Association between serum Klotho concentration and hyperlipidemia in adults: a cross-sectional study from NHANES 2007–2016

ObjectiveThe Klotho protein is a well-documented anti-aging protein known for its diverse biological functions. Hyperlipidemia is an established independent risk factor for various chronic diseases. However, there is limited understanding of the connection between Klotho and hyperlipidemia. The aim was to assess the association between serum Klotho levels and hyperlipidemia among adults.MethodsThe study included 11,618 individuals from the NHANES database from 2006 to 2017. Hyperlipidemia was diagnosed following the National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines. Serum Klotho concentration was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, and the association between Klotho and hyperlipidemia was assessed by a multivariable logistic regression model. Fitted smoothing curves and threshold-effect analysis were employed to describe nonlinear relationships.ResultsIn our multiple logistic regression models, serum Klotho concentration was significantly associated with hyperlipidemia after adjusting for comprehensive confounders (per SD increment odds ratio (OR): 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.86–0.97). Compared to individuals in the lowest Klotho quartile, those in the highest quartile exhibited a substantially decreased prevalence of hyperlipidemia (OR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.58–0.90). Using a two-segment logistic regression model, we identified a U-shaped relationship between serum Klotho concentration and hyperlipidemia, with an inflection point at 1,365.5 pg/mL. Subgroup analysis did not reveal any potential moderating effects.ConclusionThis study revealed an inverse relationship between Klotho levels and hyperlipidemia. Further investigation is warranted to explore the underlying mechanism between serum Klotho and hyperlipidemia

Causal relationship between atrial fibrillation and cognitive impairment: a Mendelian randomization study

Objective·To investigate the causal relationship between atrial fibrillation (AF) and cognitive impairment.Methods·A two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) analysis was used to assess the potential causality of AF on cognitive dysfunction. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) strongly associated with AF were extracted as instrumental variables by using a dataset of a large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) on AF. The associations of SNPs with Alzheimer′s disease dementia, Parkinson′s disease dementia, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, undefined dementia, and overall cognitive function assessment were extracted separately from publicly available GWAS data on cognitive dysfunction. The inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method was used for the main analysis, and sensitivity analyses were conducted by using Cochran′s Q test, MR-Egger regression, and leave-one-out method. To verify the robustness of the results, replicate analyses and meta-analyses were performed by using different GWAS data.Results·In the initial analysis, 101 SNPs were extracted as instrumental variables from a meta-analysis of a genome-wide association study involving up to 1 030 836 individuals. The IVW analysis showed no evidence for causal associations between AF and dementia [dementia (OR=1.032; 95%CI 0.973‒1.094; P=0.290), Parkinson′s disease dementia (OR=1.004; 95%CI 0.780‒1.291; P=0.977), vascular dementia (OR=1.123; 95%CI 0.969‒1.301; P=0.125), or unspecified dementia (OR=1.013; 95%CI 0.910‒1.129; P=0.807)]. In the replication analysis, 27 SNPs were extracted as instrumental variables from the FinnGen AF GWAS data, and the IVW analysis were consistent with the initial analysis [cognitive function (OR=0.999; 95%CI 0.982‒1.016; P=0.874), Alzheimer′s disease dementia (OR=0.977; 95%CI 0.943‒1.012; P=0.193), Lewy body dementia (OR=1.014; 95%CI 0.898‒1.145; P=0.826), or frontotemporal dementia (OR=0.996; 95%CI 0.745‒1.333; P=0.980)]. Both Mendelian randomization analyses and meta-analyses showed no evidence of an association between genetically predicted AF and different types of dementia or overall cognitive function assessment. MR-Egger regression suggested no horizontal pleiotropy and leave-one-out analysis showed stable results after individually removing each SNP.Conclusion·No evidence of a causal relationship between AF and cognitive impairment was found. The associations observed in observational studies can be partially attributed to confounding factors such as shared biology or co-morbidities

Associations of serum carotenoids with visceral adiposity index and lipid accumulation product: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES 2001–2006

Abstract Background Visceral adiposity index (VAI) and lipid accumulation product (LAP) are comprehensive indicators to evaluate visceral fat and determine the metabolic health of individuals. Carotenoids are a group of naturally occurring antioxidants associated with several diseases. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the association between serum carotenoid concentration and VAI or LAP. Methods The data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2001 and 2006. The levels of serum carotenoids were evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography. Multivariate linear regression models were employed to investigate the relationship between levels of serum carotenoids and VAI or LAP. The potential non-linear relationship was determined using threshold effect analysis and fitted smoothing curves. Stratification analysis was performed to investigate the potential modifying factors. Results In total, 5,084 participants were included in this population-based investigation. In the multivariate linear regressions, compared to the lowest quartiles of serum carotenoids, the highest quartiles were significantly associated with VAI, and the effect size (β) and 95% CI was − 0.98 (− 1.34, − 0.62) for α-carotene, − 1.39 (− 1.77, − 1.00) for β-carotene, − 0.79 (− 1.18, − 0.41) for β-cryptoxanthin, − 0.68 (− 0.96, − 0.39) for lutein/zeaxanthin, and − 0.88 (− 1.50, − 0.27) for trans-lycopene. Using piece-wise linear regression models, non-linear relationships were found between β­carotene and trans-lycopene and VAI with an inflection point of 2.44 (log2-transformed, ug/dL) and 3.80 (log2-transformed, ug/dL), respectively. The results indicated that α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and lutein/zeaxanthin were linearly associated with VAI. An inverse association was also found between serum carotenoids and LAP after complete adjustments. Conclusion This study revealed that several serum carotenoids were associated with VAI or LAP among the general American population. Further large prospective investigations are warranted to support this finding

Recent Advances in Nanotechnology-Based Strategies for Bone Tuberculosis Management

Bone tuberculosis, an extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis, presents unique treatment challenges, including its insidious onset and complex pathology. While advancements in anti-tubercular therapy have been made, the efficacy is often limited by difficulties in achieving targeted drug concentrations and avoiding systemic toxicity. The intricate bone structure and presence of granulomas further impede effective drug delivery. Nano-drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising alternative, offering the enhanced targeting of anti-tubercular drugs. These systems, characterized by their minute size and adaptable surface properties, can be tailored to improve drug solubility, stability, and bioavailability, while also responding to specific stimuli within the bone TB microenvironment for controlled drug release. Nano-drug delivery systems can encapsulate drugs for precise delivery to the infection site. A significant innovation is their integration with prosthetics or biomaterials, which aids in both drug delivery and bone reconstruction, addressing the infection and its osteological consequences. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology of bone tuberculosis and its current treatments, emphasizing their limitations. It then delves into the advancements in nano-drug delivery systems, discussing their design, functionality, and role in bone TB therapy. The review assesses their potential in preclinical research, particularly in targeted drug delivery, treatment efficacy, and a reduction of side effects. Finally, it highlights the transformative promise of nanotechnology in bone TB treatments and suggests future research directions in this evolving field

Comparing treatment outcomes of fractional flow reserve-guided and angiography-guided percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with multi-vessel coronary artery diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose: Fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is used to assess the need for angioplasty in vessels with intermediate blockages. The treatment outcomes of FFR-guided vs. conventional angiography-guided PCI were evaluated in patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Prospective and retrospective studies comparing FFR-guided vs. angiography-guided PCI in patients with multi-vessel CAD were identified from medical databases by two independent reviewers using the terms “percutaneous coronary intervention, fractional flow reserve, angiography, coronary heart disease, major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and myocardial infarction”. The primary outcome was the number of stents placed, and the secondary outcomes were procedure time, mortality, myocardial infarction (MI) and MACE rates. Results: Seven studies (three retrospective and four prospective), which included 49,517 patients, were included in this review. A total of 4,755 patients underwent FFR, while 44,697 received angiography-guided PCI. The mean patient age ranged from 58 to 71.7 years. The average number of stents used in FFR patients ranged from 0.3-1.9, and in angiography-guided PCI patients ranged from 0.7-2.7. Analysis indicated there was a greater number of stents placed in the angiography-guided group compared with the FFR group (pooled difference in means: -0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.81 to -0.47, P < 0.001). There were no differences in the secondary outcomes between the two groups. Conclusions: Both procedures produce similar clinical outcomes, but the fewer number of stents used with FFR may have clinical as was as cost implications

A novel and efficient ammonia leaching method for recycling waste lithium ion batteries

Effective recycling waste lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are of great economic and environmental benefits. This study proposes a novel and efficient ammonia leaching method for recovering Co and Li from waste LIBs. This method yields a Co and Li leaching rate of 91.16% and 97.57%, respectively, under the optimal conditions (NH3 center dot H2O 120 g/L, NH4HCO3 75 g/L, n (Na2SO3): n (Co) = 2:1, 353 K, 240 min). Leaching kinetics also show that the speed-limiting step in this process is the interfacial chemical reaction, and the activation energy of Co and Li is 58.45 kJ mol(-1) and 50.05 kJ mol(-1), respectively. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersion spectrum (EDS), and x-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicate that the morphology of waste LIB powder are irregular granular and lamellar. Under the optimal condition, however, the leaching residues are scattered particles at a smaller size and the as formed MnCO3 particles are smooth with a uniform cubic structure. Besides, MnCO3 and graphite in the leaching residues can be separated and recovered. After that MnCO3 was further calcined to Mn3O4, a precursor for the production of new LIBs. Hence, a new and effective way for spent LIBs circular recycling is put forward, providing another choice for spent LIBs recycling industry. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.</p

Insights into the toxicological effects of nanomaterials on atherosclerosis: mechanisms involved and influence factors

Abstract Atherosclerosis is one of the most common types of cardiovascular disease and is driven by lipid accumulation and chronic inflammation in the arteries, which leads to stenosis and thrombosis. Researchers have been working to design multifunctional nanomedicines with the ability to target, diagnose, and treat atherosclerosis, but recent studies have also identified that nanomaterials can cause atherosclerosis. Therefore, this review aims to outline the molecular mechanisms and physicochemical properties of nanomaterials that promote atherosclerosis. By analyzing the toxicological effects of nanomaterials on cells involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis such as vascular endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells and immune cells, we aim to provide new perspectives for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, and raise awareness of nanotoxicology to advance the clinical translation and sustainable development of nanomaterials. Graphical Abstrac

Effect of ionic liquid [MIm]HSO4 on WPCB metal-enriched scraps refined by slurry electrolysis

Waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) are usually dismantled, crushed, and sorted to WPCB metal-enriched scraps, still containing an amount of non-metallic materials. This research used slurry electrolysis to refine these WPCB metal-enriched scraps and to examine if a standard ionic liquid, [MIm]HSO4, can replace H2SO4 in the system. The impact of the refinement process on metal migration and transformation is discussed in detail. The results demonstrated that metals in WPCB metal-enriched scraps could be successfully refined using slurry electrolysis, and [MIm]HSO4 can be used to replace H2SO4 in the system. When 80% of H2SO4 was replaced by [MIm]HSO4 (electrolyte of 200 mL, 30 g/L CuSO4 center dot 5H(2)O, 60 g/L NaCl, 130 g/L H2SO4, and 1.624 A for 4 h), the total metal recovery rate is 85%, and the purity, current efficiency, and particle size of cathode metal powder were 89%, 52%, and 3.77 mu m, respectively. Moreover, the microstructure of the cathode metal powder was dendritic in the H2SO4-CuSO4-NaCl slurry electrolysis system, whereas at an 80% [MIm]HSO4 substitution rate slurry electrolysis system, the cathode metal powder was irregular and accumulated as small-sized spherical particles. Thus, replacing inorganic leaching solvents with ionic liquids may provide a potential choice for the resources in WPCB metal-enriched scraps

Manganese and ammonia nitrogen recovery from electrolytic manganese residue by electric field enhanced leaching

Electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) is a solid waste generated in filters after sulfuric acid leaching of manganese carbonate ore, which contains manganese, ammonia nitrogen and heavy metals that cause damage to environment. In fact, leaching and recovery of manganese and ammonia nitrogen from EMR is the key to the harmless treatment and resource utilization of EMR. In this study, electric field was applied to leach manganese and ammonia nitrogen from EMR. In addition, carbonate precipitation and struvite precipitation methods were used to recover manganese and ammonia nitrogen from leaching solution. The results showed that the leaching efficiencies of manganese and ammonia nitrogen were 88.07% and 91.50%, respectively, when the current density was 35 mA/cm(2), the mass of H2SO4 and H2O2 were 9.15 wt % and 3.33 wt%, solid-liquid ratio was 1:5 at temperature of 40 degrees C leached for 120 min. All heavy metals content in leached EMR except Ni and Cd were below national standard (GB 15618-2018) by electric field enhanced leaching. Meanwhile, manganese and ammonia nitrogen in leaching solution were fractional recovered by MnCO3 and struvite, and the recovery efficiency of manganese and ammonia nitrogen was 98.6% and 98.0%, respectively. This study provides a direction for the effective harmless treatment and resource utilization of EMR. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Association between the stress–hyperglycemia ratio and all‐cause mortality in community‐dwelling populations: An analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2014

Abstract Background Reportedly, the stress–hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) is closely associated with poor prognosis in patients with severe acute disease. However, the community‐dwelling may also be in a state of stress due to environmental exposure. Our study aimed to explore the association between SHR and all‐cause mortality in the community‐dwelling population. Methods A total of 18 480 participants were included out of 82 091 from the NHANES 1999–2014 survey. The Kaplan–Meier survival analyses were used to assess the disparities in survival rates based on SHR, and the log‐rank test was employed to investigate the distinctions between groups. The multivariate Cox regression analysis and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis were performed to assess the association of SHR with all‐cause mortality. A subgroup analysis was also conducted. Results A total of 3188 deaths occurred during a median follow‐up period of 11.0 (7.7; 15.4) years. The highest risk for all‐cause mortality was observed when SHR≤ 0.843 or SHR ≥0.986 (log‐rank p < .001). After adjusting for the confounding factors, compared with subjects in the second SHR quartile (Q2), participants in the highest (Q4, adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28–1.73) and lowest quartiles (Q1, adjusted HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.16–1.60) have a higher probability of all‐cause death. The RCS observed a dose‐response U‐shaped association between SHR and all‐cause mortality. The U‐shaped association between SHR and all‐cause mortality was similar across subgroup analysis. Conclusions The SHR was significantly associated with all‐cause mortality in the community‐dwelling population, and the relationship was U‐shaped