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Applying machine learning methods to various modality medical images and clinical data for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its prodromal stage has many significant results. So far, the image data input to classifier mainly focus on 2D or 3D images. Although some functional imaging technologies, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), generate 4D data which contain both spatial and time-varying information of the brain, for the lack of suitable 4D image processing algorithm, these 4D data were always used by transforming them into functional connectivity or slicing them into 2D/3D pictures which causing apparent information loss. In this paper, we present a 4D deep learning model (C3d-LSTM) for AD discrimination, which is able to utilize the spatial and time-varying information simultaneously by dealing with 4D fMRI data directly. The proposed C3d-LSTM combines a series of 3D convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to extract spatial features from each volume of 3D static image in fMRI image sequence. Then the feature maps obtained were put into the long short-term memory (LSTM) network to capture the time-varying information contained in the data. Because of the design of structure, C3d-LSTM became an end-to-end data-driven model, which was more convenient for processing 4D fMRI data. The model proposed conducted on the AD Neuroimaging Initiative dataset for algorithm evaluation compared with controlled experiments. Results showed that using 4D fMRI data directly with the proposed method did make a far better result for AD detection than the methods using functional connectivity, 2D, or 3D fMRI data. It demonstrated our assumption that making the most of the natural spatial and temporal information preserved in 4D fMRI data is significant for AD detection and can increase the performance of the classifier. Meanwhile the result implied that the C3d-LSTM model proposed is a suitable model for processing 4D fMRI data and extracting the spatio-temporal property of fMRI data fully for diagnosis of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase change material as the core of latent heat energy storage technology, suffers from the "solid-liquid phase change" problem. In this study, "solid-solid" composite phase change materials (CPCMs) have been developed using olefin block copolymers (OBC) and decanoic acid. With ≥30 wt% OBC, the physical shapes of the developed CPCMs nearly remain unchanged after 100 times of thermal cycling, without significant changes in the phase change properties. The addition of graphite powder leads to a significant enhancement in thermal conductivity of up to 18 times, which leads to excellent control of battery maximum temperature and temperature uniformity. In the battery thermal management test, the developed CPCM achieves a maximum of 3 °C and 10.5 °C reductions in maximum temperature difference and peak temperature, respectively. The CPCMs also prolong the thermal preservation time by 3 times. In the pack level test, the use of CPCM plates leads to a maximum temperature reduction of 15 °C on the commercial battery pack under 55 °C extreme working temperature. • CPCMs retain their shape and properties after 100 times of thermal cycling. • The thermal conductivity of the CPCMs were improved by up to 8 times. • 10.5 °C of peak temperature reduction was achieved with the CPCM. • The developed CPCMs prolonged the thermal preservation time by ∼3 times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 0.5 MW el solar-driven energy system for hydrogen and power generation was simulated. • Two different locations along with three different scenarios were defined for the system. • Different capacities for solar collectors for each location were offered. • Kashi had less exergy destruction than Lanfang city and was selected as the proposer location. • Nearly 1.4 kg/h of green hydrogen and 2.7 kg/h of oxygen can be obtained from the plant. Hydrogen as a fuel has drawn the attention of policymakers and scientists in recent years. Also, the exploitation of solar energy based-technologies cannot be ignored due to solar energy abundance and free nature and due to the problems caused by fossil fuel consumption. On the other hand, the integration of solar energy systems with other common technologies can improve the overall performance and reliability of the power plant. The main aim of this paper is to conceptually design a 0.5 MW el power plant based on solar farms consisting of photovoltaic (PV) panels and parabolic trough collectors (PTC) to generate power and green hydrogen. The proposed power plant uses an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system to generate electricity. An alkaline electrolyzer is installed to produce green hydrogen and oxygen gas. The thermal energy required in this cycle is obtained by a solar farm based on concentrating collectors. On the other hand, since solar energy is intermittently in nature, an electrical energy storage system (PH-CA) has been installed in the power plant. The performance of the power plant has been compared with the assumption of implementation in two different climatic conditions in Asia (Kashi and Langfang). Furthermore, three different scenarios based on different capacities of solar PV and ORC sections have been suggested. The proposed energy system and its configuration have a new design that has not been reported in the literature. It was found that the proposed power plant in Kashi can be better than Langfang. Because the power plant in Kashi needs fewer solar arrays and collectors compared to Langfang. In addition, the exergy destruction of the power plant in Kashi is less than Langfang. Also, the lowest exergy destruction of power plants and required organic fluid in both cities is related to the third scenario. Results indicate the size of the storage system should be approximately 2245 m3. Furthermore, the storage efficiency of the power plant was 62.16 %. Finally, nearly 1.4 kg/h of green hydrogen and 2.7 kg/h of oxygen gas can be obtained from the proposed plant at the selected location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planetary gearbox vibration signals feature complex modulations, thus leading to intricate sideband structure and resulting in difficulty in fault characteristic frequency identification. Intrinsic time-scale decomposition has unique merits, such as high adaptability to changes in signals, low computational complexity, good capability to suppress mode mixing and to preserve temporal information of transients, and excellent suitability for mono-component decomposition of complex multi-component signals. In order to address the issue with planetary gearbox fault diagnosis due to the multiple modulation sources, a joint amplitude and frequency demodulation analysis method is proposed, by exploiting the merits of intrinsic time-scale decomposition. The signal is firstly decomposed into a series of mono-component proper rotational components. Then the one with its instantaneous frequency fluctuating around the gear meshing frequency or its harmonics is selected as the sensitive component. Next, Fourier transformation is applied to the instantaneous amplitude and instantaneous frequency of the sensitive component to obtain the amplitude and frequency demodulated spectra respectively. Finally, a planetary gearbox fault is diagnosed by matching the peaks in the amplitude and frequency demodulated spectra with the theoretical gear fault characteristic frequencies. The proposed method is illustrated by a numerical simulated signal, and further validated by lab experimental signals of a planetary gearbox. The localized faults of sun, planet and ring gears are diagnosed, showing the effectiveness of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fluorophores in the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) biological window (1000 – 1700 nm) show great application prospects in the fields of biology and optical communications. However, both excellent radiative transition and nonradiative transition cannot be achieved simultaneously for the majority of traditional fluorophores. Herein, tunable nanoparticles formulated with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) heater are developed rationally. The system can be implemented via the development of an ideal synergistic system that can not only produce photothermal from nonspecific triggers but also trigger carbon radical release. Once accumulating in tumors and subsequently being irradiated with 808 nm laser, the nanoparticles (NMB@NPs) encapsulated with NMDPA‐MT‐BBTD (NMB) are splitted due to the photothermal effect of NMB, leading to the decomposition of azo bonds in the nanoparticle matrix to generate carbon radical. Accompanied by second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) window emission from the NMB, fluorescence image‐guided thermodynamic therapy (TDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) which significantly inhibited the growth of oral cancer and negligible systemic toxicity is achieved synergistically. Taken together, this AIE luminogens‐based synergistic photothermal‐thermodynamic strategy brings a new insight into the design of superior versatile fluorescent NPs for precise biomedical applications and holds great promise to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on soft‐switched continuous conduction mode boost converter, a zero‐voltage zero‐current switching DC/DC converter is proposed by introducing a flyback‐unit and a voltage‐double‐unit. The proposed converter can achieve high voltage gain without operating at extreme high duty cycle. Moreover, by replacing the output diode of conventional boost converter with an active switch, zero‐voltage‐switched turn‐on of switches and zero‐current‐switched turn‐off of diodes can be achieved, which reduce switching loss and alleviate reverse‐recovery problem of diodes. Furthermore, the energy in leakage inductor can be transferred into the output of the converter to improve the efficiency. The operating characteristics and the voltage gain of the proposed converter are analysed. Experimental results of a 100 W prototype are provided to verify the theoretical analysis results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hierarchical coating was fabricated via a roller painting method with a layer of fluorine-modified boron nitride (fBN) nanoparticles buried in a porous network of Al 2 O 3 microparticles bridged by a fluorocarbon (FC) resin. The sticky FC resin made the fBN nanoparticles firmly locked in the cavities and this enhanced structural stability of the Al 2 O 3 -based porous network. This enabled the formation of a superhydrophobic coating with excellent resistance to environmental erosion and high thermal conductivity. The de-icing temperature of this coating was lowered by 22.2 °C in comparison with a conventional superhydrophobic coating. A case study showed a potential of applying this coating onto large-sized uneven surface like turbine blades. • A hierarchical coating with robust superhydrophobicity in harsh environments was realized. • This hierarchical structure was constructed via interlocking two layers of thermal conductive particles. • This hierarchical coating was easily realized on the uneven surface in large scale via a roller painting process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To clarify the function of miRNA-19b-3p in accelerating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury- (MIRI-) induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by downregulating gene of phosphate and tension homology deleted on chromsome ten (PTEN), thus influencing the progression of acute myocardial infarction. Materials and Methods. miRNA-19b-3p and PTEN levels in HCM cells undergoing hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) were determined. Meanwhile, activities of myocardium injury markers [lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde; malonic dialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX)] in H/R-induced HCM cells were tested. Through dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, the binding between miRNA-19b-3p and PTEN was verified. Regulatory effects of miRNA-19b-3p and PTEN on apoptotic rate and apoptosis-associated gene expressions (proapoptotic protein Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), antiapoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and cytochrome C) in H/R-induced human cardiac myocytes (HCM) cells were examined. Results. miRNA-19b-3p was upregulated, while PTEN was downregulated in H/R-induced HCM cells. Knockdown of miRNA-19b-3p decreased activities of LDH, MDA, and GSH-PX, but increased SOD level in H/R-induced HCM cells. The binding between miRNA-19b-3p and PTEN was confirmed. More importantly, knockdown of miRNA-19b-3p reduced apoptotic rate, downregulated proapoptosis gene expressions (Bax and cytochrome C), and upregulated antiapoptosis gene expression (Bcl-2), which were reversed by silence of PTEN. Conclusions. miRNA-19b-3p is upregulated in HCM cells undergoing hypoxia and reoxygenation, which accelerates MIRI-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis through downregulating PTEN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose Periodontal maintenance is critical for the long-term success of prosthodontic treatment. This study investigates the validity of questionnaires/models in monitoring periodontitis for Chinese prosthodontic patients. Methods In total, 114 patients completed the questionnaire. The chi-squared test and classification and regression trees were used to screen for predictive items. Predictive models developed by Yamamoto et al. and Dietrich et al. were validated using ROC curves and calibration plots. Results Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that demographic features (age, gender, smoking history, education history and number of remaining teeth), symptoms(tooth mobility without injury, painful gums), dental recommendations ('need periodontal or gum treatment?') and treatment history (scaling and root planing) were predictive of periodontitis. The AUC values of the Yamamoto model and Dietrich's model-a and model-b were 0.67, 0.89, and 0.89 for moderate/severe periodontitis and 0.78, 0.93, and 0.93 for severe periodontitis, respectively. The calibration plot showed that Dietrich's model-a and model-b accurately predicted the actual probability of moderate/severe and severe periodontitis, respectively. Conclusion Questionnaires may be an efficient approach to monitor periodontal health in China. Dietrich's models, with age, smoking and self-reported mobility as predictors, can be used to monitor periodontal health for Chinese prosthodontic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The road friction coefficient is a key parameter for autonomous vehicles and vehicle dynamic control. With the development of autonomous vehicles, increasingly, more environmental perception sensors are being installed on vehicles, which means that more information can be used to estimate the road friction coefficient. In this paper, a nonlinear observer aided by vehicle lateral displacement information for estimating the road friction coefficient is proposed. First, the tire brush model is modified to describe the tire characteristics more precisely in high friction conditions using tire test data. Then, on the basis of vehicle dynamics and a kinematic model, a nonlinear observer is designed, and the self-aligning torque of the wheel, lateral acceleration, and vehicle lateral displacement are used to estimate the road friction coefficient during steering. Finally, slalom tests and DLC (Double Line Change) tests in high friction conditions are conducted to verify the proposed estimation algorithm. Test results showed that the proposed method performs well during steering and the estimated road friction coefficient converges to the reference value rapidly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AD is a common chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder. However, the understanding of the dynamic longitudinal change of the brain in the progression of AD is still rough and sometimes conflicting. This paper analyzed the brain networks of healthy people and patients at different stages (EMCI, LMCI, and AD). The results showed that in global network properties, most differences only existed between healthy people and patients, and few were discovered between patients at different stages. However, nearly all subnetwork properties showed significant differences between patients at different stages. Moreover, the most interesting result was that we found two different functional evolving patterns of cortical networks in progression of AD, named 'temperature inversion' and "monotonous decline," but not the same monotonous decline trend as the external functional assessment observed in the course of disease progression. We suppose that those subnetworks, showing the same functional evolving pattern in AD progression, may have something the same in work mechanism in nature. And the subnetworks with 'temperature inversion' evolving pattern may play a special role in the development of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this systematic review was to compare the survival rate, marginal bone loss changes and complications between short implants (5‐8 mm) and long implants (≥10 mm) with a bone‐augmented procedure in the posterior jaw. An electronic search of the MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase and Cochrane Library databases through September 2018 was done to identify randomised controlled trials (RCT) assessing short implants and long implants with at least a 1‐year follow‐up period after loading. A quantitative meta‐analysis was conducted on the survival rate, marginal bone loss changes and complications. Ten RCTs met the inclusion criteria. There were no significant differences in the survival rate (RR: 1.01; 95% CI: [0.99, 1.03]; P = .32) and complications (RR: 0.48; 95% CI: [0.20, 1.17]; P = .11) between the two groups. Compared with the long implant group, the short implant group had a lower marginal bone loss change, and the effect measure was significant (mean difference: −0.13; 95% CI: [−0.20, −0.06]; P < .05). This systematic review showed no difference between the survival rates and complications of short implants (5‐8 mm) and long implants (≥10 mm). The marginal bone loss changes in short implants are lower than those in long implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontitis is a chronic disease that includes the pathologic loss of periodontal tissue and alveolar bone. The inflammatory environment in periodontitis impairs the osteogenic differentiation potential and depresses the regeneration capacity of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs). Since Forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) plays an important role in redox balance and bone formation, we investigated the role of FoxO1 in oxidative stress resistance and osteogenic differentiation in an inflammatory environment by overexpressing FoxO1 in hPDLSCs. First, we found that FoxO1 overexpression reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and elevated antioxidant potential under oxidative condition. Next, the overexpression of FoxO1 protected hPDLSCs against oxidative damage, which involved stabilization of the mitochondrial membrane potential. Third, overexpressed FoxO1 promoted extracellular matrix (ECM) mineralization and increased the expression of the osteogenic markers Runx2 and SP7 in the inflammatory environment. These results indicated that FoxO1 overexpression in hPDLSCs has an anti-inflammatory effect, increases antioxidative capacity, and positively regulates osteogenesis in a mimicked inflammatory environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The cytotoxicity of CHX was dose and time dependent, while MMP8-I (0–500 μM) had no obvious cytotoxicity until the concentration of 1000 μM. • The treatment of MMP8-I did not cause the obvious oxidative stress and cell apoptosis on MDPC-23. • Comparing with CHX, MMP8-I had not caused the obvious disorder of immune response. Abstract Objective This study investigated the effect of matrix metalloproteinase-8 inhibitor I (MMP8-I) and chlorhexidine (CHX) on the viability, oxidative stress and cytokine secretion of MDPC-23 under short-term (30 min) and long-term (3 days) culture. Methods MDPC-23 were treated with MMP8-I or CHX for 30 min, 1 day, 2 days and 3 days to detect the proliferation by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. In the following assays, MDPC-23 treated with 0.0003% CHX were referred to CHX group, treated with 8 μM MMP8-I were MMP8-I group. Cells without additional treatment were regarded as control group. The cell cycle, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry. The cytokine level was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results In 30 min, CHX at concentrations higher than 0.0003% dilution inhibited cell proliferation when compared to the control group. MMP8-I (0.1–500 μM) showed no obvious cytotoxicity to MDPC-23, and MMP8-I (1000 μM) inhibited cell proliferation. In 3 days, CHX (0.0003%) significantly inhibited cell growth, while MMP8-I (8 μM) had no cytotoxicity. In the CHX group, the S phase population was decreased, and cellular ROS were increased in 3 days. In the MMP8-I group, the change of S phase population and cellular ROS was not significant compared with the control group. Cell apoptosis was not elevated in the MMP8-I group, while the apoptosis rate was increased in the CHX group both in 30 min and 3 days. In 30 min, CHX treatment significantly increased the secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-8, but slightly increased the secretion of IL-10, while MMP8-I caused no change in cytokines. In 3 days, CHX treatment significantly increased the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, and inhibited the secretion of IL-10. MMP8-I treatment caused the increase of IL-6. Significance Compared with CHX, MMP8-I at low concentration did not result in cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, or the disorder of immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This study investigated the effect of matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8) on resin–dentin bonds, assessed the mechanical properties of the interfaces over time, and discussed the potential application of MMP-8 inhibitor I (MMP8-I) as a specific MMP-8 inhibitor to be incorporated into dental adhesives. Methods The activation and inhibition of MMP-8 was detected by colorimetric assay. After 1 day, 6 months and 1 year of storage of Control, MMP8-I, and chlorhexidine (CHX) groups, the microtensile bond strengths (μTBS) were used to evaluate the bond strength and failure mode distributions, and nanoleakage analysis was used to evaluate the minor scattered silver particles. Results Colorimetric assay showed that the activated MMP-8 was enhanced by adhesive procedures, while it was inhibited by the additional treatment of MMP8-I or CHX. Compared with the Control and CHX groups, the MMP8-I group had significantly higher bond strength and the hybrid layer from the MMP8-I-treated dentin exhibited structural integrity of the collagen network and decreased silver nitrate penetration after 1 year of storage. Significance MMP-8 inhibition I protects against the degradation of resin–dentin bonds over time, which is better than broad-scale enzyme inhibitor CHX. It shows that MMP8-I may be used in dentistry for preventing collagen degradation within hybrid layers to extend the longevity of resin–dentin bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: During long‐term culture, loss of stemness is observed which greatly restricts the application of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) in tissue regeneration. Oestrogen (E2) was found to significantly enhance the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation capacity in mesenchymal stem cells. Therefore, in this study, we investigated effects of E2 on hPDLSCs stemness in long‐term culture. Materials and methods: Effects of E2 on hPDLSCs stemness were systematically evaluated. To characterize underlying the mechanisms, its effects on PI3K/AKT signalling pathway were determined. Results: Our results showed that E2 was able to enhance the proliferation, modify cell cycle, up‐regulate stemness‐related genes expression, promote osteogenic differentiation and elevate the positive rate of CD146 and STRO‐1 over 10 passages in hPDLSCs. Importantly, PI3K/AKT signing pathway might play a role in these effects. Conclusions: These findings suggest that E2 retains hPDLSCs stemness in long‐term culture, which might enhance its application in tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontitis is the main cause of adult tooth loss. Stem cell-based tissue engineering has become a promising therapy for periodontitis treatment. To date, human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) have been shown to be a favorable source for tissue engineering, but modulatory mechanisms of hPDLSCs remain unclear. Approximately 60% of mammalian genes are the targets of over 2000 miRNAs in multiple human cell types, and miRNAs are able to influence various biological processes in the human body, including bone formation. In this study, we found that after osteogenic induction, miR-214 was significantly decreased in hPDLSCs; therefore, we examined the effects of miR-214 on osteogenic differentiation. Computational miRNA target prediction analyses and luciferase reporter assays revealed that activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) is a direct target of miR-214. We prepared cells overexpressing miR-214 and found that miR-214 negatively regulates osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs. For the target of miR-214, ATF4 protein expression level was decreased after induction. In conclusion, we found that miR-214-ATF4 axis is a novel pathway for regulating hPDLSC osteogenic differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontitis is the most common cause of tooth loss and bone destruction in adults worldwide. Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) may represent promising new therapeutic biomaterials for tissue engineering applications. Stromal precursor antigen-1 (STRO-1) has been shown to have roles in adherence, proliferation, and multipotency. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) has been shown to enhance proliferation in osteoblasts. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to compare the functions of STRO-1(+) and STRO-1(−) hPDLSCs and to investigate the effects of PTH on the osteogenic capacity of STRO-1(+) hPDLSCs in order to evaluate their potential applications in the treatment of periodontitis. Our data showed that STRO-1(+) hPDLSCs expressed higher levels of the PTH-1 receptor (PTH1R) than STRO-1(−) hPDLSCs. In addition, intermittent PTH treatment enhanced the expression of PTH1R and osteogenesis-related genes in STRO-1(+) hPDLSCs. PTH-treated cells also exhibited increased alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization ability. Therefore, STRO-1(+) hPDLSCs represented a more promising cell resource for biomaterials and tissue engineering applications. Intermittent PTH treatment improved the capacity for STRO-1(+) hPDLSCs to repair damaged tissue and ameliorate the symptoms of periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) can predict the occurrence and prognosis of coronary heart disease (CHD) in the Western population; however, the role of HDL-C in Chinese populations is unclear. Thus, we investigated the predictive value of HDL-C on the risk and clinical outcomes of CHD in the Han Chinese population. Methods: In a case–control study, plasma HDL-C levels of CHD patients and controls were evaluated to analyse the diagnostic value of HDL-C on CHD. In a prospective cohort study, the predictive value of HDL-C on the development of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was determined in CHD patients who underwent a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Results: In the case–control study, HDL-C levels were significantly lower in patients with CHD (n = 375) compared to the controls (n = 328, P < 0.05). There were more male patients in the CHD group than in the control group. Logistic regression analysis showed that, relative to other lipid parameters, the relationship between HDL-C levels and CHD showed the strongest association. A stratified analysis showed that gender did not affect the relationship between HDL-C levels and CHD. The prospective cohort study found that in the low HDL-C subgroup of CHD patients (n = 249) who underwent PCI, 62 (24.9%) patients experienced a MACE during the 120-week follow-up period. However, only 15 (6.8%) patients experienced a MACE in the high HDL-C subgroup (n = 219; P < 0.05). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that the MACE rate and death rate were significantly higher in the low HDL-C subgroup than in their counterparts with high HDL-C levels (P < 0.05). The Cox regression analysis showed that HDL-C was an independent predictor of a MACE during the follow-up period (hazard ratio = 0.395, P = 0.005). Conclusions: Low HDL-C was the most powerful lipid parameter for predicting the risk and the clinical outcome of CHD in the Han Chinese population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]