Diabetes-specific characteristics of intracranial artery atherosclerosis: a magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging study.

Background: While diabetes mellitus (DM) is an established risk factor for intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD), its impact on plaque characteristics across different intracranial vascular territories remains unclear.

Methods: Patients with symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis were recruited from a multi-center study of ICASMAP. Plaque characteristics, including the location, plaque burden measured by normalized wall index (NWI), luminal stenosis, length, T1 hyperintense, enhancement grade, and the enhancement ratio of atherosclerotic plaques were evaluated.

Facile Synthesis of Polysubstituted Pyridines via Metal-Free [3+3] Annulation Between Enamines and β,β-Dichloromethyl Peroxides.

Our work introduces a facile and efficient metal-free [3+3] annulation approach for the synthesis of polysubstituted pyridines via the reaction between β-enaminonitriles and β,β-dichloromethyl peroxides. This strategy operates under mild conditions, demonstrating broad substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance. Mechanistic investigations suggest that the reaction proceeds through a Kornblum-De La Mare rearrangement followed by SV-type C-Cl bond cleavage and intramolecular cyclization/condensation.

Selenium induced multicomponent platinum-based ultrathin nanowires with abundant grain boundaries and partial amorphous phase enable remarkable multifunctional electrocatalysis.

Ultrafine platinum (Pt)-based nanowires (NWs) have emerged as a highly promising type of materials for multifunctional electrocatalysts. However, to achieve their synthesis presents significant challenges via relatively facile strategies, especially for multicomponent Pt-based NWs, due to the substantial variation in reduction potentials among different precursors and the tough coordination required for nanocrystal nucleation and growth. Herein, ultrathin NWs composed by Pt, Se, and Cd were realized via a facile one-pot synthesis where only involving precursors, reducing agent and solvent.

Rationally-Constructed Porous Nanosheet NiP-NiP Heterostructures for Robust Oxygen Evolution Electrode.

The development of superior non-noble-metal-based oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts is essential for large-scale hydrogen production. In this study, an integrated porous nanosheet NiP-NiP heterostructures were designed as an excellent OER electrocatalyst. The synthesized heterostructures demonstrated notable activity, achieving a small overpotential of 260 mV to sustain a typical 10 mA cm current density, along with exceptional durability over 2000 CV cycles.

Fluorescent primers amplification refractory mutation system qPCR (FP ARMS-qPCR) for MTHFR C677T SNP genotyping.

Background: The currently used methods for the detection of methylene tetrahydrofolic acid reductase (MTHFR) C677T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) are either time-consuming or expensive. In this study, we devised an accurate, rapid and easy-to-use SNP detection system based on fluorescent primers amplification refractory mutation system qPCR, known as FP ARMS-qPCR.

Methods: Fluorescent primers (FPs) modified by fluorescent dye or quencher near the 3' terminal thymine were designed.

Ultrasensitive single-step CRISPR detection of monkeypox virus in minutes with a vest-pocket diagnostic device.

The emerging monkeypox virus (MPXV) has raised global health concern, thereby highlighting the need for rapid, sensitive, and easy-to-use diagnostics. Here, we develop a single-step CRISPR-based diagnostic platform, termed SCOPE (Streamlined CRISPR On Pod Evaluation platform), for field-deployable ultrasensitive detection of MPXV in resource-limited settings. The viral nucleic acids are rapidly released from the rash fluid swab, oral swab, saliva, and urine samples in 2 min via a streamlined viral lysis protocol, followed by a 10-min single-step recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA)-CRISPR/Cas13a reaction.

CRISPR/Cas13a-based single-nucleotide polymorphism detection for reliable determination of ABO blood group genotypes.

The ABO blood group plays an important role in blood transfusion, linkage analysis, individual identification, . Serologic methods of blood typing are gold standards for the time being, which require stable typing antisera and fresh blood samples and are labor intensive. At present, reliable determination of ABO blood group genotypes based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among A, B, and O alleles remains necessary.

Synthesis, Characterization, Crystal Structures and Urease Inhibition of Thiosemicarbazones.

Thiosemicarbazones are biological active compounds. Six new thiosemicarbazones were prepared and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, 1H NMR and IR spectra, as well as single crystal X-ray diffraction. The compounds were evaluated for their urease inhibitory activities.

Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Porous Brass by Chemical Dealloying for Efficient Emulsion Separation.

By taking advantage of typical dealloying and subsequent aging methods, a novel homogeneous porous brass with a micro/nano hierarchical structure was prepared without any chemical modification. The treatment of commercial brass with hot concentrated HCl solution caused preferential etching of Zn from CuZn alloy foil, leaving a microporous skeleton with an average tortuous channel size of 1.6 μm for liquid transfer.

Multidimensional Analysis of a Cell-Free DNA Whole Methylome Sequencing Assay for Early Detection of Gastric Cancer: Protocol for an Observational Case-Control Study.

Background: Commonly used noninvasive serological indicators serve as a step before endoscope diagnosis and help identify the high-risk gastric cancer (GC) population. However, they are associated with high false positives and high false negatives. Alternative noninvasive approaches, such as cancer-related features in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments, have been gradually identified and play essential roles in early cancer detection.

Magnetically Assisted Immobilization-Free Detection of microRNAs Based on the Signal Amplification of Duplex-Specific Nuclease.

The double specific nuclease (DSN)-based methods for microRNAs (miRNAs) detection usually require the immobilization of DNA probes on a solid surface. However, such strategies have the drawbacks of low hybridization and cleavage efficiency caused by steric hindrance effect and high salt concentration on the solid surface. Herein, we proposed an immobilization-free method for miRNA detection on the basic of DSN-assisted signal amplification.

Rapid genotyping of 32 insertion/deletion panel for human identification using fluorogenic probes-based multiplex real-time PCR.

Background: Insertion and deletion (InDel) polymorphisms have considerable potential in the field of forensic genetics because of their low mutation rate and small amplicons. At present, InDel polymorphisms detection based on the technique of capillary electrophoresis is the main technique used in forensic DNA laboratory. However, this method is complicated and time-consuming, and is not suitable for rapid on-site paternity and personal identification.

Association of the coexistence of intracranial atherosclerotic disease and cerebral small vessel disease with acute ischemic stroke.

Purpose: Whether the coexistence of intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is an effective indicator for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association of coexistence of ICAD and CSVD with AIS.

Methods: Patients with symptomatic ICAD were recruited from a multicenter study.

Value of diffusion-weighted imaging in diagnosis and therapy response assessment of hepatic fungal infection in patients with acute leukemia.

Objective: To investigate the role of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for diagnosis and posttreatment assessment of hepatic fungal infection in patients with acute leukemia.

Methods: Patients with acute leukemia and highly suspected hepatic fungal infection were collected in the study. All the patients underwent MRI examination, including initial and follow-up DWI.

Regulating the Coordination Geometry and Oxidation State of Single-Atom Fe Sites for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysis.

FeNC catalysts demonstrate remarkable activity and stability for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells and Zn-air batteries (ZABs). The local coordination of Fe single atoms in FeNC catalysts strongly impacts ORR activity. Herein, FeNC catalysts containing Fe single atoms sites with FeN , FeN , and FeN coordinations are synthesized by carbonization of Fe-rich polypyrrole precursors.

Bifunctional Supertetrahedral Chalcogenolate Cluster-Based Assembly Materials Constructed by a Photoactive Ligand.

The assembly of supertetrahedral chalcogenolate clusters (SCCs) and multifunctional organic linkers could lead to the formation of tunable structures and synergistic properties. Two SCC-based assembled materials (SCCAM-1 and -2) constructed by a triangular chromophore ligand, tris(4-pyridylphenyl)amine, were successfully synthesized and characterized. The SCCAMs demonstrate unusually long-lived afterglow at low temperatures (83 K) and efficient activities for the photocatalytic degradation of organic dye in water.

Syntheses, Crystal Structures and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Activity of Aroylhydrazones.

A series of hydrazones, (E)-N'-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-4-nitrobenzohydrazide (1), (E)-4-(dimethylamino)-N'-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide (2), N'-(2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzylidene)-4-nitrobenzohydrazide (3) and 2-fluoro-N'-(2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzylidene)benzohydrazide (4), were prepared and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR and 1H NMR spectra, and X-ray single crystal determination. The xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities of the compounds were investigated. Among the compounds, N'-(3-methoxybenzylidene)-4-nitrobenzohydrazide (1) showed the strongest activity.

Slice-based and time-specific hemodynamic measurements discriminate carotid artery vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.

Background And Objective: Hemodynamic patterns play key roles in progression of carotid vulnerable plaques. However, most of previous studies utilized maximum or averaged value of hemodynamic measurements which is not an ideal representative of hemodynamic patterns. This study aimed to investigate the association of slice-based and time-specific hemodynamic measurements with carotid vulnerable plaque using magnetic resonance (MR) vessel wall imaging and histology.

Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Docking Studies of Hydrazones as Novel Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors.

A series of hydrazones, 2-cyano-N'-(4-diethylamino-2-hydroxybenzylidene)acetohydrazide (1), N'-(5-bromo-2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-3-chlorobenzohydrazide monohydrate (2·H2O), N'-(2-hydroxy-3-methylbenzylidene)-4-nitrobenzohydrazide (3), and N'-(2-hydroxy-3-trifluoromethoxybenzylidene)-4-nitrobenzohydrazide (4), were prepared and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR and 1H NMR spectra, and single crystal X-ray determination. Xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities of the compounds were studied. Among the compounds, 2-cyano-N'-(4-diethylamino-2-hydroxybenzylidene)acetohydrazide shows the most effective activity.

[Rapid identification of SARS-CoV-2 main variants using real-time quantitative PCR assay].

A Man probe real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) approach was developed for rapid identification of SARS-CoV-2 main variants. Specific primers and probes were designed based on the sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 wild and main variants alpha (N501Y, HV69-70del), beta (E484K, K417N), gamma (K417T, V1176F), delta (L452R, T478K) and omicron (H655Y, N679K, P681H) genes. The specificity, sensitivity and performance of the RT-qPCR assay were tested.

Optimization and performance evaluation of double-stranded probe in real-time PCR.

Background: TaqMan probe-based real-time PCR (qPCR/RT-qPCR) has been widely used in various fields because of its high sensitivity and specificity. However, TaqMan probes are associated with a relatively higher background signal, and hence negatively affect the detection results.

Methods: Double-stranded probes (DSPs) were designed for the high sensitive detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA using qPCR/RT-qPCR.

Sound Insulation Properties of Hollow Polystyrene Spheres/Polyethylene Glycol/Epoxy Composites.

The generation of noise requires a noise source, transmission path, and passive acceptance target of noise, all of which are indispensable. Blocking the propagation path of noise is one of the available means when the existence of the noise source and passive receiving target cannot be addressed. This is an effective way to prevent noise pollution, often using sound insulation materials to block the path of noise transmission.

The active ingredient (DSH-20) of Salvia miltiorrhiza flower reduces oxidative damage and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes by regulating miR-1.

Background: DSH-20, the active ingredient of Salvia miltiorrhiza flower extract, is used to treat cardiovascular diseases. However, its mechanism of action remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the intervention of DSH-20 in HO-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes.

Risk Factors for Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerosis Determined by Magnetic Resonance Vessel Wall Imaging in Chinese Population: A Case-Control Study.

Background And Purpose: The association between risk factors and intracranial atherosclerosis disease (ICAD) determined by magnetic resonance (MR) vessel wall imaging in Chinese population has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of conventional vascular risk factors with asymptomatic and symptomatic ICAD using MR vessel wall imaging in Chinese population.

Methods: The study population was recruited from two cohort studies of ICASMAP and CAMERA comprised 104 symptomatic ICAD subjects (57.