Phosphomolybdates for Dual-Mode Photoelectrochemical Sensing toward Trace Chromium(VI) and Tetracycline.

Highly sensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors for trace carcinogens, such as heavy metal chromium(VI) [Cr(VI)] and antibiotic tetracycline (TC) are crucial. Herein, by integration of photoactive and redox phosphomolybdates with conjugated organic components, types of dual-mode PEC sensors were synthesized for sensing trace Cr(VI) and TC pollutants, with formulas of (H2bimb)2[Co2(bimb)1.5][Co(H2O)4][Co(P4Mo6O31H6)2]·6H2O (1), (H2bib)2[Co(H2O)3][Co2(H2O)5][Co(P4Mo6O31H6)2]·9H2O (2), and (H2bib)6[Co(Hbib)2(H2O)5][Co(P4Mo6O31H7)2]2·15H2O (3), where bimb represents 1,4-bis(1-imidazolyl)benzene and bib is 4,4'-bis(imidazolyl)bibphenyl. Hybrid 1 consisted of a three-dimensional framework structure constructed by Co{P4Mo6}2 clusters and one-dimensional (1D) {Co-bimb} chains, hybrid 2 exhibited 1D Co ion-bridged Co{P4Mo6}2 chains hydrogen-bonding with [H2bib]2+ cations, and hybrid 3 showed a discrete hybrid structure built upon a Co{P4Mo6}2 cluster modified by the {Co-bib} unit. Hybrids 1-3 displayed wide spectral absorption and excellent electrochemical redox properties, enabling dual-mode PEC responses to Cr(VI) reduction and TC oxidation. For Cr(VI) detection, hybrids 1-3 exhibited high sensitivities of 364.40, 225.72, and 124.29 µA·µM-1 as well as "nM" level detection limits (LODs) of 4.9, 10.0, and 11.0 nM, respectively. For TC detection, the sensitivities of hybrids 1-3 were 494.72, 308.78, and 174.03 µA·µM-1 and the LODs were 5.2, 6.1, and 12.9 nM, respectively. This research offers significant insights into designing efficient PEC sensors for the detection of environmental pollutants.

In Situ Ligand-Transformation-Assisted Assembly of a Polyoxometalate and Silver-Phosphine Oxide Cluster for Colorimetric Detection of Phenol Contaminants.

In situ ligand transformation strategies represent an efficient pathway for constructing function-oriented polyoxometalate (POM)-based crystalline materials. Herein, three POM-based hybrid networks were synthesized through in situ transformation of the phosphine ligand, formulated as [Ag(dppeo)6][H2PMo12O40]·5H2O (1), [Ag(dedpo)]4[SiW12O40]·6H2O (2), and [Ag(dppeo)]3[PW12O40]·3H2O (3) (dedpo = (2-(diphenylphosphaneyl)ethyl)diphenylphosphine oxide; dppeo = ethane-1,2-diylbis(diphenylphosphine oxide)). During the synthesis of these compounds, the 1,2-diphenylphosphine ethane molecule underwent in situ oxidation, transforming into dppeo and dedpo ligands, respectively. Compound 1 features a supramolecular architecture assembled from [Ag(dppeo)3]+/[Ag2(dppeo)6]2+ cationic clusters with disordered Ag centers and protonated [H2PMo12O40]- anions. Compound 2 presents a 3-D POM-supported metal-organic framework consisting of binuclear [Ag(dedpo)]22+ units, {-dedpo-Ag-dedpo-} chains, and [SiW12O40]4- polyoxoanions. Compound 3 displays a 2-D layered structure formed by {-dppeo-Ag3-dppeo-} chains and [PW12O40]3- clusters. Pronounced argentophilic interactions are observed in compounds 1 and 3. The three compounds demonstrate satisfactory heterogeneous catalytic activity in the colorimetric detection reactions toward phenol pollutants with detection limits of 1.73, 1.92, and 4.6 µM, respectively. Additionally, compounds 1-3 show high anti-interference capabilities and high sensitivity in differentiating phenol from its halogenated derivatives. This work presents some guidance for designing specific function-oriented POM-based materials via an in situ ligand transformation strategy.

Bridging Component Strategy in Phosphomolybdate-Based Sensors for Electrochemical Determination of Trace Cr(VI).

Rapid and sensitive electrochemical determination of trace carcinogenic Cr(VI) pollutants remains an urgent and important task, which requires the development of active sensing materials. Herein, four cases of reduced phosphomolybdates with formulas of the (H2bib)3[Zn(H2PO4)]2{Mn[P4Mo6O31H7]2}·6H2O (1), (H2bib)2[Na(H2O)]2[Mn(H2O)]2{Mn[P4Mo6O31H6]2}·5H2O (2), (H2bib)3[Mo2(µ2-O)2(H2O)4]2{Ni[P4Mo6O31H2]2}·4H2O (3), and (H2bib)2{Ni[P4Mo6O31H9]2}·9H2O (4) (bib = 4,4'-bis(1-imidazolyl)-biphenyl) were hydrothermally synthesized under the guidance of a bridging component strategy, which function as effective electrochemical sensors to detect trace Cr(VI). The difference of hybrids 1-4 is in the inorganic moiety, in which the reduced phosphomolybdates {M[P4MoV6O31]2} (M{P4Mo6}2) exhibited different arrangements bridged by different cationic components ({Zn(H2PO4)} subunit for 1, [Mn2(H2O)2]4+ dimer for 2, and [MoV2(µ2-O)2(H2O)4]6+ for 3). As a result, hybrids 1 and 3 display noticeable Cr(VI) detection activity with low detection limits of 14.3 nM (1.48 ppb) for 1 and 6.61 nM (0.69 ppb) for 3 and high sensitivities of 97.3 and 95.3 µA·mM-1, respectively, which are much beyond the World Health Organization's detection threshold (0.05 ppm) and superior to those of the contrast samples (inorganic Mn{P4Mo6}2 salt and hybrid 4), even the most reported noble-metal catalysts. This work supplies a prospective pathway to build effective electrochemical sensors based on phosphomolybdates for environmental pollutant treatment.

eIF6 Promotes Gastric Cancer Proliferation and Invasion by Regulating Cell Cycle.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role and function of eIF6 in gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: The expression level of eIF6 in GC tissues and normal tissues was detected in different high-throughput sequencing cohorts. Survival analysis, gene differential analysis, and enrichment analysis were performed in the TCGA cohort. Biological networks centered on eIF6 were constructed through two different databases. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot were used to detect protein expression of eIF6, and qRT-PCR was used to detect eIF6 mRNA expression. The correlation between the expression of eIF6 in GC tissues and clinicopathological parameters of GC was analyzed. siRNA knockout of eIF6 was used to study the proliferation, migration, and invasion. The effects of eIF6 on cell cycle and Cyclin B1 were detected by flow cytometry and Western blot. RESULTS: eIF6 was significantly overexpressed in GC tissues and predicted poor prognosis. In addition, 113 differentially expressed genes were detected in cancer-related biological pathways and functions by differential analysis. Biological networks revealed interactions of genes and proteins with eIF6. The expression intensity of eIF6 in cancer tissues was higher than that in adjacent tissues (P = 0.0001), confirming the up-regulation of eIF6 expression in GC tissues. The expression level of eIF6 was statistically significant with pTNM stage (P = 0.006). siRNA knockout of eIF6 significantly reduced the proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion ability of GC cells. Silencing of eIF6 also inhibited the cell cycle of GC cells in G2/M phase and decreased the expression level of CyclinB1. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that eIF6 is up-regulated in GC and may promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC by regulating cell cycle.

Bifunctional Sensors Based on Phosphomolybdates for Detection of Inorganic Hexavalent Chromium and Organic Tetracycline.

Exploring effective sensors for detecting possible hazards in a water system are greatly significant. This work proposed a strategy for stable and effective bifunctional sensors via incorporating hourglass-type phosphomolybdates into metal-organic fragments to construct a high-dimensional framework. Two hourglass-type phosphomolybdate-based electrochemical sensors toward heavy metal ion Cr(VI) and tetracycline (TC) detection were designed with the formula [CoII2(H2O)4NaI2][CoII(Hbpe)][NaI(bpe)1.5]{CoII[PV4MoV6O31H6]2}·9H2O (1) and [CoII(H2O)4NaI3][CoII(Hbpe)][CoII(bpe)]{CoII[PV4MoV6O31H6]2}·9H2O (2) [bpe = 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethylene]. Structural analysis showed that hybrids 1 and 2 possess three-dimensional POM-supported network features with favorable stability and exhibit reversible redox properties. Experiments found that this kind of hybrids as efficient sensors have excellent electrochemical performance toward Cr(VI) detection with high sensitivities of 0.111 µA·µM-1 for 1 and 0.141 µA·µM-1 for 2, fast response time of 1 s, and low detection limits of 30 nM for 1 and 27 nM for 2, which far meet the standard of WHO for drinking water. Moreover, hybrids 1-2 also exhibit fast responses to TC detection with sensitivities of 0.0073 and 0.022 µA·mM-1 and detection limits of 0.426 and 0.084 mM. This work offers a novel strategy for the purposeful design of efficient POM-based electrochemical sensors for accurate determination of contaminants in a practical water system.

Three-Dimensional Silver-Containing Polyoxotungstate Frameworks for Photocatalytic Aerobic Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol.

Photocatalytic organic transformation derived by functionalized polyoxometalate (POM)-based metal-organic frameworks provides a feasible route for fine chemical synthesis. Herein, three kinds of photoactive three-dimensional silver-containing polyoxotungstate frameworks are synthesized with the formulas [Ag3L2(OH)][Na(H2O)0.5][PW12O40]·H2O (1), [Ag4L3][SiW12O40] (2), and [Ag(H2O)][Ag4L3][BW12O40]·9H2O (3) (L = 1,4-di(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)benzene). In compounds 1-3, the cationic Ag-triazole clusters with diverse nuclei serve as nodes to assemble with rigid bridging ligands (L) and polyoxoanions to extend into stable three-dimensional frameworks, in which Keggin-type anions act as guests or pendants. When using them as heterogeneous photocatalysts, compounds 1-3 show high catalytic activity and selectivity for the photocatalytic aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzoic acid under 10 W 365 nm light irradiation. Among them, compound 1 exhibits the highest performance with ca. 99% benzyl alcohol conversion and 99% selectivity of benzoic acid in 9 h. Compounds 2 and 3 show ca. 79 and 88% conversions of benzyl alcohol, respectively, which are higher than those of the individual Keggin-type precursors. Moreover, mechanism investigation suggests that the synergistic cooperation occurring between cationic Ag-triazole clusters and Keggin-type polyoxoanions modulates the energy band structures of compounds 1-3, resulting in the efficient separation of photogenerated carriers and accelerating the aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol. This work provides some important guidance for the design and development of efficient POM-based photocatalysts for practical organic transformation.

Polyoxometalate-Incorporated Metal-Organic Network as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for Selective Oxidation of Aryl Alkenes.

Selective oxidation of aryl alkenes is important for chemical synthesis reactions, in which the key lies in the rational design of efficient catalysts. Herein, four polyoxometalate (POM)-incorporated metal-organic networks, with the formulas of [Co(ttb)(H2O)3]2[SiMo12O40]·2H2O (1), [Co(ttb)(H2O)2]2[SiW12O40]·8H2O (2), [Zn(Httb)(H2ttb)][BW12O40]·9H2O (3) and {[Zn(H2O)3(ttb)]4[Zn3(H2O)6]}[H3SiW10.5Zn1.5O40]2·24H2O (4) (ttb = 1,3,5-tri(1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene), were hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. Structural analysis showed that compound 1 consists of a POM-encapsulated three-dimensional (3-D) supramolecular framework; compound 2 is composed of a POM-supported 3-D coordination network; and compounds 3-4 show POM-incorporated 3-D supramolecular networks. Using selective catalytic oxidation of styrene as the model reaction, compounds 1-4 as heterogeneous catalysts display excellent performance with the double advantages of high styrene conversion and benzaldehyde selectivity owing to the synergistic effect among POM anions and transition metal (TM) centers. Among them, compound 1 exhibits the highest performance with ca. 96% styrene conversion and ca. 99% benzaldehyde selectivity in 3 h. In addition, compound 1 also displays excellent substrate compatibility, good reusability, and structural stability. Thus, a plausible reaction pathway for the selective oxidation of styrene is proposed. This study on the structure-function relationship paves a way for the rational design of POM-based heterogeneous catalysts for important catalysis applications.

A Bicadmium-Substituted Polyoxometalate Network Based on a Vanadosilicate Cluster for the Selective Oxidation of Styrene to Benzaldehyde.

A new bicadmium-substituted vanadosilicate, [Cd(en)2]2[(en)2Cd2Si8V12O40(OH)8(H2O)0.5]·5H2O (1; en = ethylenediamine), had been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized. Structural analysis revealed that the kind of new [(en)2Cd2Si8V12O40(OH)8(H2O)0.5]4- polyoxoanionic cluster was derived from the classical {V18O42} cluster by replacing six {VO5} square pyramids with four {Si2O7} and two [Cd(en)]2+ groups. Notably, such mixed substitution of both main-group and transition metals in polyoxovanadates is much less developed. Furthermore, compound 1 displays efficient catalytic activity toward the selective oxidation of styrene to benzaldehyde with a conversion of 97% and a selectivity of 87% in 8 h.

Vascular-targeted TNFα and IFNγ inhibits orthotopic colorectal tumor growth.

BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interferon gamma (IFNγ) were originally identified to show potent anti-tumor activity and immunomodulatory capability. Unfortunately, several clinical studies of relevant cancer therapy did not observe significant response in maximum tolerated dose whether given alone or in combination. We have identified a tumor vasculature homing peptide (TCP-1 peptide) which targets only the vasculature of colorectal tumors but not normal blood vessels in animals and humans. In the current study, the antitumor effect of TCP-1/TNFα and TCP-1/IFNγ alone or in combination was studied in orthotopic colorectal tumor model. METHODS: TCP-1/TNFα and TCP-1/IFNγ recombinant proteins were prepared and i.v. injected to study the in vivo anticancer effect in orthotopic colorectal tumor model. Tumor apoptosis was determined by TUNEL staining and cleaved caspase-3 immunofluorescent staining. Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes were analyzed by immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry. Western-blot was performed to examine the expression of proteins. Cell apoptosis was measured by Annexin V/PI flow cytometry. RESULTS: Targeted delivery of TNFα or IFNγ by TCP-1 peptide exhibited better antitumor activity than unconjugated format by inducing more tumor apoptosis and also enhancing antitumor immunity shown by increased infiltration of T lymphocytes inside the tumor. More importantly, combination therapy of TCP-1/TNFα and TCP-1/IFNγ synergistically suppressed tumor growth and alleviated systematic toxicity associated with untargeted therapy. This combination therapy induced massive apoptosis/secondary necrosis in the tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our data demonstrate TCP-1 is an efficient drug carrier for targeted therapy of colorectal cancer (CRC). TCP-1/TNFα combined with TCP-1/IFNγ is a promising combination therapy for CRC.

Sandwich-Type Polyoxotungstate Consisting of Two Different Trilacunary Keggin-Type Units.

A unique mixed W/Sb/Mn/Ag sandwich-type metal-O cluster was isolated, in which the six-membered {Ag4O3[Mn(OH2)]2}2+ cationic belt is sandwiched between two different anionic slices: the trilacunary B-ß-[SbW9O33]9- and the central-atom-lost A-α-{[Mn(OH2)]2W7O32}18-.

Copper-organic cationic ring with an inserted arsenic-vanadium polyanionic cluster for efficient catalytic Cr(VI) reduction using formic acid.

Polyanionic cluster [ß-As8V14O42(H2O)](4-) is well embedded in a large porous eight-membered cationic ring of the copper ligand, giving a stable host-guest supramolecular system. The assembly exhibits an efficient heterogeneous catalytic performance for the reduction of Cr(VI) using formic acid at ambient temperature.

[Research progress of trans-cinnamaldehyde pharmacological effects].

Trans-cinnamaldehyde, the main component of volatile oil from cassia twig or Cinnamomum cassia, which is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Trans-cinnamaldehyde is a kind olefine aldehyde of organic compounds and has many pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, and neuroprotection etc. The compound has preventive and therapeutic effects on the nervous system, cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes and other diseases. Trans-cinnamaldehyde, as a preventive care of nature medicine, has great clinical and market potential. This paper gives a review about the pharmacological effects and mechanism of trans-cinnamaldehyde researched in the latest five years. We hope to provide some basic information for further research on trans-cinnamaldehyde.

An unusual metallic oxygen cluster consisting of a {AlMo12O40(MoO2)}.

A novel aluminum-containing, bimolybdenum-capped Keggin-type polyoxomolybate cluster of the {AlMo12O40(MoO2)2} anion has been synthesized and characterized. This is the first experimentally determined Keggin-type {AlMo12O40} polyoxoanion. The polyoxometalate crystal exhibits high selectivity toward the heterogeneous catalytic oxidation of cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone.

Dual RNA sequencing of Helicobacter pylori and host cell transcriptomes reveals ontologically distinct host-pathogen interaction.

Helicobacter pylori is a highly successful pathogen that poses a substantial threat to human health. However, the dynamic interaction between H. pylori and the human gastric epithelium has not been fully investigated. In this study, using dual RNA sequencing technology, we characterized a cytotoxin-associated gene A (cagA)-modulated bacterial adaption strategy by enhancing the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter-related genes, metQ and HP_0888, upon coculturing with human gastric epithelial cells. We observed a general repression of electron transport-associated genes by cagA, leading to the activation of oxidative phosphorylation. Temporal profiling of host mRNA signatures revealed the downregulation of multiple splicing regulators due to bacterial infection, resulting in aberrant pre-mRNA splicing of functional genes involved in the cell cycle process in response to H. pylori infection. Moreover, we demonstrated a protective effect of gastric H. pylori colonization against chronic dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Mechanistically, we identified a cluster of propionic and butyric acid-producing bacteria, Muribaculaceae, selectively enriched in the colons of H. pylori-pre-colonized mice, which may contribute to the restoration of intestinal barrier function damaged by DSS treatment. Collectively, this study presents the first dual-transcriptome analysis of H. pylori during its dynamic interaction with gastric epithelial cells and provides new insights into strategies through which H. pylori promotes infection and pathogenesis in the human gastric epithelium. IMPORTANCE: Simultaneous profiling of the dynamic interaction between Helicobacter pylori and the human gastric epithelium represents a novel strategy for identifying regulatory responses that drive pathogenesis. This study presents the first dual-transcriptome analysis of H. pylori when cocultured with gastric epithelial cells, revealing a bacterial adaptation strategy and a general repression of electron transportation-associated genes, both of which were modulated by cytotoxin-associated gene A (cagA). Temporal profiling of host mRNA signatures dissected the aberrant pre-mRNA splicing of functional genes involved in the cell cycle process in response to H. pylori infection. We demonstrated a protective effect of gastric H. pylori colonization against chronic DSS-induced colitis through both in vitro and in vivo experiments. These findings significantly enhance our understanding of how H. pylori promotes infection and pathogenesis in the human gastric epithelium and provide evidence to identify targets for antimicrobial therapies.

Bio-Inspired FeMo2S4 Microspheres as Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Boosting Hydrogen Oxidation/Evolution Reactions in Alkaline Solution.

Developing robust and effectual nonprecious electrocatalysts for the bifunctional hydrogen oxidation and evolution reactions (HOR and HER) in alkaline electrolyte is of critical significance for the realization of future hydrogen economy but challenging. Herein, this work demonstrates a new routine for the preparation of bio-inspired FeMo2S4 microspheres via the one-step sulfuration of Keplerate-type polyoxometalate {Mo72Fe30}. The bio-inspired FeMo2S4 microspheres feature potential-abundant structural defects and atomically precise iron doping and act as an effective bifunctional electrocatalyst for hydrogen oxidation/reduction reactions. The FeMo2S4 catalyst presents an impressive alkaline HOR activity compared to FeS2 and MoS2 with the high mass activity of 1.85 mA·mg-1 and high specific activity as well as excellent tolerance to carbon monoxide poisoning. Meanwhile, FeMo2S4 electrocatalyst also displayed prominent alkaline HER activity with a low overpotential of 78 mV at a current density of 10 mA·cm-2 and robust long-term durableness. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the bio-inspired FeMo2S4 with a unique electron structure possesses the optimal hydrogen adsorption energy and enhanced adsorption of hydroxyl intermediates, which accelerates the potential-determining Volmer step, thus promoting the HOR and HER performance. This work provides a new pathway for designing efficient noble-metal-free electrocatalysts for the hydrogen economy.

Preparation of paramagnetic ferroferric oxide-calcined layered double hydroxide core-shell adsorbent for selective removal of anionic pollutants.

Adsorption is one of the most common methods of pollution treatment. The selectivity for pollutants and recyclability of adsorbents are crucial to reduce the treatment cost. Layered double hydroxide (LDH) materials are one type of adsorbent with poor recyclability. Prussian blue (PB) is a sturdy and inexpensive metal-organic framework material that can be used as the precursor for synthesizing paramagnetic ferroferric oxide (Fe3O4). It is intriguing to build some reusable adsorbents with magnetic separation by integrating LDH and PB. In this work, paramagnetic Fe3O4-calcined LDH (Fe3O4@cLDH) core-shell adsorbent was designed and prepared by the calcination of PB-ZnAl layered double hydroxide (PB@LDH) core-shell precursor, which exhibits high anionic dyes selectivity in wastewater solutions. The paramagnetism and adsorption capability of Fe3O4@cLDH come from the Fe3O4 core and calcined ZnAl-LDH shell, respectively. Fe3O4@cLDH shows an adsorption capacity of 230 mg g-1 for acid orange and a high selectivity for anionic dyes in cation-anion mixed dye solutions. The regeneration process indicates that the high selectivity for anions is related to the specific hydration recovery process of ZnAl-LDH. The synergistic effect of the paramagnetic Fe3O4 core and calcined ZnAl-LDH shell makes Fe3O4@cLDH an excellent magnetic separation adsorbent with high selectivity to anions.

[Research on the pathogeny of black tooth stain and association between black tooth stain and primary dentition caries in children].

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between polymorphism of cytochrome P450, family 2, subfamily A, polypeptide 6(CYP2A6) and periodontitis, the expression of inflammatory cytokines in 123 Han smokers. METHODS: From October 2018 to October 2019, a total of 123 smokers with periodontitis were selected as the experimental group, and 125 non-smokers as the control group. The general data of the patients were collected, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), chewing and brushing habits, as well as molar condition; plaque index (PLI), gingival bleeding index (BI), periodontal probing depth (PD) and attachment loss (AL) were detected. CYP2A6 was amplified by PCR. The level of interleukin (IL)-17, IL-1, IL-6, IL-23 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in GCF was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). SPSS 25.0 software package was used for statistical analysis of the data. RESULTS: There was significant difference in gender, PLI, IL-17, IL-1, IL-6, IL-23, TNF-α level in GCF between the two groups(P＜0.05). All samples were amplified by PCR. Among them, 23 were not amplified, which were identified as CYP2A6 deletion type (CYP2A6del), including 5 in the experimental group and 18 in the control group; 225 were amplified and identified as CYP2A6 wild type(CYP2A6wt), including 118 in the experimental group and 107 in the control group. There was significant difference in CYP2A6 genotype between the two groups(P＜0.05). In the experimental group, the level of IL-1 and PLI of different CYP2A6 genotypes was significantly different(P＜0.05); and in the control group, the level of IL-17 and PLI of different CYP2A6 genotypes was also significantly different(P＜0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There are differences in CYP2A6 genotype between smokers and non-smokers in Han population with periodontitis, but the relationship between CYP2A6 genotype and inflammatory cytokines is not clear.

miR-122 and miR-197 expressions in hepatic carcinoma patients before and after chemotherapy and their effect on patient prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the miR-122 and miR-197 expression levels in liver cancer (LC) patients before and after chemotherapy and to determine their prognostic implications. METHODS: The present study included 169 patients with LC who were admitted to our hospital from January 2005 to December 2010. The miR-122 and miR-197 expression levels in the patients' cancerous and adjacent tissues were quantified, and their peripheral blood levels before and after chemotherapy were analyzed, as well as their prognostic implications. RESULTS: The miR-122 and miR-197 levels in the LC tissues were lower than they were in the adjacent tissues, and they increased in the peripheral blood after chemotherapy. Higher miR-122 and miR-197 expression levels were observed in the LC tissues of sorafenib-sensitive patients. ROC curves demonstrated that miR-122 and miR-197 are predictive markers for the therapeutic effect of sorafenib. As shown by a K-M survival curve and a log-rank test, low miR-122 and miR-197 levels are responsible for low 5-year patient survival rates. Moreover, a univariate Cox analysis uncovered the association between the 5-year survival and the miR-122 and miR-197 expression levels, the size and number of tumors, vascular invasion, and TNM and BCLC staging. Also, a multivariate Cox analysis indicated that the independent risk factors for 5-year survival in LC included the miR-122 and miR-197 levels, the number of tumors, vascular invasion, and TNM and BCLC staging. CONCLUSION: miR-122 and miR-197 expression levels can predict LC patient responses to sorafenib chemotherapy, and their levels increase after chemotherapy. Moreover, decreased miR-122 and miR-197 levels are independent risk factors for LC progression.

Organic Moiety-Regulated Photocatalytic Performance of Phosphomolybdate Hybrids for Hexavalent Chromium Reduction.

Visible-light-driven photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction is a promising pathway to moderate environmental pollution, in which the development of photocatalysts is pivotal. Herein, three hourglass-type phosphomolybdate-based hybrids with the formula of: (H2 bpe)3 [Zn(H2 PO4 )][Zn(bpe)(H2 O)2 ]H{Zn[P4 Mo6 O31 H6 ]2 } ⋅ 6H2 O (1) Na6 [H2 bz]2 [ZnNa4 (H2 O)5 ]{Zn [P4 Mo6 O31 H3 ]2 } ⋅ 2H2 O (2) and (H2 mbpy) {[Zn(mbpy)(H2 O)]2 [Zn(H2 O)]2 }{Zn[P4 Mo6 O31 H6 ]2 } ⋅ 10H2 O (3) (bpe=trans-1,2-bi(4-pyridyl)-ethylene; bz=4,4'-diaminobiphenyl; mbpy=4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'bipyridine) were synthesized under the guidance of the functional organic moiety modification strategy. Structural analysis showed that hybrids 1-3 have similar 2D layer-like spatial arrangements constructed by {Zn[P4 Mo6 ]2 } clusters and organic components with different conjugated degree. With excellent redox properties and wide visible-light absorption capacities, hybrids 1-3 display favourable photocatalytic activity for Cr(VI) reduction with 79%, 70% and 64% reduction rates, which are superior to that of only inorganic {Zn[P4 Mo6 ]2 } itself (21%). The investigation of organic components on photocatalytic performance of hybrids 1-3 suggested that the organic counter cations (bpe, bz and mbpy) can effectively affect the visible-light absorption, as well as the recombination of photogenerated carriers stemmed from {Zn[P4 Mo6 ]2 } clusters, further promoting their photocatalytic performances towards Cr(VI) reduction. This work provides an experimental basis for the design of functionalized photocatalysts via the modification of organic species.

Cloning of common carp SOCS-3 gene and its expression during embryogenesis, GH-transgene and viral infection.

As a member of a newly discovered protein family, the suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS-3) has been shown to regulate the responses of many immune cytokines in a negative auto-regulatory manner. The full-length cDNA of common carp SOCS-3 was 1603 bp and contained a 630 bp open reading frame (ORF) coding for a protein of 209 amino acids. Carp SOCS-3 molecule was well conserved especially in the SRC homology 2 (SH2) and the SOCS box. The kinase inhibitory region (KIR) and ESS domains, upstream of the SH2 domain, were conserved in carp SOCS-3, except for a specific insertion (PHRYK) in the KIR domain at the N-terminal region. Three conserved cysteine (Cys-102, 124 and 193) residues, and one additional cysteine (Cys-168) residue, were also found in carp SOCS-3. The 2015 bp genomic DNA of carp SOCS-3 contained two exons and one intron. Phylogenetic analysis showed that carp SOCS-3 sequence grouped with other known fish SOCS-3 sequences with zebrafish SOCS-3 as the closest neighbour. RT-PCR analysis showed that carp SOCS-3 was initially expressed at 4 h pf (post-fertilization) and gradually increased up to 4 w pf during embryogenesis. By RT-qPCR analysis, carp SOCS-3 gene was predominantly detected in gill, head kidney, thymus and skin, followed by spleen and peripheral blood, lower expression level was detected in kidney, intestine, liver and muscle; the SOCS-3 transcript was significantly increased in thymus, head kidney, spleen and intestine of GH (growth hormone)-transgenic carp; after SVCV (spring viraemia of carp virus) infection, the carp SOCS-3 transcript was significantly up-regulated in gill, intestine, thymus, spleen, head kidney and kidney tissues in a time-dependent manner. These results suggest that teleost SOCS-3 may play an active role in the modulation of viral-induced innate immune response and in preventing the overaction of some cytokines with viral stimulation.