Persistence of dissolved organic matter in sediments influenced by environmental factors：Implication for nutrition and carbon cycle.

The persistence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays a crucial role in the cycling and distribution of carbon and nutrients. Nonetheless, our understanding of how environmental alterations affect the persistence of sedimentary DOM remains incomplete. Excitation Emission Fluorescence Matrix-Parallel Factor Analysis (EEM-PARAFAC) was used to examine the fluorescence and compositional characteristics of hydrophilic and hydrophobic DOM (separated using XAD-8 resin) within sediments from twelve lakes and reservoirs. Fluorescence analysis indicated that DOM persistence is dependent on the proportions of the three components derived from PARAFAC. The Mantel test showed that climatic factors had the most significant impact on DOM persistence (Mantel's r = 0.46-0.54, Mantel's p = 0.001-0.007), while anthropogenic (Mantel's r = 0.24-0.32, Mantel's p = 0.03-0.05) and hydrological factors (Mantel's r = 0.03-0.22, Mantel's p = 0.06-0.40) had a somewhat lesser influence. Environmental changes resulted in a consistent decline in DOM persistence from Northeast to Southwest China, accompanied by an increase in gross primary productivity (GPP). Reduced DOM persistence due to climate, hydrological, and anthropogenic factors may lead to elevated concentrations of total phosphorus (TP), contributing to deteriorating water quality and events such as algal blooms. The decline in water quality due to reduced DOM persistence in lakes with high GPP can exacerbate the transition from carbon sinks to carbon sources. Consequently, the persistence of sedimentary DOM significantly influences nutrient and carbon cycling in lakes. Investigating DOM persistence in lakes across diverse geographic locations offers a new perspective on lake eutrophication and carbon emissions. Furthermore, it is crucial to develop targeted recommendations for lake restoration and management.

Potential marker genes for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease revealed based on single-cell sequencing and Mendelian randomization analysis.

BACKGROUND: Progress is being made in the prevention and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but it is still unsatisfactory. With the development of genetic technology, validated genetic information can better explain COPD. OBJECTIVE: The study utilized scRNA-seq and Mendelian randomization analysis of eQTLs to identify crucial genes and potential mechanistic pathways underlying COPD pathogenesis. MEHODS: Single-cell sequencing data were used to identify marker genes for immune cells in the COPD process. Data on eQTLs for immune cell marker genes were obtained from the eQTLGen consortium. To estimate the causal effect of marker genes on COPD, we selected an independent cohort (ukb-b-16751) derived from the UK Biobank database for two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis. Subsequently, we performed immune infiltration analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and co-expression network analysis on the key genes. RESULTS: The 154 immune cell-associated marker genes identified were mainly involved in pathways such as vacuolar cleavage, positive regulation of immune response and regulation of cell activation. Mendelian randomization analysis screened four pairs of marker genes (GZMH, COTL1, CSTA and CD14) were causally associated with COPD. These four key genes were significantly associated with immune cells. In addition, we have identified potential transcription factors associated with these key genes using the Cistrome database, thus contributing to a deeper understanding of the regulatory network of these gene expressions. CONCLUSIONS: This eQTLs Mendelian randomization study identified four key genes (GZMH, COTL1, CSTA, and CD14) causally associated with COPD, providing new insights for prevention and treatment of COPD.

Effect of baseline prolactin levels on the pregnancy outcomes after fresh embryo transfer.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is clinical disagreement on whether to treat hyperprolactinemia with medication before embryo transfer. The aim of this study is to identify the impact of basal prolactin (PRL) levels on pregnancy outcomes in fresh embryo transfer cycles. METHODS: This retrospective study involved 2,648 women who underwent basal PRL level testing and fresh embryo transfer between January 2015 and December 2020 at our Hospital's Department of Assisted Reproduction. Basal PRL levels can be classified into three categories: <30 (n = 2339), 30­60 (n = 255), and ≥60 (n = 54) µg/l. Pregnancy outcome was defined as the primary outcome measure, and the live birth rate was defined as the second outcome measure. Subsequently, univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to reveal the association between basal PRL levels and pregnancy outcomes after considering several potential confounding factors. RESULTS: Elevated basal PRL levels were found not a risk factor for pregnancy outcomes in patients receiving good-quality embryo transfer (p > .05). For pregnancy or not, female age (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.05), embryos transferred (OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.41-0.65), and normal fertilization rate (OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.48-0.97) were found to be an independent risk factor. For ongoing pregnancy or not, female age (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.03-1.11), embryos transferred (OR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.37-0.88), and menstrual cycle (OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.22-2.54) were also independent risk factors. CONCLUSION: There is no adverse impact on pregnancy outcomes during embryo transfer cycles with good-quality embryos when PRL levels are elevated.

Multimodal PA/US imaging in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Enhanced correlation with clinical scores.

Background: Accurate assessment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) activity remains a challenge. Multimodal photoacoustic/ultrasound (PA/US) joint imaging emerges as a novel imaging modality capable of depicting microvascularization and oxygenation levels in inflamed joints associated with RA. However, the scarcity of large-scale studies limits the exploration of correlating joint oxygenation status with disease activity. Objective: This study aimed to explore the correlation between multimodal PA/US imaging scores and RA disease activity, assessing its clinical applicability in managing RA. Methods: In this study, we recruited 111 patients diagnosed with RA and conducted examinations of seven small joints on their clinically dominant side using a PA/US imaging system. The PA and power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) signals were semi-quantitatively assessed using a 0-3 grading system. The cumulative scores for PA and PDUS across these seven joints (PA-sum and PDUS-sum) were calculated. Relative oxygen saturation (So2) values of inflamed joints on the clinically dominant side were measured, and categorized into four distinct PA+So2 patterns. The correlation between PA/US imaging scores and disease activity indices was systematically evaluated. Results: Analysis of 777 small joints in 111 patients revealed that the PA-sum scores exhibited a strong positive correlation with standard clinical scores for RA, including DAS28 [ESR] (ρ = 0.682), DAS28 [CRP] (ρ = 0.683), CDAI (ρ = 0.738), and SDAI (ρ = 0.739), all with p < 0.001. These correlations were superior to those of the PDUS-sum scores (DAS28 [ESR] ρ = 0.559, DAS28 [CRP] ρ = 0.555, CDAI ρ = 0.575, SDAI ρ = 0.581, p < 0.001). Significantly, in patients with higher PA-sum scores, notable differences were observed in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (p < 0.01) and swollen joint count 28 (SJC28) (p < 0.01) between hypoxia and intermediate groups. Notably, RA patients in the hypoxia group exhibited higher clinical scores in certain clinical indices. Conclusion: Multi-modal PA/US imaging introduces potential advancements in RA assessment, especially regarding So2 evaluations in synovial tissues and associated PA scores. However, further studies are warranted, particularly with more substantial sample sizes and in multi-center settings. Summary: This study utilized multi-modal PA/US imaging to analyze Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients' synovial tissues and affected joints. When juxtaposed with traditional PDUS imaging, the PA approach demonstrated enhanced sensitivity, especially concerning detecting small vessels in thickened synovium and inflamed tendon sheaths. Furthermore, correlations between the derived PA scores, PA+So2 patterns, and standard clinical RA scores were observed. These findings suggest that multi-modal PA/US imaging could be a valuable tool in the comprehensive assessment of RA, offering insights not only into disease activity but also into the oxygenation status of synovial tissues. However, as promising as these results are, further investigations, especially in larger and diverse patient populations, are imperative. Key points: ⸸ Multi-modal PA/US Imaging in RA: This novel technique was used to assess the So2 values in synovial tissues and determine PA scores of affected RA joints.⸸ Correlation significantly with Clinical RA Scores: Correlations significantly were noted between PA scores, PA+So2 patterns, and standard clinical RA metrics, hinting at the potential clinical applicability of the technique.

A Video-based Automated Tracking and Analysis System of Plaque Burden in Carotid Artery Using Deep Learning: A Comparison with Senior Sonographers.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The incidence of stroke is rising, and it is the second major cause of mortality and the third leading cause of disability around the globe. The goal of this study was to rapidly and accurately identify carotid plaques and automatically quantify plaque burden using our automated tracking and segmentation US-video system. METHODS: We collected 88 common carotid artery transection videos (11048 frames) with a history of atherosclerosis or risk factors for atherosclerosis, which were randomly divided into training, test, and validation sets using a 6:3:1 ratio. We first trained different segmentation models to segment the carotid intima and adventitia, and calculate the maximum plaque burden automatically. Finally, we statistically analyzed the plaque burden calculated automatically by the best model and the results of manual labeling by senior sonographers. RESULTS: Of the three Artificial Intelligence (AI) models, the Robust Video Matting (RVM) segmentation model's carotid intima and adventitia Dice Coefficients (DC) were the highest, reaching 0.93 and 0.95, respectively. Moreover, the RVM model has shown the strongest correlation coefficient (0.61±0.28) with senior sonographers, and the diagnostic effectiveness between the RVM model and experts was comparable with paired-t test and Bland-Altman analysis [P= 0.632 and ICC 0.01 (95% CI: -0.24~0.27), respectively]. CONCLUSION: Our findings have indicated that the RVM model can be used in ultrasound carotid video. The RVM model can automatically segment and quantify atherosclerotic plaque burden at the same diagnostic level as senior sonographers. The application of AI to carotid videos offers more precise and effective methods to evaluate carotid atherosclerosis in clinical practice.

Pan-cancer analyses of immunogenic cell death-derived gene signatures: Potential biomarkers for prognosis and immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a type of regulated cell death that is capable of initiating an adaptive immune response. Induction of ICD may be a potential treatment strategy, as it has been demonstrated to activate the tumor-specific immune response. AIMS: The biomarkers of ICD and their relationships with the tumor microenvironment, clinical features, and immunotherapy response are not fully understood in a clinical context. Therefore, we conducted pan-cancer analyses of ICD gene signatures across 33 cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. METHODS AND RESULTS: We identified key genes that had strong relationships with survival and the tumor microenvironment, contributing to a better understanding of the role of ICD genes in cancer therapy. In addition, we predicted therapeutic agents that target ICD genes and explored the potential mechanisms by which gemcitabine induce ICD. Moreover, we developed an ICD score based on the ICD genes and found it to be associated with patient prognosis, clinical features, tumor microenvironment, radiotherapy access, and immunotherapy response. A high ICD score was linked to the immune-hot phenotype, while a low ICD score was linked to the immune-cold phenotype. CONCLUSION: We uncovered the potential of ICD gene signatures as comprehensive biomarkers for ICD in pan-cancer. Our research provides novel insights into immuno-phenotypic assessment and cancer therapeutic strategies, which could help to broaden the application of immunotherapy to benefit more patients.

Theoretical Study on the Reaction between Carcinogenic 2,5-Dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone and tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide: Self-Catalysis and Water Catalysis.

The potentially carcinogenic halobenzoquinones (HBQs) have been recently identified in drinking water as disinfection byproducts. Several radical intermediates in the reaction of 2,5-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone (DCBQ) and t-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BuOOH), which may induce DNA damage, were detected experimentally, and metal-independent decomposition reactions of t-BuOOH by DCBQ were proposed. It has not yet been confirmed by theoretical calculations. The theoretical study in this work provides insights into the details of the reaction. An unprecedented self-catalysis mechanism of organic hydroperoxides, that is, the reactant t-BuOOH also has a catalytic effect, was uncovered at the molecular level. Moreover, as the solvent, water molecules also clearly have an efficient catalytic effect. Due to the catalysis of t-BuOOH and water, the metal-independent reaction of t-BuOOH and DCBQ can occur under moderate conditions. Our findings about the novel catalytic effect of organic hydroperoxides t-BuOOH could offer a unique perspective into the design of new catalysts and an understanding of the catalytic biological, environmental, and air pollution reactions. Furthermore, organic hydroperoxide t-BuOOH could serve as a proton shuttle, where the proton transfer process is accompanied by simultaneous charge transfer. Therefore, organic hydroperoxides may disrupt the vital proton transfer process in biological systems and may give rise to unexpected toxicity.

A deep learning-based calculation system for plaque stenosis severity on common carotid artery of ultrasound images.

OBJECTIVES: Assessment of plaque stenosis severity allows better management of carotid source of stroke. Our objective is to create a deep learning (DL) model to segment carotid intima-media thickness and plaque and further automatically calculate plaque stenosis severity on common carotid artery (CCA) transverse section ultrasound images. METHODS: Three hundred and ninety images from 376 individuals were used to train (235/390, 60%), validate (39/390, 10%), and test (116/390, 30%) on a newly proposed CANet model. We also evaluated the model on an external test set of 115 individuals with 122 images acquired from another hospital. Comparative studies were conducted between our CANet model with four state-of-the-art DL models and two experienced sonographers to re-evaluate the present model's performance. RESULTS: On the internal test set, our CANet model outperformed the four comparative models with Dice values of 95.22% versus 90.15%, 87.48%, 90.22%, and 91.56% on lumen-intima (LI) borders and 96.27% versus 91.40%, 88.94%, 91.19%, and 92.88% on media-adventitia (MA) borders. On the external test set, our model still produced excellent results with a Dice value of 92.41%. Good consistency of stenosis severity calculation was observed between CANet model and experienced sonographers, with Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) of 0.927 and 0.702, Pearson's Correlation Coefficient of 0.928 and 0.704 on internal and external test set, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our CANet model achieved excellent performance in the segmentation of carotid IMT and plaques as well as automated calculation of stenosis severity.

Potential actions of capsaicin for preventing vascular calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro and in vivo.

Vascular calcification (VC) is an accurate risk factor and predictor of adverse cardiovascular events; however, there is currently no effective therapy to specifically prevent VC progression. Capsaicin (Cap) is a bioactive alkaloid isolated from Capsicum annuum L., a traditional medicinal and edible plant that is beneficial for preventing cardiovascular diseases. However, the effect of Cap on VC remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects and related mechanisms of Cap on aortic calcification in a mouse and on Pi-induced calcification in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). First, we established a calcification mouse model with vitamin D3 and evaluated the effects of Cap on calcification mice using von Kossa staining, calcium content, and alkaline phosphatase activity tests. The results showed that Cap significantly improved calcification in mice. VSMCs were then cultured in 2.6 mM Na2HPO4 and 50 µg/mL ascorbic acid for 7 days to obtain a calcification model, and we investigated the effects and mechanisms of Cap on VSMCs calcification by assessing the changes of calcium deposition, calcium content, and subsequent VC biomarkers. These results showed that Cap alleviated VSMCs calcification by upregulating the expressions of TRPV1. Moreover, Cap reduced the expression of Wnt3a and ß-catenin, whereas DKK1 antagonised the inhibitory effect of Cap on VSMC calcification. This study is the first to offer direct evidence that Cap inhibits the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway by upregulating the expression of the TRPV1 receptor, resulting in the decreased expression of Runx2 and BMP-2, thereby reducing VSMC calcification. Our study may provide novel strategies for preventing the progression of VC. This could serve as a theoretical basis for clinically treating VC with spicy foods.

The prognostic values of estimating intraperitoneal pressure in the occurrence of abdominal wall complications in peritoneal dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Increased intraperitoneal pressure is associated with abdominal wall complications and technical failure of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Several equations have been developed to estimate intraperitoneal pressure. We aimed to assess the prognostic yield of the intraperitoneal pressure as estimated by current equations on the occurrence of abdominal wall complications in peritoneal dialysis patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of data from a prospective cohort which recruited 1207 incident PD patients. Estimated intraperitoneal pressure was calculated using four available equations (according to Sigogne, Castellanos, Scanziani and de Jesus Ventura). Abdominal wall complications were recorded during follow-up. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis with competing risk regression were used to assess the predictive power of the estimates of intraperitoneal pressure in the occurrence of abdominal wall complications. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 30 months, 66 (5.5%) patients (1.6/100 patient-years) developed abdominal wall complications. The median time to the occurrence of abdominal wall complications was 5.7 months. Only the estimated intraperitoneal pressure by the de Jesus Ventura equation significantly predicted abdominal wall complications by using univariate analyses. Associations between estimated intraperitoneal pressure by the de Jesus Ventura equation and the occurrence of abdominal wall complications disappeared after adjusting for significant clinical factors. CONCLUSIONS: We verified the prognostic value of estimation of intraperitoneal pressure by four available equations in predicting abdominal wall complications in our single-center PD cohort. Due to a low diagnostic yield, a novel equation for estimating the intraperitoneal pressure is urgently needed.

The association between mammographic density and breast cancer risk in Chinese women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Breast density has consistently been shown to be an independent risk factor for breast cancer in Western populations; however, few studies have evaluated this topic in Chinese women and there is not yet a unified view. This study investigated the association between mammographic density (MD) and breast cancer risk in Chinese women. METHODS: The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Wanfang databases were systematically searched in June 2023 to include all studies on the association between MD and breast cancer risk in Chinese women. A total of 13,977 breast cancer cases from 14 studies were chosen, including 10 case-control/cross-sectional studies, and 4 case-only studies. For case-control/cross-sectional studies, the odds ratios (ORs) of MD were combined using random effects models, and for case-only studies, relative odds ratios (RORs) were combinations of premenopausal versus postmenopausal breast cancer cases. RESULTS: Women with BI-RADS density category II-IV in case-control/cross-sectional studies had a 0.93-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55, 1.57), 1.08-fold (95% CI 0.40, 2.94), and 1.24-fold (95% CI 0.42, 3.69) higher risk compared to women with the lowest density category. Combined RORs for premenopausal versus postmenopausal women in case-only studies were 3.84 (95% CI 2.92, 5.05), 22.65 (95% CI 7.21, 71.13), and 42.06 (95% CI 4.22, 419.52), respectively, for BI-RADS density category II-IV versus I. CONCLUSIONS: For Chinese women, breast cancer risk is weakly associated with MD; however, breast cancer risk is more strongly correlated with mammographic density in premenopausal women than postmenopausal women. Further research on the factors influencing MD in premenopausal women may provide meaningful insights into breast cancer prevention in China.

Mortality of Peritoneal Dialysis versus Hemodialysis in Older Adults: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The optimal choice of dialysis modality remains contentious in older adults threatened by advanced age and high risk of comorbidities. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort and case-control studies to assess mortality risk between peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) in older adults using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library database from inception to June 1, 2022. The outcome of interest is all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Thirty-one eligible studies with >774,000 older patients were included. Pooled analysis showed that PD had a higher mortality rate than HD in older dialysis population (HR 1.17, 95% CI: 1.10-1.25). When stratified by co-variables, our study showed an increased mortality risk of PD versus HD in older patients with diabetes mellitus or comorbidity who underwent longer dialysis duration (more than 3 years) or who started dialysis before 2010. However, definitive conclusions were constrained by significant heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: From the survival point of view, caution is needed to employ PD for long-term use in older populations with diabetes mellitus or comorbid conditions. However, a tailored treatment choice needs to take account of what matters to older adults at an individual level, especially in the context of limited survival improvements and loss of quality of life. Further research is still awaited to conclude this topic.

Construction of Successive Proton Conduction Channels to Accelerate the Proton Conduction Process in Flexible Proton Exchange Membranes.

Successive proton conduction channels are constructed with the spin coating method in flexible proton exchange membranes (PEMs). In this research, phosphoric acid (PA) molecules are immobilized in the multilayered microstructure of Kevlar nanofibers and polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-block-polystyrene (SEBS) polymer molecular chains. As a result, successive proton conduction channels can accelerate the proton conduction process in the prepared membrane with the multilayered microstructure. Additionally, the microstructure fractures of the composite membranes from the external force of folding and stretching operations are modified by the inner PA molecules. Notably, numerous PA molecules are further combined through formed intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The stretched membrane absorbs more PA molecules owing to the arrangement of PA molecules, Kevlar nanofibers, and SEBS molecular chains. The stretched membrane thus exhibits the enhanced proton conduction ability, such as the through-plane proton conductivity of 1.81 × 10-1 S cm-1 at 160 °C and that of 4.53 × 10-2 S cm-1 at 120 °C lasting for 600 h. Furthermore, the tensile stress of PA-doped stretched membranes reaches (3.91 ± 0.40)-(6.15 ± 0.43) MPa. A single proton exchange membrane fuel cell exhibits a peak power density of 483.3 mW cm-2 at 120 °C.

Cost-utility analysis of treating mild stage normal tension glaucoma by surgery in China: a decision-analytic Markov model.

BACKGROUND: Many individuals suffer from normal tension glaucoma (NTG) in China. This study utilized Markov models to evaluate the cost-utility of applying many medications and surgery for mild-stage NTG when disease progression occurred at a mild stage. METHODS: A 10-year decision-analytic Markov model was developed for the cost-utility analysis of treating mild-stage NTG with surgery and increased application of medication. We hypothesized that all 100,000 samples with a mean age of 64 were in mild stages of NTG. Transitional probabilities from the mild to moderate to severe stages and the basic parameters acquired from the CNTGS were calculated. Incremental cost-utility ratios (ICUR) were calculated for treating all patients with NTG by probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) and Monte Carlo simulation. One-way sensitivity analysis were conducted by adjusting the progression rate, cost of medications or trabeculectomy, cost of follow-up, and surgical acceptance rate. RESULTS: The ICUR of treating mild stage NTG with medication over 10 years was $12743.93 per quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The ICUR for treating mild stage NTG patients with a 25% and 50% surgery rate with medication were $8798.93 and $4851.93 per QALYs, respectively. In this model, the cost-utility of treating NTG was sensitive to disease progression rate, surgical treatment rate, and medication costs. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the cost-utility analysis, it was a reasonable and advantageous strategy to administer a lot of medication and surgery for NTG in the mild stages of the disease. In the model, the greater the probability of patients undergoing surgery, the strategy becomes more valuable.

RETRACTED: Chen et al. A Novel Drug Self-Delivery System from Fatty Alcohol Esters of Tranexamic Acid for Venous Malformation Sclerotherapy. Pharmaceutics 2022, 14, 343.

The Pharmaceutics Editorial Office retracts the article, "A Novel Drug Self-Delivery System from Fatty Alcohol Esters of Tranexamic Acid for Venous Malformation Sclerotherapy" [...].

Evaluation of Turbulence Index and Flow Pattern for Atherosclerotic Carotid Stenosis: A High-Frame-Rate Vector Flow Imaging Study.

OBJECTIVE: The emerging high-frame-rate vector flow imaging provides a new way of hemodynamic evaluation for complex blood flow. This study was aimed at exploring quantitatively the characteristics of complex flow with turbulence (Tur) index and analyzing flow patterns in atherosclerotic internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS) using high-frame-rate vector flow imaging. METHODS: This study prospectively included 60 patients with ICAS. Tur values in different segments of stenosis and cardiac phases were compared. Spearman correlation analysis was performed between clinical plaque characteristics with turbulence grading by ln(Tur). Three complex flow patterns were qualitatively drawn on vector flow mode, and the rates of detection of flow patterns in different stenosis groups and ulceration groups were compared. RESULTS: Highly disordered blood flow was observed in the stenotic (Tur [M, QR] = 12.5%, 21.5%) and distal segment (15.4%, 27.2%), particularly during systole (21.0%, 30.7%, 33.3%, 38.7%, p < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that stenosis rate was correlated with turbulence grading in the stenotic (ρ = 0.65, p < 0.05) and distal segment (ρ = 0.79, p < 0.05), and ulcer formation was correlated with turbulence grading in the stenotic segment (ρ = 0.58, p < 0.05). The overall rate of detection of three flow patterns was higher in the severe stenosis group (22/22) versus the mild to moderate stenosis group (21/38) (p < 0.001) and in the ulcer group (21/23) versus the non-ulcer group (23/37) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: High-frame-rate vector flow imaging was helpful in assessing the severity and characteristics of flow turbulence. Lumen geometric factors could affect flow turbulence and blood flow patterns around the plaque. This would provide important hemodynamic information for the detection of high-risk plaque.

Correlation between oxygenation status of extra-synovial tissue of wrist and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis: a photoacoustic imaging study.

OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by hypoxia in the synovial tissue. While photoacoustic imaging (PA) offers a method to evaluate tissue oxygenation in RA patients, studies exploring the link between extra-synovial tissue of wrist oxygenation and disease activity remain scarce. We aimed to assess synovial oxygenation in RA patients using a multimodal photoacoustic-ultrasound (PA/US) imaging system and establish its correlation with disease activity. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 111 patients with RA and 72 healthy controls from 2022 to 2023. Dual-wavelength PA imaging quantified oxygen saturation (So2) levels in the synovial membrane and peri-wrist region. Oxygenation states were categorised as hyperoxia, intermediate oxygenation, and hypoxia based on So2 values. The association between oxygenation levels and the clinical disease activity index was evaluated using a one-way analysis of variance, complemented by the Kruskal-Wallis test with Bonferroni adjustment. RESULTS: Of the patients with RA, 39 exhibited hyperoxia, 24 had intermediate oxygenation, and 48 had hypoxia in the wrist extra-synovial tissue. All of the control participants exhibited the hyperoxia status. Oxygenation levels in patients with RA correlated with clinical metrics. Patients with intermediate oxygenation had a lower disease activity index compared with those with hypoxia and hyperoxia. CONCLUSION: A significant correlation exists between wrist extra-synovial tissue oxygenation and disease activity in patients with RA.

Molecular Modeling of the Fluorination Effect on the Penetration of Nanoparticles across Lipid Bilayers.

The fluorinated decorations have recently been widely used in many biomedical applications. However, the potential mechanism of the fluorination effect on the cellular delivery of nanoparticles (NPs) still remains elusive. In this work, we systemically explore the penetration of a perfluoro-octanethiol-coated gold NP (PF-Au NP) and, for comparison, an octanethiol-coated gold NP (OT-Au NP) across lipid bilayers. We also investigated the effect of these two types of NPs on the properties of lipid bilayers. Our findings indicate that the lipid type and the surface tension of the lipid bilayer significantly impact the penetration capabilities of the fluorinated gold NP. By examining the distribution of ligands on the surface of the two types of NPs in water and during the penetration process, we unveil their distinct penetration characteristics. Specifically, the PF-Au NP exhibits amphiphobic behavior (both hydrophobic and lipophobic), while the OT-Au NP exhibits solely hydrophobic characteristics. Finally, we observe that the penetration capabilities can be increased by adjusting the degree of fluorination of the ligands on the NP surface. Overall, this study provides useful physical insights into the unique properties of the fluorinated decorations in NP permeation.

Characteristics and Correlations of Wall Shear Stress and Flow Turbulence in the Carotid Bifurcation Evaluated Using an Ultrasound Vector Flow Imaging.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to evaluate characteristics and provide the normal values of wall shear stress (WSS) and flow turbulence (Tur), and the relationship between them in the carotid bifurcation based on an ultrasound vector flow imaging (V Flow) in healthy adults. METHODS: Max and mean WSS and Tur values at three segments (initial segments of internal and external carotid arteries [IICA and IECA]; distal segment of common carotid artery [DCCA]), both in anterior and posterior walls, were successfully obtained in 56 healthy adults, using ultrasound V Flow function. Relationship between mean WSS and Tur was further explored. RESULTS: The mean WSS value was 0.71 Pa, 0.86 Pa, and 0.96 Pa at IICA, IECA, and DCCA, respectively (IICA < IECA < DCCA, p < 0.05). The mean Tur value was 13.85%, 5.46%, and 4.17% at IICA, IECA, and DCCA, respectively (IICA > IECA > DCCA, p < 0.05). A cutoff value (WSS = 0.4 Pa) was selected and Tur values were significantly higher in group with WSS cutoff value <0.4 Pa than group with WSS cutoff value ≥0.4 Pa (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: WSS and Tur are moderately negatively correlated, which can be used in the quantitative evaluation of carotid bifurcation and could be a potential dual-parameter tool in the clinical research for early detection of carotid atherosclerosis.

24-Hour movement behaviors and executive functions in preschoolers: A compositional and isotemporal reallocation analysis.

This cross-sectional study explored the relationship between 24-hour movement behaviors and executive function (EF) in preschool children. A total of 426 Han Chinese preschoolers (231 males; 3.8 ± 0.6 years old) from Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, China were selected from October 2021 to December 2021. Accelerometers were used to measure physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB), while sleep duration was obtained via a parent-report questionnaire. Components of EF (cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, and working memory) were assessed using computerized behavioral tasks. The daily composition was significantly associated with inhibitory control and working memory. Inhibitory control improvements were linked to the addition of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at the expense of SB and sleep. The reallocation between MVPA, SB, sleep, and light physical activity yielded a significant association with working memory.