Association of visceral fat area or BMI with arterial stiffness in ideal cardiovascular health metrics among T2DM patients.

BACKGROUND: "Obesity paradox" occurs in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients when body mass index (BMI) is applied to define obesity. We examined the association of visceral fat area (VFA) as an obesity measurement with arterial stiffness in seven ideal cardiovascular health metrics (ICVHMs). METHODS: A total of 29 048 patients were included in the analysis from June 2017 to April 2021 in 10 sites of National Metabolic Management Centers. ICVHMs were modified from the recommendations of the American Heart Association. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (BaPWV) ≥ 1400 cm/s was employed to evaluate increased arterial stiffness. Multivariate regression models were used to compare the different effects of BMI and VFA on arterial stiffness. RESULTS: Lower VFA was more strongly associated with low BaPWV than lower BMI when other ICVHMs were included (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.85 [95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80-0.90] vs OR 1.08 [95% CI, 1.00-1.17]). Multivariable-adjusted ORs for arterial stiffness were highest in patients with the VAT area VFA in the range of 150-200 cm2 (adjusted OR, 1.26 [95% CI 1.12-1.41]). Compared with participants with VAT VFA < 100 cm2 , among participants with higher VAT VFA, the OR for arterial stiffness decreased gradually from 1.89 (95% CI, 1.73-2.07) in patients who had ≤1 ICVHM to 0.39 (95% CI, 0.25-0.62) in patients who had ≥5 ICVHMs. CONCLUSION: In patients with T2DM, using VAT for anthropometric measures of obesity, VFA was more relevant to cardiovascular risk than BMI in the seven ICVHMs. For anthropometric measures of obesity in the ICVHMs to describe cardiovascular risk VFA would be more optimal than BMI.

Surface Engineering of Migratory Corrosion Inhibitors: Controlling the Wettability of Calcium Silicate Hydrate in the Nanoscale.

Migratory corrosion inhibitors (MCIs) are regarded as effective additives to prevent harmful ion transmission and improve concrete durability, but their behavior in the porosity of concrete is still unclarified. This paper proposes a unique perspective to evaluate the effects of surfactant-like MCIs in calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) nanoporosity through molecular and electronic structural information. Advanced enhanced sampling methods and perturbation theory methods were applied to evaluate the role of different MCIs. The reduced density gradient of MCI molecules was obtained by using quantum chemical calculations. This calculation is instrumental in elucidating the intensity of interactions among distinct MCI molecule head groups and the C-S-H matrix. It is found that MCIs can effectively improve the interfacial tension (IFT) between C-S-H and water, which corresponds to the inhibitory ability of transmission. Free energy indicates that the MCI has the properties of strong adsorption and weak dissolution, facilitating the improvement of IFT. The relationship between the MCI functional group and the ability of adsorption and dissolution is revealed. This study suggests that MCIs work as surface controllers of C-S-H pores and that their properties can be assessed on the nanoscale.

Atomistic Insights into the Deposition of Corrosion Products on the Surfaces of Steels and Passivation Films.

The deposition of corrosion products on the surface of the steel is a key step for understanding the generation of corrosion products. To clarify the molecular mechanism for corrosion product deposition, the reactive molecular dynamics were utilized to study the deposition process of ferric hydroxide (Fe(OH)3) on iron and passivation film substrates. It is shown that the deposition phenomenon mainly occurs on the iron surface, while the surface of the passivation film cannot adsorb Fe(OH)3. Further analysis indicates that the interaction between hydroxyl groups in γ-FeOOH and Fe(OH)3 is very weak, which is unfavorable to the deposition of Fe(OH)3. Moreover, the degree of ordered water in the two systems is affected slightly by deposition but the oxygen in water corrodes Fe(OH)3, breaking its Fe-O bonds, which is more obvious in the Fe system due to its instability. This work has revealed the nanoscale deposition process of corrosion products on the passivation film in a solution environment by reproducing the bonding and breaking of atoms at the molecular level, which is a case in point to the conclusion of the protection of steel bars by passivation film.

FeOOH nanosheet assisted metal ion coordination with porphyrins for rapid detection and removal of cadmium ions in water.

Excessive cadmium ions in water bodies pose a severe challenge to ecology and human health, and the development of cadmium metal ion sensors is imperative. Here, we showed a dual-signal sensor based on colorimetry and fluorescence that was self-assembled from FeOOH nanosheets and TMPyP4. This nanocomposite enabled quick, selective cadmium ion detection. The Soret band at 442 nm in the UV absorption spectrum represented the coordination of cadmium ions with FeOOH@TMPyP4, and the absorbance increased linearly with increasing cadmium ion concentration (R2 = 0.989 and linear range: 0.5-10 µM). In the presence of FeOOH nanosheets, the coordination of cadmium ions with FeOOH@TMPyP4 took only 70 min, and the detection limit of cadmium ions was as low as 0.24 µM. In addition, Cd2+ could be effectively removed from the nanocomposite due to its easy separation from water. This research developed a simple and efficient approach for detecting and removing heavy metal ions from water bodies.

When AIE meets enzymes.

With the rapid development of physiopathology and the surge in demand for comprehension of micro-scale physiological events, AIE-based bio-probes are found superior in presenting precise and practical results in enzyme imaging and analysis with a high signal-to-noise ratio and non-destructive operation. By delivering enzyme-responding "light-up" fluorescence signals, the visual and real-time tracking of the distribution and activity of intracellular enzymes is accomplished with AIE-based bio-probes. In particular, by combining with modern nano-encapsulation technologies, AIE-based compounds can realize the simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases that are difficult to deal with through traditional strategies. This review summarizes and generalizes the typical AIE-based bio-probes reported recently based on the AIE mechanisms of solubility changes, excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT), electrostatic interactions, and hydrophobic interactions, expounding their great values in the bio-sensing and bio-medicine field. Advanced enzyme detection and estimation, cell identification, disease diagnosis, and controlled drug release are demonstrated with high confidence and reproducibility. Through the in-depth analysis of these bio-probes' design and working principles, currently existing drawbacks and further future directions are subsequently proposed to promote a more prosperous development of AIE-based enzyme probes.

A New Analytical Model for Deflection of Concrete Beams Reinforced by BFRP Bars and Steel Fibres under Cyclic Loading.

Basalt-fiber-reinforced plastic-bars-reinforced concrete beams (i.e., BFRP-RC beams) usually possess significant deformations compared to reinforced concrete beams due to the FRP bars having a lower Young's modulus. This paper investigates the effects of adding steel fibers into BFRP-RC beams to reduce their deflection. Ten BFRP-RC beams were prepared and tested to failure via four-point bending under cyclic loading. The experimental variables investigated include steel-fiber volume fraction and shape, BFRP reinforcement ratio, and concrete strength. The influences of steel fibers on ultimate moment capacity, service load moment, and deformation of the BFRP-RC beams were investigated. The results reveal that steel fibers significantly improved the ultimate moment capacity and service load moment of the BFRP-RC beams. The deflection and residual deflection of the BFRP-RC beams reinforced with 1.5% by volume steel fibers were 48.18% and 30.36% lower than their counterpart of the BFRP-RC beams without fibers. Under the same load, the deflection of the beams increased by 11% after the first stage of three loading and unloading cycles, while the deflection increased by only 8% after three unloading and reloading cycles in the second and third stages. Finally, a new analytical model for the deflection of the BFRP-RC beams with steel fibers under cyclic loading was established and validated by the experiment results from this study. The new model yielded better results than current models in the literature.

Antiangiogenesis effect of timosaponin AIII on HUVECs in vitro and zebrafish embryos in vivo.

Timosaponin AIII (Timo AIII) is a natural steroidal saponin isolated from the traditional Chinese herb Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge with proved effectiveness in the treatment of numerous cancers. However, whether Timo AIII suppresses tumor angiogenesis remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the antiangiogenesis effects of Timo AIII and the underlying mechanisms in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro and zebrafish embryos in vivo. We showed that treatment with Timo AIII (0.5-2 µM) partially disrupted the intersegmental vessels (ISVs) and subintestinal vessels (SIVs) growth in transgenic zebrafish Tg(fli-1a: EGFP)y1. Timo AIII (0.5-4 µM) dose-dependently inhibited VEGF-induced proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation of HUVECs, but these inhibitory effects were not due to its cytotoxicity. We further demonstrated that Timo AIII treatment significantly suppressed the expression of VEGF receptor (VEGFR) and the phosphorylation of Akt, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2 in HUVECs. Timo AIII treatment also significantly inhibited VEGF-triggered phosphorylation of VEGFR2, Akt, and ERK1/2 in HUVECs. Moreover, we conducted RNA-Seq and analyzed the transcriptome changes in both HUVECs and zebrafish embryos following Timo AIII treatment. The coexpression network analysis results showed that various biological processes and signaling pathways were enriched including angiogenesis, cell motility, cell adhesion, protein serine/threonine kinase activity, transmembrane signaling receptor activity, growth factor activity, etc., which was consistent with the antiangiogenesis effects of Timo AIII in HUVECs and zebrafish embryos. We conclude that the antiangiogenesis effect of Timo AIII is mediated through VEGF/PI3K/Akt/MAPK signaling cascade; Timo AIII potentially exerts antiangiogenesis effect in cancer treatment.

Mechanical and Thermal Performance of Macro-Encapsulated Phase Change Materials for Pavement Application.

Macro-encapsulated phase change material (PCM) lightweight aggregates (ME-LWA) were produced and evaluated for their mechanical and thermal properties in road engineering applications. The ME-LWAs were first characterised in terms of their physical and geometrical properties. Then, the ME-LWAs were investigated in detail by applying the European Standards of testing for the Bulk Crushing Test and the Polished Stone Value (PSV) coefficient as well as Micro-Deval and laboratory profilometry. In addition, the thermal performance for possible construction of smart pavements with the inclusion of ME-LWAs for anti-ice purposes was determined. The crushing resistance of the ME-LWAs was improved, while their resistance to polishing was reduced. Thermal analysis of the encapsulated PCM determined it to possess excellent thermal stability and a heat storage capacity of 30.43 J/g. Based on the research findings, the inclusion of ME-LWAs in surface pavement layers could be considered a viable solution for the control of surface temperatures in cold climates. Road safety and maintenance could benefit in terms of reduced ice periods and reduced treatments with salts and other anti-ice solutions.

Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis Associated with Mycobacterium abscessus in South China: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Mycobacteria, which are known as rapidly growing bacteria, are pathogens that are responsible for cutaneous or subcutaneous infections that especially occur after injection, trauma, or surgery. In this report, we describe a species of Mycobacterium abscessus that was isolated from a breast abscess in a patient who was previously diagnosed with granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM). This current case is the first ever presented case of GLM associated with M. abscessus documented in South China. The case presentation highlights the role of M. abscessus in GLM. The association of M. abscessus and GLM is discussed and a summary of breast infection due to Mycobacteria is given.

Study on Utilization of Carboxyl Group Decorated Carbon Nanotubes and Carbonation Reaction for Improving Strengths and Microstructures of Cement Paste.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have excellent mechanical properties and can be used to reinforce cement-based materials. On the other hand, the reaction product of carbonation with hydroxides in hydrated cement paste can reduce the porosity of cement-based materials. In this study, a novel method to improve the strength of cement paste was developed through a synergy of carbon nanotubes decorated with carboxyl group and carbonation reactions. The experimental results showed that the carboxyl group (-COOH) of decorated carbon nanotubes and the surfactant can control the morphology of the calcium carbonate crystal of carbonation products in hydrated cement paste. The spindle-like calcium carbonate crystals showed great morphological differences from those observed in the conventional carbonation of cement paste. The spindle-like calcium carbonate crystals can serve as fiber-like reinforcements to reinforce the cement paste. By the synergy of the carbon nanotubes and carbonation reactions, the compressive and flexural strengths of cement paste were significantly improved and increased by 14% and 55%, respectively, when compared to those of plain cement paste.

Correction: Yan, X., et al. Study on Utilization of Carboxyl Group Decorated Carbon Nanotubes and Carbonation Reaction for Improving Strengths and Microstructures of Cement Paste. Nanomaterials 2016, 6, 153.

The authors wish to make the following correction to this paper [1].[...].

[Effect of Curcumol on the Biological Behavior of Multiple Myeloma Cells].

Objective To observe the effect of curcumol on the biological behavior of multiple myeloma (MM) cells, thus studying its possible mechanisms for MM treatment. Methods Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and multiple myeloma cell line 8226 (RPMI 8226) were taken as sub- jects, which were then divided into the RMPI 8226 group (cultured by RMPI 8226 alone) and the BMSCs + RMPI 8226 group (cultured by BMSCs and RMPI 8226). Curcumol in different concentrations (0. 1, 0.5, 1. 0 , 10.0 µg/mL) was added to cells in the two groups respectively. Cell proliferation, cell cycle, and ap' optosis induced by curcumol were examined by flow cytometry. The expressions of receptor activator of nuclear factor Kb ligand ( RANKL ) and osteoprotegerin ( OPG) were detected using reverse tran- scriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results Curcumol induced arrested cell cycle of RMPI 8226. The arrest of RMPI 8226 cell cycle was more obviously in the RMPI 8226 group than in the BMSCs + RMPI 8226 group. After curcumol treatment the cell proliferation of RPMI 8226 was significantly inhibited (P <0. 01) and its apoptosis was increased (P <0. 01). Co-cultured with BMSCs decreased curcumol in- duced apoptosis of RPMI 8226. Curcumol down-regulated the expression of osteogenic differentiation related gene RANKL, and up-regulated the expression of OPG. Conclusions Curcumol disturbed the cell cycle and induced apoptosis of RPMI 8226 cells. Curcumol up-regulated the expression of OPG as well as down-regulated the expression of RANKL. Co-culture with BMSCs could obviously inhibit curcumol in- duced apoptosis of MM cells, which might be associated with drug resistance of MM cells.

[Clinical research on post-stroke dysphagia treated with nape acupuncture and rehabilitation training].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the improvement in post-stroke dysphagia after treatment of nape acupuncture and rehabilitation training. METHODS: Eighty patients who were in compliance with the inclusive criteria were randomized into a conventional treatment group and a nape acupuncture group, 40 cases in each one, according to the admission sequence. In the conventional treatment group, on the basis of general medication, the rehabilitation training of swallowing function was applied. In the nape acupuncture group, on the basic treatment as the conventional treatment group, nape acupuncture group was given. RESULTS: After treatment, the improvements in bedside water swallowing test, SSA, VFSS and pharynx transit time were all superior to those before treatment for the patients in the two groups (all P < 0.05). The improvements in bedside water swallowing test, SSA, VFSS and pharynx transit time in the nape acupuncture group were all superior to those in the conventional treatment group (all P < 0.05). The total effective rate was 85.0% (34/40) in the nape acupuncture group, which was higher than 65.0% (26/40) in the conventional treatment group, indicating the significantly statistical difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Nape acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training significantly improves swallowing function of the patients after stroke.

[Study on the scores of blood stasis syndrome of acute ischemic stroke and its correlation with TOAST subtypes].

UNLABELLED: OBJECTIVE To compare the differences in the scores of blood stasis syndrome (BSS) in three subtypes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) based on modified Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria, and to explore the influencing factors of BSS. METHODS: Patients with AIS were classified by modified TOAST criteria. The BSS score was determined in 418 patients of atherosclerosis thrombosis (AT), cardioembolism (CE), and small artery disease (SAD) subtypes. The BSS scores were compared in the three subtypes. Univariate analysis and multivariable Logistic analysis were carried out to analyze the influencing factors of BSS. RESULTS: As for the BSS score, CE (120.08 +/- 14.91) > AT (79.56 +/- 11.43) > SAD (37.88 +/- 8.32), and there was statistical difference among different subtypes (P < 0.01). Univariate analysis indicated that age, heart disease, carotid stenosis, NIHSS, GCS, and multiple infarction positions had significant effects on BSS. Multiple Logistic regression analysis suggested that age (OR: 1.71, 95% CII: 1.13-2.74, P = 0.034), heart disease (OR: 2.05,95% CI: 1.52-4.15, P = 0.000), carotid stenosis (OR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.65-4.55, P = 0.007), and multiple infarction positions (OR: 3.46, 95% CI: 2.16-6.62, P = 0.005) were independent influencing factors of BSS. CONCLUSIONS: Different TOAST subtypes of BSS had different BSS scores, which was helpful to indicate the reasons for BSS. Age, heart disease, carotid stenosis, and multiple infarction positions were independent influencing factors of BSS.

The continuous accumulation of Na+ in detached leaf sections is associated with over-expression of NTHK1 and salt tolerance in poplar plants.

Detached leaf sections (2×2cm2) from transgenic poplar line 18-1 and its wild type (WT) (Populus× euramericana 'Neva') were used to test their salt tolerance and gene expression under controlled environment conditions. The sections from line 18-1 displayed better tolerance to NaCl stress, indicated by high chlorophyll retention and K+ content but low relative electrolyte leakage (REL). Transient overexpression of NTHK1 (Nicotiana tabacum histidine kinase 1) and V-H+-PPase was found in the detached young leaves from line 18-1 after they had been stressed for a few minutes. The activities of vacuolar-type H+-ATPase and H+-PPase in line 18-1 were boosted initially and then decreased to normal level as in unstressed leaves. After sections were stressed for 10 days, the maximal Na+ concentration in line 18-1 was much higher than that in the WT. The higher capacity for Na+ accumulation in line 18-1 may be due to stable Na+ sequestration into the vacuoles. Osmotic stress imposed little effect on REL and chlorophyll content of the sections. The capacity of detached leaf sections in NaCl solution to tolerate stress and to accumulate Na+ may be useful for identifying genotypes with good salt tolerance in poplar and other plants.

A MADS-box gene of Populus deltoides expressed during flower development and in vegetative organs.

A MADS-box gene (PdPI) was isolated from a cDNA library constructed from male flower buds of Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh. According to an analysis of genomic DNA structure and putative protein structure, and a phylogenetic study, PdPI is an ortholog of the Arabidopsis PI gene. Relative-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that PdPI has a broader expression pattern than PI in Arabidopsis. PdPI was strongly expressed in floral buds and roots and weakly expressed in immature xylem, leaves and apical buds of the male P. deltoides tree. In male inflorescences, PdPI expression was abundant in the perianth and anther, and weak in the peduncle and mature pollen. The large differences in PdPI expression at various phases of male floral bud development were closely related to the development of flower organs (perianth and stamen) and pollen. PdPI was also expressed in female inflorescences. Our results suggest that PdPI has multiple functions in the development of P. deltoides.

[Chemical study on aerial parts of Ligusticum chuanxiong].

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of the aerial parts of Liusticum chuanxiong. METHOD: The chemical components were isolated by silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. Structures were elucidated on the basis of physico-chemical properities and spectral data. RESULT: Eight chemical constituents were isolated, and identified as protocatechuic acid (1), caffeic acid (2), scopoletin (3), apigenin (4), quercetin (5), cosmosiin (6), kaempferol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosid (7) and glucose (8). CONCLUSION: Compounds 1-8 were obtained from the aerial parts of the plant for the first time, compounds 3-8 were obtained from the plant for the first time.