Endovascular treatment for transplant renal artery stenosis: ten years' experience from a single center.

Purpose Transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) is a common post-renal transplant complication. Although endovascular treatment is widely used to treat TRAS, previous research has been limited by small sample sizes. This article aims to present the clinical outcomes of endovascular treatment for TRAS in a large sample. Method Between January 2010 and December 2019, this study included patients with TRAS who were admitted to our center. All patients' clinical symptoms, comorbidities, imaging data, treatment, and follow-up results were reviewed retrospectively. Result 72 patients participated in this study. The median time between renal transplantation and TRAS was 5.25 months. Out of 72 patients, 55 (76.4%) received balloon dilatation in conjunction with stent deployment, 10 (13.9%) received drug-coated balloon dilatation alone, and 7 (9.7%) received balloon dilatation alone. The median follow-up period was 27 months. Primary patency rates were 100%, 81.8%, 74.5%, 64.6%, and 61.8% at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. A total of 23 patients were found to have restenosis during follow-up, with 6 (26.1%) requiring reintervention and none remaining restenosis after the second treatment. In the subgroup analysis of the three types of stenosis, patients with transplant renal stenosis at the anastomosis had a significantly higher rate of primary patency. Among endovascular treatments, the primary patency rate, postoperative creatinine clearance, and mean systolic blood pressure did not differ significantly. Conclusion Endovascular treatment resulted in favorable short-term patency as well as effective relief of renal dysfunction and renal hypertension in TRAS patients.

Innate immune cells in tumor microenvironment: A new frontier in cancer immunotherapy.

Innate immune cells, crucial in resisting infections and initiating adaptive immunity, play diverse and significant roles in tumor development. These cells, including macrophages, granulocytes, dendritic cells (DCs), innate lymphoid cells, and innate-like T cells, are pivotal in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Innate immune cells are crucial components of the TME, based on which various immunotherapy strategies have been explored. Immunotherapy strategies, such as novel immune checkpoint inhibitors, STING/CD40 agonists, macrophage-based surface backpack anchoring, ex vivo polarization approaches, DC-based tumor vaccines, and CAR-engineered innate immune cells, aim to enhance their anti-tumor potential and counteract cancer-induced immunosuppression. The proximity of innate immune cells to tumor cells in the TME also makes them excellent drug carriers. In this review, we will first provide a systematic overview of innate immune cells within the TME and then discuss innate cell-based therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, the research obstacles and perspectives within the field will also be addressed.

Enhancing Efficiency and Stability of Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells through Solution-Processed and Structurally Ordered Fullerene.

The electron transporting layer (ETL) used in high performance inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is typically composed of C60, which requires time-consuming and costly thermal evaporation deposition, posing a significant challenge for large-scale production. To address this challenge, herein, we present a novel design of solution-processible electron transporting material (ETM) by grafting a non-fullerene acceptor fragment onto C60. The synthesized BTPC60 exhibits an exceptional solution processability and well-organized molecular stacking pattern, enabling the formation of uniform and structurally ordered film with high electron mobility. When applied as ETL in inverted PSCs, BTPC60 not only exhibits excellent interfacial contact with the perovskite layer, resulting in enhanced electron extraction and transfer efficiency, but also effectively passivates the interfacial defects to suppress non-radiative recombination. Resultant BTPC60-based inverted PSCs deliver an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.3% and retain almost 90% of the initial values after aging at 85°C for 1500 hours in N2. More encouragingly, the solution-processed BTPC60 ETL demonstrates remarkable film thickness tolerance, and enables a high PCE up to 24.8% with the ETL thickness of 200 nm. Our results highlight BTPC60 as a promising solution-processed fullerene-based ETM, opening an avenue for improving the scalability of efficient and stable inverted PSCs.

FgCWM1 modulates TaNDUFA9 to inhibit SA synthesis and reduce FHB resistance in wheat.

BACKGROUND: Fusarium head blight (FHB) significantly impacts wheat yield and quality. Understanding the intricate interaction mechanisms between Fusarium graminearum (the main pathogen of FHB) and wheat is crucial for developing effective strategies to manage and this disease. Our previous studies had shown that the absence of the cell wall mannoprotein FgCWM1, located at the outermost layer of the cell wall, led to a decrease in the pathogenicity of F. graminearum and induced the accumulation of salicylic acid (SA) in wheat. Hence, we propose that FgCWM1 may play a role in interacting between F. graminearum and wheat, as its physical location facilitates interaction effects. RESULTS: In this study, we have identified that the C-terminal region of NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] 1 alpha subcomplex subunit 9 (NDUFA9) could interact with FgCWM1 through the yeast two-hybrid assay. The interaction was further confirmed through the combination of Co-IP and BiFC analyses. Consistently, the results of subcellular localization indicated that TaNDUFA9 was localized in the cytoplasm adjacent to the cell membrane and chloroplasts. The protein was also detected to be associated with mitochondria and positively regulated complex I activity. The loss-of-function mutant of TaNDUFA9 exhibited a delay in flowering, decreased seed setting rate, and reduced pollen fertility. However, it exhibited elevated levels of SA and increased resistance to FHB caused by F. graminearum infection. Meanwhile, inoculation with the FgCWM1 deletion mutant strain led to increased synthesis of SA in wheat. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that TaNDUFA9 inhibits SA synthesis and FHB resistance in wheat. FgCWM1 enhances this inhibition by interacting with the C-terminal region of TaNDUFA9, ultimately facilitating F. graminearum infection in wheat. This study provides new insights into the interaction mechanism between F. graminearum and wheat. TaNDUFA9 could serve as a target gene for enhancing wheat resistance to FHB.

Efficacy and safety of microwave ablation for treatment of follicular thyroid neoplasms: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of microwave ablation in treating follicular thyroid neoplasms and suspicious follicular thyroid neoplasms. METHODS: In this retrospective study, the data of patients treated with microwave ablation for follicular neoplasms from December 2016 to January 2024 were summarized. The changes in nodule size, volume, technical success rate, disease progression, complete tumor resolution, thyroid function, and complications post-ablation were evaluated. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients (15 men, 59 women; mean age 46.3 ± 15.2 years) with follicular neoplasms were included. Over a median follow-up of 13 months, complete ablation was achieved, giving a 100% technical success rate. At the first month post-ablation, the maximum diameter of nodules showed no significant change (p = 0.287). From the third month, both maximum diameter and volume significantly decreased (p < 0.005 for all). Volume reduction rates remained stable at one and three months (p = 0.389 and 0.06, respectively) but increased significantly thereafter (p < 0.005 for all). By 24 months, the median maximum diameter had reduced from 2.3 cm to 0 cm, achieving a median volume reduction rate of 100%. Nodules disappeared completely in 20.3% (15/74). Local recurrence was noted in 2.7% of cases (2/74), with no metastasis or neoplasm-related deaths reported. Thyroid function remained unchanged post-treatment (p > 0.05). The complication and side effect rates were 8.1% and 4.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Initial findings suggest microwave ablation is an effective and safe treatment for follicular neoplasms, with low incidences of disease progression and complications, while maintaining thyroid function.

Exploring the oral processing mechanisms for saltiness enhancement with NaCl nanocrystals in oleogel systems based on black pepper oleoresin and sunflower seed oil.

Reducing salt content in processed foods while maintaining flavor is crucial for human health. This study investigates the sensory interaction between the pungency of black pepper oleoresin and saltiness within an oleogel matrix by incorporating NaCl nanocrystals into a black pepper oleoresin formulated with glyceryl monostearate and soy lecithin (G-L-P). Psychophysical results revealed that the salt content in the G-L-P and G-L systems (G-L-P without black pepper oleoresin) was reduced by up to 66.77 % and 37.08 % compared to the G system (G-L without soy lecithin), respectively. During oral processing, the G-L and G-L-P systems formed oil-in-water emulsions with smaller and more numerous oil droplets. Within 5 s, the Na+ concentration was lowest in the G system (2.2 g/L), while the G-L and G-L-P systems showed higher concentrations (3.1 g/L and 3.0 g/L, respectively). This research provides a theoretical basis for the food industry to develop low-salt products without compromising flavor.

Comprehensive biomarker analysis of metabolomics in different syndromes in traditional Chinese medical for prediabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Prediabetes mellitus (PreDM) is a high-risk state for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and often goes undiagnosed, which is closely associated with obesity and characterized by insulin resistance that urgently needs to be treated. PURPOSE: To obtain a better understanding of the biological processes associated with both "spleen-dampness" syndrome individuals and those with dysglycaemic control at its earliest stages, we performed a detailed metabolomic analysis of individuals with various early impairments in glycaemic control, the results can facilitate clinicians' decision making and benefit individuals at risk. METHODS: According to the diagnostic criteria of TCM patterns and PreDM, patients were divided into 4 groups with 20 cases, patients with syndrome of spleen deficiency with dampness encumbrance and PreDM (PDMPXSK group), patients with syndrome of dampness-heat in the spleen and PreDM (PDMSRYP group), patients with syndrome of spleen deficiency with dampness encumbrance and normal blood glucose (NDMPXSK group), and patients with syndrome of dampness-heat in the spleen and normal blood glucose (NDMSRYP group). Plasma samples from patients were collected for clinical index assessment and untargeted metabolomics using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Among patients with the syndrome of spleen deficiency with dampness encumbrance (PXSK), those with PreDM (PDMPXSK group) had elevated levels of 2-hour post-load blood glucose (2-h PG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) than those in the normal blood glucose group (NDMPXSK group, P < 0.01). Among patients with the syndrome of dampness-heat in the spleen (SRYP), the levels of body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-h PG, HbA1c, and fasting insulin (FINS) were higher in the PreDM group (PDMSRYP group) than those in the normal blood glucose group (NDMSRYP group, P < 0.05). In both TCM syndromes, the plasma metabolomic profiles of PreDM patients were mainly discriminatory from the normal blood glucose controls of the same syndrome in the levels of lipid species, with the PXSK syndrome showing a more pronounced and broader spectrum of alterations than the SRYP syndrome. Changes associated with PreDM common to both syndromes included elevations in the levels of 27 metabolites which were mainly lipid species encompassing glycerophospholipids (GPs), diglycerides (DGs) and triglycerides (TGs), cholesterol and derivatives, and decreases in 5 metabolites consisting 1 DG, 1 TG, 2 N,N-dimethyl phosphatidylethanolamine (PE-NMe2) and iminoacetic acid. Correlation analysis identified significant positive correlations of 3α,7α,12α,25-Tetrahydroxy-5ß-cholestane-24-one with more than one glycaemia-related indicators, whereas DG (20:4/20:5) and PC (20:3/14:0) were positively and PC (18:1/14:0) was inversely correlated with more than one lipid profile-related indicators. Based on the value of correlation coefficient, the top three correlative pairs were TG with PC (18:1/14:0) (r = - 0.528), TG with TG (14:0/22:4/22:5) (r = 0.521) and FINS with PE-NMe (15:0/22:4) (r = 0.52). CONCLUSION: Our results revealed PreDM patients with different TCM syndromes were characterized by different clinical profiles. Common metabolite markers associated with PreDM shared by the two TCM syndromes were mainly lipid species encompassing GP, GL, cholesterol and derivatives. Our findings were in line with the current view that altered lipid metabolism is a conserved and early event of dysglycaemia. Our study also implied the possible involvement of perturbed bile acid homeostasis and dysregulated PE methylation during development of dysglycaemia.

The relationship between serum lipid with sarcopenia: Results from the NHANES 2011-2018 and bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between serum lipids and sarcopenia remains unclear due to conflicting results in previous studies. OBJECTIVE: To explore the associations and potential causality between serum lipids, including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC), and sarcopenia. METHODS: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analysed using multivariable regression and restricted cubic splines (RCSs) to assess the associations between serum lipids and sarcopenia. Bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) was employed to investigate the causal relationships with sarcopenia-related traits such as appendicular lean mass (ALM), hand grip strength, and usual walking pace. RESULTS: Serum HDL-C and TG levels were inversely associated with ALMBMI, with each 1-unit increase linked to a 0.13 % and 1.32 % decrease, respectively. Elevated TG, but not HDL-C, LDL-C, or TC levels, was significantly associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia (P for trend = 0.001). RCS analysis revealed a log-shaped dose-response relationship between TG and sarcopenia risk (P overall <0.001, P non-linear <0.001), with a cutoff value of 92.75 mg/dL. Genetically predicted HDL-C, LDL-C, and TG were associated with ALM. Conversely, ALM showed an inverse causal relationship with all four serum lipids. Additionally, genetically predicted usual walking pace influenced HDL-C and TG levels (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study reveals a nonlinear association between TG levels and sarcopenia risk, and a bidirectional association between lipid profiles and muscle mass, underscoring the need for further research to elucidate these mechanisms.

Analysis of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome elements and clinical symptoms in prediabetes: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Prediabetes mellitus (PDM) and impaired glucose regulation precedes diabetes and serve as early warning signals. A 2018 Chinese epidemiological survey reported prediabetes at 25.5% prevalence and type 2 diabetes at 10.8%, respectively. Untreated carries one-third of the risk of diabetes progression. This study aimed to understand traditional Chinese medicine syndromes in PDM to guide clinical practice and diabetes prevention. METHODS: We systematically searched the Chinese and English literature in PubMed, EMBASE, Sinomed, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang until March 31, 2023. We manually explored the Chinese prediabetes literature, trial registrations, and references, adhering to predefined criteria. The results were independently summarized by 2 researchers. Statistical analysis was performed using EXCEL, IBM SPSS 27.0, and IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0, with data mining techniques including association and cluster analysis. RESULTS: Analysis of 23 clinical trials (8943 patients) identified phlegm dampness syndrome as predominant, with qi deficiency, dampness, and phlegm as the principal pathogenic elements. Spleen syndrome elements dominated, with a priori correlation analysis favoring spleen dampness. The prevalent PDM clinical symptoms include amnesia, mental fatigue, limb fatigue, dizziness, and lumbar discomfort. CONCLUSION: Prediabetes is strongly associated with spleen dampness, highlighting its role. Common traditional Chinese medicine syndrome elements include qi deficiency, phlegm, and dampness. Clinical diagnosis and treatment should prioritize syndrome differentiation and emphasize spleen-focused approaches. Although limited research exists on prediabetes syndromes, further exploration of PDM and spleen dampness is crucial.

Enhancing the stability of O/W emulsions by the interactions of casein/carboxymethyl chitosan and its application in whole nutrient emulsions.

The influence of Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) on the emulsification stability mechanism of casein (CN) and its effects on the stability of whole nutrient emulsions were investigated. The complex solutions of CN and CMCS were prepared and the turbidity, ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectrum, fluorescence spectrum, circular dichroism (CD) spectrum, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum, interfacial tension and microstructural observations were used to study the inter-molecular interaction of CMCS and CN. The effects of CMCS on the emulsion stability of CN were further analyzed by particle size, ζ-potential, instability index and rheological properties. Moreover, the accelerated stability of whole nutrient emulsions prepared by CMCS and CN was evaluated. The results revealed that CN-CMCS complexes were mainly formed by hydrogen bonding. The stability of the CN-CMCS composite emulsions were improved, as evidenced by the interfacial tension decreasing from 165.96 mN/m to 158.49 mN/m, the particle size decreasing from 45.85 µm to 12.98 µm, and the absolute value of the potential increasing from 29.8 mV to 33.5 mV. The stability of whole nutrient emulsion was also significantly enhanced by the addition of CN-CMCS complexes. Therefore, CN-CMCS complex could be served as a novel emulsifier to improve the stability of O/W emulsions.