Search

Purpose: Drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty and laser atherectomy (LA) have been frequently utilized to treat femoropopliteal in-stent restenosis (ISR); however, no studies have concurrently compared available regimens, including DCB, LA+DCB, and LA + plain balloon angioplasty (PB). Therefore, we conducted this network meta-analysis to determine whether there were significant differences in outcomes among these regimens. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library to identify all randomized controlled trials comparing DCB or LA-based regimes with POBA or each other for treating femoropopliteal in-stent restenosis (ISR) from their inception until March 2021. The primary outcome measure was binary restenosis, and secondary outcome measures were target lesion revascularization (TLR) and mortality, evaluated at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using Aggregate Data Drug Information System (ADDIS) 1.4 software, and all data were graphically summarized using Microsoft Excel software. Results: The final analysis included 11 studies, of which 6 studies compared DCB with PB, 2 studies compared PB vs LA+PB, 2 studies compared DCB vs LA+DCB, and 1 study compared LA+DCB with LA+PB. DCB was better than PB in decreasing binary restenosis at 6 (odds ratio [OR]: 0.22, 95% credible interval [CrI]: 0.04–0.91) and 12 (OR: 0.26, 95% CrI: 0.12–0.50) months. DCB was associated with lower TLR than PB at 6 months (OR: 0.31, 95% CrI: 0.13–0.69). LA+DCB was also superior to PB in treating binary restenosis at 12 months (OR: 6.10, 95% CrI: 1.94–24.41) and TLR at 6 months (OR: 5.32, 95% CrI: 1.43–28.06). There was no statistical difference in mortality between PB, DCB, and LA+PB. DCB and LA+DCB were the first 2 options for reducing binary restenosis and TLR. Conclusion: The current network meta-analysis demonstrates that both DCB and LA+DCB are superior to PB alone, and that DCB and LA+DCB may be the preferred treatment options for reducing binary restenosis and TLR. Clinical Impact: The treatment for femoropopliteal in-stent restenosis (ISR) remains challenging clinical practice. One important reason is that no optimal treatment strategy was available. Drug-coated balloon angioplasty (DCB) and laser atherectomy (LA) have been extensively utilized to treat ISR; however, different combinations of these treatments further confused the clinicians' choices. This network meta-analysis systematically investigated the difference between the currently available treatments regarding therapeutic effects and safety, indicating that DCB and LA+DCB may be the optimal treatment for decreasing the risk of binary restenosis and target lesion revascularization. The results of the current network meta-analysis help to resolve the confusion of clinicians in making the decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS) and the migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) under oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). Here, we defined the exact action of human circ_0007478 in VSMC migration and proliferation induced by ox-LDL. Methods: Human VSMCs (HVSMCs) were exposed to ox-LDL. Circ_0007478, microRNA (miR)-638, and rho-associated protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) levels were gauged by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed by MTT and EdU assays, respectively. Transwell assays were used to detect cell migration and invasion. Dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were used to evaluate the direct relationship between miR-638 and circ_0007478 or ROCK2. Results: Our data indicated that circ_0007478 expression was augmented in AS serum samples and ox-LDL-treated HVSMCs. Depletion of circ_0007478 attenuated HVSMC proliferation, migration, and invasion induced by ox-LDL. Mechanistically, circ_0007478 targeted miR-638 by directly pairing to miR-638. Reduction of miR-638 reversed the effects of circ_0007478 depletion on ox-LDL-evoked proliferation, migration, and invasion in HVSMCs. ROCK2 was a direct miR-638 target and miR-638-mediated inhibition of ROCK2 relieved ox-LDL-evoked HVSMC proliferation, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, circ_0007478 was identified as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-638 to modulate ROCK2 expression. Conclusion: Our present study establishes an undescribed ceRNA regulatory network, in which circ_0007478 targets miR-638 to upregulate ROCK2, thereby contributing to ox-LDL-induced proliferation and migration in HVSMCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To prepare soluble polyimides with high temperature resistance, two new diamine monomers, namely, 2,2′-(4,4′-oxybisphenylene)-bis(1-phenyl-5-aminobenzimidazole) (5a), and 2,2′-(4,4′-hexafluoroisopropylidene)-bis(1-phenyl-5- aminobenzimidazole) (5b), were synthesized and exploited to prepare three series of poly(benzimidazole imides)s (PBIIs) by a conventional two-stage synthesis. The resulting PI films were flexible and tough, possessing high glass-transition temperatures (Tgs = 311°C–390°C), improved optical transparency, and excellent solubility. Moreover, the effect of different configuration on performance was revealed, and these data provided a feasible method to enhance both Tg and solubility of PIs by incorporating N-phenyl benzimidazole and corresponding functional moieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we aim to examine the mediating roles of the two types of perceived parental influence in the relation between the dual filial piety model and adult children's long-term mate preferences. A survey was administered to 499 Chinese adult children on their filial piety beliefs, perceptions about parental influence, and long-term mate preferences. Structural equation modeling revealed the following findings. (a) For both genders, reciprocal filial piety was positively correlated with good father/mother traits, and authoritarian filial piety was positively correlated with good gene traits. (b) For both genders, sensitivity from the perceived parental influence mediated the link between authoritarian filial piety and good provider traits. (c) For females, sensitivity mediated the link between authoritarian filial piety and good gene traits. (d) For males, parental monitoring from perceived parental influence mediated the link between authoritarian filial piety and good gene and good mother traits. In addition, authoritarian filial piety was positively correlated with good provider and good mother traits. In summary, filial piety can link both directly and indirectly to mate preference through parental sensitivity for males and females and through parental monitoring mainly for males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrophages are attracting increasing attention in promoting implant-mediated osteogenesis by modulating the microenvironment of the implant site. Biomaterial surface properties including topography and wettability regulate macrophage responses to influence tissue repair. The objective of our present study was to investigate the effects of hydrogenated titanium dioxide nanotube surfaces on the immune response of macrophages in vitro. Hydrogenated titanium dioxide nanotubes (TNTs) were synthesized on Ti surfaces by anodic oxidation and hydrogenation to form super-hydrophilic nanotubular surfaces. Macrophages were seeded directly onto three substrates (hydrogenated TNTs (H2-TNTs), air-annealed TNTs, and commercially pure Ti substrates) and grown under standard or lipopolysaccharide-stimulated culture conditions. Cell proliferation and viability were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 and live/dead staining at 24 and 48 h. Secretion and expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were evaluated at 24 and 48 h to determine whether the surfaces elicited differential macrophage behaviors. Gene expression of the M1/M2 surface markers of macrophages was analyzed to assess the effect of the H2-TNT surface on macrophage polarization. The results showed that hydrogenation of the TNT surface resulted in a super-hydrophilic substrate, which exhibited markedly improved wettability attributable to the formation of oxygen vacancies in the nanotubes. The H2-TNT group induced a significantly lower macrophage proliferation rate and up-regulated anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-10, bone morphogenetic protein-2, and transforming growth factor-β1) irrespective of lipopolysaccharide stimulation, while alleviating the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, nitric oxide, and macrophage chemotactic protein-1) induced by lipopolysaccharide. Moreover, the H2-TNT surface elicited up-regulated gene expression of M2 surface markers and down-regulation of M1 surface markers. We concluded that the hydrogenated TNT surface modulated macrophage immune responses, which could be useful in accelerating inflammation resolution and facilitating tissue repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether people believe their romantic relationship quality can be improved or not could largely influence the relationship consequences. However, relatively fewer studies have focused on the potential factors that account for the association between such beliefs and romantic relationship satisfaction (RS). In the current research, we aimed to investigate the relation between implicit theories of relationships (ITRs) and RS and the potential moderating role of perceived partner responsiveness (PPR) in such relation. An online survey was administered to 300 Chinese young adults (aged 18–35) who were currently in romantic relationships, measuring their implicit beliefs about romantic relationships, PPR, and RS. Results indicated that (a) growth beliefs of ITRs and PPR were positively associated with RS, respectively; (b) destiny beliefs of ITRs were not significantly associated with RS; and (c) PPR moderated the relation between growth beliefs of ITRs and RS. Growth beliefs were significantly positively correlated with RS in lower PPR conditions but not in higher PPR conditions. We further discussed the theoretical and practical implications of these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]