Conjugation of PDLA onto MgO microspheres: comparison between solution grafting and melt grafting methods.

Magnesium oxide (MgO) is known for its bioactivity and osteoconductivity when incorporated into biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA), whereas the weak interfacial bonding between MgO microspheres (mMPs) and PLA often leads to suboptimal composite properties with uncontrollable functionality. Conjugation of mMPs with PLA may offer a good way to enhance their compatibility. In this study, we systematically investigated two grafting techniques, solution grafting (Sol) and melt grafting (Mel), to decorate poly (D-lactic acid) (PDLA) on mMPs pre-treated by prioritized hydration to obtain Sol MPs and Mel MPs, in order to optimize the grafting efficiency and improve their controllability in the properties including the crystal structure and surface morphology.

Association between descending aorta wall thickness or wall area and cardiovascular disease risk factors in cardiovascular disease-free patients: a study based on water-calcium material decomposition and subtraction-based computed tomography dark-blood imaging.

Background: Due to the low contrast between the vascular lumen and vessel wall, conventional computed tomography (CT) is not an effective method for visualizing the vessel wall. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of vessel wall visualization using contrast-enhanced dual-energy CT (DECT)-derived water-calcium material decomposition (WMD) and subtraction-based dark-blood imaging (DBI). An additional objective of this study was to determine the association of descending aorta wall thickness (WT) and wall area (WA) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and to ascertain the potential of DECT-derived WT and WA as image markers for identifying individuals at high risk for future CVD.

The Association Between Aspartate Transaminase to Alanine Transaminase Ratio and Perioperative Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Diabetes: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Patients with diabetes are at a high risk for perioperative ischemic stroke (PIS). The use of biomarkers to identify high-risk patients and predict PIS may provide considerable reference value in clinical decision-making. The aspartate transaminase/alanine transaminase ratio (De Ritis ratio) has been proven to be associated with specific diabetic complications.

Potential roles of cigarette smoking on gut microbiota profile among Chinese men.

Background: Cigarette smoking is posited as a potential factor in disrupting the balance of the human gut microbiota. However, existing studies with limited sample size have yielded inconclusive results.

Methods: Here, we assessed the association between cigarette smoking and gut microbial profile among Chinese males from four independent studies (N total = 3308).

Comparing the cost-benefit of breast cancer screening programs in rural and urban areas across four economic zones in China: a Markov modeling analysis.

Background: This study assessed the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of breast cancer screening across rural and urban regions in China's four economic zones.

Methods: Using a decision-analytic Markov model, we evaluated 5,280 scenarios involving different ages and screening technologies. The model followed individuals from birth through 100 yearly cycles in eight settings.