Crystallization Kinetics of Perovskite Films by a Green Mixture Antisolvent for Efficient NiOx-Based Inverted Solar Cells.

Environment-friendly antisolvents are critical for obtaining highly efficient, reproducible, and sustainable perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, we introduced a green mixture antisolvent of ethyl acetate-isopropanol (EA/IPA) to finely regulate the crystal grain growth and related film properties, including the morphology, crystal structure, and chemical composition of the perovskite thin film. The IPA with suitable content in EA plays a key role in achieving a smooth and compact high-quality perovskite thin film, leading to the suppression of film defect-induced nonradiative recombination. As a result, the PSCs based on the EA/IPA (5:1) antisolvent showed a power conversion efficiency of 22.9% with an open-circuit voltage of 1.17 V.

4-Electron redox enabled by a perylene diimide containing side-chain amines for efficient organic cathode development.

A perylene diimide containing side-chain amines (PDIN) was studied as an organic cathode for application in lithium batteries, showing a high capacity of 174 mA h g-1. The chemical structures, experimental results, and calculation analyses verify that PDIN performed a 4-electron redox reaction jointly involving its CO and side-chain amine groups. This study promotes the development of organic cathodes with multi-electron redox reactions.

A Simplified Herbal Formula Improves Cardiac Function and Reduces Inflammation in Mice Through the TLR-Mediated NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

Nuanxinkang tablet (NXK), a Chinese herbal formula, can improve heart function and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). However, the mechanisms of action of NXK are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of NXK on inflammation in the CHF mouse model. This model was established by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) and treated with NXK for 8 weeks. Then, the cardiac function and myocardial fibrosis were evaluated. The monocytes/macrophages were evaluated by immunofluorescence. The mRNA levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), while TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p65, P-IκBα, TLR2, TLR7 and TLR9 protein levels were evaluated by Western blot. The results showed that NXK improved the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular end-systolic dimension, reversed myocardial fibrosis, and inhibited pro-inflammatory (CD11b + Ly6C+) monocytes/macrophages in the TAC mouse model. NXK also reduced the mRNA and protein levels of the above markers. Taken together, NXK improved heart function and reduced inflammation through the TLR-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway, suggesting that it might be used as an innovative treatment strategy for CHF.

Correlation between Characteristics of Coronary Plaque and Chinese Medicine Syndromes of Coronary Heart Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study Analysed by Intravascular Ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the correlation between the characteristics of coronary plaque in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients with phlegm-blood stasis syndrome (PBS) and blood stasis syndrome (BSS). METHODS: Patients were divided into different groups based on Chinese medicine (CM) syndrome differentiation. The baseline demographics and clinical variables were collected from the medical records. Additionally, the characteristics of plaque and pathological manifestations in coronary artery were evaluated using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). RESULTS: A total of 213 CHD patients were enrolled in two groups: 184 were diagnosed with PBS and the remaining 29 were diagnosed with BSS. There were no significant differences in age, body mass index, proportions of patients with high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, smoking, hyperlipidemia, history of coronary artery bypass graft and percutaneous coronary intervention, medications, index from cardiac ultrasound image, blood lipids and C-reactive protein between the two groups (P>0.05), except gender, weight and proportions of IVUS observed target vessels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). More adverse events such as acute myocardial infarction (P=0.003) and unstable angina (P=0.048) were observed in BSS. Additionally, dissection, thrombus and coronary artery ectasia were significantly increased in BSS (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In contrast, PBS had more patients with stable angina and chronic total occlusion with significantly higher SYNTAX (synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with Taxus and coronary artery bypass surgery) scores (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, dense-calcium was significantly elevated in PBS (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Coronary plaque characteristics were correlated with different CM syndromes. Patients with PBS were associated with a higher degree of calcified plaque and severe coronary artery stenosis, indicating poor clinical prognosis but with a low probability of acute coronary events. In contrast, the degree of calcified plaque in patients with BSS remained relatively low, and plaque was more vulnerable, resulting in the possibility of the occurrence of acute coronary events remaining high.

Comparative Study of the Clinical Effects of Reverse Digital Artery Island Flaps and Antegrade Homodigital Neurovascular Island Flaps for Fingertip Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aimed to compare the clinical effects of reverse digital artery island flaps and antegrade homodigital neurovascular island flaps in fingertip reconstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 30 consecutive patients with fingertip defects who had undergone 2 types of surgery from January 2016 to January 2019. We used reverse digital artery island flaps and antegrade homodigital neurovascular island flaps in 14 and 16 patients, respectively. Flap sensitivity was evaluated using the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test and static 2-point discrimination test. Finger appearance was assessed using the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire. The operation time, flap sensitivity, range of motion of the interphalangeal joint, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The static 2-point discrimination results of the fingers were significantly different between the antegrade homodigital neurovascular island flap group and reverse digital artery island flap group (8.07 ± 1.54 vs 5.94 ± 1.73; P < 0.05). The appearance of the fingers was significantly better in the antegrade homodigital neurovascular island flap group. Surgery using antegrade homodigital neurovascular island flaps required less time than surgery using reverse digital artery island flaps. No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in the range of motion of the interphalangeal joint or complications. CONCLUSIONS: The functional outcomes were identical between the reverse digital artery island flap and antegrade homodigital neurovascular island flap methods for fingertip reconstruction. Antegrade homodigital neurovascular island flaps lead to a shorter operation time, a more satisfying appearance, and better sensory recovery.

Hsa_circ_0001879 promotes the progression of atherosclerosis by regulating the proliferation and migration of oxidation of low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced vascular endothelial cells via the miR-6873-5p-HDAC9 axis.

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a typical vascular disease. Emerging evidence has shown that circRNAs play key roles in the progression of AS, but the potential function and underlying mechanism of hsa_circ_0001879 remains unknown. We detected the expression level of hsa_circ_0001879 was determined by qRT-PCR, and the proliferation rate and migration ability of HUVECs were measured by CCK-8 assay and Transwell assay, respectively. Proliferative markers and epithelium mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were measured through immunoblotting. A dual luciferase activity assay was performed to detect the interaction between circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs. Hsa_circ_0001879 was upregulated in AS patients. Hsa_circ_0001879 inhibited the proliferation and migration ability of Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Hsa_circ_0001879 directly bound to miR-6873-5p and acted as a sponge. miR-6873-5p-induced HDAC9 mRNA degradation was inhibited by hsa_circ_0001879. Hsa_circ_0001879 decreased the proliferation and migration of HUVECs by inhibiting miR-6873-5p-induced HDAC9 degradation.

Intermittent appearance of right coronary fistula and collateral circulation: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Congenital coronary artery fistula can lead to symptoms of chest tightness, chest pain, or exertional dyspnea, which is a congenital vascular malformation that should not be ignored. Patients who have such malformations are frequently observed with different concurrent abnormal anatomic structures. Collateral circulation may have a positive effect on improving the patients' symptoms. CASE SUMMARY: A 53-year-old female experienced episodic chest discomfort for the past month with symptoms manifesting when she was agitated or overexerted. After a positive treadmill test, the patient underwent coronary angiography. "Ghostlike" intermittent appearance of coronary ventricular fistula and collateral branching were observed. The patient was diagnosed with a right coronary ventricular fistula and collateral circulation. CONCLUSION: This case shows the likelihood of collateral circulation in patients with coronary artery fistula. This may provide medical staff with novel solutions to treat insufficiency of myocardial blood supply induced by cardiovascular malformations.

Effect of a nondominant perforator on multiterritory perforator flap survival in rats.

BACKGROUND: During flap surgery, the dominant perforator is usually selected as the pedicle. This study investigated the effect of a nondominant perforator on multiterritory perforator flap survival. METHODS: The deep circumflex iliac artery perforator flap (DCIA flap) and intercostal artery perforator flap (ICA flap) were performed (n = 12). Only the pedicle was different between the two flaps. The DCIA flap was based on the right and peripheral DCIA with three dynamic and two potential perforasomes. The ICA flap was based on the right and central ICA with five dynamic perforasomes. All adjacent perforators were ligated except the pedicle. On postoperative day 7, flap viability, angiography findings, and perfusion were compared. RESULTS: Even though the diameter of DCIA (mm) was larger than that of ICA (0.49 ± 0.03 vs. 0.4 ± 0.04; p < .05), the ICA flap survival rate (%) was higher than that of DCIA flap (99.5 ± 0.7 vs. 83.8 ± 3.9; p < .001). Based on a dominant perforator, a necrotic area was observed in the potential perforasomes of the DCIA flap. The choke vessels between the anatomical and dynamic perforasomes dilated postoperatively in the two flaps, whereas the others did not. The perfusion (PU) differences between the DCIA and ICA flaps in the dynamic perforasomes were nonsignificant (average, 342.4 ± 9.1 vs. 347.3 ± 7.3; p > .05). CONCLUSION: Increasing the number of dynamic perforasomes had no effect on flap survival, even based on a nondominant perforator. And the pedicle position affected flap survival.

Successful Drug-eluting Stent Implantation in a Male Patient with Dextrocardia: A Case Report.

Situs inversus with dextrocardia is a rare condition, with complete transposition of all the body organs, including the heart. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in these patients is technically difficult because of the mirror image of organs. Here, we describe a 56-year-old man with coronary heart disease with known situs inversus with dextrocardia and coronary percutaneous intervention was performed for stenosis in the right coronary artery. A drug eluting stent was implanted at this site successfully. This case suggested that the interventional management of such patients follows the same general rules as for non-dextrocardia patients, but the manipulation of the catheter and projection position choices need to be taken into consideration to obtain optimal benefits for the patient.

[A perforator-based dorsal flap's experimental research in the rat].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a new experimental animal model of different a single perforating vessel as its pedicle, and to investigate this vessel can captures how many adjacent angiosomes in different directions. METHODS: Thirty-six Sprague-Dawly rats of both sexes were used. The rats were divided into group A, group B and group C. Group A: the unilateral deep circumflex iliac perforator artery- based flap. Group B: the unilateral posterior intercostal perforator artery-based flap. Group C: the unilateral lateral thoracic perforator artery-based flap. An extended dorsal perforator flap measuring up to 13 cm x 6 cm was designed in 36 rats to assess the viability of the flap. The upper margin was located at the level of the tip of the scapula and the lower margin at a level 1 cm below the iliac crest. All flaps were observed for 7 days postoperatively, 72 hours after flap elevation, observe flap dyeing conditions through the vivo fluorescein injection, the surviving flap area was calculated as a percentage of total flap dimensions and the angiosome's structure of the flap was displayed by radiopaque microangiography. RESULTS: No fluorescence was visible in the distal flap of groups A and C, the whole flap show bright fluorescence in group B. Survival rate of C, A, B were improved in order. Statistic difference is significant (P < 0.01) between group and group. In group A, lead oxide-gelatin angiography shows the cephalic flap necrosis occurred in the bilateral lateral thoracic territories, and the vascular architecture partly disappeared in the necrotic area. In group B, the vascular architecture of flap is unbroken. In group C, the caudal flap necrosis occurred in the bilateral deep circumflex iliac perforator artery territories, and the vascular architecture partly disappeared and disordered in the necrotic area. CONCLUSIONS: The perforator flap is based centrally on a single perforator, this vessel can capture multiple the second vascular territory. In a direction, the longest distance that the blood supply can reach is the point of the third perforator vessel puncture into skin, which can provide certain theoretical guidance for designing of perforator flap.

Large prefabricated skin flaps based on the venous system in rabbits: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Flap prefabrication offers a bridging role between traditional reconstructive surgery and tissue engineering; however, because flap prefabrication is based on the concept of implanting a nourishing vascular pedicle in the target tissues before transfer, survival remains unreliable. Furthermore, the extended period required for neovascularization hampers its clinical application. METHODS: Based on two different venous angiosomes involving two sides of thoracoepigastric veins (taken as the vascular carrier) in rabbits, a large abdominal flap measuring 12 × 13 cm was designed by anastomosing the transferred femoral artery with the thoracoepigastric vein distally and prefabricated by incision of the proximal and distal ends of the flap for 1 week. Traditional arterial flaps, arterialized venous flaps, and composite skin grafts of the same size were used as control groups. Flap viability, status of vascular perfusion and microvasculature, and level of epidermal metabolite in each group were assessed. RESULTS: The large prefabricated flaps achieved results similar to the traditional flaps in terms of flap viability, status of vascular perfusion and microvasculature, and level of epidermal metabolite. CONCLUSIONS: Large skin flaps with good quality can be prefabricated within a shorter period for aesthetic and plastic surgery reconstruction using the inherent venous system. This technique may prove to be a viable alternative for successful flap prefabrication.

[Effects of agonists of PPAR-gamma on angiotensin II-induced proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonists on angiotensin II-induced cellular response in cultured fibroblasts derived from patients with hypertrophic scars, so as to investigate its effects on preventing the formation of hypertrophic scars. METHODS: Fibroblasts were freshly isolated from hypertrophic scars and cultured with angiotensin II, rosiglitazone and GW9662 at a certain concentration. Fibroblasts proliferation were assessed via Cell Counting Kit-8; the mRNA and protein expressions of Collagen I and Fibronectin (FN) were determined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: The absorbance of CCK-8 and relative expression of Collagen I, FN mRNA and protein were 1.082 5 +/- 0.007, 6.45 +/- 0.97, 4.92 +/- 0.86, 2.92 +/- 0.41, 2.78 +/- 1.04 in Ang II group; 0.722 4 +/- 0.012, 1.82 +/- 0.34, 1.78 +/- 0.27, 1.57 +/- 0.46, 1.68 +/- 0.39 in Ros + Ang II group; 0.554 7 +/- 0.012, 0.97 +/- 0.12, 1.07 +/- 1.08, 1.05 +/- 0.43, 1.14 +/- 0.36 in Ros group; 1.056 0 +/- 0.005, 5.83 +/- 0.24, 4.47 +/- 0.32, 2.69 +/- 0.35, 2.62 +/- 0.27 in GW9662 + ros + Ang II group. The results showed a significant difference between the Ang II group and the control group (P < 0.05). The effect of Ang II could be markedly inhibited by Ros (P < 0.05). In addition, Ros did not influence cell proliferation and production of extracellular matrix (P > 0.05). There was a significant difference between the GW9662 + Ros + Ang II group and the Ros + Ang II (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PPAR-gamma agonists inhibit Ang II-induced proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis effectively in the hypertrophic scar fibroblasts. Thus PPAR-gamma agonists may have potential therapeutic effect for hypertrophic scar.