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Based on the macroanalysis of the unbalanced development of the "demand side" and the "supply side" of clinical medicine in China, this paper elucidates the stakeholders, resources, and ecosystem of the strategic scientific and technological capacity-building and calls for a larger coverage, smoother supply chain, and more sustainable ecosystem to ensure the development of clinical medicine. Furthermore, focusing on the establishment and development of clinical reproductive health in China, the authors introduce the strategic scientific and technological capacity-building of reproductive medicine in Peking University Third Hospital, with an attempt to inform similar efforts in other fields and even the whole clinical medicine in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A naphthalimide-based fluorescent probe for relay recognition of Cu2+ and S2− has been designed and synthesized. • The sensor has lower detection limit for Cu2+ and S2−. • Fluorescence behavior in the presence of Cu2+ and S2− could be manufactured to IMPLICATION type logic gate. • Intracellular fluorescence imaging in living cells were developed. A fluorescent chemosensor based on naphthalimide derivative (HL) was prepared and characterized. HL exhibited strong fluorescence emission at 528 nm, which was attributed to naphthalimide moiety, while the addition of Cu2+ almost completely quenched the fluorescence emission. However, with the addition of S2−, the fluorescence at 528 nm reoccurred remarkably. The detection limits for Cu2+ and S2− were measured to be 1.72 × 10−7 M and 2.66 × 10−7 M, respectively. As determined, the fluorescence behavior of HL in the presence of Cu2+ and S2− could be manufactured to IMPLICATION type logic gate. Moreover, confocal fluorescence imaging in HepG2 cells indicated that the HL could act as a useful fluorescent probe for intracellular Cu2+ and S2− detection with negligible cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protein shortage for the world's population in the near future has prompted scientists to develop novel methods for the sustainable production of dietary proteins from various alternative sources. In this study, the application of the bioseparation technique known as microwave-assisted three phase partitioning (MATPP) was explored to simultaneously extract and separate proteins from brewer's spent grain (BSG) after fungal fermentation. The results of the study indicated that MATPP (82.2%) recovered twice the amounts of proteins from fermented BSG compared to three phase partitioning (TPP) (41.8%). Besides, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in terms of amino acid composition, protein pattern, and some functional properties between the fermented BSG proteins (FBPs) obtained via TPP and MATPP. Additionally, MATPP was found to increase the antioxidant activities of FBPs. These findings suggest that MATPP holds great potential for industrial-scale protein recovery attributed to its effectiveness, simplicity, and speed. Microwave-assisted three phase partitioning (MATPP) is an emerging bioseparation technique that could simultaneously extract, separate, and partially purify proteins from protein-rich plant materials effectively within a relatively short timeframe. The fact that the microwave used does not significantly alter most of the physicochemical properties of the plant protein hydrolysates certainly supports the adoption of the technique in industry settings. MATPP demonstrates significant potential for industrial-scale utilization due to its efficiency, simplicity and potential cost reduction in production. • TPP and MATPP were employed to extract proteins from BSG after fungal fermentation. • The protein yield doubled by using MATPP compared to TPP. • MATPP- and TPP-extracted protein hydrolysates showed no differences in most properties. • Higher antioxidant activities were exhibited by MATPP-extracted protein hydrolysates. • MATPP shows great promise for implementation in industrial settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we explored the effects of seven light treatments (white, violet, blue, cyan, green, yellow, and red) on juvenile Sinonovacula constricta (length, 693.79 ± 82.91 μm), employing dark treatment as a control. A rearing experiment was conducted for one week in which the feeding rate was examined daily, e.g., one, two and three h after feeding. At the conclusion of the experiment, overall growth was calculated, and enzymatic activity related to digestion, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase pertaining to antioxidant biomarkers, as well as expression levels of genes related to antioxidation and stress response, were examined. The results showed that the highest growth rates were observed in the yellow light group, while the lowest growth rates were found in the violet and blue light groups; on the other hand, no significant differences were found among the other groups. Meanwhile, when exposed to white, yellow, or green light, juveniles exhibited high feeding rates, while those in the violet and blue light groups showed low feeding rates. Regarding enzymatic activity related to digestion, those of α -amylase, lipase, pepsin, and trypsin were relatively higher in the yellow light group than in the other groups. Regarding oxidative stress, the yellow light group showed higher superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities than the other groups. In contrast, the lowest malonaldehyde level was found in the white light group, followed by yellow light, while there were no significant differences among the other groups. In addition, the expression levels of genes related to antioxidation and stress response (heat shock protein 70 and glucose-regulated protein 78) in juveniles generally exhibited higher levels in the red light group, whereas they showed relatively lower levels in the yellow light group. Collectively, these results suggest that the application of yellow light may facilitate the growth of juvenile S. constricta , while red and violet light have opposite effects. • Light spectrum differently influenced the growth of juvenile S. constricta. • Yellow light facilitated the growth of juvenile S. constricta. • Yellow light induced less stress to S. constricta. • Red and violet lights impaired the growth of juvenile S. constricta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sinonovacula constricta is an important bivalve with strong photosensitivity and a robust circadian rhythm. To elucidate the light entrainment of the molecular circadian clock in this species, this study identified the clock genes, characterized their tissue distribution, and investigated their transcriptional variations under different light regimes: LD (12 h light/12 h dark cycle), LL (continuous light), and DD (continuous dark). The results showed that the S. constricta clock system consists of seven genes [ Circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (ScClock), Brain and muscle ARNT-like protein (ScBmal), Cryptochrome (ScCry1 and 2), Period (ScPer), and Timeless (ScTimeless1 and 2)] that are closely related to their orthologs in marine mollusks and contained corresponding conserved functional regions, indicating the conserved evolution of the circadian clock among organisms. These genes were expressed in all tissues, with high expression in the labial palps and hepatopancreas, suggesting a complex peripheral biological clock in S. constricta and the critical role of these two tissues in circadian functions. When exposed to different light regimes in labial palps, genes from the positive loop (ScClock and ScBmal) displayed a daily/circadian rhythm under both LD and DD and their acrophases were shifted by 5–7 h, whereas genes from the negative loop displayed daily rhythms (ScCry1 and ScPer) under LD and circadian rhythms (ScCry2 and ScTimeless2) under DD. However, only one gene (ScTimeless2) displayed a circadian rhythm under LL conditions. These results suggest that the S. constricta circadian system may be regulated by different clock genes to adapt to various light environments. Although similar phenomena were observed in the hepatopancreas, markedly different clock gene expression patterns occurred between the two tissues, indicating a tissue-specific regulated circadian system. Collectively, this study reveals how the circadian oscillators of S. constricta respond to light and may promote light environment optimization in the S. constricta farming industry. • The molecular circadian clock was conserved in S. constricta. • A peripheral and tissue-specific clock might exist in S. constricta. • The S. constricta circadian clock was synchronized by photoperiod. • A functional clock exists in S. constricta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenoid or adenotonsillar hypertrophy (AATH) adversely affects cardiovascular function, leading to pulmonary hypertension (PH). This meta-analysis of observational studies aimed to estimate the prevalence of PH in children with AATH. A meta-analysis was performed by searching the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from their inception to 1 July 2021, for all studies that extracted data about PH prevalence in children with AATH. PH prevalence was calculated for each included study and as a pooled estimate with a 95% confidence interval. A total of eight studies were included in this analysis. The pooled prevalence of PH in children with AATH was 35.0% (95% CI [18.0%, 52.0%]). The subgroup analysis demonstrated that the prevalence of PH in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy was higher than that with adenoid hypertrophy with or without tonsillar hypertrophy (39.0%, 95% CI [14.0%, 65.0%] vs. 22.0%, 95% CI [17.0%, 28.0%], respectively). The prevalence derived from the prospective and cross-sectional studies were 45.0% (95% CI [13.0%, 76.0%]) and 20.0% (95% CI [14.0%, 25.0%]), respectively. America and Africa had lower prevalence rates than Asia (24.0%, 95% CI [1.0%, 46.0%], 27.0%, 95% CI [17.0%, 38.0%], and 48.0%, 95% CI [-2.0%, 98.0%]), respectively. The prevalence of studies with diagnostic criterion (a mean pulmonary artery pressure higher than 20 mmHg) was 50.0% (95% CI [6.0%, 94.0%]). The pooled prevalence of studies with diagnostic criterion (a mean pulmonary artery pressure higher than 25 mmHg) was 25.0% (95% CI [13.0%, 36.0%]). The meta-analysis showed a prevalence of PH in children with AATH of 35.0%, demonstrating that this condition is a frequent complication of AATH. To better understand its clinical impact, more prospective evaluations are urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Does blastocyst biopsy for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) increase the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes? Retrospective cohort study of 5097 single vitrified–warmed blastocyst transfer cycles from January 2016 to December 2018, with 2061 cycles in the biopsied group and 3036 cycles in the unbiopsied group enrolled in the analyses. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between the two groups. The live birth rate in the biopsied group (41.1%) was significantly higher than that in the unbiopsied group (35.6%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.54, P = 0.012) after adjusting for maternal age, maternal body mass index, gravidity, parity, infertility diagnosis, timing of blastocyst transfer, blastocyst quality, regimen of endometrial preparation, endometrial thickness before transfer and treatment year. The rates of total pregnancy loss (25.4% versus 32.2%, aOR 0.69, 95% CI 0.52–0.91, P = 0.008) and early miscarriage (12.1% versus 17.3%, aOR 0.56, 95% CI 0.38–0.83, P = 0.004) were significantly lower in the biopsied group than in the unbiopsied group. No significant differences were found in sex ratio or the risks of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, diabetes in pregnancy, placenta previa, preterm premature rupture of membranes, low birthweight, very low birthweight, macrosomia, small for gestational age, large for gestational age or birth defects between the two groups. When the subgroup analyses were conducted based on different types of PGT, similar patterns were found for all types. Blastocyst biopsy might not increase the risks of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in the short term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • HL-Cys showed red-emission fluorescence and its Stokes shift was more than 100 nm. • HL-Cys with hypotoxicity and low detection limit (0.58 µM) was successfully used to the imaging of Cys in vitro and in vivo. In this work, a novel red-emission fluorescent probe (HL-Cys) based on benzothiazole moiety was designed and synthesized for the detection of cysteine (Cys). HL-Cys could display specific fluorescence response toward Cys over other analytes including amino acids and GSH at 620 nm (E x = 513 nm) because of the Michael addition reaction between Cys and HL-Cys, leading to the cleavage of acryloyl group from the parent ligand (HL). Moreover, HL-Cys with hypotoxicity and low detection limit was successfully used to the imaging of Cys in vitro and in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The probe plays a pivotal role in the early diagnosis of tumor, especially tumor microenvironment (TME)-responsive probe, which could exploit differences between tumor and normal tissue to achieve better signal-to-noise ratio. In view of overexpressed glutathione (GSH) in microenvironment considered as one of the important characteristics of tumor distinct from normal tissue, we constructed a GSH activated near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) and photoacoustic (PA) dual-modal probe (Probe-GSH) based on the hybrid of xanthene-based hemicyanines and dicyanoisophorone. The activated Probe-GSH could exhibit 8-fold PA signal/10-fold NIRF intensity enhancement. Besides, compared with the existing xanthene-based hemicyanines (XBH), Probe-GSH possessed longer absorbance/emission wavelength and larger Stokes shift. More importantly, Probe-GSH has been successfully applied to the image of 4T1-bearing tumor mice under NIRF and PA dual modality. [Display omitted] • Compared with the reported xanthene-based hemicyanines, Probe-GSH possess longer the absorbance/ emission wavelength. • Compared with the reported xanthene-based hemicyanines, Probe-GSH has larger Stokes shift. • Probe-GSH was capable for imaging of tumor mouse under NIRF and PA dual modality image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, all-trans retinoic acid-Hyaluronic acid prodrug nanoparticles (HA-ATRA NPs) were successfully prepared for improving the anti-psoriatic effect of ATRA. The HA-ATRA NPs were 146.7 ± 8.2 nm with a critical aggregation concentration of 92.6 µg/mL and a drug loading content of 8.3 %. Topically applied HA-ATRA NPs remarkably reduced the characteristic symptoms of psoriasis in imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like mice, including thickness of stratum corneum, epidermis hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, and epidermal infiltrates induced by IMQ compared with ATRA. In addition, HA-ATRA NPs dramatically reduced the expressions of key inflammatory cytokines in psoriasis lesions without influence on the body weight of mice. • HA-ATRA prodrug nanoparticles were successfully prepared. • HA-ATRA NPs improved the anti-psoriatic effect of ATRA topically. • HA-ATRA NPs dramatically reduced application site inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The associations between metallic elements and ovarian reserve function have remained uncertain yet. In this case-control study, we involved 149 women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and 151 women with normal ovarian reserve, and assessed the levels of six heavy metallic (Cr, Cd, As, Hg, Pb, and Mn) and seven trace essential (Se, Fe, Zn, Co, Mo, Cu, I) elements in their follicular fluid with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Associations were examined with logistic regressions and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). As a result, we found that the medium and the highest tertiles of Pb were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of DOR compared to the lowest tertile, while the medium or/an the highest tertiles of Cu, I, and Fe showed significantly lower likelihoods of DOR compared to the lowest tertiles. Cu and Pb showed significantly non-linear associations with ovarian reserve markers such as follicle-stimulating, anti-mullerian hormone levels, and antral follicle count. With the rising overall concentrations of heavy metals, the likelihood of DOR increased although not significant. There was a trend of a "U-shaped" association across the whole concentration range of trace essential elements and the likelihood of DOR. Our study revealed that avoiding heavy metallic elements and properly supplementing trace essential elements are conducive to ovarian function. [Display omitted] • Mixture of heavy metals are associated with higher likelihood of DOR. • Mixture of essential elements showed a "U-shaped" association with DOR. • Pb plays the most important toxic role in the heavy metals. • Highest tertiles of Cu, I, and Fe had lower odds of DOR than the lowest tertiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we aimed to explore the optimal light intensity for the breeding of Sinonovacula constricta , and the effect of light intensity on the growth of S. constricta at different developmental stages was studied. Four developmental stages (spawning, fertilized eggs, planktonic larvae, and juveniles) and different light intensities were set up in our current experiments. The results showed that various light intensities had significantly different effects on spawning amount and initial spawning time, while it had little influence on the hatchability of fertilized eggs (P > 0.05). The spawning amount of the razor clam peaked at a light intensity of 44–250 lx (P < 0.05). In the planktonic larvae experiment, the highest survival rate appeared at 487 ± 31 lx (58.61 ± 4.0%).For juvenile S. constricta , two substratum thicknesses (1 and 5 mm) and four light intensities, including L 1 (14 ± 11 lx), L 2 (380 ± 145 lx), L 3 (3792 ± 2105 lx), and L 4 (12,244 ± 5290 lx), were set up in a 10-day experiment. When the substratum thickness of 1 mm was applied, the body length and survival rate of S. constricta juveniles (0.26 ± 0.02 mm) in the L 2 group were found to be the largest, which were significantly different compared with the other groups. When the substratum thickness was changed to 5 mm, the body length and survival rate among those groups showed no significant difference. However, when the shellfish samples were changed to a larger size of razor clam (1.45 ± 0.16 mm), a more obvious effect of light intensity on the growth was observed in a 1-mm substratum group compared with the 5-mm group. These results indicated that light intensity exerted a significant effect on the growth of S. constricta at different stages, and each stage exhibited a distinct sensitivity to light intensity. Further study from the aspects of photoreceptors and relevant genes is currently in progress in our laboratory. • Spawning, hatching and growth of S. constricta were affected by light intensity. • All developmental stages of S. constricta were photosensitive, except zygote. • Optimal light intensity is critical for S. constricta breeding and farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The razor clam Sinonovacula constricta is known for its richness in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA, C ≥ 20). Previously, we demonstrated that it possesses a complete LC-PUFA biosynthetic pathway. However, the mechanisms by which it senses the LC-PUFA pool to regulate their biosynthesis remain unclear. Here, we presented the LC-PUFA sensor UBXD8 as a critical molecule in this intriguing process. The S. constricta UBXD8 (Sc UBXD8) shared all characteristic features of its mammalian counterpart and exhibited high mRNA levels in digestive tissues, suggesting its functional role in this bivalve species. By purification of Sc UBXD8 protein in vitro , we discovered its ability to sense unsaturated fatty acids (UFA, C ≥ 14) but not saturated ones, as evidenced by polymerization detection. Furthermore, the intensity of Sc UBXD8 polymerization increased progressively with longer acyl chain lengths, greater unsaturation degrees, and higher UFA concentrations. Exceptionally, for those located at the same node in LC-PUFA biosynthetic pathway, Sc UBXD8 displayed a stronger sensitivity to n-6 UFA compared to n-3 UFA. These results suggested a critical role for Sc UBXD8 in balancing fatty acids composition and ratio of n-6/n-3 UFA in S. constricta. Moreover, the UAS domain was confirmed essential for Sc UBXD8 polymerization. Through knockdown of Sc Ubxd8 gene in vivo , there were significant shifts in expression patterns of genes related to LC-PUFA biosynthesis, concurrently influencing fatty acids compositions. These results suggested that Sc UBXD8 likely plays a regulatory role in LC-PUFA biosynthesis, possibly through the INSIG-SREBP pathway. Collectively, this study proposed that S. constricta might maintain LC-PUFA homeostasis through UBXD8 to regulate their biosynthesis. • Characteristics of S. constricta UBXD8 (Sc UBXD8) were evolutionarily conserved. • Sc UBXD8 displayed ability to sense unsaturated fatty acids but not saturated ones. • Knocking down Sc Ubxd8 significantly disrupted LC-PUFA synthesis in S. constricta. • Knocking down Sc Ubxd8 significantly altered fatty composition in S. constricta. • S. constricta might sense LC-PUFA pool through UBXD8 to maintain homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor, characterized by high heterogeneity, strong invasiveness, poor prognosis, and a low survival rate. A broad range of nanoparticles have been recently developed as drug delivery systems for GBM therapy owing to their inherent size effect and ability to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Lipid-based nanoparticles (LBNPs), such as liposomes, solid lipid NPs (SLNs), and nano-structured lipid carriers (NLCs), have emerged as the most promising drug delivery system for the treatment of GBM because of their unique size, surface modification possibilities, and proven bio-safety. In this review, the main challenges of the current clinical treatment of GBM and the strategies on how novel LBNPs overcome them were explored. The application and progress of LBNP-based drug delivery systems in GBM chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and gene therapy in recent years were systematically reviewed, and the prospect of LBNPs for GBM treatment was discussed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we introduce a new quantum algebra which specializes to the 2-toroidal Lie algebra of type A 1. We prove that this quantum toroidal algebra has a natural triangular decomposition, a (topological) Hopf algebra structure and a vertex operator realization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

M1 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is a promising approach to breaking through therapeutic barriers imposed by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). As a clinically-used immunopotentiator for cancer patients after chemotherapies; however, the immunomodulatory mechanism and potential of polyporus polysaccharide (PPS) remains unclear. Here, we present mannose-decorated PPS-loaded superparamagnetic iron-based nanocomposites (Man/PPS-SPIONs) for synergistic M1 polarization of TAMs and consequent combinational anti-breast cancer therapy. Once internalized by M2-like TAMs, PPS released from Man/PPS-SPIONs induces the M1 polarization via IFN-γ secretion and downstream NF-κB pathway activating. The SPIONs within the nanocomposites mediate a Fenton reaction, producing OH· and activating the subsequent NF-κB/MAPK pathway, further facilitating the M1 polarization. The Man/PPS-SPIONs thereby establish a positive feedback loop of M1 polarization driven by the "IFN-γ-Fenton-NF-κB/MAPK" multi-pathway, leading to a series of anti-tumoral immunologic responses in the TME and holding promising potential in combinational anticancer therapies. Our study offers a new strategy to amplify TME engineering by combinational natural carbohydrate polymers and iron-based materials. [Display omitted] • Man/PPS-SPIONs exhibit tumor accumulation facilitated by an external magnetic field. • PPS and iron-based nanocarriers synergistically induce M1 polarization of TAMs. • The "IFN-γ-Fenton-NF-κB/MAPK" multi-pathway works for M1 polarization of TAMs. • Man/PPS-SPIONs created a favorable condition for celastrol-based therapy. • Man/PPS-SPIONs overcomes the limitations of celastrol in anti-tumor therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Without any chemical agent or rare gas, microwave plasma surface modification only consuming low-power electricity and ambient air. • Rapid hydrophobicity recovery of seriously contaminated silicone rubber on the order of 10 s, with a nice long-term aging performance. • Competition between plasma-enabled bond-breaking/etching and oxidization dictates hydrophobicity. • Targeted at power system in severe environment, highly-efficient, environmentally-friendly, and on-line treatment to reduce the risk of pollution flashover. The loss of hydrophobicity of silicone rubber (SR) insulators due to contamination accumulation will increase the risk of flashover and threaten the stability of electrical power system. To solve this problem, a highly efficient and environmentally friendly microwave plasma surface treatment method is developed, which only consumes low-power electricity and ambient air without any chemical agent or rare gas. The hydrophobicity of seriously contaminated SR can be recovered on the order of 10 s, with a nice long-term aging performance under natural transfer. The underlying mechanism is revealed via carefully designed control experiments and systematic surface analysis. It is illustrated that the plasma-generated active species break the long chain of SR into non-crosslinked low-molecule-weight siloxanes (LMWs) and accelerate their transfer to contamination layer, while the bombing and etching effects of plasma manufacture a porous structure and increase the surface roughness. All of these factors will contribute to the increase of hydrophobicity. On the contrary, the oxidation effect of plasma will turn LMWs into polar groups and destroy the hydrophobicity, which should be restricted in practice. The microwave plasma treatment method developed in this work has the on-line application potential in power system for hydrophobicity recovery under severe contamination conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease caused by atherosclerosis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Owing to the synergistic regulation of cholesterol metabolism and lesion inflammation, the simultaneous administration of statins and nucleic acids is expected to alleviate atherosclerosis. In this work, we prepared atorvastatin- and galactose-modified trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles (GTANPs) with dual targeting to hepatocytes and lesional macrophages for encapsulating Baf60a siRNA (siBaf60a) and anti-miR-33 pDNA (pAnti-miR-33), attaining the effective codelivery of statins and nucleic acids. We demonstrated that GTANPs/siBaf60a and GTANPs/pAnti-miR-33 had in vitro antiinflammatory and lipid regulating efficacy. In ApoE-knockout atherosclerotic mice, intravenously injected GTANPs/siBaf60a synergistically reduced the plasma cholesterol and atherosclerotic plaque area; more importantly, orally delivered GTANPs/pAnti-miR-33 synergistically increased the levels of plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and antiinflammatory cytokines, resulting in a satisfactory antiatherosclerotic outcome. Our results suggest that codelivery of statins and nucleic acids provides a promising strategy for the treatment of atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]