Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a comprehensive, non-invasive and cost-effective imaging assessment approach, which can provide the ability to identify the characteristics and morphology of high-risk atherosclerotic plaques associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The development of CCTA and latest advances in emerging technologies, such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), have made it possible not only to identify the morphological characteristics of high-risk plaques non-invasively, but also to assess the hemodynamic parameters, the environment surrounding coronaries and so on, which may help to predict the risk of ACS. In this review, we present how CCTA was used to characterize the composition and morphology of high-risk plaques prone to ACS and the current role of CCTA, including emerging CCTA technologies, advanced analysis, and characterization techniques in prognosticating the occurrence of ACS.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Evidence shows that ischemic stroke (IS) accounts for nearly 80 percent of all strokes and that the etiology, risk factors, and prognosis of this disease differ by gender. Female patients may bear a greater burden than male patients. The immune system may play an important role in the pathophysiology of females with IS. Therefore, it is critical to investigate the key biomarkers and immune infiltration of female IS patients to develop effective treatment methods. Herein, we used weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to determine the key modules and core genes in female IS patients using the GSE22255, GSE37587, and GSE16561 datasets from the GEO database. Subsequently, we performed functional enrichment analysis and built a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Ten genes were selected as the true central genes for further investigation. After that, we explored the specific molecular and biological functions of these hub genes to gain a better understanding of the underlying pathogenesis of female IS patients. Moreover, the “Cell type Identification by Estimating Relative Subsets of RNA Transcripts (CIBERSORT)” was used to examine the distribution pattern of immune subtypes in female patients with IS and normal controls, revealing a new potential target for clinical treatment of the disease.

A complex of pillar[5]arene with a zwitterionic guest demonstrated excellent antibacterial and biofilm formation inhibition and dispersal activities against E. coli, S. aureus and MRSA.

Macrophage polarization plays a vital role in regulating inflammation, and the balance of this process is crucial for maintaining tissue health and influencing disease progression. Recent studies have shown how macrophages can adapt their phenotypes in response to their surroundings, underscoring the importance of their polarization changes in various inflammatory conditions, such as infections, tumors, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune diseases. This review brings together significant advancements in our understanding of the signaling pathways involved in inflammation, the role of epigenetic factors, metabolic changes, and the development of targeted therapies, with the goal of offering new perspectives on treating inflammation-related diseases.

Much attention has been paid to the fabrication of advanced materials to solve the global plastic pollution crisis. This study developed a sustainable coating material, Poly(TA-DES-Cu), a thioctic acid-based covalent adaptable network (CAN). The synergistic noncovalent interactions of Cu²⁺–carboxyl coordination and DES-involved hydrogen bonding in Poly(TA-DES-Cu) endow the elastomer with good mechanical properties (1808% fracture strain and 7.92 MJ m⁻³ toughness), self-healing capability (25–60 °C, >80% stress recovery after 10 cycles), interfacial adhesion (2.52 MPa on steel) and recyclability. In particular, the cooperative dynamic noncovalent interactions and molecular chain slippage enable efficient energy dissipation and puncture resistance (11.42 mJ), leading to its further application as a coating material. After coating on nonwoven fabrics, it not only enhances the mechanical performance but also leads to broad-spectrum antibacterial activity of the resulting composite material. This strategy provides a novel approach for designing sustainable intelligent polymer materials.

Background: Post‐stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a common complication following stroke, with limited effective treatments. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of two non‐pharmacological interventions—electroacupuncture therapy (EA) and herbal olfactory therapy (HOT)—in improving cognitive function in PSCI patients, both as standalone treatments and in combination. Methods: This parallel‐group, assessor‐blinded, randomized controlled trial will recruit 210 PSCI patients, randomly assigned to one of six groups: control, EA, HOT, combination therapy, sham therapy, or the healthy (ratio 1:1:1:1:1:1). All participants will receive standard cognitive training and basic medical care. The EA group will receive 4 weeks of electro‐acupuncture at specific acupoints. The HOT group will receive 4 weeks of aromatic inhalation therapy using Acorus tatarinowii volatile oil. The combination group will receive both interventions. The primary outcome measure is cognitive function, assessed using the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) at baseline, week 4, and week 8. Secondary outcomes include the mini‐mental state examination (MMSE), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and anxiety assessment using the state‐trait anxiety inventory (STAI) at baseline and week 4. Data analysis will be conducted using a modified intention‐to‐treat approach. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of EA at cervical acupoints combined with HOT for PSCI, with a specific focus on determining the therapeutic superiority of this combined approach over monotherapy interventions.