Intercalant-induced V t2g orbital occupation in vanadium oxide cathode toward fast-charging aqueous zinc-ion batteries.

Intercalation-type layered oxides have been widely explored as cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). Although high-rate capability has been achieved based on the pillar effect of various intercalants for widening interlayer space, an in-depth understanding of atomic orbital variations induced by intercalants is still unknown. Herein, we design an NH4+-intercalated vanadium oxide (NH4+-V2O5) for high-rate ZIBs, together with deeply investigating the role of the intercalant in terms of atomic orbital. Besides extended layer spacing, our X-ray spectroscopies reveal that the insertion of NH4+ could promote electron transition to 3dxy state of V t2g orbital in V2O5, which significantly accelerates the electron transfer and Zn-ion migration, further verified by DFT calculations. As results, the NH4+-V2O5 electrode delivers a high capacity of 430.0 mA h g-1 at 0.1 A g-1, especially excellent rate capability (101.0 mA h g-1 at 200 C), enabling fast charging within 18 s. Moreover, the reversible V t2g orbital and lattice space variation during cycling are found via ex-situ soft X-ray absorption spectrum and in-situ synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction, respectively. This work provides an insight at orbital level in advanced cathode materials.

Phase Engineering and Synchrotron-Based Study on Two-Dimensional Energy Nanomaterials.

In recent years, there has been significant interest in the development of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials with unique physicochemical properties for various energy applications. These properties are often derived from the phase structures established through a range of physical and chemical design strategies. A concrete analysis of the phase structures and real reaction mechanisms of 2D energy nanomaterials requires advanced characterization methods that offer valuable information as much as possible. Here, we present a comprehensive review on the phase engineering of typical 2D nanomaterials with the focus of synchrotron radiation characterizations. In particular, the intrinsic defects, atomic doping, intercalation, and heterogeneous interfaces on 2D nanomaterials are introduced, together with their applications in energy-related fields. Among them, synchrotron-based multiple spectroscopic techniques are emphasized to reveal their intrinsic phases and structures. More importantly, various in situ methods are employed to provide deep insights into their structural evolutions under working conditions or reaction processes of 2D energy nanomaterials. Finally, conclusions and research perspectives on the future outlook for the further development of 2D energy nanomaterials and synchrotron radiation light sources and integrated techniques are discussed.

Universal Intercalation/Alloying Hybrid Mechanism with -ICOHP Criterion in MAX Toward Steadily Ascending Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Profiting from the unique atomic laminated structure, metallic conductivity, and superior mechanical properties, transition metal carbides and nitrides named MAX phases have shown great potential as anodes in lithium-ion batteries. However, the complexity of MAX configurations poses a challenge. To accelerate such application, a minus integrated crystal orbital Hamilton populations descriptor is innovatively proposed to rapidly evaluate the lithium storage potential of various MAX, along with density functional theory computations. It confirms that surface A-element atoms bound to lithium ions have odds of escaping from MAX. Interestingly, the activated A-element atoms enhance the reversible uptake of lithium ions by MAX anodes through an efficient alloying reaction. As an experimental verification, the charge compensation and SnxLiy phase evolution of designed Zr2SnC MAX with optimized structure is visualized via in situ synchrotron radiation XRD and XAFS technique, which further clarifies the theoretically expected intercalation/alloying hybrid storage mechanism. Notably, Zr2SnC electrodes achieve remarkably 219.8% negative capacity attenuation over 3200 cycles at 1 A g-1. In principle, this work provides a reference for the design and development of advanced MAX electrodes, which is essential to explore diversified applications of the MAX family in specific energy fields.

N-methyl Formamide Electrolyte Additive Enabling Highly Reversible Zn Anodes.

Parasitic side reactions and dendrites formation hinder the application of aqueous zinc ion batteries due to inferior cycling life and low reversibility. Against this background, N-methyl formamide (NMF), a multi-function electrolyte additive is applied to enhance the electrochemical performance. Studied via advanced synchrotron radiation spectroscopy and DFT calculations, the NMF additive simultaneously modifies the Zn2+ solvation structure and ensures uniform zinc deposition, thus suppressing both parasitic side reactions and dendrite formation. More importantly, an ultralong cycling life of 3115 h in the Zn||Zn symmetric cell at a current density of 0.5 mA cm-2 is achieved with the NMF additive. Practically, the Zn||PANI full cell utilizing NMF electrolyte shows better rate and cycling performance compared to the pristine ZnSO4 aqueous electrolyte. This work provides useful insights for the development of high-performance aqueous metal batteries.

X-ray Insights into Formation of -O Functional Groups on MXenes: Two-Step Dehydrogenation of Adsorbed Water.

Engineered MXene surfaces with more -O functional groups are feasible for realizing higher energy density due to their higher theoretical capacitance. However, there have been only a few explorations of this regulation mechanism. Investigating the formation source and mechanism is conducive to expanding the adjustment method from the top-down perspective. Herein, for the first time, the formation dynamics of -O functional groups on Mo2CTx are discovered as a two-step dehydrogenation of adsorbed water through in situ near-ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, further confirmed by ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. From this, the controllable substitution of -F functional groups with -O functional groups is achieved on Mo2CTx during electrochemical cycling in an aqueous electrolyte. The obtained Mo2CTx with rich -O groups exhibits a high capacitance of 163.2 F g -1 at 50 mV s -1, together with excellent stability. These results offer new insights toward engineering surface functional groups of MXenes for many specific applications.

Operando Exploring and Modulating Phase Evolution Chemistry from MAX to MXenes in Molten Salt Synthesis.

Lewis acidic molten salt method is a promising synthesis strategy for achieving MXenes with controllable surface termination from numerous MAX materials. Understanding the phase evolution chemistry during etching and post-processing is highly desirable but remains a key challenge due to the lack of suitable in-situ characterizations and the complexity of the reaction process. Herein, we introduce an operando synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction (SRXRD) technique to unveil the phase evolution process of Nb2GaC MAX under a molten-salt ambient, proposing a controllable synthesis to achieve optimal etching through precise temperature and time adjustment. Subsequently, the phase structure of Nb2CTx MXenes is successfully tailored from hexagonal to amorphous by time-dependent persulfate oxidation. The resulting amorphous Nb2CTx with a well-patterned morphology and numerous chloride terminations exhibits highly improved specific capacity, rate capability, and long cycling for Li+ storage with a Cl-containing surface protective film. Addressing the time-related phase evolution during the entire molten salt strategy provides new insights into achieving higher efficiency and controllability in preparing MXenes and shows great potential in high-performance energy storage systems based on MXenes.

Sulfated Galactofucan from Sargassum Thunbergii Attenuates Atherosclerosis by Suppressing Inflammation Via the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

PURPOSE: Sulfated galactofucan (SWZ-4), which was extracted from Sargassum thunbergii, has recently been reported to show anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. The present study aimed to evaluate whether SWZ-4 attenuates atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE-KO) mice by suppressing the inflammatory response through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. METHODS: Male ApoE-KO mice were fed with a high-fat diet for 16 weeks and intraperitoneally injected with SWZ-4. RAW246.7 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and SWZ-4. Atherosclerotic lesions were measured by Sudan IV and oil red O staining. Serum lipid profiles, inflammatory cytokines, and mRNA and protein expression levels were evaluated. RESULTS: SWZ-4 decreased serum TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 levels, but did not reduce blood lipid profiles. SWZ-4 downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of TLR4 and MyD88, reduced the phosphorylation of p65, and attenuated atherosclerosis in the ApoE-KO mice (p < 0.01). In LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, SWZ-4 inhibited proinflammatory cytokine production and the mRNA expression of TLR4, MyD88, and p65 and reduced the protein expression of TLR4 and MyD88 and the phosphorylation of p65 (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that SWZ-4 may exert an anti-inflammatory effect on ApoE-KO atherosclerotic mice by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in macrophages and therefore may be a treatment for atherosclerosis.

Sarcopenia is associated with the presence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in Zhejiang Province, China: a cross-sectional observational study.

BACKGROUND: Currently, both non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and sarcopenia have attracted extensive attention in public health. However, the relationship between NAFLD and sarcopenia remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the sex-specific association between sarcopenia and NAFLD according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS). METHODS: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and hepatic ultrasonography were measured in 578 participants (92 men and 486 women) during their annual health examinations. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore the association between NAFLD and sarcopenia with its two components. RESULTS: A total of 154 participants (30 men and 124 women) had NAFLD. The prevalence of sarcopenia was higher among the participants with NAFLD than among those without NAFLD (men: 20.0% vs. 9.7%, P = 0.295, women: 15.3% vs. 8.0%, P = 0.019). Low muscle mass (LMM) was independently associated with NAFLD in both men and women (men: odds ratio [OR], 2.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.52-5.46; women: OR, 2.08; 95% CI 1.63-2.67). However, low muscle strength (LMS) was independently associated with NAFLD only in male participants, with an OR of 1.15 (95% CI 1.02-1.28). CONCLUSION: The occurrence of sarcopenia was associated with a higher risk of NAFLD, especially in men, as demonstrated by lower muscle mass and lower muscle strength.

Traumatic events: exploring associations with maternal depression, infant bonding, and oxytocin in Latina mothers.

BACKGROUND: Childhood and adulthood traumatic experiences negatively impact maternal-infant bonding and increase risk of postpartum depression (PPD). Lower oxytocin levels have also been associated with PPD and compromised mother-infant bonding. Despite advances in these areas of investigation, much of the research has not included Latinas, who are important because they have high rates of fertility, traumatic events, and PPD. METHODS: To address gaps identified in the literature, we explored associations between traumatic life events, PPD, and bonding subscale scores (e.g., Impaired Bonding, Rejection and Anger, Anxiety about Care) in a sample of 28 Latinas. We also examined associations between these factors and oxytocin (OT). Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were employed to examine differences in subscale scores over time. Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance was used to examine differences in bonding subscale scores and OT by maternal depression status and traumatic events. We also explored interaction effects of traumatic events and OT AUC on bonding subscale scores. RESULTS: Women with PPD at 8 weeks had significantly higher Rejection and Anger subscale scores (p = 0.054) than non-PPD women, where higher scores represent more compromised bonding. Significant differences in Rejection and Anger (p = 0.042) and Anxiety about Care (p = 0.005) by adulthood traumatic histories were observed at 8 weeks postpartum. There was also a significant difference in Anxiety about Care scores at 4 weeks postpartum (p = 0.024) and Impaired Bonding at 8 weeks postpartum (p = 0.041) by trauma events involving an infant. There was a significant interaction between OT and childhood sexual abuse on Impaired Bonding (p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: We observed differential responses in bonding subscale scores by traumatic histories. Women who experienced a trauma involving an infant had higher compromised bonding scores, whereas those with adulthood traumatic histories, such as intimate partner violence, had lower scores. We also found an interaction between childhood trauma and oxytocin levels on bonding scores, suggesting a physiological response to early abuse that can have implications on mothers' bonding perceptions. These preliminary results suggest the need for additional research on the long-term emotional and physiological effects of traumatic events occurring prior to parturition.

Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis: Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Colorectal Serrated Polyp.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol intake is closely related to colorectal cancer, which remains inconsistent with studies on the relation between alcohol consumption and risk of colorectal serrated polyp (SP) which was proven to have potential of developing into malignant serrated neoplasm. AIM: A meta-analysis investigating the association between alcohol intake and colorectal SP with the dose-response of alcohol intake was conducted. METHODS: The literature search was performed on PubMed to identify pertinent articles presenting results for at least three categories of alcohol consumption dated up to October 2014. Summarized relative risks (RRs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using random or fixed effects models based on statistical heterogeneity. RESULTS: A total of ten observational studies were identified in this meta-analysis. All drinkers were associated with 24 % increased risk of colorectal SP compared with non-/occasional drinkers. In particular, the light alcohol intake was not related to an increased risk of colorectal SP (RR 1.05, 95 % CI 0.93-1.18), whereas the RRs were 1.19 (95 % CI 1.02-1.40) for moderate alcohol intake and 1.60 (95 % CI 1.35-1.91) for heavy alcohol intake. The risks were consistent in further dose-response analysis. Meanwhile, subgroup analyses demonstrated that patients in America had more increased risk of SP with respect to those in Europe and Asia. In terms of subtype of colorectal SP, alcohol consumption had a greater influence on SSA than HP. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first meta-analysis that demonstrated the relationship between moderate and heavy alcohol consumption and increasing risks of colorectal SP.

Anion Additive Integrated Electric Double Layer and Solvation Shell for Aqueous Zinc Ion Battery.

Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) show great potential in large-scale energy storage systems. However, the inferior cycling life due to water-induced parasitic reactions and uncontrollable dendrites growth impede their application. Electrolyte optimization via the use of additives is a promising strategy to enhance the stability of AZIBs. Nevertheless, the mechanism of optimal multifunctional additive strategy requires further exploration. Herein, sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) is proposed as a dual-functional additive in ZnSO4 electrolyte. Benefiting from the additive, both side reactions and zinc dendrites growth are significantly inhibited. Further, a synchrotron radiational spectroscopic study is employed to investigate SDB- adjusted electric double layer (EDL) near the Zn surface and the optimized solvation sheath of Zn2+ . First-principles calculations verify the firm adsorption of SDB- , and restriction of random diffusion of Zn2+ on the Zn surface. In particular, the SDBS additive endows Zn||Zn symmetric cells with a 1035 h ultra-stable plating/stripping at 0.2 mA cm-2 . This work not only provides a promising design strategy by dual-functional electrolyte additives for high stable AZIBs, but also exhibits the prospect of synchrotron radiation spectroscopy analysis on surface EDL and Zn2+ solvation shell optimization.

Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Technology Revealed the Pivotal Role of Fibroblast Heterogeneity in Angiotensin II-Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

The mechanism of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we aimed to map the cellular heterogeneity, molecular alteration, and functional transformation of angiotensin (Ang) II-induced AAA in mice based on single-cell RNA sequencing (sc-RNA seq) technology. sc-RNA seq was performed on suprarenal abdominal aorta tissue from male Apoe-/- C57BL/6 mice of Ang II-induced AAA and shame models to determine the heterogeneity and phenotypic transformation of all cells. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the pathophysiological characteristics of AAA. The single-cell trajectory was performed to predict the differentiation of fibroblasts. Finally ligand-receptor analysis was used to evaluate intercellular communication between fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). More than 27,000 cells were isolated and 25 clusters representing 8 types of cells were identified, including fibroblasts, macrophages, endothelial cells, SMCs, T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, granulocytes, and natural killer cells. During AAA progression, the function and phenotype of different type cells altered separately, including activation of inflammatory cells, alternations of macrophage polarization, phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells, and endothelial to mesenchymal transformation. The alterations of fibroblasts were the most conspicuous. Single-cell trajectory revealed the critical reprogramming genes of fibroblasts mainly enriched in regulation of immune system. Finally, the ligand-receptor analysis confirmed that disorder of collagen metabolism led by fibroblasts was one of the most prominent characteristics of Ang II-induced AAA. Our study revealed the cellular heterogeneity of Ang II-induced AAA. Fibroblasts may play a critical role in Ang II-induced AAA progression according to multiple biological functions, including immune regulation and extracellular matrix metabolic balance. Our study may provide us with a different perspective on the etiology and pathogenesis of AAA.

Monolayer Thiol Engineered Covalent Interface toward Stable Zinc Metal Anode.

Interface engineering of zinc metal anodes is a promising remedy to relieve their inferior stability caused by dendrite growth and side reactions. Nevertheless, the low affinity and additional weight of the protective coating remain obstacles to their further implementation. Here, aroused by DFT simulation, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are selectively constructed to enhance the stability of zinc metal anodes in dilute aqueous electrolytes. It is found that the monolayer thiol molecules relatively prefer to selectively graft onto the unstable zinc crystal facets through strong Zn-S chemical interactions to engineer a covalent interface, enabling the uniform deposition of Zn2+ onto (002) crystal facets. Therefore, dendrite-free anodes with suppressed side reactions can be achieved, proven by in situ optical visualization and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS). In particular, the thiol endows the symmetric cells with a 4000 h ultrastable plating/stripping at a specific current density of 1.0 mA cm-2, much superior to those of bare zinc anodes. Additionally, the full battery of modified anodes enables stable cycling of 87.2% capacity retention after 3300 cycles. By selectively capping unstable crystal facets with inert molecules, this work provides a promising design strategy at the molecular level for stable metal anodes.

3D V2CTx-rGO Architectures with Optimized Ion Transport Channels toward Fast Lithium-Ion Storage.

Two-dimensional (2D) MXene materials show great potential in energy storage devices. However, the self-restacking of MXene nanosheets and the sluggish lithium-ion (Li+) kinetics greatly hinder their rate capability and cycling stability. Herein, we interlink 2D V2CTx MXene nanosheets with rGO to construct a 3D porous V2CTx-rGO composite. X-ray spectroscopy study reveals the close interfacial contact between V2CTx and rGO via electron transfer from V to C atoms. Benefiting from the close combination and optimized ion transport channel, V2CTx-rGO offers a high-rate Li+ storage performance and excellent cycling stability over 2000 cycles with negligible capacity attenuation. Moreover, it exhibits a dominant mechanism of intercalation pseudocapacitance and efficient Li+ transport proved by density functional theory calculation. This rationally designed 3D V2CTx-rGO has implications for the study of the MXene composite's structure and energy storage devices with high rate and stability.

HCl-Based Hydrothermal Etching Strategy toward Fluoride-Free MXenes.

Due to their ultrathin layered structure and rich elemental variety, MXenes are emerging as a promising electrode candidate in energy generation and storage. MXenes are generally synthesized via hazardous fluoride-containing reagents from robust MAX materials, unfortunately resulting in plenty of inert fluoride functional groups on the surface that noticeably decline their performance. Density functional theory calculations are used to show the etching feasibility of hydrochloric acid (HCl) on various MAX phases. Based on this theoretical guidance, fluoride-free Mo2 C MXenes with high efficiency about 98% are experimentally demonstrated. The Mo2 C electrodes produced by this process exhibit high electrochemical performance in supercapacitors and sodium-ion batteries owing to the chosen surface functional groups created via the HCl etch process. This strategy enables the development of fluoride-free MXenes and opens a new window to explore their potential in energy-storage applications.

Defect engineering on V2O3 cathode for long-cycling aqueous zinc metal batteries.

Defect engineering is a strategy that is attracting widespread attention for the possibility of modifying battery active materials in order to improve the cycling stability of the electrodes. However, accurate investigation and quantification of the effect of the defects on the electrochemical energy storage performance of the cell are not trivial tasks. Herein, we report the quantification of vanadium-defective clusters (i.e., up to 5.7%) in the V2O3 lattice via neutron and X-ray powder diffraction measurements, positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy, and synchrotron-based X-ray analysis. When the vanadium-defective V2O3 is employed as cathode active material in an aqueous Zn coin cell configuration, capacity retention of about 81% after 30,000 cycles at 5 A g-1 is achieved. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the vanadium-defective clusters can provide favorable sites for reversible Zn-ion storage. Moreover, the vanadium-defective clusters allow the storage of Zn ions in V2O3, which reduces the electrostatic interaction between the host material and the multivalent ions.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in a young adult survivor with sequelae of childhood Kawasaki disease: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute type of systemic vasculitis involving small to medium-sized muscular arteries and outbreaks during childhood. KD can cause myocardial ischemia, infarction, and sudden cardiac arrest. We present a case of a young adult survivor of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest as late KD sequelae. CASE SUMMARY: A 29-year-old man with presumed acute KD history at the age of 5 suddenly lost consciousness while jogging and was diagnosed a sudden cardiac arrest by an emergency doctor. After about 10 min cardiopulmonary resuscitation, return of spontaneous circulation was achieved, and the patient was transferred to our hospital. A coronary computed tomography angiogram and coronary angiography revealed extensive calcifications of left anterior descending and right coronary artery aneurysms. The patient was an active individual who took exercise regularly and claimed no previous symptoms of chest pain or shortness of breath on exertion. The most possible cause of his sudden cardiac arrest could be presumed as a thrombus within the coronary artery aneurysms. After that, a thromboembolism induced extensive ischemia, and this ischemia-induced arrhythmia led to a cardiac arrest. CONCLUSION: Few patients who suffer a late sequela of KD can survive from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Medications, surgical intervention, and active follow-up are extremely important for this patient to prevent occurrence of adverse events in the future.

Serum fetuin B level increased in subjects of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a case-control study.

Fetuin is an endogenous inhibitor of the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase. Recent studies supported the possible role of fetuin B in metabolic diseases. This study is to evaluate the role of serum fetuin B in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A hospital-based case-control study of 184 subjects was conducted. Serum level of fetuin B was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The serum level of fetuin B in the control (91.0 ± 36.9 µg/ml) was lower than it in NAFLD (108.7 ± 38.5 µg/ml, P < 0.001). The percentage of NAFLD increased (42.9%, 58.7% and 60.2%; P < 0.001; linear-by-linear association: P < 0.001), as fetuin B concentration elevated in its tertiles, after adjustment of body mass index (BMI). Furthermore, compared with the 1st tertile, the 3rd tertile of fetuin B indicated an association with the presence of NAFLD (adjusted odds ratio = 2.087, 95% confidence interval [1.016 - 3.937], P = 0.023), after controlling age, sex, BMI, diabetes, hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia. Lastly, fetuin B correlated with diastolic blood pressure, serum alanine transaminase and triglycerides, among the controls. It suggested a potential association between serum fetuin B and the presence of NAFLD.

Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 is Associated with the Decreased Risk of Obesity in Human.

As a transducer of PPARγ signaling, recent evidence supports that fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) mediates adipose tissue remodeling and insulin sensitivity. This study is to assess the role of serum FGF1 in obesity. A hospital-based case-control study of 154 subjects was conducted. Serum level of FGF1 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The serum level of FGF1 in the lean (119.0 [103.1-146.1] pg/ml) was higher than it in the subjects with overweight/obesity (111.9 [80.3-127.4] pg/ml, P=0.009). Binary logistic regression models found a reverse association between serum FGF1 level and the risk of overweight/obesity (adjusted odds ratio=0.990, 95% confidence interval [0.981-0.998], P=0.019). Furthermore, serum FGF1 reversely correlated with body mass index (r=-0.176, P=0.029), systolic blood pressure (r=-0.224, P=0.005), diastolic blood pressure (r=-0.185, P=0.022) and triglycerides (r=-0.162, P=0.044). Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis found serum level of FGF1 was dependent on anti-diabetic drugs, hemoglobin A1C, body mass index and sex. Serum level of FGF1 is associated with the decreased risk of obesity in human.

Increased serum levels of fetuin B in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence indicates a pivotal role for fetuin B, one of the cystatin superfamily of cysteine protease inhibitors, in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. This study investigated whether serum fetuin B levels are associated with the presence of coronary artery disease. METHODS: Serum fetuin B levels were assessed in 87 patients with coronary artery disease (41 with acute coronary syndromes and 46 with stable angina pectoris) and 87 healthy controls using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The association of serum fetuin B levels with cardiac risk factors was analyzed. RESULTS: Serum fetuin B levels were significantly higher in patients with coronary artery disease than those in healthy controls (90.7 ± 32.1 vs. 110.0 ± 32.7 µg/ml, P < 0.001), extremely elevated in group with acute coronary syndromes (115.0 ± 35.2 µg/ml). Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum fetuin B levels were positively associated with the levels of total cholesterol (r = 0.276, P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.363, P < 0.001), and fasting blood glucose (r = 0.159, P < 0.05). In addition, multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that fetuin B was independently associated with the presence of coronary artery disease (OR, 1.019; 95% CI, 1.009 to 1.029; P < 0.001) and acute coronary syndromes (OR, 1.017; 95% CI, 1.006 to 1.028; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our data revealed that high fetuin B levels are associated with the presence of coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndromes, and that fetuin B may serve as a potential biomarker for coronary artery disease.