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Hyperlipidemia is an important lipid disorder and a risk factor for health. Aspirin eugenol ester (AEE) is a novel synthetic compound which is made up of two chemical structural units from aspirin and eugenol. Therapeutic effect of AEE on hyperlipidemia has been confirmed in animal model. But the action mechanism of AEE on hyperlipidemia is still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of AEE on liver and feces metabolic profile through UPLC-Q-TOF/MS-based untargeted metabolomics in hyperlipidemia hamster induced with high fat diet (HFD), and the effects of AEE on the expression of genes and proteins related to cholesterol and bile acid (BA) in HFD-induced hyperlipidemia SD rat. The concentrations of 26 bile acids (BAs) in the liver from hyperlipidemia SD rat were also quantified with the application of BA targeted metabolomics. The results of untargeted metabolomics showed that the underlying mechanism of AEE on hyperlipidemia was mainly associated with amino acid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, energy metabolism, BA metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. AEE induced the expression of the BA-synthetic enzymes cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) by the inhibition of BA nuclear receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in liver, which resulted in accelerating the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids and excrete in feces. The results of BA targeted metabolomics showed that AEE elevated the glycine-conjugated BA level and decreased the tauro-conjugated BA level. In conclusion, this study found that AEE decreased FXR and increased CYP7A1 in the liver, which might be the possible molecular mechanisms and targets of AEE for anti-hyperlipidemia therapies.

A D5h hydrocopper H©Cu5H5− star with planar pentacoordinate hydrogen (ppH) was designed. This structure is the global minimum, exhibiting dynamic stability. Its planar geometry is supported by five peripheral Cu–H–Cu 3c–2e σ-bonds and a central 6c–2e σ-bond. Unlike the ionic H©Li5H5− cluster, H©Cu5H5− features covalent multicenter bonding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of superhalogen was proposed for more than 40 years, and it has never been associated with planar tetracoordinate fluorine (ptF) species. In this work, using Li as the ligands and Cl, Br, I as the auxiliary atoms, we have designed the star-like D4h FLi4X4− (X = Cl, Br, I) clusters, which contain the ptF at the centers. They are all global minima (GMs) based on unbiased searches on the potential energy surfaces. Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics (BOMD) simulations suggest that these ptF structures are robust against dissociation at room temperature. Chemical bonding analyses indicate that there are four lone pairs (LPs) for ptF, three LPs for each X atom, and four 3c-2e Li–X–Li σ bonds. The stabilities of these ptF clusters are dominated by multicenter ionic bonding, rather than the σ aromaticity. Interestingly, these ptF species have large first vertical detachment energies (7.37, 6.94, and 6.30 eV). According to the definition of superhalogen, they can be viewed as superhalogen anions. The current work builds an important link between superhalogen and ptF chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the known planar pentacoordinate atoms, chlorine is missing due to its large radius and high electronegativity. Herein, we report the first star-like superhalogen anion D5h Cl©Li5Cl5− (1), which contains a planar pentacoordinate chlorine (ppCl) at the center. Computer structural searches and high-level calculations reveal that 1 is a true global minimum (GM) on the potential energy surfaces. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate it is kinetically stable against isomerization or decomposition. Although detailed chemical bonding analyses reveal one delocalized 6c-2e σ bond over the Cl©Li5 central unit and five delocalized 3c-2e σ bonds along the periphery, while aromaticity has very little beneficial effect on stability, instead, ionic interaction dominates the stability of the system. More encouragingly, with the large HOMO–LUMO energy gap of 7.66 eV and vertical detachment energy of 7.87 eV, the highly chemically inert 1 can be viewed as a typical superhalogen anion and is possible to be synthesized and characterized in future experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we report a square-like D4h H©K4H4− anion with one planar tetracoordinate hydrogen (ptH) center, which is the global minimum (GM) structure and possesses good dynamic stability. The planar structure of the system is preserved by four peripheral K–H–K three-center two-electron (3c-2e) σ bonds together with one 5c-2e σ bond over the HK4 core. The multicenter ionic bonds dominate the stability of ptH, while the contribution of qualitative σ aromaticity is extremely limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Replacing one of the peripheral Se with a Se2 bridge is an effective strategy to flatten the C4v CB4Se4 cluster. The global minimum of CB4Se5 contains one fan-shaped planar tetracoordinate carbon (ptC) CB4 core, possessing double 2π + 6σ aromaticity. The peripheral Se2 bridge is dexterous and crucial for the stability of CB4Se5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the important probes of chemical bonding, planar tetracoordinate carbon (ptC) compounds have been receiving much attention. Compared with ptC clusters, the heavier planar tetracoordinate silicon, germanium, tin, lead (ptSi/Ge/Sn/Pb) systems are scarcer and more exotic. The 18-valence-electron (ve)-counting is one important guide, though not the only rule, for the design of planar tetra-, penta-coordinate carbon and silicon clusters. The 18ve ptSi/Ge system is very scarce and needs to be expanded. Based on the isoelectronic principle and bonding similarity between the Al atom and the BeH unit, inspired by the previously reported ptSi global minimum (GM) SiAl42−, a series of ternary 18 ve XBe4H5− (X = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) clusters were predicted with the ptSi/Ge/Sn/Pb centers. Extensive density functional theory (DFT) global minimum searches and high-level CCSD(T) calculations performed herein indicated that these ptSi/Ge/Sn/Pb XBe4H5− (X = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) clusters were all true GMs on their potential energy surfaces. These GMs of XBe4H5− (X = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) species possessed the beautiful fan-shaped structures: XBe4 unit can be stabilized by three peripheries bridging H and two terminal H atoms. It should be noted that XBe4H5− (X = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) were the first ternary 18 ve ptSi/Ge/Sn/Pb species. The natural bond orbital (NBO), canonical molecular orbitals (CMOs) and adaptive natural densitpartitioning (AdNDP) analyses indicated that 18ve are ideal for these ptX clusters: delocalized one π and three σ bonds for the XBe4 core, three Be-H-Be 3c-2e and two Be-H σ bonds for the periphery. Additionally, 2π plus 6σ double aromaticity was found to be crucial for the stability of the ptX XBe4H5− (X = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) clusters. The simulated photoelectron spectra of XBe4H5− (X = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) clusters will provide theoretical basis for further experimental characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we analyzed the bonding and fluxional character of the global minimum of CAl11−. Its structure is formed by two stacked layers, one of them resembles the well-known planar tetracoordinate carbon CAl4 on top of a hexagonal Al@Al6 wheel. Our results show that the CAl4 fragment rotates freely around the central axis. The exceptional stability and fluxionality of CAl11− derive from its particular electron distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planar tetracoordinate carbon (ptC) species are scarce and exotic. Introducing four peripheral Te/Po auxiliary atoms is an effective strategy to flatten the tetrahedral structure of CAl4 (Td, 1A1). Neutral CAl4X4 (X = Te, Po) clusters possess quadrangular star structures containing perfect ptC centers. Unbiased density functional theory (DFT) searches and high-level CCSD(T) calculations suggest that these ptC species are the global minima on the potential energy surfaces. Bonding analyses indicate that 40 valence-electron (VE) is ideal for the ptC CAl4X4 (X = Te, Po): one delocalized π and three σ bonds for the CAl4 core; four lone pairs (LPs) of four X atoms, eight localized Al–X σ bonds, and four delocalized Al–X–Al π bonds for the periphery. Thus, the ptC CAl4X4 (X = Te, Po) clusters possess the stable eight electron structures and 2π + 6σ double aromaticity. Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics (BOMD) simulations indicate that neutral ptC CAl4X4 (X = Te, Po) clusters are robust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypercoordinate transition-metal species are mainly dominated by the 18-valence-electron (18ve) counting. Herein, we report ternary MAl6S6 (M = Ni, Pd, Pt) clusters with the planar hexacoordinate metal (phM) centers, which feature 16ve counting instead of the classic 18ve rule. These global-minimum clusters are established via unbiased global searches, followed by PBE0 and single-point CCSD(T) calculations. The phM MAl6 units are stabilized by six peripheral bridging S atoms in these star-like species. Chemical bonding analyses reveal that there are 10 delocalized electrons around the phM center, which can render the aromaticity according to the (4n + 2) Hückel rule. It is worth noting that adding an (or two) electron(s) to its π-type lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) will make the system unstable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We systematically explore the potential energy surface of the B3Al4+ combination of atoms. The putative global minimum corresponds to a structure formed by an Al4 square facing a B3 triangle. Interestingly, the dynamical behavior can be described as a Reuleaux molecular triangle since it involves the rotation of the B3 triangle at the top of the Al4 square. The molecular dynamics simulations, corroborating with the very small rotational barriers of the B3 triangle, show its nearly free rotation on the Al4 ring, confirming the fluxional character of the cluster. Moreover, while the chemical bonding analysis suggests that the multicenter interaction between the two fragments determines its fluxionality, the magnetic response analysis reveals this cluster as a true and fully three-dimensional aromatic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A D 5h hydrocopper H©Cu 5 star with planar pentacoordinate hydrogen (ppH) was designed. This structure is the global minimum, exhibiting dynamic stability. Its planar geometry is supported by five peripheral Cu-H-Cu 3c-2e σ-bonds and a central 6c-2e σ-bond. Unlike the ionic H©Li 5 - star with planar pentacoordinate hydrogen (ppH) was designed. This structure is the global minimum, exhibiting dynamic stability. Its planar geometry is supported by five peripheral Cu-H-Cu 3c-2e σ-bonds and a central 6c-2e σ-bond. Unlike the ionic H©Li 5 H 5 - cluster, H©Cu 5 H 5 - features covalent multicenter bonding.

Planar tetracoordinate fluorine (ptF) species are very exotic and scarce due to high electronegativity of fluorine. Herein we report the ternary square ptF cluster, D 4 h FK 4 H 4 - , which is composed of a F center, a square K 4 ring, and four outer H bridges. It is a true global minimum (GM) structure and possesses good dynamic stability. Bonding analyses indicate that there are four lone pairs for the central F atom, along with four K-H-K three-center two-electron (3c-2e) σ bonds for the peripheral K 4 H 4 ligand ring. The stability of ptF is dominated by multicenter ionic bonds rather than the supposed σ aromaticity of the system. Excitingly, it is a pseudohalogen anion with the VDE 3.57 eV at the CCSD(T) level. The merge of ptF with pseudohalogen anion character makes the FK 4 H 4 - cluster an exotic species, which will motivate theoretical and experimental studies on novel ptF species as well as superhalogens.

Boron-based clusters containing planar tetracoordinate carbon (ptC) are unique and scarce. Isoelectronic-replacing after proper vulcanization is an effective strategy to obtain the ptC based on the B 12 cluster. Herein we report computational evidence for a ternary CB 11 S 3 + ( C 2 v , 1 A 1 ) cluster, which possesses a concentric double-triangle structure containing one ptC atom at the peripheral edge. The unbiased structural explorations of potential energy surfaces and high-level CCSD(T) calculations indicate that the ptC CB 11 S 3 + cluster is a true global minimum. Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics (BOMD) simulations reveal that it is dynamically stable against isomerization and decomposition. Chemical bonding analysis reveals that three delocalized π bonds endow the π aromaticity to the CB 11 unit of CB 11 S 3 + . In addition, the strong S → B π back-bonding is also conducive to the stability of CB 11 S 3 + . The current findings offer opportunities for further boron-based ptC clusters.

Herein we report a square-like D 4h H©K 4 H 4 - anion with one planar tetracoordinate hydrogen (ptH) center, which is the global minimum (GM) structure and possesses good dynamic stability. The planar structure of the system is preserved by four peripheral K-H-K three-center two-electron (3c-2e) σ bonds together with one 5c-2e σ bond over the HK 4 core. The multicenter ionic bonds dominate the stability of ptH, while the contribution of qualitative σ aromaticity is extremely limited.

Replacing one of the peripheral Se with a Se 2 bridge is an effective strategy to flatten the C 4v CB 4 Se 4 cluster. The global minimum of CB4Se 5 contains one fan-shaped planar tetracoordinate carbon (ptC) CB 4 core, possessing double 2π + 6σ aromaticity. The peripheral Se 2 bridge is dexterous and crucial for the stability of CB 4 Se 5 .

In this work, we analyzed the bonding and fluxional character of the global minimum of CAl 11 - . Its structure is formed by two stacked layers, one of them resembles the well-known planar tetracoordinate carbon CAl 4 on top of a hexagonal Al@Al 6 wheel. Our results show that the CAl 4 fragment rotates freely around the central axis. The exceptional stability and fluxionality of CAl 11 - derive from its particular electron distribution.

Aspirin eugenol ester (AEE) is a new pharmaceutical compound esterified by aspirin and eugenol, which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other pharmacological activities. This study is aimed at identifying the protective effect of AEE against H 2 O 2 -induced apoptosis in rat adrenal pheochromocytoma PC12 cells and the possible mechanisms. The results of cell viability assay showed that AEE could increase the viability of PC12 cells stimulated by H 2 O 2 , while AEE alone had no significant effect on the viability of PC12 cells. Compared with the control group, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were significantly decreased, and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly increased in the H 2 O 2 group. By AEE pretreatment, the level of MDA was reduced and the levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px were increased in H 2 O 2 -stimulated PC12 cells. In addition, AEE could reduce the apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by H 2 O 2 via reducing superoxide anion, intracellular ROS, and mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) and increasing the levels of mitochondrial membrane potential ( ΔΨ m). Furthermore, the results of western blotting showed that compared with the control group, the expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, and Bcl-2 was significantly decreased, while the expression of Caspase-3 and Bax was significantly increased in the H 2 O 2 group. In the AEE group, AEE pretreatment could upregulate the expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, and Bcl-2 and downregulate the expression of Caspase-3 and Bax in PC12 cells stimulated with H 2 O 2 . The silencing of PI3K with shRNA and its inhibitor-LY294002 could abrogate the protective effect of AEE in PC12 cells. Therefore, AEE has a protective effect on H 2 O 2 -induced PC12 cells by regulating the PI3K/Akt signal pathway to inhibit oxidative stress., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Zhen-Dong Zhang et al.)

Objective: To explore the effect of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) on cervical cancer and cervix precancerous lesion., Methods: 74 patients with cervix squamous cell carcinoma(SCC), 52 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasm I (CIN I), 60 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasm II - II (CIN II-III)and 58 patients with histologically diagnosed cervix inflammation(CI), were included in this study. Information as demography, reproductive history, life style, HPV infection were collected. Western Blot were used to detect the expression of DNMT1 protein and MeCP2 protein. Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of DNMT1 and MeCP2 mRNA., Results: Levels of DNMT1 and MeCP2 protein expression increased gradually with the deterioration of cervical lesion (H = 94.33, P < 0.001;F = 21.580, P < 0.001). Along with the deterioration of cervical lesion, levels of DNMT1 and MeCP2 mRNA expression were gradually increasing( F = 4.758, P = 0.003; F = 7.804, P < 0.001). Data from Correlation analysis showed that both protein (r = 0.287, P < 0.001) and mRNA(r = 0.179, P = 0.005)were positive correlated with DNMT1 and MeCP2., Results: of our study indicated that there was an additive interaction between high-expression of DNMT1 protein and high-expression of MeCP2 protein in SCC or CIN II-III. However, there was an additive interaction between high-expression of DNMT1 mRNA and high-expression of MeCP2 mRNA in SCC or CIN II-III., Conclusion: Results from our study revealed the fact that both high expression of DNMT1 protein and high expression of MeCP2 protein could increase the risk of cervix cancerization. According to our findings, there might be a synergistic action existed between DNMT1 and MeCP2 during the progression of cervix cancelation.

To evaluate the yield of the blood cell separator for collection of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) from ABO major and (or) minor incompatible allogeneic donors and the feasibility of PBSC component infusion to the recipients without removal of erythrocytes or plasma, the Cobe Spectra (Version 6.1) blood cell separator was utilized to collect PBSC component from 9 allogeneic donors. Of all the donors, 4 were ABO major incompatible, 2 were minor incompatible and the other 3 were both major and minor incompatible to corresponding recipients. In each cycle, different amount of PBSC component was harvested, and the variable volume plasma chased the cells into the bag was adjusted according to the ABO incompatibility. The nucleated cell count, percentage of mononuclear cell, number of CD34(+) cell and percentage of viable cell (trypan blue excluding rate) in the component were detected. At the time of infusion, a series of protective measures to the renal function of recipients were taken. The results showed that apheresis was twice performed on these eight donors to collected enough PBSC for transplantation or cryopreservation, except one apheresis was enough for cell amount needed by transplantation, as the donor's body weight was much heavier than that of the recipient. Altogether 17 apheresises were performed, the mean yield of nucleated cells was 3.77 x 10(10), in which 97% to 99% were mononuclear cells (MNC). The harvested number of CD34(+) cell was 8.62 x 10(6)/kg. All the trypan blue exclusion rate was 100%. In ABO major incompatible or both major and minor incompatible component, there were 8 - 10 ml packed erythrocytes; in ABO minor incompatible component, there were 80 - 120 ml of plasma. These components were infused into the recipients without removal of erythrocytes or plasma and no haemolytic reaction was observed in any recipient, and their hematopoietic functions soon recovered. Results suggest that enough PBSC can be acquired by using blood cell separator Cobe Spectra (Version 6.1), with the modified separation factors, and the collected PBSC component can be safely infused into the ABO incompatible recipients without removal of erythrocytes or plasma.