Self-Assembled Fe₃O₄/Polymer Hybrid Microbubble with MRI/Ultrasound Dual-Imaging Enhancement

An Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle/polymer hybrid microbubble was developed using a facile self-assembly approach. This approach involves two steps, including the initial fabrication of the iron oxide nanoparticle (IONP)/polymer hybrid microcapsules via self-assembly and a subsequent gas-filling process to yield the final microbubbles. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the composite gas-filled microbubbles exhibit excellent <i>T</i>₂-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enhancement as well as ultrasound (US) imaging enhancement capabilities. Besides, this flexible approach allows the facile control of the microbubbles’ size and thus the imaging capabilities of the microbubbles through the tuning of the molar ratio between the precursors

Pairwise linkage disequilibrium.

<p>Pairwise linkage disequilibrium.</p

Haplotype frequencies of FTO genetic variants in overweight (n = 178) and controls (n = 223).

<p>Haplotype frequencies of FTO genetic variants in overweight (n = 178) and controls (n = 223).</p

The association of FTO gene SNP with obesity related parameters.

<p>Notes M: male; F: female;</p><p>After adjusting for multiple test, <i>P</i>>0.05.</p

Allele and genotype frequencies of FTO genetic variants in overweight (n = 178) and controls (n = 223).

<p>Allele and genotype frequencies of FTO genetic variants in overweight (n = 178) and controls (n = 223).</p

General characteristic of the sampled adolescents by phenotype distribution.

<p>Notes M: male; F: female; * P<0.05.</p

Whole-exome sequencing reveals novel variants associated with abnormal uterine bleeding caused by copper intrauterine device Supplementary Materials

Aim: This study aimed to explore the genetic risk factors and validate variants of abnormal uterine bleeding after copper intrauterine device insertion. Methods: Whole-exome sequencing was performed and several variants were validated by Sequenom MassARRAY. Results: Eight variants showed potential clinical damage according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics criteria. By combined analysis of screening and validation, NFASC RS2802808 C>G p.Ile971Met (Pallele = 0.009 and Pgenotype = 0.027) and PIGR RS2275531 C>T p.Gly365Ser (Pallele = 0.009 and Pgenotype = 0.013) variants were identified as significantly associated with abnormal uterine bleeding with a false discovery rate and PIGR may play a role in abnormal uterine bleeding by regulating coagulation fibrinolysis and endometrial epithelium inflammation functions. Conclusion: These findings provide a genetic basis for clinical individualization and precision of intrauterine device implantation.</p