Genetic overlap between psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis in a Chinese population.

Previous studies reveal that psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) share susceptibility genes, such as HLA-B27, demonstrating a degree of genetic overlap between these diseases. Recent studies have identified a number of novel AS and PsA genetic susceptibility loci, but data on these loci in Chinese PsA patients are limited. To identify candidate genes that confer susceptibility to PsA in Chinese patients with PsA, psoriasis vulgaris (PsV), and healthy controls.

Prediction of cervical lymph node metastasis in solitary papillary thyroid carcinoma based on ultrasound radiomics analysis.

Objective: To assess the utility of predictive models using ultrasound radiomic features to predict cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in solitary papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients.

Methods: A total of 570 PTC patients were included (456 patients in the training set and 114 in the testing set). Pyradiomics was employed to extract radiomic features from preoperative ultrasound images.

Peptide-based system for sensing Pb and molecular logic computing.

Peptides with recognition, assembly, various activities exhibit strong power and application prospects in sensing, material science, biomedicine. However, peptide-based sensing and expanding application is still at an early stage. Herein, a peptide-based sensing and logic system was developed for highly sensitive and selective detection of Pb and implementation of logic operations.

Matter, energy and information network of a graphene-peptide-based fluorescent sensing system for molecular logic computing, detection and imaging of cancer stem cell marker CD133 in cells and tumor tissues.

Tumorigenesis, metastasis, and the recurrence of cancer, which may result from the abnormal presence or activation of cancer stem cells (CSCs), are involved in disorders of exchanged matter (biomarkers), energy and information in living organisms. Rapid and sensitive detection and imaging of CSC biomarkers (such as CD133) are helpful for early diagnosis and therapeutic evaluation of tumors. Recently, a preliminary exploration of a few affinity molecules (like peptide-based probes) has just begun for chemical measurements and imaging of CSC biomarker CD133.

Graphene-Based Steganographically Aptasensing System for Information Computing, Encryption and Hiding, Fluorescence Sensing and in Vivo Imaging of Fish Pathogens.

Inspired by information processing and communication of life based on complex molecular interactions, some artificial (bio)chemical systems have been developed for applications in molecular information processing or chemo/biosensing and imaging. However, little attention has been paid to simultaneously and comprehensively utilize the information computing, encoding, and molecular recognition capabilities of molecular-level systems (such as DNA-based systems) for multifunctional applications. Herein, a graphene-based steganographically aptasensing system was constructed for multifunctional application, which relies on specific molecular recognition and information encoding abilities of DNA aptamers ( Aeromonas hydrophila and Edwardsiella tarda-binding aptamers as models) and the selective adsorption and fluorescence quenching capacities of graphene oxide (GO).

The Boolean logic tree of molecular self-assembly system based on cobalt oxyhydroxide nanoflakes for three-state logic computation, sensing and imaging of pyrophosphate in living cells and in vivo.

Sensing of pyrophosphate (PPi) is helpful to better understand many life processes and diagnose various early-stage diseases. However, many traditional reported methods based on artificial receptors for sensing of PPi exhibit some disadvantages including difficulties in designing appropriate binding sites and complicated multi-step assembly/functionalization. Thus, it is significantly important and a big challenge to know how to use a simple molecular self-assembly or an interaction system to solve the above-mentioned limits to achieve the quantitative analysis of specific substances in the system.

Directly repurposing waste optical discs with prefabricated nanogrooves as a platform for investigation of cell-substrate interactions and guiding neuronal growth.

Due to rapid change in information technology, many consumer electronics become electronic waste which is the fastest-growing pollution problems worldwide. In fact, many discarded electronics with prefabricated micro/nanostructures may provide a good basis to fulfill special needs of other fields, such as tissue engineering, biosensors, and energy. Herein, to take waste optical discs as an example, we demonstrate that discarded electronics can be directly repurposed as highly anisotropic platforms for in vitro investigation of cell behaviors, such as cell adhesion, cell alignment, and cell-cell interactions.

Highly Tunable and Scalable Fabrication of 3D Flexible Graphene Micropatterns for Directing Cell Alignment.

Patterning graphene allows to precisely tune its properties to manufacture flexible functional materials or miniaturized devices for electronic and biomedical applications. However, conventional lithographic techniques are cumbersome for scalable production of time- and cost-effective graphene patterns, thus greatly impeding their practical applications. Here, we present a simple scalable fabrication of wafer-scale three-dimensional (3D) graphene micropatterns by direct laser tuning graphene oxide reduction and expansion using a LightScribe DVD writer.

Safety and efficacy of autologous endothelial progenitor cells transplantation in children with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension: open-label pilot study.

Experimental data suggest that transplantation of EPCs attenuates monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats and dogs. In addition, our previous studies suggested that autologous EPC transplantation was feasible, safe, and might have beneficial effects on exercise capacity and pulmonary hemodynamics in adults with IPAH. Thus, we hypothesized that transplantation of EPCs would improve exercise capacity and pulmonary hemodynamics in children with IPAH.

Number and activity of endothelial progenitor cells from peripheral blood in patients with hypercholesterolaemia.

Hypercholesterolaemia contributes to atherosclerosis and coronary artery diseases by inducing endothelial cell injury and dysfunction. Recent studies have provided increasing evidence that EPCs (endothelial progenitor cells) participate in ongoing endothelial repair and postnatal neovascularization. However, the changes in EPCs in patients with hypercholesterolaemia have not been elucidated to date.