically started using a bolus tracking technique at the level of the original part of aorta after a trigger threshold of 100 HU was reached. The start delay was set to 6 s in both groups. Effective dose(ED),signal to noise ratio (SNR),contrast to noise ratio (CNR),and subjective diagnostic quality of both groups were evaluated. Results The mean ED were 19.44% lower (t=-3.989,P=0.000) in group 1 [(3.15±0.86)mSv] than in group 2 [(3.91±0.60)mSv]. These two groups showed no significant differences in SNR or CNR (all P >0.05). The subjective diagnostic quality values also showed no significant difference between two groups [(1.39±0.50)scores vs. (1.45±0.51)scores;W=814.5,P=0.651].Conclusion Compared with the second-generation dual-source CT scanner,the third-generation dual-source CT scanner in whole aorta CTA can remarkably reduce the radiation dose without affecting image quality.

Application of the Low-dose One-stop-shop Cardiac CT Protocol with Third-generation Dual-source CT.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of a low-dose one-stop-shop cardiac CT imaging protocol with third-generation dual-source CT (DSCT). Methods Totally 23 coronary artery disease (CAD) patients were prospectively enrolled between March to September in 2016. All patients underwent an ATP stress dynamic myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) (data acquired prospectively ECG-triggered during end systole by table shuttle mode in 32 seconds) at 70 kV combined with prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch coronary artery angiography (CCTA) on a third-generation DSCT system. Myocardial blood flow (MBF) was quantified and compared between perfusion normal and abnormal myocardial segments based on AHA-17-segment model. CCTA images were evaluated qualitatively based on SCCT-18-segment model and the effective dose(ED) was calculated. In patients with subsequent catheter coronary angiography (CCA) as reference,the diagnosis performance of MPI (for per-vessel ≥50% and ≥70% stenosis) and CCTA (for≥50% stenosis) were assessed. Results Of 23 patients who had completed the examination of ATP stress MPI plus CCTA,12 patients received follow-up CCA. At ATP stress MPI,77 segments (19.7%) in 13 patients (56.5%) had perfusion abnormalities. The MBF values of hypo-perfused myocardial segments decreased significantly compared with normal segments [(93±22)ml/(100 ml·min) vs. (147±27)ml/(100 ml·min);t=15.978,P=0.000]. At CCTA,93.9% (308/328) of the coronary segments had diagnostic image quality. With CCA as the reference standard,the per-vessel and per-segment sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of CCTA for stenosis≥50% were 94.1%,93.5%,and 93.7% and 90.9%,97.8%,and 96.8%,and the per-vessel sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of ATP stress MPI for stenosis≥50% and ≥70% were 68.7%,100%,and 89.5% and 91.7%,100%,and 97.9%. The total ED of MPI and CCTA was (3.9±1.3) mSv [MPI:(3.5±1.2) mSv,CCTA:(0.3±0.1) mSv]. Conclusion The third-generation DSCT stress dynamic MPI at 70 kV combined with prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch CCTA is a feasible and reliable tool for clinical diagnosis,with remarkably reduced radiation dose.

Application of 70 kV Third-generation High-pitch Dual-source Coronary CT Angiography in Patients with Different Body Mass Index.

Objective 　To investigate the optimized range of body mass index (BMI) selection for patients undergoing 70 kV high-pitch dual-source coronary CT angiography (CCTA) on the third-generation dual-source CT (DSCT). Methods 　Patients undergoing prospective high-pitch ultra-low contrast media (CM) CCTA on the third-generation DSCT using the automatic tube voltage selection at 70 kV were included and divided into three groups:group A,with BMI≤24 kg/m2;group B,with 24 kg/m20.05). Subjective image quality in group A(Z=2.91,P=0.004) and B(Z=2.27,P=0.021) were both significantly better than that in group C. Conclusion 　The ultra-low tube voltage (70 kV) combined with ultra-low CM CCTA protocol on third-generation high-pitch DSCT may be better for patients with BMI<28 kg/m2 than those with BMI ≥28 kg/m2 in China.

[Value of dual-source computed tomography angiography of coronary artery for preoperative evaluation of old patients scheduled for noncardiac surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of computed tomography angiography (CTA) using dual-source computed tomography in the preoperative evaluation of old patients scheduled for noncardiac surgery. METHODS: A retrospective review of the clinical data of patients who underwent CTA in our hospital between May 2011 and May 2013 was performed, and totally 111 old patients with risk factors of coronary artery diseases scheduled for noncardiac surgery were found to coronary CTA for preoperative evaluation. Prospectively electrocardiograph-triggered sequence scan protocol with dual-source computed tomography was performed. The imaging quality, coronary artery stenosis, the treatment before operation, and perioperative complications were assessed. RESULTS: For 1 779 coronary artery segments in 111 patients, the number of evaluable segments was 1 676 (97.4%). The mean effective dose of CTA was (2.7 ± 0.9) mSv. Among them, 71 patients with coronary artery stenosis <50% underwent surgery without cardiac complication and 17 patients with coronary artery stenosis ≥ 70% underwent conventional coronary angiography and coronary angioplasty or bypass surgery. The sensitivity and specificity of CTA in detecting ≥ 50% stenosis were 95% and 96%, and the sensitivity and specificity of CTA in detecting ≥ 70% stenosis were 97% and 98%. For 19 patients with coronary artery stenosis between 50% and 70%, the levels of myocardial enzyme were transiently higher for two patients, and no other cardiac complication occurred. CONCLUSION: Coronary artery CTA is reliable in artery stenosis evaluation and can be used as cardiac risk stratification for old patients scheduled for noncardiac surgery.

Utilization of Biopolymer-Based Lutein Emulsion as an Effective Delivery System to Improve Lutein Bioavailability in Neonatal Rats.

Newborns' eyes and brains are prone to oxidative stress. Lutein has antioxidant properties and is the main component of macular pigment essential for protecting the retina, but has low bioavailability, thereby limiting its potential as a nutritional supplement. Oil-in-water emulsions have been used as lutein delivery systems. In particular, octenylsuccinated (OS) starch is a biopolymer-derived emulsifier safe to use in infant foods, while exhibiting superior emulsifying capacity. This study determined the effects of an OS starch-stabilized lutein emulsion on lutein bioavailability in Sprague-Dawley neonatal rats. In an acute study, 10-day-old pups received a single oral dose of free lutein or lutein emulsion, with subsequent blood sampling over 24 h to analyze pharmacokinetics. The lutein emulsion group had a 2.12- and 1.91-fold higher maximum serum lutein concentration and area under the curve, respectively, compared to the free lutein group. In two daily dosing studies, oral lutein was given from postnatal day 5 to 18. Blood and tissue lutein concentrations were measured. The results indicated that the daily intake of lutein emulsion led to a higher lutein concentration in circulation and key tissues compared to free lutein. The OS starch-stabilized emulsion could be an effective and safe lutein delivery system for newborns.

Developing biopolymer-stabilized emulsions for improved stability and bioaccessibility of lutein.

Lutein is essential for infant visual and cognitive development but has low stability and solubility. This study aimed to enhance the stability and bioaccessibility of lutein using oil-in-water emulsions stabilized with biopolymers. Commercially available octenylsuccinylated (OS) starches, including capsule TA® (CTA), HI-CAP®100 (HC), and Purity Gum® 2000 (PG), along with gum Arabic (GA) variants Ticaloid acacia Max® (TAM), TICAmulsion® 3020 (TM), and pre-hydrate gum Arabic (PHGA), were chosen as emulsifiers. By screening the effect of biopolymer concentration and oil volume fraction (Φ), emulsions stabilized with CTA, HC, or TM at 20% and 30% (w/v) concentration and 70% Φ exhibited a gel-like structure and were selected for further assessments. After a week at 25 °C, emulsions stabilized by CTA and HC showed no significant change in droplet size, while TM emulsion exhibited a 1.58-fold increase. At 45 °C, all emulsions exhibited increase in droplet size. Lutein retention is higher in CTA emulsions at both storage temperatures than free lutein. In vitro bioaccessibility of all lutein emulsions was higher than that of free lutein. These findings highlight the superior stability and bioaccessibility of the lutein emulsion stabilized by OS starch, positioning it as a promising carrier to broaden lutein applications in infant foods.

Welded Carbon Nanotube-Graphene Hybrids with Tunable Strain Sensing Behavior for Wide-Range Bio-Signal Monitoring.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene have commonly been applied as the sensitive layer of strain sensors. However, the buckling deformation of CNTs and the crack generation of graphene usually leads to an unsatisfactory strain sensing performance. In this work, we developed a universal strategy to prepare welded CNT-graphene hybrids with tunable compositions and a tunable bonding strength between components by the in situ reduction of CNT-graphene oxide (GO) hybrid by thermal annealing. The stiffness of the hybrid film could be tailored by both initial CNT/GO dosage and annealing temperature, through which its electromechanical behaviors could also be defined. The strain sensor based on the CNT-graphene hybrid could be applied to collect epidermal bio-signals by both capturing the faint skin deformation from wrist pulse and recording the large deformations from joint bending, which has great potential in health monitoring, motion sensing and human-machine interfacing.