Ultrahigh proton conductivity of four ionic hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks based on functionalized terephthalates.

Recently, the utilization of hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) with high crystallinity and inherent well-defined H-bonding networks in the field of proton conduction has received increasing attention, but obtaining HOFs with excellent water stability and prominent proton conductivity (σ) remains challenging. Herein, by employing functionalized terephthalic acids, 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid, 2-hydroxyterephthalic acid, 2-nitro terephthalic acid, and terephthalic acid, respectively, four highly water-stable ionic HOFs (iHOFs), [(C8H5O6)(Me2NH2)]∙2H2O (iHOF 1), [(C8H5O5)(Me2NH2)] (iHOF 2), [(C8H4NO6)(Me2NH2)] (iHOF 3) and [(C8H5O4)(Me2NH2)] (iHOF 4) were efficiently prepared by a straightforward synthesis approach in DMF and H2O solutions. The alternating-current (AC) impedance testing in humid conditions revealed that all four iHOFs were temperature- and humidity-dependent σ, with the greatest value reaching 10-2 S·cm-1. As expected, the high density of free carboxylic acid groups, crystallization water, and protonated [Me2NH2]+ units offer adequate protons and hydrophilic environments for effective proton transport. Furthermore, the σ values of these iHOFs with different functional groups were compared. It was discovered that it dropped in the following order under 100 °C and 98 % relative humidity (RH): σ iHOF 1 (1.72 × 10-2 S·cm-1) > σ iHOF 2 (4.03 × 10-3 S·cm-1) > σ iHOF 3 (1.46 × 10-3 S·cm-1) > σ iHOF 4 (4.86 × 10-4 S·cm-1). Finally, we investigated the causes of the above differences and the proton transport mechanism inside the framework using crystal structure data, water contact angle tests, and activation energy values. This study provides new motivation to develop highly proton-conductive materials.

Avoiding misdiagnosis of multilocular thymic cysts as malignant tumors on computer tomography.

This editorial provides insights from a case report by Sun et al published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases. The case report focuses on a case where a multilocular thymic cyst (MTC) was misdiagnosed as a thymic tumor, resulting in an unnecessary surgical procedure. Both MTCs and thymic tumors are rare conditions that heavily rely on radiological imaging for accurate diagnosis. However, the similarity in their imaging presentations can lead to misinterpretation, resulting in unnecessary surgical procedures. Due to the ongoing lack of comprehensive knowledge about MTCs and thymic tumors, we offer a summary of diagnostic techniques documented in recent literature and examine potential causes of misdiagnosis. When computer tomography (CT) values surpass 20 Hounsfield units and display comparable morphology, there is a risk of misdiagnosing MTCs as thymic tumors. Employing various differential diagnostic methods like biopsy, molecular biology, multi-slice CT, CT functional imaging, positron emission tomography/CT molecular functional imaging, magnetic resonance imaging and radiomics, proves advantageous in reducing clinical misdiagnosis. A deeper understanding of these conditions requires increased attention and exploration by healthcare providers. Moreover, the continued advancement and utilization of various diagnostic methods are expected to enhance precise diagnoses, provide appropriate treatment options, and improve the quality of life for patients with thymic tumors and MTCs in the future.

Punicalagin attenuates hyperuricemia via restoring hyperuricemia-induced renal and intestinal dysfunctions.

INTRODUCTION: It is estimated that 90% of hyperuricemia cases are attributed to the inability to excrete uric acid (UA). The two main organs in charge of excreting UA are the kidney (70%) and intestine (30%). Previous studies have reported that punicalagin (PU) could protect against kidney and intestinal damages, which makes it a potential candidate for alleviating hyperuricemia. However, the effects and deeper action mechanisms of PU for managing hyperuricemia are still unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and action mechanisms of PU for ameliorating hyperuricemia. METHODS: The effects and action mechanisms of PU on hyperuricemia were assessed using a hyperuricemia mice model. Phenotypic parameters, metabolomics analysis, and 16S rRNA sequencing were applied to explore the effect and fundamental action mechanisms inside the kidney and intestine of PU for improving hyperuricemia. RESULTS: PU administration significantly decreased elevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels in hyperuricemia mice, and effectively alleviated the kidney and intestinal damage caused by hyperuricemia. In the kidney, PU down-regulated the expression of UA resorption protein URAT1 and GLUT9, while up-regulating the expression of UA excretion protein ABCG2 and OAT1 as mediated via the activation of MAKP/NF-κB in hyperuricemia mice. Additionally, PU attenuated renal glycometabolism disorder, which contributed to improving kidney dysfunction and inflammation. Similarly, PU increased UA excretion protein expression via inhibiting MAKP/NF-κB activation in the intestine of hyperuricemia mice. Furthermore, PU restored gut microbiota dysbiosis in hyperuricemia mice. CONCLUSION: This research revealed the ameliorating impacts of PU on hyperuricemia by restoring kidney and intestine damage in hyperuricemia mice, and to be considered for the development of nutraceuticals used as UA-lowering agent.

Optimization of an Activity Assay of Coprinus Cinereus Peroxidase

ABSTRACT To seek a simple, rapid and sensitive Coprinus cinereus Peroxidase (CIP) activity assay, a convenient one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) method and a response surface methodology (RSM) were used. The recombinant CIP expressed in Pichia pastoris was purified with the Ni-NTA spin column. Based on the results of catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) analysis, 2,2'-azinobis (ethylbenzthiazoline -6-sulfonate) (ABTS) was selected as the optimal enzyme substrate. Results of the OFAT method showed that enzymatic reaction performed in 0.1 mol/L sodium acetate (pH 5.0) buffer in a 200-µl reaction mixture containing 0.5 mmol/L ABTS, 10 mmol/L hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), 49.7 ng CIP at 25°C gave an average CIP activity of 88 U/mL. The ABTS and H2O2 concentrations were then further optimized to improve the sensitivity of the assay. To do that, RSM was conducted through central composite design, and a reduced quadratic model with good fit regression equation was generated. ANOVA analysis of this model indicated that the concentrations of ABTS and H2O2 and their interaction had significant impact on the assay sensitivity. The optimal reaction mixture was determined to include an initial ABTS concentration of 0.82 mmol/L 49.7 ng CIP and 16.36 mmol/L H2O2, and the activity under this condition was determined to be 138.89 U/mL.