Programmable Self-Assembly of Protein-Scaffolded DNA Nanohydrogels for Tumor-Targeted Imaging and Therapy.

DNA hydrogels are biocompatible and are suitable for many biomedical applications. However, to be useful imaging probes or drug carriers, the ordinary bulk size of DNA hydrogels must be overcome. Here we put forward a new strategy for fabricating a novel and simple protein-scaffolded DNA nanohydrogel, constructed through a direct DNA self-assembly using three types of streptavidin (SA)-based DNA tetrad for the activation of imaging and targeting therapy of cancer cells. The DNA nanohydrogels are easily prepared, and we show that by varying the initial concentration of DNA tetrad, it is possible to finely control their size within nanoscale range, which are favorable as carriers for intracellular imaging and transport. By further incorporating therapeutic agents and tumor-targeting MUC1 aptamer, these multifunctionalized SA-scaffolded DNA nanohydrogels (SDH) can specifically target cancer cells and selectively release the preloaded therapeutic agents via a structure switching when in an ATP-rich intracellular environment, leading to the activation of the fluorescence and efficient treatment of cancer cells. With the advantages of facile modular design and assembly, effective cellular uptake, and excellent biocompatibility, the method reported here has the potential for the development of new tunable DNA nanohydrogels with multiple synergistic functionalities for biological and biomedical applications.

Accuracy of real-time tissue elastography for the evaluation of hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a prospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis and management of hepatic fibrosis are closely related to the stage of the disease. The limitations of liver biopsy, which is the gold standard for treatment, include its invasiveness and sampling error. Ultrasound elasticity might be the most promising imaging technology for the noninvasive and accurate assessment of hepatic fibrosis. Real-time tissue elastography (RTE) measures the relative stiffness of the tissue in the region of interest caused by the heartbeat. Many studies have verified that RTE is useful for the diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). PURPOSE: To determine the formula of the liver fibrosis index for chronic hepatitis B (BLFI) and to validate the diagnostic accuracy of the BLFI for hepatic fibrosis compared with the liver fibrosis index (LFI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: RTE was performed in 747 prospectively enrolled patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) or cirrhosis from 8 centers in China; 375 patients were analyzed as the training set, and 372 patients were evaluated as the validation set. The fibrosis stage was diagnosed from pathological specimens obtained by ultrasound-guided liver biopsy. Nine image features were measured from strain images, and the new formula for the BLFI was obtained by combining the nine imaging features of the RTE images using multiple regression analysis of the training set. The BLFI and LFI were compared with the pathological fibrosis stage at diagnosis, and the diagnostic performances of the indexes were compared. RESULTS: The Spearman correlation coefficient between the BLFI and hepatic fibrosis stages was significantly positive (r = 0.711, p < 0.001), and significant differences were present between all disease stages. The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) curves of the BLFI and LFI for predicting significant fibrosis (S0-S1 vs. S2-S4) were 0.858 and 0.858, respectively. For cirrhosis (S0-S3 vs. S4), the AUROC curves of the BLFI and LFI were 0.868 and 0.862, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of this large, multicenter study confirmed that RTE is valuable for the diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis in patients with CHB. However, the diagnostic efficiencies of the new BLFI and the original LFI, which were based on CHC, for the assessment of CHB hepatic fibrosis were similar; thus, the LFI has the potential to be used to directly evaluate the extent of hepatic fibrosis in patients with CHB.

[Chemical constituents of chloroform fraction from leaves of Chimonanthus salicifolius].

To explore anti-tumor active components of Chimonanthus salicifolius, the phytochemistry of the chloroform fraction from leaves extract was investigated by repeated silica gel column chromatography. Twelve compounds were isolated and their structures were identified by physicochemical properties and spectroscopic data analysis as 9-epi-blumenol C(1), blumenol C(2), (+)-dehydrovomifoliol (3), (+)-vomifoliol (4), robinlin (5), (-)-loliolide (6), isofraxidin (7), scopoletin (8), 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin (9), 6, 7, 8-trimethoxycoumarin (10), beta-sitostenone (11), and beta-stigmasterol(12). Compounds 1-6 belonging to nor-sesquiterpenoids were isolated from the family Calycanthaceae for the first time. Compound 1 was a new natural product. Compounds 7, 11 and 12 were obtained from this plant for the first time.

[VOCs Emission Level and Emission Reduction Potential of Coating Industry in Zibo].

To evaluate the emission level and emission reduction potential of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the coating industry in Zibo, we conducted field research on eight typical enterprises in three representative coating industries:the automobile manufacturing coating industry, wooden furniture coating industry, and metal surface coating industry. The actual measurement method, material balance algorithm, and emission factor method were used to calculate the VOC emissions of enterprises, and the localized emission factors were established. The emission levels of enterprises were evaluated by comparing with other domestic and foreign studies including AP-42, and the emission reduction potential was calculated based on the material balance algorithm. The significance difference analysis method was used to study the influence degree of each link management and control. The results showed that the VOC emission factor in Zibo was 4.38 kg·car-1 for the automobile manufacturing coating industry, 212.52 g·kg-1 paint for the wooden furniture industry, and 42.79 g·kg-1 paint for the metal surface painting industry. The source emission reduction potential of furniture enterprise C and the process emission reduction potential of metal enterprises G and F could reach more than 50%. The degree of influence of each link management and control from high to low was source>process>end.

Effects of acupoints-based TENS combined with tDCS on spasticity and motor function in ischemic stroke with spastic hemiplegia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Spastic hemiplegia following ischemic strokes seriously impedes the recovery of motor function posing a vast rehabilitation challenge. As the uncertain effects of recommended conventional treatments such as botulinum toxin injections on active functional improvement and potential adverse effects cannot be bypassed, there is an increasing need in alternative, more effective and safer modalities. Acupoints-based transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (Acu-TENS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are effective non-invasive modalities for stroke rehabilitation, particularly showing anti-spastic effect and functional improvements as well. However, the optimal stimulation frequency of Acu-TENS and whether combination of Acu-TENS and tDCS exert synergistic effect remain to be investigated. Objective: To evaluate the effects of Acu-TENS combined with tDCS on spasticity and motor function in ischemic stroke patients with spastic hemiplegia and screen the optimal frequency of Acu-TENS. Methods: A total of 90 post-ischemic stroke patients with spastic hemiplegia will be intervened for 4 weeks and followed up for 4 weeks. They will be randomly assigned to three groups including two observation groups and a standard care control group in a 1:1:1 ratio. All patients will receive standard care and regular rehabilitation accordingly. In addition, the two observation groups will receive 12 sessions of Acu-TENS at 20 Hz or 100 Hz for 30 min combined with 1 mA tDCS for 20 min, three times a week, for 4 weeks. The primary outcome is the change in total modified Ashworth scale (MAS) score from baseline to week 4. Secondary outcomes include changes in surface electromyography (SEMG), Fugl-Meyer Motor Function Scale, Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and 10-meter walk test from baseline to week 4. MAS score will also be measured after 4 weeks of follow-up. Adverse events throughout the study will be recorded. Discussion: This trial will evaluate, for the first time, the therapeutic potentials and safety of Acu-TENS combined with tDCS on spasticity and motor function in stroke patients. It will provide evidence for frequency-dependent anti-spastic effect of Acu-TENS, and a reference for rated parameter setting of new mixed transcutaneous and transcranial stimulation system for stroke rehabilitation, thereby promoting proactive healthcare consequently. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trials Register ChiCTR2200067186.

Comprehensive analysis of circular RNA-associated competing endogenous RNA networks and immune infiltration in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Circular RNA (circRNA) has been proved to be an important regulator of gastric cancer (GC). However, the role and regulatory mechanism of circrna related competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in GC have not been established. METHODS: CircRNA data and clinical data were obtained from the GEO and TCGA databases. The ceRNA networks were constructed and a function enrichment analysis was completed. Additionally, correlations between hub genes expression, immune cell infiltration, and clinical phenotypes were determined. The differentially expressed circRNAs and their downstream microRNAs (miRNAs) were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and the hub genes were validated by western blot analysis. The migration and invasion ability of overexpressed hsa_circ_0002504 was determined by a transwell assay. RESULTS: The ceRNA network contained 2 circRNAs, 3 miRNAs, and 55 messenger RNAs (mRNAs). 323 biological processes terms, 53 cellular components terms, 51 molecular functions terms, and 4 signaling pathways were revealed by the function enrichment analysis. The GSEA analysis revealed that the hub genes were positively correlated with the axon guidance and adhesion molecules pathways. The correlation analysis revealed that overexpressed EPHA4 and KCNA1 indicated poor tissue differentiation and were associated with clinically advanced stages of GC. The in vitro experiments showed that hsa_circ_0002504 was significantly down-regulated in GC cell lines. In addition, the overexpression of hsa_circ_0002504 led to a significant downregulation of hsa-miR-615-5p and hsa-miR-767-5p, as well as an upregulation of EPHA4, KCNA1, and NCAM1. Furthermore, it suppressed the migration and invasion ability of GC cells. CONCLUSIONS: Hsa_circ_0002504 is a potential diagnostic biomarker for GC. High expression of EPHA4 and KCNA1 may indicate poor prognosis.

Long-term potentiation-based screening identifies neuronal PYGM as a synaptic plasticity regulator participating in Alzheimer's disease.

Synaptic dysfunction is an important pathological hallmark and cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD). High-frequency stimulation (HFS)-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) has been widely used to study synaptic plasticity, with impaired LTP found to be associated with AD. However, the exact molecular mechanism underlying synaptic plasticity has yet to be completely elucidated. Whether genes regulating synaptic plasticity are altered in AD and contribute to disease onset also remains unclear. Herein, we induced LTP in the hippocampal CA1 region of wild-type (WT) and AD model mice by administering HFS to the CA3 region and then studied transcriptome changes in the CA1 region. We identified 89 genes that may participate in normal synaptic plasticity by screening HFS-induced differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in mice with normal LTP, and 43 genes that may contribute to synaptic dysfunction in AD by comparing HFS-induced DEGs in mice with normal LTP and AD mice with impaired LTP. We further refined the 43 genes down to 14 by screening for genes with altered expression in pathological-stage AD mice without HFS induction. Among them, we found that the expression of Pygm, which catabolizes glycogen, was also decreased in AD patients. We further demonstrated that down-regulation of PYGM in neurons impaired synaptic plasticity and cognition in WT mice, while its overexpression attenuated synaptic dysfunction and cognitive deficits in AD mice. Moreover, we showed that PYGM directly regulated energy generation in neurons. Our study not only indicates that PYGM-mediated energy production in neurons plays an important role in synaptic function, but also provides a novel LTP-based strategy to systematically identify genes regulating synaptic plasticity under physiological and pathological conditions.

Poly[[aqua-µ(6)-benzene-1,2,3-tricarboxyl-ato-µ(3)-hydroxido-dizinc] hemihydrate].

In the title compound, {[Zn(2)(C(9)H(3)O(6))(OH)(H(2)O)]·0.5H(2)O}(n), there are three independent Zn(II) atoms present; two are located on special positions, viz a twofold rotation axis and an inversion centre, and the third is located in a general position. The Zn(II) atom on the inversion centre is six-coordinated by four O atoms from four different benzene-1,2,3-tricarboxyl-ate anions and two OH(-) anions. The Zn(II) atom located on a twofold axis is four coordinated by two O atoms from two different benzene-1,2,3-tricarboxyl-ate anions and two OH(-) anions. The third Zn(II) atom, located in a general position, is five coordinated by three O atoms from three different benzene-1,2,3-tricarboxyl-ate anions, one OH(-) anion and one water mol-ecule. Each benzene-1,2,3-tricarboxyl-ate anion bridges six Zn(II) atoms, and the OH(-) anion bridges three Zn(II) atoms, resulting in the formation of a three-dimensional framework. A series of O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds involving the benzene-1,2,3-tricarboxyl-ate anions, the OH(-) anion and the coordinating and the two water solvent mol-ecules further stablize the crystal structure. The two solvent water molecules show occupancies of 0.5 and 0.25.

[Characteristics of Ozone Pollution and Influencing Factors in Urban and Suburban Areas in Zibo].

In this study, we obtained monitoring data of O3 and its precursors (NOx, VOCs, and CO), as well as meteorological data (temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and visibility), in 2019 to analyze the characteristics of O3 pollution and the influencing factors in urban and suburban areas. The results showed that the O3 episodes accounted for 25.8% of the whole observation period, mostly occurring from May to September. The concentration of NOx in urban areas was higher than that in suburban areas, whereas the concentrations of O3 and VOCs were lower. The hourly rate of variation in each pollutant had obvious seasonal characteristics; for example, the time of O3 rise and precursor decline in autumn and winter was approximately 1 h later than that in summer, and the peak period of O3 generation and accumulation was shortened. The increase rate in O3 in urban areas was higher than that in suburban areas. Correlation analysis and partial correlation analysis were used to study the relationship between O3 and its influencing factors. The results showed that O3 was negatively correlated with precursors and relative humidity and positively correlated with visibility, temperature, and wind speed, and these factors interacted with each other. According to the multivariate linear regression analysis, the main controlling factors in urban areas were relative humidity, NOx, visibility, and VOCs, whereas in suburban areas they were relative humidity, temperature, NOx, and VOCs.

[Characteristics and Source Analysis of VOCs Pollution During the Period of Ozone Exceeding the Standard in Zibo City].

In recent years, ozone pollution has been growing increasingly serious in the urban areas of China. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are important precursors of O3 formation, which is of great significance to studying the main characteristics and sources of VOCs for controlling O3 pollution. In this study, we conducted online VOCs observation in Zibo City from May to September in 2019, monitoring 56 species in total. During the observation, the over-standard rate of ozone was up to 67.8%, the average of ρ(VOCs) was 140.71 µg·m-3, and the concentration of VOCs in the ozone over standard days was 1.04 times that on the non-standard days. The rank of VOC classes was aromatic hydrocarbons>alkanes>alkenes>alkynes. Among them, 1,3,5-tritoluene, o-ethyltoluene, 1-butene, and n-hexane achieved high emission in the exceeding O3 and non-exceeding days. Aromatic hydrocarbon and alkenes contributed more to the potential of ozone formation. According to the PMF source analysis results, VOCs sources in the urban area mainly included motor vehicle sources, fixed combustion sources, solvent sources, process sources, and natural plant sources, among which motor vehicle sources were the most important source of VOCs in the urban area. In addition, motor vehicle sources accounted for 32.3%, and fixed combustion sources accounted for 24.2% on days when ozone exceeded the standard, which increased by 3.3% and 6.9%, respectively, compared with those on days when ozone did not exceed the standard. However, the proportion of solvent sources and process sources decreased by 5.1% when ozone exceeded the standard compared with that on a non-standard day.

Bis(µ-cyclo-hexane-1,4-dicarboxyl-ato)bis-{aqua-[1-(1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrolin-2-yl)naphthalen-2-ol]cadmium} monohydrate.

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Cd(2)(C(8)H(10)O(4))(2)(C(23)H(14)N(4)O)(2)(H(2)O)(2)]·H(2)O, consists of one half of the dimeric complex, which lies about an inversion centre, and a half-occupancy solvent water mol-ecule on a general position. Each Cd(II) cation is six-coordinated by the two N atoms from one 1-(1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrolin-2-yl)naphthalen-2-ol (L) ligand and three O atoms from two different 1,4-chdc(2-) ligands (1,4-H(2)chdc = cyclo-hexane-1,4-dicarb-oxy-lic acid), two coordinating in a bidentate fashion and the other in a monodentate fashion. The distorted octa-hedral coordination sphere is completed by a coordinated water mol-ecule. The Cd(II) atoms are each bridged by two 1,4-chdc(2-) ligands, forming an inversion dimer with the L ligands located on the outside of the dimeric unit. An intra-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bond occurs. In the crystal, O-H⋯O and N-H⋯O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions stabilize the packing.

1-(1H-Imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenan-throlin-2-yl)naphthalen-2-ol.

In the title mol-ecule, C(23)H(14)N(4)O, the dihedral angle between the pyridine rings of the phenanthroline unit is 4.43 (8)° and the dihedral angle formed by the nine essentially planar [maximum deviation 0.0389 (16)Å] non-H atoms of the benzimidazole unit and the naphthalene ring system is 74.22 (5)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular N-H⋯N and O-H⋯N hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network.

Assessment of Causal Direction Between Gut Microbiota and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that the gut microbiota is closely related to the pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), but the causal nature is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the causal relationship between intestinal bacteria and IBD and to identify specific pathogenic bacterial taxa via the Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR analysis was performed on genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics of gut microbiota and IBD. Specifically, the TwinsUK microbiota GWAS (N = 1,126 twin pairs) was used as exposure. The UK inflammatory bowel disease (UKIBD) and the Understanding Social Program (USP) study GWAS (N = 48,328) was used as discovery outcome, and the British IBD study (N = 35,289) was used as replication outcome. SNPs associated with bacteria abundance at the suggestive significance level (α = 1.0 × 10-5) were used as instrumental variables. Bacteria were grouped into families and genera. RESULTS: In the discovery sample, a total of 30 features were available for analysis, including 15 families and 15 genera. Three features were nominally significant, including one family (Verrucomicrobiaceae, 2 IVs, beta = -0.04, p = 0.05) and two genera (Akkermansia, 2 IVs, beta = 0.04, p = 0.05; Dorea, 2 IVs, beta = -0.07, p = 0.04). All of them were successfully replicated in the replication sample (Verrucomicrobiaceae and Akkermansia P replication = 0.02, Dorea P replication = 0.01) with consistent effect direction. CONCLUSION: We identified specific pathogenic bacteria features that were causally associated with the risk of IBD, thus offering new insights into the prevention and diagnosis of IBD.

Poly[bis(mu-benzene-1,4-dicarboxylato)bis[mu-6-(4-pyridyl)-5H-imidazolo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline]dilead(II)]: an interpenetrating alpha-Po net.

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Pb(2)(C(8)H(4)O(4))(2)(C(18)H(11)N(5))(2)](n), contains two Pb(II) atoms, two benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate (1,4-bdc) dianions and two 6-(4-pyridyl)-5H-imidazolo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline (L) ligands. Each Pb(II) atom is eight-coordinated by three N atoms from two different L ligands and five carboxylate O atoms from three different 1,4-bdc dianions. The two 1,4-bdc dianions (1,4-bdc(1) and 1,4-bdc(2)) show different coordination modes. Each 1,4-bdc(1) coordinates to two Pb(II) atoms in a chelating bis-bidentate mode. Each carboxylate group of the 1,4-bdc(2) anion connects two Pb(II) atoms in a chelating-bridging tridentate mode to form a dinuclear unit. Neighbouring dinuclear units are connected together by the aromatic backbone of the 1,4-bdc dianions and the L ligands into a three-dimensional six-connected alpha-polonium framework. The most striking feature is that two identical three-dimensional single alpha-polonium nets are interlocked with each other, thus leading directly to the formation of a twofold interpenetrated three-dimensional alpha-polonium architecture. The framework is held together in part by strong N-H...O hydrogen bonds between the imidazole NH groups of the L ligands and the carboxylate O atoms of 1,4-bdc dianions within different alpha-polonium nets.

Poly[tetra-aqua-(µ(4)-benzene-1,3,5-tri-carboxyl-ato)sodium(I)zinc(II)].

In the title compound, [NaZn(C(9)H(3)O(6))(H(2)O)(4)](n), the Zn(II) atom is six-coordinated by four O atoms from two different benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxyl-ate anions and two water O atoms in a distorted tetragonal-bipyramidal geometry and the Na(I) atom is five-coordinated by three O atoms from three different benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxyl-ate anions and two water O atoms in a distorted trigonal-bipyramidal geometry. The benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxyl-ate anion bridges two Zn(II) atoms and two Na(I) atoms, resulting in the formation of a two-dimensional layer structure. Inter-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions generate a three-dimensional superamolecular structure.

[Emission Characteristics of Volatile Organic Compounds from Typical Industries in Zibo].

To study the emission characteristics of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Zibo, nine key industries and their representative enterprises were selected to conduct a field investigation and measurement. The emitted VOC characteristics in different industries were analyzed. Based on measurement data, the emissions of VOCs from all monitored enterprises were calculated to obtain the localization emission factors. The results showed that different industries exhibited some differences in VOCs components, and the major VOCs components were alkane and halo hydrocarbon. Ethane, acetylene, chloromethane (conclude 1,1-dichloroethane, 1,1,1-trichloroethane), and Freon (Freon 12 or Freon 114) were the characteristic species in most industries. The results indicated that the major VOCs emission links in different types of petrochemical industries were equipment leakage, loading volatilization, storage volatilization losses, and organized discharge, which accounted for more than 40% of emissions. Local emission factors of VOCs calculated in the synthetic rubber and steel manufacturing industries were close to the recommended values in the guide, whereas there were large gaps in other industries.

Bis(mu-benzene-1,2-dicarboxylato)bis{aqua[2-(2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline]cadmium(II)} and its zinc(II) analogue.

In the isomorphous title compounds, [Cd(2)(C(8)H(4)O(4))(2)(C(19)H(10)ClFN(4))(2)(H(2)O)(2)] and [Zn(2)(C(8)H(4)O(4))(2)(C(19)H(10)ClFN(4))(2)(H(2)O)(2)], the Cd(II) centre is seven-coordinated by two N atoms from one [2-(2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline (L) ligand, one water O atom and four carboxylate O atoms from two different benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate (1,2-bdc) ligands in a distorted pentagonal-bipyramidal coordination, while the Zn(II) centre is six-coordinated by two N atoms from one L ligand, one water O atom and three carboxylate O atoms from two different 1,2-bdc ligands in a distorted octahedral coordination. Each pair of adjacent metal centres is bridged by two 1,2-bdc ligands to form a dimeric structure. In the dimer, each L ligand coordinates one metal centre. The dimer is centrosymmetric, with a crystallographic inversion centre midway between the two metal centres. The aromatic interactions lead the dimers to form a two-dimensional supramolecular architecture. Finally, O-H...O and N-H...O hydrogen bonds reinforce the two-dimensional structures of the two compounds.

A new three-dimensional cobalt(II) coordination polymer with a 4-connected CdSO4-like topology.

The title cobalt(II) coordination polymer, poly[[diaquacobalt(II)]-mu4-3,3'-(p-phenylene)diacrylato], [Co(C12H8O4)(H2O)2]n, was obtained by reaction of Co(NO3)(2).6H2O and 3,3'-(p-phenylene)diacrylic acid (H2L) under hydrothermal conditions. Each Co(II) cation sits on a centre of inversion and is hexacoordinated by six O-atom donors in an octahedral geometry. The Co(II) centres are connected by four centrosymmetric L2- anions, resulting in a three-dimensional framework structure. The coordinated water molecules and carboxylate O atoms form hydrogen-bond interactions, stabilizing the structure of the three-dimensional framework. Topologically, the framework represents a rare example of the three-dimensional 4-connected CdSO4 network type. The metal cations and the organic ligand both show in-plane coordination with respect to the extended structure.

Poly[diaqua[mu-1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene-kappa2N3:N3'](mu-trans-cyclohexane-1,4-carboxylato-kappa2O1:O4)manganese(II)]: a three-dimensional hydrogen-bonding alpha-polonium net.

In the title coordination compound, [Mn(C8H10O4)(C14H14N4)(H2O)2]n, each Mn(II) centre occupies an inversion centre. The 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene (1,4-bix) ligand and the trans-cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate dianion (chdc) both function in bridging modes, linking adjacent Mn(II) centres into a two-dimensional four-connected (4,4) network. These two-dimensional layers are stacked in a parallel mode. Hydrogen bonds between water molecules and carboxylate O atoms link neighbouring (4,4) networks, yielding a three-dimensional alpha-polonium net.

Value of early diagnosis of sepsis complicated with acute kidney injury by renal contrast-enhanced ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with sepsis is high, and the prognosis of patients with septic AKI is poor. The early diagnosis and treatment of septic AKI is of great significance in improving the prognosis of patients with sepsis. AIM: To explore the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), serum creatinine (Scr), and other indicators in the early diagnosis of septic AKI. METHODS: Ninety patients with sepsis during hospitalization at Tongji Hospital of Tongji University were recruited as subjects. Each patient was recorded with relevant basic data, clinical indicators, and CEUS results. The patients were divided into AKI group and non-AKI group according to the results of renal function diagnosis after 48 h. On the 7th day, the renal function of the non-AKI group was re-evaluated and the patients were further divided into AKI subgroup and non-AKI subgroup. The differences of the indicators in different groups were compared, and the diagnostic value of each indicator and their combination for septic AKI was analyzed. RESULTS: Systemic inflammatory response score (2.58 ± 0.75), blood lactic acid (3.01 ± 1.33 mmol/L), Scr (141.82 ± 27.19 µmol/L), blood urea nitrogen (4.41 ± 0.81mmol/L), and rise time (10.23 ± 2.63 s) in the AKI group were higher than those in the non-AKI group. Peak intensity (PI) (10.78 ± 3.98 dB) and wash in slope (WIS) (1.07 ± 0.53 dB/s) were lower than those in the non-AKI group. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The PI (12.83 ± 3.77 dB) and WIS (1.22 ± 0.68 dB/s) in the AKI subgroup were lower than those in the non-AKI subgroup, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The area under curve (AUC) of Scr for the diagnosis of septic AKI was 0.825 with a sensitivity of 56.76% and a specificity of 100%. The AUCs of WIS and PI (0.928 and 0.912) were higher than those of Scr. Their sensitivities were 100%, but the specificities were 71.70% and 75.47%. The AUC of the combination of three indicators for the diagnosis of septic AKI was 0.943, which was significantly higher than the AUC diagnosed by each single indicator. The sensitivity was 94.59%, and the specificity was 81.13%. CONCLUSION: The combination of Scr, PI, and WIS can improve the diagnostic accuracy of septic AKI. PI and WIS are expected to predict the occurrence of early septic AKI.