Well-Dispersed Manganese-Oxo Clusters as Anode Materials for High-Performance Lithium Ion Batteries.

Metal-oxo clusters show great promise in lithium ion battery applications as anode materials by virtue of their native nature of well-defined nanostructures and multielectron redox activities. However, their intrinsic unsatisfactory electrical conductivity and tendency to aggregation make them difficult to fully utilize. Herein, a well-dispersed Mn12O12(CH3COO)16(H2O)4 (denoted as Mn12) cluster is constructed by rationally adopting carbon dots (CDs) with nanosize and high conductivity as stabilizers. Thanks to the fully exposed redox sites of Mn12 clusters and additional interfacial energy storage mechanism, the optimized Mn12/CDs-1:20 anode delivers a high specific capacity of 1643 mAh g-1 at 0.2 A g-1 (0.25 C) and exhibits outstanding rate and cycling capabilities. This paper provides a green and efficient paradigm to synthesize well-dispersed manganese-oxo clusters for the first time and builds a new platform for cluster-based energy storage.

Predictors of successful endovascular recanalization in patients with symptomatic nonacute intracranial large artery occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular recanalization in patients with symptomatic nonacute intracranial large artery occlusion (ILAO) has been reported to be feasible, but technically challenging. This study aimed to determine the predictors of successful endovascular recanalization in patients with symptomatic nonacute ILAO. METHODS: The outcomes of endovascular recanalization attempts performed in 70 consecutive patients showing symptomatic nonacute ILAO with hemodynamic cerebral ischemia between January 2016 to December 2022 were reviewed. Potential variables, including clinical and radiological characteristics related to technical success, were collected. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify predictors of successful recanalization for nonacute ILAO. RESULTS: Technically successful recanalization was achieved in 57 patients (81.4%). The periprocedural complication rate was 21.4% (15 of 70), and the overall 30-day morbidity and mortality rates were 7.1% (5 of 70) and 2.9% (2 of 70), respectively. Univariate analysis showed that successful recanalization was associated with occlusion duration, stump morphology, occlusion length, slow distal antegrade flow sign, and the presence of bridging collateral vessels. Multivariate analysis showed that occlusion duration ≤ 3 months (odds ratio [OR]: 22.529; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.636-310.141), tapered stump (OR: 7.498; 95% CI: 1.533-36.671), and occlusion length < 10 mm (OR: 7.049; 95% CI: 1.402-35.441) were independent predictive factors for technical success of recanalization. CONCLUSIONS: Occlusion duration ≤ 3 months, tapered stump, and occlusion length < 10 mm were independent positive predictors of technical success of endovascular recanalization for symptomatic nonacute ILAO. These findings may help predict the likelihood of successful recanalization in patients with symptomatic nonacute ILAO and also provide a reference for the selection of appropriate patients. Further prospective and multicenter studies are required to validate our findings.

Type I IFNs repolarized a CD169+ macrophage population with anti-tumor potentials in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Macrophages constitute a major component in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and perform various functions to facilitate disease progression. Reprogramming or reconstituting the tumor surveillance phenotypes of macrophages represents an attractive immunotherapeutic strategy in cancer treatments. The current study identified CD169 as a potential target for macrophage repolarization since it signified a population of macrophages positively correlated with an activated immune signature and better prognosis of patients with HCC. In vitro experiments revealed that a low dose of type I interferon (IFN) could effectively reprogram human monocyte-derived macrophages to upregulate CD169 expression, and such induced CD169+ macrophages exhibited significantly enhanced phagocytotic and CD8+ T cell-activating capacities compared to controls. A low dose of IFNα also inhibited hepatoma growth in mice in vivo, presumably through polarizing the CD169+ macrophage population and enhancing CD8+ T cell activities. Notably, IFNα also induced substantial PD-L1 expression on macrophages in vivo, and thus blockade of PD-L1 could further increase the anti-tumor efficacy of IFNα in the treatment of HCC. We propose a low dose of IFNα in combination with a PD-L1 blocking agent as a potential anti-tumor therapeutic strategy via its effects on macrophage polarization.

Efficient Electrochemical Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide Based on Silver-Centered Preyssler-Type Polyoxometalate Hybrids.

Four polyoxometalate (POM)-based organic-inorganic hybrid compounds, namely, (H2bimb)6H8[((Mn(H2O)3(µ-bimb))0.5(Mn(H2O)4)(Mn(H2O)5)0.5(AgP5W30O110))2]·29H2O (1), [(Cu(Hbimb)(H2O)2(µ-bimb)Cu(Hbimb)(H2O))(Cu(H2O)2(µ-bimb)Cu(H2O)3)((Cu(H2O)2)0.5(µ-bimb)(Cu(H2O)3)0.5)H2(AgP5W30O110)]·12.5H2O (2), (H2bimb)2H[(Zn(Hbimb)(H2O)4(Zn(Hbimb)(H2O)2)0.5)2(AgP5W30O110)]·12H2O (3), and (H2bimb)3H2[(Ag(H2O)2)0.5(Ag(Hbimb)Ag(Hbimb)(µ-bimb)Ag)(Ag(H2O)2)0.5(AgP5W30O110)]·7H2O (4) (bimb = 1,4-bis(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene), were hydrothermally synthesized using a silver-centered Preyssler-type POM K14[AgP5W30O110]·18H2O (abbreviated as K-{AgP5W30}) as a precursor. In 1-4, {AgP5W30} clusters integrating the merits of Ag+ and {P5W30} units are modified by different transition metal (TM)-organic fragments to extend the structures into three-dimensional frameworks. As nonenzymatic electrochemical sensor materials, 1-4 show good electrocatalytic activity, high sensitivity, and a low detection limit for detecting hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); 4 possesses the highest sensitivity of 195.47 µA·mM-1·cm-2 for H2O2 detection. Most importantly, the average level of H2O2 detection of these {AgP5W30}-based materials outperforms that of Na-centered Preyssler-type {NaP5W30} and most Keggin-type POM-based materials. The performances of such {AgP5W30} materials mainly stem from the unique advantage of high-negatively charged {AgP5W30} clusters together with the good synergistic effect between {AgP5W30} and TMs. This work expands on the research of high-efficiency POM-based nonenzymatic electrochemical H2O2 sensors using Ag-containing POMs with high negative charges, which is also of great theoretical and practical significance to carry out health monitoring and environmental analysis.

New pectic polysaccharides from Codonopsis pilosula and Codonopsis tangshen: structural characterization and cellular antioxidant activities.

BACKGROUND: Codonopsis pilosula and Codonopsis tangshen are plants widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Two pectic polysaccharides from the roots of C. pilosula and C. tangshen named as CPP-1 and CTP-1 were obtained by boiling water extraction and column chromatography. RESULTS: The core structures of both CPP-1 and CTP-1 comprise the long homogalacturonan region (HG) as the backbone and the rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) region as the side chains. CPP-1 has methyl esterified galacturonic acid units and a slightly lower molecular weight than CTP-1. Biological testing suggested that CPP-1 and CTP-1 can protect IPEC-J2 cells against the H2 O2 -induced oxidative stress by up-regulating nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 and related genes in IPEC-J2 cells. The different antioxidative activities of polysaccharides from different source of C. pilosula may be result of differences in their structures. CONCLUSION: All of the results indicated that pectic polysaccharides CPP-1 and CTP-1 from different species of C. pilosula roots could be used as a potential natural antioxidant source. These findings will be valuable for further studies and new applications of pectin-containing health products. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Two-dimensional polyimide heterojunctions for the efficient removal of environmental pollutants under visible-light irradiation.

Two-dimensional (2D) heteromaterials with large interface contact and intimate interfacial charge transition have been considered to be an ideal model for constructing highly efficient photocatalysts. However, few studies have reported on these 2D heterojunctions. Herein, we report a series of new 2D heterojunctions comprising polyimide (PI) and perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (TD). These heterojunctions, denoted as PI-TDx (where x represents the amount of TD added, i.e., x = 0.13, 0.18, 0.27, 0.54, and 1.08 g), were prepared by the solid thermal copolymerization of melamine (MA), pyromellitic dianhydride (PD), and different amounts of TD. FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy analyses were used to verify the 2D heterojunction structure. Photocatalytic experiments reveal that PI-TDx exhibit excellent and stable photocatalytic performance for the degradation of the organic dyes rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl violet (MV), as well as for the photoreduction of Cr(vi), under visible-light irradiation. Among the samples, PI-TD0.18 exhibits the best photocatalytic performance. Its activity is about 2.7 times and 7.5 times higher than that of individual PIMP (formed by MA and PD) and PIMT (formed by MA and TD) for RhB degradation, respectively. Notably, PI-TD0.18 retains a certain photocatalytic activity under light irradiation at 600 nm. The photocatalytic-mechanism study demonstrates that PI-TD0.18 has a classic type-II heterojunction. Its 2D heterojunction greatly enhances the visible-light absorption of the composites and effectively suppresses the radiation recombination of photogenerated carriers, thereby improving its charge transfer and separation abilities and providing excellent photocatalytic performance. This work may serve as an important reference for the design and construction of new highly efficient 2D organic conjugated-polymer photocatalysts.

Endovascular recanalization for symptomatic subacute and chronic intracranial large artery occlusion of the anterior circulation: initial experience and technical considerations.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to report the clinical findings and initial clinical experience of endovascular recanalization for symptomatic subacute/chronic intracranial large artery occlusion (ILAO) of the anterior circulation. METHODS: From October 2015 to December 2017, 13 patients with symptomatic subacute/chronic ILAO of the anterior circulation were enrolled in this study and underwent endovascular recanalization. We collected the initial procedural results, including the rate of successful recanalization and periprocedural complications, and data pertaining to angiographic and clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Recanalization was successful in 11 of 13 patients (84.6%). Intraoperative complications occurred in four cases, including symptomatic distal embolism in three cases; one of which was simultaneously complicated with artery dissection. Intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in one case. Eleven patients underwent angiographic follow-up, and 12 patients underwent clinical follow-up. The results of the angiography follow-up (mean 6 ± 3.29 months) showed that in-stent restenosis occurred in one of the 11 successfully recanalized patients. However, the artery was occluded again in the patient who achieved thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) grade of 2a after treatment. Clinical follow-up (mean 5.8 ± 2.25 months) showed no recurrence of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke in ten successfully recanalized cases. However, the patient who developed in-stent stenosis suffered TIA. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular recanalization for symptomatic subacute/chronic ILAO of anterior circulation is feasible, relatively safe, and efficacious in highly selected cases, improving patients' symptoms in the short-term. However, further larger scale pilot studies are needed to determine the efficacy and long-term outcome associated with this treatment.

Multiple Signal Pathways Involved in Crocetin-Induced Apoptosis in KYSE-150 Cells.

BACKGROUND: Crocetin is a carotenoid extracted from the traditional Chinese medical herb saffron. Previous studies have demonstrated that crocetin possesses anticancer properties that are effective against various cancers. As an extension of our earlier study, the present study explored the underlying mechanisms in crocetin's anticancer effect on KYSE-150 cells. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT), Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), and p53/p21 signal pathways play an important role in carcinogenesis, progression, and metastasis of carcinoma cells. Thus, we investigated crocetin's effects on the PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and p53/p21 pathways in esophageal squamous carcinoma cell line KYSE-150 cells. METHODS: KYSE-150 cells were treated with various concentrations of crocetin. 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltertrazolium bromide assay, Annexin V/PI stain as well as Rh123 stain were used to evaluate the cell viability, apoptosis, and MMP. Western blot was used to detect the expression of PI3K, AKT, ERK1/2, p38, c-Jun NH-terminal kinase (JNK), P53, P21, Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3, which were associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis. RESULTS: Our results showed that crocetin significantly inhibited the proliferation of KYSE-150 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Crocetin also markedly induced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, we have found that crocetin not only inhibited the activation of PI3K/AKT, extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2), and p38 but also upregulated the p53/p21 level. These regulations ultimately triggered the mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis pathway with an eventual disruption of MMP, increased levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3, and decreased levels of Bcl-2. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested that crocetin interfered with multiple signal pathways in KYSE-150 cells. Therefore, this study suggested that crocetin could potentially be used as a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of esophageal cancer.

Synergistic anticancer effect of combined crocetin and cisplatin on KYSE-150 cells via p53/p21 pathway.

BACKGROUND: More than 400,000 patients die from esophageal cancer annually. Considerable efforts have been made to develop new and effective treatments, one of which is directed toward herbal medication. Crocetin is a natural carotenoid dicarboxylic acid isolated from the Chinese herb saffron. We recently reported on the anticancer effects of saffron. This study aimed to determine whether crocetin combined cisplatin has synergistic effect in KYSE-150 cells and explore the underlying mechanism. METHODS: KYSE-150 cells were treated with crocetin and/or cisplatin. The effects on cell viability, cell apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), as well as the expression levels of PI3K/AKT, MAPKs, p53/p21, and apoptosis-related protein were evaluated. MTT assay, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, Rh123 staining, and Western blot analysis were used. RESULTS: The cell proliferation significantly decreased and cell apoptosis was induced with combined crocetin and cisplatin, compared with either crocetin only or cisplatin only. The outcome suggested that crocetin combined cisplatin has synergistic effects on inhibition of cell proliferation and pro-apoptotic effect of cisplatin on KYSE-150 cells. Disruption of MMP, upregulation of cleaved caspase-3 expression, and downregulation of Bcl-2 occurred in the group treated with combined treatment. No significant differences in p-PI3K, p-AKT, and MAPKs activity were indicated between combined treatment group and the individual treatment group. However, the expression levels of p53 and p21 were markedly higher in the combined treatment group than in the individual treatment group. The wild-type p53 inhibitor, PFT-α suppressed the overexpression of p53/p21 and the synergistic effect induced by the combination of crocetin and cisplatin. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that crocetin combined with cisplatin exerts a synergistic anticancer effect by up-regulating the p53/p21 pathway.

Cationic Covalent Organic Frameworks: A Simple Platform of Anionic Exchange for Porosity Tuning and Proton Conduction.

Mimicking proton conduction mechanism of Nafion to construct novel proton-conducting materials with low cost and high proton conductivity is of wide interest. Herein, we have designed and synthesized a cationic covalent organic framework with high thermal and chemical stability by combining a cationic monomer, ethidium bromide (EB) (3,8-diamino-5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridinium bromide), with 1,3,5-triformylphloroglucinol (TFP) in Schiff base reactions. This is the first time that the stable cationic crystalline frameworks allowed for the fabrication of a series of charged COFs (EB-COF:X, X = F, Cl, Br, I) through ion exchange processes. Exchange of the extra framework ions can finely modulate the COFs' porosity and pore sizes at nanoscale. More importantly, by introducing PW12O40(3-) into this porous cationic framework, we can greatly enhance the proton conductivity of ionic COF-based material. To the best of our knowledge, EB-COF:PW12 shows the best proton conductivity at room temperature among ever reported porous organic materials.

Highly Dispersed Polyoxometalate-Doped Porous Co3 O4 Water Oxidation Photocatalysts Derived from POM@MOF Crystalline Materials.

Rational design of earth-abundant photocatalysts is an important issue for solar energy conversion and storage. Polyoxometalate (POM)@Co3 O4 composites doped with highly dispersive molecular metal-oxo clusters, synthesized by loading a single Keggin-type POM cluster into each confined space of a metal-organic framework (MOF), exhibit significantly improved photocatalytic activity in water oxidation compared to the pure MOF-derived nanostructure. The systematic synthesis of these composite nanocrystals allows the conditions to be tuned, and their respective water oxidation catalytic performance can be efficiently adjusted by varying the thermal treatment temperature and the feeding amount of the POM. This work not only provides a modular and tunable synthetic strategy for preparing molecular cluster@TM oxide (TM=transition metal) nanostructures, but also showcases a universal strategy that is applicable to design and construct multifunctional nanoporous metal oxide composite materials.

Black-colored ZnO nanowires with enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

Black-colored ZnO nanowires have been prepared in a metal-organic chemical vapor deposition system by employing a relatively low growth temperature and oxygen-deficient conditions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals the incorporation of carbon into the nanowires. The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity of the black-colored ZnO nanowires is over 2.5 times larger than that of the pristine ZnO nanowires under simulated solar illumination conditions, and the enhanced photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the higher absorption of visible light by the black color and better carrier separation at the ZnO/carbon interface.

Polyoxometalate-based nickel clusters as visible light-driven water oxidation catalysts.

Three new polyoxometalate(POM)-based polynuclear nickel clusters, Na24[Ni12(OH)9(CO3)3(PO4)(SiW9O34)3]·56H2O (1), Na25[Ni13(H2O)3(OH)9(PO4)4(SiW9O34)3]·50H2O (2), and Na50[Ni25(H2O)2OH)18(CO3)2(PO4)6(SiW9O34)6]·85H2O (3) were synthesized and structurally characterized. Compounds 1-3 contain {Ni12}, {Ni13} and {Ni25} core, respectively, connected by the inorganic {OH}, {PO4} and/or {CO3} linkers and encapsulated by the lacunary A-α-{SiW9O34} POM units. Compound 3 represents the currently largest POM-based Ni clusters. All three compounds contain {Ni3O3} quasi-cubane or {Ni4O4} cubane units, which are similar to the natural oxygen-evolving center {Mn4O5Ca} in photosystem II (PSII). Visible light-driven water oxidation experiments with compounds 1-3 as the homogeneous catalysts indicate that all three compounds show good photocatalytic activities. The O2 evolution amount corresponds to a high TON of 128.2 for 1, 147.6 for 2, and 204.5 for 3, respectively. Multiple experiments including dynamic light-scattering, UV-vis absorption, catalysts aged experiments, tetra-n-heptylammonium nitrate (THpANO3) toluene extraction, and capillary electrophoretic measurements results confirm that compounds 1-3 are dominant active catalysts but not Ni(2+) ions(aq) or nickel oxide under the photocatalytic conditions. The above research results indicate a new and all-inorganic polynuclear Ni-based structural model as the visible light-driven water oxidation catalysts.

Runoff detected by magnetic resonance angiography as an indicator for better recanalization outcomes in below-the-knee chronic total occlusions in diabetic patients.

PURPOSE: To compare the feasibility and efficacy of recanalizing below-the-knee (BTK) chronic total occlusions (CTOs) between patients with good or poor distal runoff based on magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) scans. METHODS: Two hundred long-segment BTK CTOs in 171 limbs of 113 diabetic patients (58 men; mean age 69.8±1.9 years) were divided into good distal runoff (GDR: 119 lesions, 98 limbs) or poor distal runoff groups (PDR: 81 lesions, 73 limbs) based on baseline MRA findings. After angioplasty, modified thrombolysis in myocardial ischemia (mTIMI) grades and ankle-brachial index (ABI) were used to assess immediate outcomes. Regularly scheduled duplex or MRA imaging was performed in follow-up. The restenosis and limb salvage rates were compared. RESULTS: The success rates were 93.3% and 87.7% in the GDR and PDR groups, respectively (p=0.21); subintimal angioplasty was more common in the PDR group (93.0% vs. 63.1%, p<0.01). Completion angiography indicated an mTIMI grade 3 blood flow in 71.2% lesions in the GDR patients and in 52.1% in the PDR (p=0.01) group. Improvement in the ABI was greater in the GDR limbs (p<0.001 vs. PDR). Mean imaging follow-up was 10.8±6.9 months in the GDR group and 11.1±6.6 months in the PDR group. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a better restenosis-free rate in the GDR group (80.6% vs. 61.7%; p=0.02) at 12 months and for lesions with mTIMI grade 3 flow (p<0.01). At 24 months, Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a better limb salvage rate in the GDR group (84.2% vs. 54.6%; p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Distal runoff detected using MRA could be a predictor for successful intraluminal recanalization, better distal tissue perfusion, improved long-term patency, and better limb salvage for patients with BTK CTOs.

Human MALAT-1 long non-coding RNA is overexpressed in cervical cancer metastasis and promotes cell proliferation, invasion and migration.

PURPOSE: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play a crucial role in the development as well as the prognosis of various human cancers, particularly in human metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript-1 (MALAT-1), which has been shown to be upregulated in some tumors. However, the role of MALAT-1 in cervical cancer (CC) is yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to establish a correlation between MALAT-1 and its role in CC progression and prognosis. METHODS: The expression of MALAT-1 was examined in tissue samples of 30 CC patients and was compared with the adjacent non-cancerous tissues. The relationship between MALAT-1 levels and clinicopathological parameters from the CC patients was analyzed. Cell migration and invasion assays were performed with quantification of the expression levels of MALAT-1 in 4 CC cell lines using RT-PCR. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate that MALAT-1 is upregulated in CC. We found higher expression of MALAT-1 in all the 4 CC cell lines, especially in SiHa and ME-180 CC cell lines. After analysis of the relationship between MALAT-1 levels and clinicopathological parameters from CC patients, a robust correlation could be obtained between MALAT-1 overexpression with lymph node metastasis, tumor differentiation and clinical stage. Furthermore, the ectopic expression of MALAT-1 increased cell proliferation and contributed directly to invasion and migration. CONCLUSION: Taken together, this study suggests an indispensible role played by MALAT-1 in CC progression, which may act as a potential prognostic indicator for CC and also could be a novel potential target for diagnosis of CC.

Accurate diagnosis of small cerebral aneurysms ≤5 mm in diameter with 3.0-T MR angiography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance (MR) angiography at 3.0 T in the detection of small cerebral aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The institutional review board approved the study protocol, and patients or qualifying family members provided informed consent. A total of 403 consecutive patients undergoing 3D TOF MR angiography and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were prospectively enrolled. Small aneurysms were those 5 mm in diameter or smaller. DSA served as the reference standard. Three observers were blinded to clinical and DSA results, and they independently analyzed all 3D TOF MR angiographic data sets. Interobserver agreement was expressed in terms of Cohen κ value for categorical variables. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 3D TOF MR angiography in the detection of cerebral aneurysms were determined by using patient-, aneurysm-, and location-based evaluations. RESULTS: Of 403 patients, 273 aneurysms were detected with DSA in 230 patients. Patient-based evaluation with 3D TOF MR angiography at 3.0 T yielded an accuracy of 96%-97%, a sensitivity of 98.2%-98.7%, a specificity of 93.2% -94.8%, a PPV of 94.9%-96.2%, and an NPV of 97.6%-98.2% in the detection of cerebral aneurysms. Aneurysm-based evaluation yielded an accuracy of 96.4%-97.3%, a sensitivity of 98.5%-98.9%, a specificity of 93.2%-94.9%, a PPV of 95.7%-96.8%, and an NPV of 97.6%-98.2%. Aneurysm-location evaluations yielded similar results. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional TOF MR angiography is a noninvasive method that shows promising diagnostic accuracy in the detection of small cerebral aneurysms.

Association of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and methionine synthase polymorphisms with breast cancer risk and interaction with folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B 12 intakes.

We assessed the association between dietary intake of folate and the MTHFR genotype with breast cancer in a Chinese population, with additional analysis of the interactions of gene polymorphisms and dietary intake of folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. A case-control study was performed, and 535 patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer and 673 controls were enrolled into this study. The MTHFR 667TT genotype (odds ratio (OR) = 1.82, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.24-2.97) and T allele (OR 0= 1.48, 95 % CI = 1.15-1.78) were correlated with a moderately significant increased risk of breast cancer when compared with the CC genotype. Individuals carrying the MTR 2756GG genotype (OR = 1.66, 95 % CI = 1.16-2.56) and G allele (OR = 1.42, 95 % CI = 1.26-1.81) had a higher risk of breast cancer when compared with subjects with the AA genotype. The MTHFR 667 T allele and MTR 2756 G allele were associated with a higher risk of breast cancer in individuals with low folate intake, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, but the association disappeared among subjects with moderate and high intake of folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. This case-control study found that the MTHFR C677T and MTR A2756G polymorphisms are associated with risk of breast cancer, and folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 intakes influence these associations.

Patency of runoff detected by MR angiography at 3.0 T with cuff-compression: a predictor of successful endovascular recanalization below the knee.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to assess the reliability of detecting distal runoff vessels using contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) that were occult on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for predicting the outcome of endovascular recanalization (ER). METHODS: This retrospective analysis comprised 63 patients with diabetes (98 limbs) who underwent ER for infrapopliteal lesions. Before ER, they underwent CE-MRA and DSA for peripheral arterial disease; runoff vessels were detected with CE-MRA, but not with DSA. Immediate and follow-up postoperative outcomes were assessed. Univariate analysis was performed to identify variables associated with successful ER. RESULTS: Successful ER was achieved in 85.7 % of limbs, and runoff score was significantly lower than in failure limbs (5.1 ± 1.1 vs. 6.2 ± 1.3; P < 0.05). During follow-up, sustained ankle-brachial index (ABI) improvement was found in 76.6 % claudication patients, and walking distance improvement in 86.5 %; pain was relieved in 70.6 % of critical limb ischemia (CLI) limbs, ulceration healed in 81.3 %, and limb-salvage rate was 100 %. Restenosis/occlusion rate was higher for patients with CLI at 12 months (48.8 % vs. 96.3 % in claudication; P < 0.01). Runoff score was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of ER success (odds ratio = 4.096, 95 % confidence interval: 2.056-8.158; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Runoff vessels detected using CE-MRA could indicate immediate success and better outcome of ER for infrapopliteal occlusions. KEY POINTS: • 3-T MRA with cuff compression displayed distal below-the-knee (BTK) runoffs better than DSA • Detected runoffs indicate high recanalization rate and good clinical outcome • Runoff display provides potential opportunity to perform other backup recanalization strategies.

Prevalence of unruptured cerebral aneurysms in Chinese adults aged 35 to 75 years: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The reported prevalence of unruptured cerebral aneurysms (UCAs) varies widely. OBJECTIVE: To measure the prevalence of UCAs by using 3-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography in adults aged 35 to 75 years. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study done between June 2007 and June 2011. SETTING: Two communities chosen at random from 2 districts (1 urban and 1 suburban) in Shanghai, China. PARTICIPANTS: 4813 adults aged 35 to 75 years. MEASUREMENTS: Three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography, interpreted by 3 observers blinded to the participants' information, was used to identify the location and size of UCAs and to estimate the overall, age-specific, and sex-specific prevalence. RESULTS: 369 UCAs were found in 336 participants (130 men and 206 women); 4477 participants had no evidence of UCAs. The prevalence was 7.0% overall (95% CI, 6.3% to 7.7%), with 5.5% for men (CI, 4.6% to 6.4%) and 8.4% for women (CI, 7.3% to 9.5%). The overall prevalence of UCAs was higher in women than in men (P < 0.001) and peaked at ages 55 to 64 years in men and women. The UCAs were mostly located in the internal carotid artery (81%), and 90.2% had a maximum diameter less than 5 mm. Mean diameter was larger in women than in men (3.7 mm vs. 3.2 mm; P < 0.009). LIMITATION: Participants were from 2 communities selected from 2 districts in Shanghai, and adults older than 75 years were not studied. CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of UCAs was 7.0% in Chinese adults aged 35 to 75 years, and most lesions had a diameter less than 5 mm. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Enhanced osseointegration and antimicrobial properties of 3D-Printed porous titanium alloys with copper-strontium doped calcium silicate coatings.

The 3D printing of porous titanium scaffolds reduces the elastic modulus of titanium alloys and promotes osteogenic integration. However, due to the biological inertness of titanium alloy materials, the implant-bone tissue interface is weakly bonded. A calcium silicate (CS) coating doped with polymetallic ions can impart various biological properties to titanium alloy materials. In this study, CuO and SrO binary-doped CS coatings were prepared on the surface of 3D-printed porous titanium alloy scaffolds using atmospheric plasma spraying and characterized by SEM, EDS, and XRD. Both CuO and SrO were successfully incorporated into the CS coating. The in vivo osseointegration evaluation of the composite coating-modified 3D-printed porous titanium alloy scaffolds was conducted using a rabbit bone defect model, showing that the in vivo osseointegration of 2% CuO-10% SrO-CS-modified 3D-printed porous titanium alloy was improved. The in vitro antimicrobial properties of the 2% CuO-10% SrO-CS-modified 3D-printed porous titanium alloy were evaluated through bacterial platform coating, co-culture liquid absorbance detection, and crystal violet staining experiments, demonstrating that the composite coating exhibited good antimicrobial properties. In conclusion, the composite scaffold possesses both osteointegration-promoting and antimicrobial properties, indicating a broad potential for clinical applications.