Interpenetrated In(III)-MOF with Multiple Recognition Sites for Single-Step Ethylene Purification.

An interpenetrated indium(III) metal-organic framework (MOF), NTUniv-73, with a rarely reported tetrameric indium cluster is developed for streamlining ethylene purification from C2 gases. At 298 K, the adsorption capacities exhibited a complete reversal sequence of C2H6 > C2H2 > C2H4. Grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation indicated that the corners in a octahedral cage facilitated the C2H2/C2H4 separation, while the pocket-like aperture situated between adjacent octahedral cages allows for full contact of C2H6. Breakthrough experiments illustrated that NTUniv-73 could yield pure C2H4 in a single step with a productivity of 0.42 mmol g-1.

Palladium-Catalyzed Heck Cyclization with P(O)H Compounds to Construct Phosphinonyl-Azaindoline and -Azaoxindole Derivatives.

We report herein a concise method for the construction of phosphinonyl-azaindoline and -azaoxindole derivatives via a palladium-catalyzed cascade cyclization with P(O)H compounds. Various H-phosphonates, H-phosphinates, and aromatic secondary phosphine oxides are all tolerated under the reaction conditions. Furthermore, the phosphinonyl-azaindoline isomer families such as 7-, 5-, and 4-azaindolines could be synthesized in moderate to good yields.

MOF Pillaring Method: Ligand-to-Ligand and Axial-to-Axial Cross-Linking of "Paddlewheels".

By shortening the previous shortest tetracarboxylate ligand, the first ligand-to-ligand and axial-to-axial pillaring method was realized in the prototype MOF NTUniv-56 (NTUniv = Nantong University), which exhibit a rare (2,4,6)-connected net with a new topology and interesting gas adsorption performance.

Formation of a Polar Flow Channel with Embedded Gas Recognition Pockets in a Yttrium-Based MOF for Enhanced C2H2/C2H4 and CO2 Selective Adsorptions.

A polar flow channel with embedded gas recognition pockets was made in a 10-connected hexanuclear yttrium-based metal-organic frameworks (MOF) NTUniv-57 (NTUniv = Nantong University) by lowering the symmetry of the ligand, which showed high chemical stability and obviously enhanced gas adsorption selectivities.

Finely Tuning Tridentate Carboxylic Acids for the Construction of Rod Scandium Metal-Organic Frameworks with High Chemical Stability and Selective Gas Adsorption.

By systematic ligand tuning for control of the secondary building units, the use of tridentate carboxylic acid to construct the rod scandium metal-organic framework NTUniv-55 (NTUniv = Nantong University) with high chemical stability and interesting selective gas adsorption was reported.

A Triazole Functionalized txt-Type Metal-Organic Framework with High Performance for CH4 Uptake and Selective CO2 Adsorption.

The metal-organic framework (MOF) NTUniv-54 (NTUniv = Nantong University) was assembled via utilizing click chemistry with densely decorated trizole units and exposed metal sites, which exhibited the best methane working ability (197 cm3·cm-3 from 100 to 5 bar and 177 cm3·cm-3 from 65 to 5 bar at 298 K), and the lowest CO2 Qst of 22.8 kJ·mol-1 in all triazole-MOFs at room temperature.

Domino Heck/Hiyama cross-coupling: trapping of the σ-alkylpalladium intermediate with arylsilanes.

A palladium-catalyzed domino Heck cyclization/Hiyama coupling reaction by the trapping of the σ-alkylpalladium intermediate with arylsilanes is described. A wide range of aryl-tethered alkenes and arylsilanes are all compatible with the reaction conditions. This approach shows good yields and excellent functional group tolerance, presenting a more practical and sustainable alternative to the conventional domino Heck cyclization/Suzuki coupling reaction.

Vaccination with circulating exosomes in autoimmune uveitis prevents recurrent intraocular inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Exosomes participate in intercellular communication and act as important molecular vehicles in the regulation of numerous physiological and pathological processes, including autoimmune development. The role of circulating exosomes in the development of autoimmune uveitis is unknown. In this study, using the rat model of experimental autoimmune uveitis, which has clinical and histological features of pan uveitis in man, we evaluated the immunoregulatory function of circulating exosomes. METHODS: Experimental autoimmune uveitis was induced in Lewis rats either immunised with interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein R16 peptides or injected with activated R16-specific T cells. The disease incidence and severity were examined by indirect fundoscopy and flow cytometry. Circulating exosomes were isolated from peripheral blood of naïve and Day 14 R16 immunised Lewis rats. The effect of exosomes on specific T cells was evaluated by R16-specific T cell proliferation, cytokine production and recurrent uveitis induction. RESULTS: Circulating exosomes derived from active immunised uveitis rats selectively inhibited immune responses of R16-specific T cells in vitro. Vaccination of naïve rats with these exosomes reduced the incidence of recurrent uveitis in an antigen-specific manner. Antigen-specific uveitogenic T cells reduced IFN-γ production and increased IL-10 after vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating exosomes in autoimmune uveitis have the potential to be a novel treatment for recurrent autoimmune uveitis.

Comparison of CTA and DSA in the diagnosis of superior mesenteric artery dissecting aneurysm.

Objective To compare computed tomography arteriography (CTA) and digital subtraction arteriography (DSA) in the diagnosis of superior mesenteric artery dissecting aneurysm (SMADA). Methods All SMADA patients who underwent CTA and DSA at one of two medical centers between May, 2007 and April, 2017 were identified. The accuracy of CTA and DSA for the depiction of morphologic characteristics of SMADA was analyzed. Results Fourteen patients (12 men; mean age, 55.1 ± 6.4 years) were included in this study. The mean diameter of the dissecting aneurysm was 3.78 ± 1.53 mm on CTA and 3.81 ± 1.54 mm on DSA ( p = 0.96). The luminal stenosis was 0.52 ± 0.27 on CTA and 0.35 ± 0.23 on DSA ( p = 0.09). The thrombosed false lumen was visualized on CTA in 79% (11/14) of patients but in no patients on DSA ( p < 0.001). The entry points of the dissection were visualized on CTA in 64.3% (9/14) of patients and on DSA in 100% (14/14) of patients ( p = 0.041); CTA and DSA did not visualize re-entry points in any patients. The intimal flap was visualized on CTA in 71.4% (10/14) of patients and on DSA in 78.6% (11/14) of patients ( p > 0.05). Branch vessel involvement was visualized in 7.1% (1/14) of patients on CTA but in no patients on DSA ( p > 0.05). Conclusions CTA can be used in place of DSA for the diagnosis of SMADA. Although CTA may exaggerate the degree of luminal stenosis and is weak in depicting the entry points of SMADA, this modality more accurately depicts the thrombosed false lumen and branch vessel involvement.

HMGB1 release triggered by the interaction of live retinal cells and uveitogenic T cells is Fas/FasL activation-dependent.

BACKGROUND: It is not clear how invading autoreactive T cells initiate the pathogenic process inside the diseased organ in T cell-mediated organ-specific autoimmune disease. In experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) induced by adoptive transfer of interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP)-specific T cells in mice, we have previously reported that intraocular inflammation was initiated by infiltrating IRBP-specific T cells that directly interacted with retinal cells and resulted in the active release of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), an important member of damage associate molecular patterns (DAMPs). Furthermore, blockade of HMGB1 in our murine model reduced intraocular inflammation via suppression of IRBP-specific T cell functions. These results have demonstrated that HMGB1 is an early and critical mediator of induction of intraocular inflammation. The present study identified the cell surface molecule that triggers HMGB1 secretion. METHODS: Retinal explants from Fas-deficient (Fas(lpr)) and wild-type (Wt) C57BL/6 (B6) mice were cultured with activated IRBP 1-20 peptide-specific T cells or with a Fas-activating antibody (Jo2), and then the level of HMGB1 in culture supernatants were detected by ELISA. In addition, released HMGB1 was examined in the eye of Fas(lpr) and Wt mice after IRBP-specific T cell transfer. Uveitis was evaluated in the IRBP-specific T cell transferred Fas(lpr) mice after recombinant HMGB1 was restored within the eye and in the IRBP-specific T cell transferred Wt mice after they were treated with a Fas antagonist (Met12). RESULTS: In contrast to retinal explants from Wt mice, those from Fas(lpr) mice did not release HMGB1 after exposure to IRBP-specific T cells or to Jo2. The release of HMGB1 by Wt retinal explants was suppressed by Met 12. Moreover, after IRBP-specific T cell injection, Fas(lpr) mice did not release HMGB1 in the eye or develop EAU, but intravitreous injection of HMGB1 resulted in intraocular inflammation. Finally, tEAU in Wt mice was attenuated by local treatment with Met 12. Unlike HMGB1, Fas-induced IL-1 and IL-18 were not essential for tEAU induction. CONCLUSION: Our results show that interaction of retinal cells with infiltrating uveitogenic T cells leads to rapid release of HMGB1 via the Fas/FasL inflammatory signaling pathway.

Allergic Reaction following Implantation of a Nitinol Alloy Inferior Vena Cava Filter.

A 67-year-old woman developed severe pruritus after implantation of a retrievable nitinol inferior vena cava (IVC) filter (55.4% nickel and 44.6% titanium). The pruritus resolved only after filter retrieval. The patient's hypersensitivity to nickel was confirmed by a positive skin patch test substantiating a systemic allergic reaction to the implanted nitinol IVC filter.

Spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection: genetic heterogeneity of chromosome locus 5q13-14 in 2 male familial cases.

Spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (SISMAD) is a rare disease that occurs sporadically. In this report, we describe 2 cases of SISMAD involving an uncle and his nephew. Genetic studies revealed the presence of heterogeneity of a chromosome locus at 5q13-14 in 3 family members (the 2 patients and the nephew's mother), an area previously found to be linked to familial ascending aortic aneurysms and dissections.

Exosomes from retinal astrocytes contain antiangiogenic components that inhibit laser-induced choroidal neovascularization.

Exosomes released from different types of host cells have different biological effects. We report that exosomes released from retinal astroglial cells (RACs) suppress retinal vessel leakage and inhibit choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in a laser-induced CNV model, whereas exosomes released from retinal pigmental epithelium do not. RAC exosomes inhibit the migration of macrophages and the tubule forming of mouse retinal microvascular endothelial cells. Further, we analyzed antiangiogenic components in RAC exosomes using an angiogenesis array kit and detected several endogenous inhibitors of angiogenesis exclusively present in RAC exosomes, such as endostatin. Moreover, blockade of matrix metalloproteinases in the cleavage of collagen XVIII to form endostatin using FN-439 reverses RAC exosome-mediated retinal vessel leakage. This study demonstrates that exosomes released from retinal tissue cells have different angiogenic effects, with exosomes from RACs containing antiangiogenic components that might protect the eye from angiogenesis and maintain its functional integrity. In addition, by identifying additional components and their functions of RAC exosomes, we might improve the antiangiogenic therapy for CNV in age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Using a silver-enhanced microarray sandwich structure to improve SERS sensitivity for protein detection.

A simple and sensitive method, based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), for immunoassay and label-free protein detection is reported. A series of bowl-shaped silver cavity arrays were fabricated by electrodeposition using a self-assembled polystyrene spheres template. The reflection spectra of these cavity arrays were recorded as a function of film thickness, and then correlated with SERS enhancement using sodium thiophenolate as the probe molecule. The results reveal that SERS enhancement can be maximized when the frequency of both the incident laser and the Raman scattering approach the frequency of the localized surface plasmon resonance. The optimized array was then used as the bottom layer of a silver nanoparticle-protein-bowl-shaped silver cavity array sandwich. The second layer of silver was introduced by the interactions between the proteins in the middle layer of the sandwich architecture and silver nanoparticles. Human IgG bound to the surface of this microcavity array can retain its recognition function. With the Raman reporter molecules labeled on the antibody, a detection limit down to 0.1 ng mL(-1) for human IgG is easily achieved. Furthermore, the SERS spectra of label-free proteins (catalase, cytochrome C, avidin and lysozyme) from the assembled sandwich have excellent reproducibility and high quality. The results reveal that the proposed approach has potential for use in qualitative and quantitative detection of biomolecules.

Supplemental transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma fed by collateral omental artery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of supplemental transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) through the extrahepatic collateral omental artery (OA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: We retrospective evaluated extrahepatic collateral OA on 34 patients, among 1826 patients with HCC who had undergone TACE. TACE of the OA was performed, and the dosage of emulsion was judged by tumor size and achievement of stagnant arterial flow. RESULTS: Blood supply from the OA was demonstrated at the initial TACE in 7 patients, and after several TACE (mean 2.8th) sessions in 27 patients. The technical success rate was 100%. Total occlusion of the OA collateral was achieved in 85.3%. On one month later, complete, more than 50% and less than 50% uptake of iodized oil in the tumor were in 12, 16, and 6 patients, respectively. Alpha-fetoprotein level 1 month later was significantly lower than pre-procedure (P<0.05). There was no serious complication that related to the omental embolization. The cumulative survival rates at 6, 12 months were 94.1%, 85.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: TACE of the OA is safe and reduce the incidence of post-TACE recurrence and/or residual of HCC, and could improve the therapeutic effect of TACE in the treatment of HCC.

Silicon mode multi/demultiplexer based on multimode grating-assisted couplers.

A simple and low-crosstalk 1 × 4 silicon mode (de)multiplexer based on multimode grating-assisted-couplers is proposed. Mode transitions can be flexibly controlled by designing the grating period at the phase-matching condition. Due to the contra-directional coupling, precise control of the coupling strength and the coupling length are not needed in the system. Calculation results show that the insertion loss and the 3 dB bandwidths of the device are 0.2 dB and 3.7 nm, 0.34 dB and 7.6 nm, and 0.21 dB and 11.8 nm for the channels which (de)multiplex to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd modes of the bus waveguide, respectively.

FSR-free add-drop filter based on silicon grating-assisted contradirectional couplers.

We propose an add-drop filter with an unlimited free spectral range (FSR). The device is based on grating-assisted contradirectional couplers with silicon-on-insulator ridge waveguides. The intrawaveguide coupling is significantly diminished by distancing the periodically structured corrugated waveguide away from the straight input waveguide. Based on this asymmetric structure, calculated results show that the peak reflectivity of the intrawaveguide coupling is lower than 0.1 dB, while that of the contradirectional coupling is higher than 20 dB. An experimental result of 1.8 dB for the intrawaveguide coupling is obtained. A narrow drop-port bandwidth of 0.8 nm is also achieved experimentally.

IL-22-induced regulatory CD11b+ APCs suppress experimental autoimmune uveitis.

We have previously reported that IL-17(+) interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) 161-180-specific T cells have a strong pathogenic effect in experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) induced in B10RIII mice; however, this pathogenic activity is not solely attributable to the major cytokine, IL-17, produced by these cells. To determine whether other cytokines produced by Th17 cells show a stronger association with their pathogenic activity, we studied the role of IL-22 in EAU. IL-22 is one of the major cytokines produced by these cells. Our results showed that administration of small doses of IL-22 to EAU-susceptible mice significantly reduced the severity of EAU. In addition, mice treated with IL-22 generated decreased numbers of IFN-γ(+) and IL-17(+) uveitogenic T cells, but increased numbers of Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells. Mechanistic studies showed that the effect of the injected IL-22 was on CD11b(+) APCs, which expressed increased levels of IL-22R during induction of disease following immunization with uveitogenic Ag. In vitro IL-22 treatment of CD11b(+) APCs collected from Ag-primed mice resulted in increased expression of programmed death ligand-1 and the production of increased amounts of IL-10 and TGF-ß. Moreover, IL-22-treated CD11b(+) APCs caused IRBP161-180-specific T cells to lose their uveitogenic activity and acquire immunosuppressive activity, which suppressed the induction of EAU by additional pathogenic IRBP161-180-specific effector T cells.

Fabrication of two kinds of eight-fold photonic quasi-crystals assisted by a specially designed prism.

We demonstrate that two kinds of 2D eight-fold photonic quasi-crystals (PQCs) can be fabricated by a specially designed prism via single-exposure holographic lithography. The prism with five continuous side surfaces out of common eight symmetrical side surfaces, plus a top surface, is well designed for PQC fabrication. Compared with the traditional method of setting up eight free-space beams in the half-space for an eight-fold PQC fabrication, our specially designed prism reduces the number of beams, avoids the differences of beam-to-beam phases, and simplifies the fabrication process. The theory and computer simulation confirm the patterns of two kinds of PQCs by a single prism illumination recording. Further, these quasi-crystal patterns are successfully verified by experimental results under a scanning electron microscope. In addition, these samples show some good properties, such as uniformity over large area, the implementation of a single defect by underexposure, and symmetry break of the eight dots. Our special prism-assisted holographic lithography technique provides a base for further investigating the optical properties of these novel structures.

Correlation of atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis with extracranial carotid and intracranial cerebral artery atherosclerosis in patients with ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVE: This study was to evaluate the relationship of atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) with extracranial carotid arteries atherosclerosis (ECAS) and intracranial cerebral atherosclerosis (ICAS) in ischemic stroke (IS) patients. METHODS: This study was a prospective cohort analysis of consecutive patients with IS who had not a history of renal artery stenosis (RAS). Abdominal aortography was performed to screen for RAS after the cerebrovascular diagnostic procedure. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association of the clinical variables with significant ARAS (≥ 50%). RESULTS: ARAS was identified in 61 (23.1%) of all patients and 34 patients (12.9%) had significant ARAS (≥ 50%). ECAS (≥ 70%) and ICAS (≥ 50%) was found in 66 (25%) and 48 (18.2%) respectively. Patients with ECAS (≥ 70%) were more likely to have significant ARAS than patients without ECAS (28.8% vs 6.2%, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, only advanced age (≥ 60 years) (OR = 2.84, 95% CI 1.01-7.91) and ECAS (≥ 70%) (OR = 5.27, 95% CI 2.396-11.60) were independent risk factors for significant ARAS. CONCLUSION: Incidental ARAS is a relatively common finding among patients with IS, and there is a close relationship between ARAS and ECAS. Abdominal aortography should be performed to identify ARAS in elderly patients with IS, especially combined with severe ECAS.