Search

While uranyl-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) boast impressive photocatalytic abilities, significant questions remain regarding their excitation pathways and methods to fine-tune their performance due to the lack of information regarding heterogeneous uranyl catalysis. Herein, we investigated how linker identity and photoexcitation impact uranyl photocatalysis when the uranyl coordination environment remains constant. Toward this end, we prepared three uranyl-based MOFs ( NU-1301 , NU-1307 , and ZnTCPP-U2) and then examined the structural and photochemical properties of each through X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption, and photoluminescence. We then correlated our observations to the photocatalytic performance for fluorination of cyclooctane. The excitation profile from NU-1301 and NU-1307 exhibited spin-forbidden linker transitions and uranyl vibronic progressions, with uranyl excitation and emission being most dominant in NU-1301 . Consequently, NU-1301 was a more active photocatalyst than NU-1307 . In contrast, the excitation profile from ZnTCPP-U2 contained transitions associated with the porphyrin linker exclusively. Photocatalytic activity from ZnTCPP-U2 significantly underperformed in comparison to that of the other two MOFs. These data suggest that linkers' photophysical properties can be used to predict the photocatalytic behavior of uranyl-containing MOFs.

Proteins play important roles in the therapeutic, medical diagnostic, and chemical catalysis industries. However, their potential is often limited by their fragile and dynamic nature outside cellular environments. The encapsulation of proteins in solid materials has been widely pursued as a route to enhance their stability and ease of handling. Nevertheless, the experimental investigation of protein interactions with rationally designed synthetic hosts still represents an area in need of improvement. In this work, we leveraged the tunability and crystallinity of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and developed a series of crystallographically defined protein hosts with varying chemical properties. Through systematic studies, we identified the dominating mechanisms for protein encapsulation and developed a host material with well-tailored properties to effectively encapsulate the protein ubiquitin. Specifically, in our mesoporous hosts, we found that ubiquitin encapsulation is thermodynamically favored. A more hydrophilic encapsulation environment with favorable electrostatic interactions induces enthalpically favored ubiquitin-MOF interactions, and a higher pH condition reduces the intraparticle diffusion barrier, both leading to a higher protein loading. Our findings provide a fundamental understanding of host-guest interactions between proteins and solid matrices and offer new insights to guide the design of future protein host materials to achieve optimal protein loading. The MOF modification technique used in this work also demonstrates a facile method to develop materials easily customizable for encapsulating proteins with different surface properties.

The development of chiral covalent organic frameworks (COFs) by postsynthetic modification is challenging due to the common occurrences of racemization and crystallinity decrement under harsh modification conditions. Herein, we employ an effective site-selective synthetic strategy for the fabrication of an amine-functionalized hydrazone-linked COF, NH 2 -Th-Tz COF, by the Schiff-base condensation between aminoterephthalohydrazide (NH 2 -Th) and 4,4',4″-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyl)tribenzaldehyde (Tz). The resulting NH 2 -Th-Tz COF with free amine groups on the pore walls provides an appealing platform to install desired chiral moieties through postsynthetic modification. Three chiral moieties including tartaric acid, camphor-10-sulfonyl chloride, and diacetyl-tartaric anhydride were postsynthetically integrated into NH 2 -Th-Tz COF by reacting amine groups with acid, acyl chloride, and anhydride, giving rise to a series of chiral COFs with distinctive chiral pore surfaces. Moreover, the crystallinity, porosity, and chirality of chiral COFs were retained after modification. Remarkably, the chiral COFs exhibited an exceptional enantioselective adsorption capability toward tyrosine with a maximum enantiomeric excess (ee) value of up to 25.20%. Molecular docking simulations along with experimental results underscored the pivotal role of hydrogen bonds between chiral COFs and tyrosine in enantioselective adsorption. This work highlights the potential of site-selective synthesis as an effective tool for the preparation of highly crystalline and robust amine-decorated COFs, which offer an auspicious platform for the facile synthesis of tailor-made chiral COFs for enantioselective adsorption and beyond.

Background: China bears the biggest atrial fibrillation (AF) burden in the world. However, little is known about the incidence and predictors of AF. This study aimed to investigate the current incidence of AF and its electrocardiographic (ECG) predictors in general community individuals aged over 60 years in China., Methods: This was a prospective cohort study, recruiting subjects who were aged over 60 years and underwent annual health checkups from April to July 2015 in four community health centers in Songjiang District, Shanghai, China. The subjects were then followed up from 2015 to 2019 annually. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, and the resting 12-lead ECG were collected. Kaplan-Meier curve was used for showing the trends in AF incidence and calculating the predictors of AF. Associations of ECG abnormalities and AF incidence were examined using Cox proportional hazard models., Results: This study recruited 18,738 subjects, and 351 (1.87%) developed AF. The overall incidence rate of AF was 5.2/1000 person-years during an observation period of 67,704 person-years. Multivariable Cox regression analysis indicated age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-1.09; P < 0.001), male (HR, 1.30; 95% CI: 1.05-1.62; P = 0.018), a history of hypertension (HR, 1.55; 95% CI: 1.23-1.95; P < 0.001), a history of cardiac diseases (HR, 3.23; 95% CI: 2.34-4.45; P < 0.001), atrial premature complex (APC) (HR, 2.82; 95% CI: 2.17-3.68; P < 0.001), atrial flutter (HR, 18.68; 95% CI: 7.37-47.31; P < 0.001), junctional premature complex (JPC) (HR, 3.57; 95% CI: 1.59-8.02; P = 0.002), junctional rhythm (HR, 18.24; 95% CI: 5.83-57.07; P < 0.001), ventricular premature complex (VPC) (HR, 1.76; 95% CI: 1.13-2.75, P = 0.012), short PR interval (HR, 5.49; 95% CI: 1.36-22.19; P = 0.017), right atrial enlargement (HR, 6.22; 95% CI: 1.54-25.14; P = 0.010), and pacing rhythm (HR, 3.99; 95% CI: 1.57-10.14; P = 0.004) were independently associated with the incidence of AF., Conclusions: The present incidence of AF was 5.2/1000 person-years in the studied population aged over 60 years in China. Among various ECG abnormalities, only APC, atrial flutter, JPC, junctional rhythm, short PR interval, VPC, right atrial enlargement, and pacing rhythm were independently associated with AF incidence., (Copyright © 2023 The Chinese Medical Association, produced by Wolters Kluwer, Inc. under the CC-BY-NC-ND license.)

In order to analyze the molecular rearrangement of terpenes in wine during aging, the changes in linalool, α-terpineol, nerol, and geraniol in model wine were investigated in the dark at low temperature for 90 days. Headspace-gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer/olfactometry was used for qualitative and relative quantitation of terpenes. Quantum mechanical calculation was used to analyze the Gibbs free energy. The results showed that nerol was converted into d-limonene, terpinolene, linalool, and α-terpineol. Geraniol was converted into β-ocimene, terpinolene, and linalool. Linalool was converted into terpinolene. The conversion rate of nerol to terpinolene was the highest with 5.94%. α-Terpineol was not converted spontaneously into other terpenes due to its lowest Gibbs free energy, indicating that the cyclization and isomerization could occur spontaneously through an exotherm reaction. However, the dehydroxylation of linalool, nerol, and geraniol required an energy source.

Background: Gastric cancer is a common malignant tumor of the human digestive system. Currently, the treatment of gastric cancer is still dominated by radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery. Although the treatment is very effective, we are also trying to find new treatment methods. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may play an important role in the treatment of gastric cancer., Study Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the effects of naringin on the proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of gastric cancer and its potential mechanisms., Methods: MGC803 and MKN45 viability were detected by MTT assay. The effects of naringin on cell cloning, migration and invasion were determined by colony formation assay, cell scratch test and transwell assay (ThermoFisher Scientific™, Waltham, Massachusetts USA), respectively. Cell cycle and apoptosis were assayed by flow cytometry. Associated proteins were measured using Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The experimental results were further verified in nude mice., Setting: This study was carried out in Department of Experimental Animal Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University and the Translation Medicine Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University in China., Results: Cells remained mainly in G0/G1 phase and apoptosis was increased. The nude mouse model showed that naringin treatment could inhibit the growth of tumors in nude mice. Cell scratch tests and transwell assay showed that the invasion and migration abilities of the gastric cancer cell line were significantly reduced after naringin treatment. Western blot showed that the expression of Vimentin, Zeb1 and P-AKT was downregulated and that E-cadherin was upregulated after naringin treatment., Conclusion: Naringin can block the cell-cycle, induce cancer cell apoptosis, and inhibit the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) process by inhibiting the PI3K-AKT/Zeb1 pathway in gastric cancer cells. Therefore, naringin can inhibit the development of gastric cancer.

Peritoneal adhesions (PAs) are a serious complication of abdominal surgery and negatively affect the quality of life of millions of people worldwide. However, a clear molecular mechanism and a standard therapeutic strategy for PAs have not been established. Here, we developed a standardized method to mimic the pathological changes in PAs and found that sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) expression was severely decreased in adhesion tissues, which was consistent with our bioinformatics analysis and patient adhesion tissue analysis. Thus, we hypothesized that activating SIRT3 could alleviate postsurgical PAs. Sirt3-deficient (Sirt3 -/- ) mice exhibited many more PAs after standardized abdominal surgery. Furthermore, compared with wild-type (Sirt3 +/+ ) mice, Sirt3-deficient (Sirt3 -/- ) mice showed more prominent reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, increased levels of inflammatory factors, and exacerbated mitochondrial damage and fragmentation. In addition, we observed NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the adhesion tissues of Sirt3 -/- but, not Sirt3 +/+ mice. Furthermore, mesothelial cells sorted from Sirt3 -/- mice exhibited impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox homeostasis. Honokiol (HKL), a natural compound found in several species of the genus Magnolia, could activate SIRT3 in vitro. Then, we demonstrated that treatment with HKL could reduce oxidative stress and the levels of inflammatory factors and suppress NLRP3 activation in vivo, reducing the occurrence of postsurgical PAs. In vitro treatment with HKL also restored mitochondrial bioenergetics and promoted mesothelial cell viability under oxidative stress conditions. Taken together, our findings show that the rescue of SIRT3 by HKL may be a new therapeutic strategy to alleviate and block postsurgical PA formation., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

The world is currently suffering socially, economically, and politically from the recent pandemic outbreak due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and those in hospitals, schools, and elderly nursing homes face enhanced threats. Healthcare textiles, such as masks and medical staff gowns, are susceptible to contamination of various pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can potentially address these challenges due to their tunable reactivity and ability to be incorporated as porous coatings on textile materials. Here, we report how incorporating titanium into the zirconium-pyrene-based MOF NU-1000, denoted as NU-1012 , generates a highly reactive biocidal photocatalyst. This MOF features a rare ligand migration phenomenon, and both the Ti/Zr center and the pyrene linker act synergistically as dual active centers and widen the absorption band for this material, which results in enhanced reactive oxygen species generation upon visible light irradiation. Additionally, we found that the ligand migration process is generally applicable to other csq topology Zr-MOFs. Importantly, NU-1012 can be easily incorporated onto cotton textile cloths as a coating, and the resulting composite material demonstrates fast and potent biocidal activity against Gram-negative bacteria ( Escherichia coli ), Gram-positive bacteria ( Staphylococcus epidermidis ), and T7 bacteriophage virus with up to a 7-log(99.99999%) reduction within 1 h under simulated daylight.

Postoperative abdominal adhesion (PAA) is one of the more universal complications of abdominal surgery with a frequent incidence. Currently available keratinocyte growth factor (KGF)-based glues for the prevention of adhesions remain a great bottleneck since their long-term biological activity in vivo is insufficient. In this study, we fabricated hybrid polydopamine (PDA)-KGF nanoparticles (PDA-KGF NPs) by using an in situ self-assembly and polymerization method. The physicochemical properties of the PDA-KGF nanoparticles were systematically characterized. The effect of preventing PAA in rats was evaluated by using hybrid PDA-KGF NPs combined with hyaluronate (Ha). The expression levels of inflammatory factors and the degree of inflammatory cell infiltration in the injured peritoneum were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and hematoxylin-eosin staining, respectively. The levels of phospho-Src expression were revealed by Western blotting. The degree of fibrosis and the density of deposited collagen fibers were measured with real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and picrosirius red staining. The results indicated that the PDA-KGF NPs combined with Ha greatly prevented the incidence of abdominal adhesion s and promoted the repair of mesothelial cells in injured peritoneum. More importantly, the PDA-KGF NPs combined with Ha obviously reduced collagen deposition and fibrosis and inhibited the inflammatory response. Our results suggest that PDA-KGF NPs combined with Ha are promising barrier-like biomaterials for the effective prevention of postoperative tissue adhesion. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Postoperative abdominal adhesion (PAA) as an inevitable postoperative complication affected the quality of life of patients. Currently available methods for preventing adhesions mainly employ degradable biomaterials. Previous research demonstrated that a hybrid keratinocyte growth factor (KGF)-sodium hyaluronate (Ha) gel could prevent the formation of PAAs. However, its clinical outcomes are not satisfactory since their bioactivity in vivo is too short. In this article, we fabricated hybrid polydopamine (PDA)-KGF nanoparticles (PDA-KGF NPs), which extend KGF bioactivity, effectively prevent PAA. Moreover, PDA-KGF NPs could remarkably reduce both collagen deposition and fibrosis, inhibit the inflammatory response, and promote mesothelial regeneration. Overall, the PDA-KGF NPs combined with Ha exhibit efficient antiadhesion properties, may provide a promising clinical protocol for the prevention of PAA., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Heterometallic Ce IV /M oxo clusters are underexplored yet and can benefit from synergistic properties from combining cerium and other metal cations to produce efficient redox catalysts. Herein, we designed and synthesized a series of new Ce 12 V 6 oxo clusters with different capping ligands: Ce 12 V 6 -SO 4 , Ce 12 V 6 -OTs (OTs: toluenesulfonic acid), and Ce 12 V 6 -NBSA (NBSA: nitrobenzenesulfonic acid). Single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) for all three structures reveals a Ce 12 V 6 cubane core formulated [Ce 12 (VO) 6 O 24 ] 18+ with cerium on the edges of the cube, vanadyl capping the faces, and sulfate on the corners. While infrared spectroscopy (IR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H NMR) proved the successful coordination of the organic ligands to the Ce 12 V 6 core, liquid phase 51 V NMR and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) confirmed the integrity of the clusters in the organic solutions. Furthermore, functionalization of the Ce 12 V 6 core with organic ligands both provides increased solubility in term of homogeneous application and introduces porosity to the assemblies of Ce 12 V 6 -OTs and Ce 12 V 6 -NBSA in term of heterogeneous application, thus allowing more catalytic sites to be accessible and improving reactivity as compared to the nonporous and less soluble Ce 12 V 6 -SO 4 . Meanwhile, the coordinated ligands also influenced the electronic environment of the catalytic sites, in turn affecting the reactivity of the cluster, which we probed by the selective oxidation of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES). This work provides a strategy to make full use of the catalytic sites within a class of inorganic sulfate capped clusters via organic ligand introduction.

Objective: To evaluate the association between the rs5015480 single-nucleotide polymorphism of hematopoietically expressed homeobox (HHEX) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) via meta-analysis., Methods: A comprehensive electronic search was performed of the PubMed, Springer, Science Direct, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and VIP databases for studies worldwide on the relationship between HHEX rs5015480 and GDM published up to July 2019. Rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed, and the quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, followed by heterogeneity evaluation using the Q test and I statistic and data pooling. A meta-analysis was then performed on the included studies using RevMan 5.3., Results: A total of 4 eligible case-control studies were included, involving a total of 1651 patients and 3513 controls. The meta-analysis showed the following odds ratios: C allele vs T allele, 1.24 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-1.38); CC genotype vs TT genotype, 1.65 (95% CI: 1.26-2.17); CC genotype vs CT genotype, 1.22 (95% CI: 1.00-1.50); and CC genotype vs CT + TT genotype, 1.32 (95% CI: 1.09-1.61)., Conclusions: HHEX rs5015480 represents a risk factor for the development of GDM, and pregnant women carrying the CC genotype have an increased risk of GDM.

Tetratopic organic linkers have been extensively used in Zr-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) where diverse topologies have been observed. Achieving meticulous control over the topologies to tune the pore sizes and shapes of the resulting materials, however, remains a great challenge. Herein, by introducing substituents to the backbone of tetratopic linkers to affect the linker conformation, phase-pure Zr-MOFs with different topologies and porosity were successfully obtained under the same synthetic conditions. The conversion of CO 2 to valuable cyclic carbonates is a promising route for the mitigation of the greenhouse gas. Owing to the presence of substrate accessible Lewis acidic Zr(iv) sites in the 8-connected Zr 6 nodes, the Zr-MOFs in this study have been investigated as heterogenous acid catalysts for CO 2 cycloaddition to styrene oxide. The MOFs exhibited drastically different catalytic activities depending on their distinct pore structures. Compared to previously reported MOF materials, a superior catalytic activity was observed with the mesoporous NU-1008, giving an almost 100% conversion under mild conditions.

Zr-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been known for their excellent stability; however, due to the high connectivity of the Zr 6 nodes, it is challenging to introduce flexibility into Zr-MOFs. Here we present a flexible Zr-MOF named NU-1400 comprising 4-connected Zr 6 nodes and tetratopic linkers. It exhibits guest-dependent structural flexibility with up to 48% contraction in the unit cell volume as evidenced by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The expanded or contracted conformations of NU-1400 showed drastically different reactivity toward the hydrolysis of a nerve agent simulant owing to the size-selective effect toward the reactant.

Yan73, a teinturier (dyer) grape variety in China, is one of the few Vitis vinifera cultivars with red-coloured berry flesh. To examine the tissue-specific expression of genes associated with berry colour in Yan73, we analysed the differential accumulation of anthocyanins in the skin and flesh tissues of two red-skinned grape varieties with either red (Yan73) or white flesh (Muscat Hamburg) based on HPLC-MS analysis, as well as the differential expression of 18 anthocyanin biosynthesis genes in both varieties by quantitative RT-PCR. The results revealed that the transcripts of GST, OMT, AM3, CHS3, UFGT, MYBA1, F3'5'H, F3H1 and LDOX were barely detectable in the white flesh of Muscat Hamburg. In particular, GST, OMT, AM3, CHS3 and F3H1 showed approximately 50-fold downregulation in the white flesh of Muscat Hamburg compared to the red flesh of Yan73. A correlation analysis between the accumulation of different types of anthocyanins and gene expression indicated that the cumulative expression of GST, F3'5'H, LDOX and MYBA1 was more closely associated with the acylated anthocyanins and the 3'5'-OH anthocyanins, while OMT and AM3 were more closely associated with the total anthocyanins and methoxylated anthocyanins. Therefore, the transcripts of OMT, AM3, GST, F3'5'H, LDOX and MYBA1 explained most of the variation in the amount and composition of anthocyanins in skin and flesh of Yan73. The data suggest that the specific localization of anthocyanins in the flesh tissue of Yan73 is most likely due to the tissue-specific expression of OMT, AM3, GST, F3'5'H, LDOX and MYBA1 in the flesh.

Epithelial barrier dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of allergic disorders, such as nasal allergy. TWIK-related K(+) 1 (Trek1) potassium channels are required in the maintenance of the epithelial barrier function. This study aims to investigate the role of antigen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) in the regulation of Trek1 expression in the nasal mucosa. In this study, patients with nasal allergy were treated with SIT and/or Clostridium butyricum. The expression of Trek1 and histone demethylase 1 (HDAC1) in the nasal epithelia was assessed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Serum cytokines were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that Trek1 and HDAC1 were detected in the nasal epithelia. Trek1 was lower, whereas HDAC1 was higher in patients with allergic rhinitis as compared with healthy controls. Trek1-null RPMI2650 monolayers showed a markedly compromised epithelial barrier function. Treatment with SIT significantly increased the Trek1 levels in the nasal epithelia of allergic rhinitis patients that were further improved in conjunction of SIT and administration of probiotic C. butyricum. In conclusion, nasal epithelia express Trek1 that can be suppressed by allergic response. SIT can restore the expression of Trek1 in the nasal epithelia and can be further improved by conjunction with administration of C. butyricum., (Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Objective: The primary objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a community-based pilot intervention that combined cervical cancer education with patient navigation on cervical cancer screening behaviors among Chinese American women residing in New York City., Methods: Chinese women (n = 134) who had not had a Pap test within the previous 12 months were recruited from four Asian community-based organizations (CBOs). Women from two of the CBOs received the intervention (n = 80) consisting of education, interaction with a Chinese physician, and navigation assistance, including help in identifying and accessing free or low-cost screening services. The control group (n = 54) received education delivered by Chinese community health educators and written materials on general health and cancer screening, including cervical cancer, the Pap test, and information about sites that provided free screening. Study assessments were obtained in-person at baseline and postintervention. Screening behavior was self-reported at 12-month postintervention and verified by medical staff., Results: In the 12-month interval following the program, screening rates were significantly higher in the intervention group (70%) compared to the control group (11.1%). Hierarchical logistic regression analyses indicated that screening behavior was associated with older age (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.01-1.15, p < .05). In addition, women with poorer English language fluency (OR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.10-0.89, p < .05) and who did not have health insurance were less likely to obtain screening (OR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.02-0.96, p < .05). Among health beliefs, greater perceived severity of disease was positively associated with screening behavior (OR = 4.26, 95% CI = 1.01-18.04, p < .05)., Conclusions: Community-based programs that provide combined education and patient navigation may be effective in overcoming the extensive linguistic and access barriers to screening faced by Chinese American women.