Mechanical strain regulates osteogenesis via Antxr1/LncRNA H19/Wnt/ß-catenin axis.

Alleviating bone loss is an essential way to prevent osteoporotic fractures. Proper exercise improves bone density without the side effects of long-term medications, but the mechanism is unclear. Our study explored the role of Antxr1/LncRNA H19/Wnt/ß-catenin axis in the process of exercise-mediated alleviation of bone loss. Here we discovered that moderate-intensity treadmill exercise alleviates bone loss caused by ovariectomy and ameliorates bone strength accompanied by an increased lncRNA H19 expression. Concomitantly, Antxr1, a mechanosensitive protein was found downregulated by exercise but upregulated by ovariectomy. Interestingly, knockdown expression of Antxr1 increased lncRNA H19 expression and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, whereas overexpression of Antxr1 decreased lncRNA H19 expression and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. Hence, our study demonstrates the regulation of Antxr1/LncRNA H19/Wnt/ß-catenin axis in the process of mechanical strain-induced osteogenic differentiation, which provides further mechanistic insight into the role of mechanical regulation in bone metabolism.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate restores mitochondrial homeostasis impairment by inhibiting HDAC1-mediated NRF1 histone deacetylation in cardiac hypertrophy.

Decompensated cardiac hypertrophy is accompanied by impaired mitochondrial homeostasis, whether histone acetylation is involved in this process is yet to be determined. The role of HDAC1-mediated NRF1 histone deacetylation was investigated in transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced hypertrophy in rats and phenylephrine (PE)-induced hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. Administration of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), an inhibitor of HDAC1, restored cardiac function, decreased heart/body weight and fibrosis, increased the ratio of mtDNA/nDNA and the percentage of LysoTracker+ CMs in TAC, compared with TAC without receiving EGCG. In PE-treated hypertrophic H9C2 cells, EGCG attenuated cell hypertrophy and increased LC3B II+MitoTracker+ puncta, as well as the ratio of mtDNA/nDNA. Interestingly, NRF1 but not PGC-1α expression was decreased in TAC- or PE-induced hypertrophic hearts or cells, respectively, while EGCG upregulated both NRF1 and PGC-1α in vitro. EGCG treatment also increased the interaction between PGC-1α and NRF1. In addition to inhibiting HDAC1 expression, EGCG decreased the binding of HDAC1 and increased the binding of acH3K9 or acH3K14 in the promotor regions of PGC-1α and NRF1. In neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, restored NRF1, TFAM and FUNDC1 were abolished by the overexpression of HDAC1. Collectively, data suggest that NRF1 reduction was averted by EGCG via inhibiting HDAC1-mediated histone deacetylation. Acetylation of NRF1 histone may play a key role in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis associated with cardiac hypertrophy.

Ultrasound-Guided Cannulation of the Great Saphenous Vein in Neonates: A Randomized Study.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective randomized controlled study aimed to compare the ultrasound-guided (USG) technique with the standard single-wall puncture technique for epicutaneo-caval catheter (ECC) placement in neonates. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 100 neonates were included in this study. All enrolled neonates were randomly divided into two groups (n = 50): the USG group and the control group. The control group underwent standard single-wall puncture for ECC placement procedures, and the USG group underwent USG ECC placement procedures. RESULTS: The first attempt success rates (62 vs. 38%; p = 0.016) and the total success rates (92 vs. 74%; p = 0.017) were higher in the USG group than in the control group. The procedure time was shorter in the USG group than in the control group: 351.43 (112.95) versus 739.78 seconds (369.13), p < 0.001. The incidence of adverse events was not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Compared with the standard single-wall puncture method, USG cannulation is superior for neonatal ECC placement, with a higher success rate, and decreases the total procedural time. KEY POINTS: · Establishing ECCs in neonates is challenging and lead to multiple attempts and adverse events.. · Information on the efficiency of USG dynamic needle tip positioning for ECCs in neonates is lacking.. · Compared with the standard puncture method, USG cannulation is superior for neonatal ECC placement..

Treg/Th17 Ratio Regulation May Play an Important Role in Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate-Mediated Attenuation of Increased Afterload-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to investigate whether Treg/Th17 ratio regulation plays an important role in epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in attenuating increased afterload-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Three-month-old male C57BL/6 mice were divided into sham + vehicle, abdominal aortic constriction (AAC) + vehicle, and AAC + EGCG groups. Intraperitoneal EGCG (50 mg/kg/d) administration was conducted. Cardiac structure and function were examined by ultrasonography. Pathology was examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining, wheat germ agglutinin staining, and Masson's trichome staining. T-lymphocyte subtypes were analyzed using immunofluorescence and flow cytometry assays. Ultrasonography showed that the ventricular wall in the AAC + vehicle group was thicker than that in the sham + vehicle group (P < 0.05). Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed cardiomyocyte hypertrophy accompanied by a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration in the AAC + vehicle group. The results of wheat germ agglutinin staining demonstrated the presence of hypertrophic cardiomyocytes in the AAC + vehicle group (P < 0.01). Masson's trichome staining showed cardiac fibrosis in the AAC + vehicle group, and the immunofluorescence assay revealed infiltration of CD4+ cells in both AAC + vehicle and AAC + EGCG groups. Splenic flow cytometry showed a significant increase in the proportion of Treg cells in the AAC + EGCG group (P < 0.05). The proportion of Th17 cells in the AAC + vehicle group was significantly higher than that in the sham + vehicle group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, changes in the Treg/Th17 ratio are associated with the occurrence of myocardial hypertrophy caused by increased afterload. Moreover, regulation of the Treg/Th17 ratio by EGCG may play an important role in the attenuation of myocardial hypertrophy.

The Role of Long Non-coding RNA, Nuclear Enriched Abundant Transcript 1 (NEAT1) in Cancer and Other Pathologies.

Nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1), consisting of two kinds of lncRNAs of 3.7 kB NEAT1-1 and 23 kB NEAT1-2, can be highly expressed in organs and tissues such as the ovary, prostate, colon, and pancreas, and is involved in paraspeckle formation and mRNA editing and gene expression. Therefore, NEAT1 is a potential biomarker for the treatment of a variety of diseases, which may be caused by two factors (isoforms of NEAT1 and NEAT1 sponging miRNA as ceRNA). However, there is still much confusion about the mechanism and downstream effector between the abnormal expression of NEAT1 and various diseases. This review summarizes recent research progress on NEAT1 in cancer and other pathologies and provides a more reliable theoretical basis for the treatment of related diseases.

Classification of gastric cancerous tissues by a residual network based on optical coherence tomography images.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive, radiation-free, and high-resolution imaging technology. The intraoperative classification of normal and cancerous tissue is critical for surgeons to guide surgical operations. Accurate classification of gastric cancerous OCT images is beneficial to improve the effect of surgical treatment based on the deep learning method. The OCT system was used to collect images of cancerous tissues removed from patients. An intelligent classification method of gastric cancerous tissues based on the residual network is proposed in this study and optimized with the ResNet18 model. Four residual blocks are used to reset the model structure of ResNet18 and reduce the number of network layers to identify cancerous tissues. The model performance of different residual networks is evaluated by accuracy, precision, recall, specificity, F1 value, ROC curve, and model parameters. The classification accuracies of the proposed method and ResNet18 both reach 99.90%. Also, the model parameters of the proposed method are 44% of ResNet18, which occupies fewer system resources and is more efficient. In this study, the proposed deep learning method was used to automatically recognize OCT images of gastric cancerous tissue. This artificial intelligence method could help promote the clinical application of gastric cancerous tissue classification in the future.

Identification of Candidate Genes and Regulatory Competitive Endogenous RNA (ceRNA) Networks Underlying Intramuscular Fat Content in Yorkshire Pigs with Extreme Fat Deposition Phenotypes.

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content is vital for pork quality, serving an important role in economic performance in pig industry. Non-coding RNAs, with mRNAs, are involved in IMF deposition; however, their functions and regulatory mechanisms in porcine IMF remain elusive. This study assessed the whole transcriptome expression profiles of the Longissimus dorsi muscle of pigs with high (H) and low (L) IMF content to identify genes implicated in porcine IMF adipogenesis and their regulatory functions. Hundreds of differentially expressed RNAs were found to be involved in fatty acid metabolic processes, lipid metabolism, and fat cell differentiation. Furthermore, combing co-differential expression analyses, we constructed competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) regulatory networks, showing crosstalk among 30 lncRNAs and 61 mRNAs through 20 miRNAs, five circRNAs and 11 mRNAs through four miRNAs, and potential IMF deposition-related ceRNA subnetworks. Functional lncRNAs and circRNAs (such as MSTRG.12440.1, ENSSSCT00000066779, novel_circ_011355, novel_circ_011355) were found to act as ceRNAs of important lipid metabolism-related mRNAs (LEP, IP6K1, FFAR4, CEBPA, etc.) by sponging functional miRNAs (such as ssc-miR-196a, ssc-miR-200b, ssc-miR10391, miR486-y). These findings provide potential regulators and molecular regulatory networks that can be utilized for research on IMF traits in pigs, which would aid in marker-assisted selection to improve pork quality.

Osteoimmunological insights into the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is inflammatory arthritis predominantly affecting the spine, which is involved in the disorders of both immune and skeletal systems. The exact pathogenesis of AS is not fully understood. Osteoimmunology is a new subject of study in inflammatory arthritis, in particular the pathogenic events involved in the cross-regulation of both skeletal and immune systems. In this review, we discuss osteoimmunological and pathological changes of AS in the spine that are characterized by altered osteogenesis and osteolytic bone destruction, accompanied by the changes of the immune system. It was revealed that bone cells like mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblast, and osteoclast in crossing talking with immune cells such as T cells, B cells coregulate to the pathogenesis of AS. Further, an array of cytokines and molecules expressed by both skeletal and immune systems contribute to these complex interplays. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of AS will lay a foundation for the exploration of the potential new treatment to AS.

Tunable electronic properties and enhanced ferromagnetism in Cr2Ge2Te6monolayer by strain engineering.

Recently, as a new representative of Heisenberg's two-dimensional (2D) ferromagnetic materials, 2D Cr2Ge2Te6(CGT), has attracted much attention due to its intrinsic ferromagnetism. Unfortunately, the Curie temperature (TC) of CGT monolayer is only 22 K, which greatly hampers the development of the applications based on the CGT materials. Herein, by means of density functional theory computations, we explored the electronic and magnetic properties of CGT monolayer under the applied strain. It is demonstrated that the band gap of CGT monolayer can be remarkably modulated by applying the tensile strain, which first increases and then decreases with the increase of tensile strain. In addition, the strain can increase the Curie temperature and magnetic moment, and thus largely enhance the ferromagnetism of CGT monolayer. Notably, the obvious enhancement ofTCby 191% can be achieved at 10% strain. These results demonstrate that strain engineering can not only tune the electronic properties, but also provide a promising avenue to improve the ferromagnetism of CGT monolayer. The remarkable electronic and magnetic response to biaxial strain can also facilitate the development of CGT-based spin devices.

Combined short- and long-axis method for internal jugular vein catheterization in premature newborns: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Rapid central venous catheterization is critical for the rescue and perioperative management of premature infants requiring surgery. Ultrasound-guided dynamic needle tip positioning (DNTP) has been widely used as a very effective technique, especially in paediatric vascular puncture and catheterization. However, for low-weight premature newborns, central vein catheterization still poses greater difficulties for paediatricians and paediatric anaesthesiologists. This prospective randomized control study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combined short- and long-axis (CSLA) internal jugular vein catheterization for premature newborns in comparison with the DNTP technique. METHODS: A total of 90 premature newborns (gestational age < 37 weeks and < 28 days after birth) who were scheduled for surgery were included in this study. All enrolled premature newborns were randomly divided into two groups (n = 45): the CSLA group and the DNTP group. We compared the first-puncture success rate, total success rate, procedure time, number of needle passes, occurrence of complications and other outcome measures between the two groups. RESULTS: The two groups (n = 45 per group) were similar in sex, gestational age, weight, mean arterial blood pressure, and vein-related measurements of the internal jugular vein. Total success was achieved in 43 (95.6%) and 36 (80.0%) patients in the CSLA and DNTP groups respectively. Compared with the DNTP group, the CSLA group showed a significantly higher first-attempt success rate (71.1% vs 46.7%, χ2  = 5.5533, P = .0184) and significantly fewer needle passes (1.0[1.0-2.0] vs 2.0[1.0-3.0], χ2  = -2.6094, P = .0091). There was no significant difference between the groups in the procedure time (368[304-573] vs 478[324-79]s, Z = -1.7690, P = .0769). Complications occurred in both groups, but the incidence was significantly lower in the CSLA group than in the DNTP group (6.7% vs 22.2%, χ2  = 4.4056, P = .0358). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein catheterization by the CSLA method is effective and safe. The CSLA method may be superior to the DNTP technique in premature newborns.

Optimal insertion depth of subclavian vein catheterization via the right supraclavicular approach in children.

BACKGROUND: Methods to determine the optimal insertion depth of ultrasound-guided supraclavicular approach to the subclavian vein (SCV) catheterization, alternatively used for central venous access, are debatable in children. AIM: We investigated the applicability and reliability of the modified formula for determining the depth of SCV catheterization using an ultrasound-guided supraclavicular approach in children. METHODS: This prospective observational study included 36 children (age <6 years; weight ≥5 kg) scheduled to undergo congenital heart disease surgery. After intubation, ultrasound-guided supraclavicular approach to the SCV catheterization was performed. Actual insertion depth was determined by real-time transesophageal echocardiography. Insertion depth was calculated by subtracting 1 cm from the sum of the distance from the insertion point to the sternal head of the right clavicle and that from the latter point to the midpoint of a perpendicular line drawn from the sternal head of the right clavicle to the line connecting the nipples. RESULTS: Insertion depth calculated with the modified formula and actual insertion depth of the SCV catheter correlated strongly (r = .806, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.658-0.908; p < .001). Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean bias and precision of 0.36 and 0.65 cm, respectively (95% CI: 0.14-0.58, 95% limits of agreement: -0.92, 1.64). All plots were above the -1.0 line, indicating no catheter tip insertion into the right atrium. CONCLUSIONS: Optimal insertion depth for an ultrasound-guided supraclavicular approach to the SCV catheterization can be calculated using modification of a surface landmark formula in children younger than 6 years and weight heavier than 5 kg.

Highly Electrocatalytic Ethylene Production from CO2 on Nanodefective Cu Nanosheets.

The electrochemical synthesis of chemicals from carbon dioxide, which is an easily available and renewable carbon resource, is of great importance. However, to achieve high product selectivity for desirable C2 products like ethylene is a big challenge. Here we design Cu nanosheets with nanoscaled defects (2-14 nm) for the electrochemical production of ethylene from carbon dioxide. A high ethylene Faradaic efficiency of 83.2% is achieved. It is proved that the nanoscaled defects can enrich the reaction intermediates and hydroxyl ions on the electrocatalyst, thus promoting C-C coupling for ethylene formation.

Electronic and effective mass modulation in 2D BCN by strain engineering.

2D BCN material consisting of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) has received extensive attention due to its abundant electronic properties and promising applications. The actual applications of 2D BCN require that there be precise control over its electronic properties. Using density functional theory calculations, we systematically investigate the electronic structure and effective mass of 2D BCN under biaxial strain. It is demonstrated that the band gap of zigzag BCNs decreases monotonously as the tensile strain increases. Moreover, the system exhibits a similar trend, regardless of the C/h-BN ratio. In sharp contrast, the band gap of armchair BCNs depends on the C/h-BN ratio. Specifically, the band gap of C2(BN)4 decreases significantly, while the band gap of C3(BN)3 and C4(BN)2 initially remains almost unchanged and then increases with increasing biaxial strain in armchair BCNs. In addition, it is found that the effective masses of the electron and hole of BCNs can be effectively modulated by the biaxial strain. Our results suggest a new route to control the electronic properties of 2D BCN and may also facilitate the realization of electronic devices based on 2D BCN material.

Palhinosides A-H: Flavone Glucosidic Truxinate Esters with Neuroprotective Activities from Palhinhaea cernua.

Palhinosides A-H (1-8), new flavone glucosidic truxinate esters, including ß-truxinate and µ-truxinate forms, were isolated from Palhinhaea cernua. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods and chemical analyses. The flavone glucoside cyclodimers possess a unique cyclobutane ring in their carbon scaffolds. Compounds 2-7 represent three pairs of stereoisomers (2/3, 4/5, 6/7). The protective effects of 1-8 against the damage of HT-22 cells induced by l-glutamate were evaluated, and compounds 4 and 5 showed better neuroprotective effects than the positive control, Trolox.

A novel method for ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation in neonates by trainee anaesthesiologists: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The modified dynamic needle tip positioning (MDNTP) technique for ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation (MDNTP-US technique) in neonates can be technically challenging for trainee anaesthesiologists. We hypothesised that by associating the MDNTP-US technique with hypodermic 0.9% sodium chloride (Saline MDNTP-US technique), which increases the subcutaneous radial artery depth, the procedure would become easier for trainee anaesthesiologists. OBJECTIVE: To compare the Saline MDNTP-US technique, with the MDNTP-US technique for radial artery catheterisation in neonates by trainee anaesthesiologists with limited experience. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. PATIENTS: Ninety-six neonates scheduled to undergo major abdominal surgery requiring continuous arterial pressure monitoring between May 2018 and December 2018 at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were enrolled. Neonates with signs of skin erosions or haematomas at or near the insertion site, as well as those with low noninvasive blood pressure values, were excluded. INTERVENTION: Neonates were randomised to the Saline MDNTP-US and MDNTP-US groups in a 1 : 1 ratio. Twelve trainees performed the cannulation procedures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Duration of procedure, first attempt success rate, rate of success within 10 min, and the incidence of haematoma and thrombosis. RESULTS: The median [IQR] time to perform cannulation was less for the Saline MDNTP-US technique than for the MDNTP-US technique: 203 [160 to 600] vs. 600 s [220 to 600]; P = 0.005. The rate of success within 10 min, 72.9 vs. 47.9%; P = 0.012, was higher in the Saline MDNTP-US group than in the MDNTP-US group. The incidence of haematoma on postoperative day 1 was lower in the Saline MDNTP-US group than in the MDNTP-US group: 8.3 vs. 22.9%; P = 0.049. CONCLUSION: Trainee anaesthesiologists can achieve higher success rates by using the Saline MDNTP-US technique instead of the MDNTP-US technique for radial artery catheterisation in neonates, taking less time with a lower incidence of complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR-IOR-17014119 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry).

"Modified Dynamic Needle Tip Positioning" Short-Axis, Out-of-Plane, Ultrasound-Guided Radial Artery Cannulation in Neonates: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Radial artery cannulation is extremely challenging in neonatal patients. Herein, we compared the success rate of the modified dynamic needle tip positioning short-axis, out-of-plane, ultrasound-guided technique with that of the traditional palpation technique in neonatal radial artery cannulation. METHODS: Sixty term neonates undergoing major abdominal surgery were randomized into the ultrasound or palpation group via the sealed-envelope method. The ultrasound group underwent radial artery cannulation using an ultrasonic apparatus, while traditional palpation of arterial pulsation was used in the palpation group. The arterial diameter and depth were measured on ultrasound before the puncture. We recorded age, weight, sex, and other background characteristics. The primary outcomes included the first-attempt, total success rates, and the total puncture procedure duration. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of complications (hematoma and thrombosis). Data were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Sixty term neonates were enrolled in the study. The success rates of the first attempt in the ultrasound and palpation groups were 40% (n = 30) and 10% (n = 30), respectively (P = .007; relative risk, 4.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-12.8). The total success rate was 96.7% in the ultrasound group and 60.0% in the palpation group (P = .001; relative risk, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-2.17). The average time to accomplish radial artery cannulation in the ultrasound and palpation groups was 91.4 ± 55.4 and 284.7 ± 153.6 seconds, respectively (P < .001; estimated difference, -193; 95% confidence interval, -256 to -130). In addition, 3.3% of the patients in the ultrasound group and 26.7% in the palpation group suffered puncture hematoma (P = .026; relative risk, 0.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.94). CONCLUSIONS: Modified dynamic needle tip positioning short-axis, out-of-plane, ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation in neonates improves the first-attempt and total success rates and decreases the total procedural time and incidence of cannulation-related complications.

Utility of transesophageal echocardiography for intra-operatively assessing pulmonary artery pressure across an isolated ventricular septal defect in children.

BACKGROUND: The magnitude of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is extremely important with respect to the intra-operative management of children and infants with an isolated ventricular septal defect (VSD). This study aimed to assess the feasibility and accuracy of transesophageal echocardiography for estimating pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) across isolated VSD. METHODS: We compared the results of transesophageal echocardiography vs invasive PASP measured simultaneously. This study included 40 patients (age: 6 months to 6 years; weight: >5 kg) who were undergoing elective surgery for isolated VSDs. Flow signals across the VSDs were identified as high velocity turbulent signals in systole via continuous wave Doppler at 0-120° at the mid-esophageal level. Peak velocities were recorded. Radial artery systolic pressures were assessed invasively, and PASPs were obtained after exposing the pulmonary artery intra-operatively. RESULTS: After excluding five patients because of unusable measurements, invasive PASP measurements were obtained in 35 patients (87.5%). There were no significant biases between echocardiographic and catheterization measurements of PASP, with a tight confidence interval measuring, on average, up to 2.6 mmHg. However, the ± 2 standard deviation limits of agreement for mean PASP were -3.8 and 10.6 mmHg. CONCLUSION: PASP measurements via transesophageal echocardiography in cardiac surgical patients under general anesthesia are recommended for use as a screening and monitoring tool for PH in children and infants, but cannot be used as a diagnostic tool.

Predictive value of serum Golgi protein 73 for prominent hepatic necroinflammation in chronic HBV infection.

As a noninvasive marker, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) has limitations, because a large proportion of patients chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) suffer from severe hepatic necroinflammation, but have normal or mildly elevated ALT. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the potential value of serum Golgi protein 73 (GP73) in predicting significant hepatic necroinflamation among chronic HBV infected patients. A cohort of 497 chronic HBV infected patients was retrospectively recruited. Liver biopsy was performed in all patients and serum GP73 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum GP73 increased in parallel with the increase in hepatic necroinflammatory activity grade (r = 0.682) and the stage of liver fibrosis (r = 0.539). The positive correlation of serum GP73 with the degree of hepatic necroinflammatory activity was statistically significant, while serum GP73 with the stage of liver fibrosis was weaker than that with hepatic necroinflammation. Furthermore, serum GP73 levels were significantly greater in patients with normal or mildly elevated ALT and significant hepatic necroinflammation (≥G2) than in patients with minimal to mild hepatic necroinflammation. The sensitivity and specificity of GP73 for the diagnosis of G2 hepatic necroinflammation was 42.35% and 95.0%, respectively, at a cut-off value of 88.38 ng/mL. When the cut-off value was set at 124.76 ng/mL, the sensitivity and specificity of GP73 for the diagnosis of G3 hepatic necroinflammation was 55.56% and 97.29%, respectively. These findings indicate that GP73 holds promise as an important candidate for diagnosing significant hepatic necroinflammation.

Converting Metal-Organic Framework Particles from Hydrophilic to Hydrophobic by an Interfacial Assembling Route.

Here, we propose to modify the hydrophilicity of metal-organic framework (MOF) particles by an interfacial assembling route, which is based on the surface-active nature of MOF particles. It was found that hydrophilic UiO-66-NH2 particles can be converted to hydrophobic particles through an oil-water interfacial assembling route. The underlying mechanism for the conversion of UiO-66-NH2 was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It was revealed that the close assembly of UiO-66-NH2 particles at the oil-water interface strengthens the coordination between organic ligands and metal ions, which results in a decrease in the proportion of hydrophilic groups on UiO-66-NH2 particle surfaces. Hydrophobic UiO-66-NH2 particles show improved adsorption capacity for dyes in organic solvents compared with pristine UiO-66-NH2 particles. It is expected that the interfacial assembling route can be applied to the synthesis of different kinds of MOF materials with tunable hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity required for diverse applications.

Pickering emulsions stabilized by a metal-organic framework (MOF) and graphene oxide (GO) for producing MOF/GO composites.

Herein we demonstrate the formation of a novel kind of Pickering emulsion that is stabilized by a Zr-based metal-organic framework (Zr-MOF) and graphene oxide (GO). It was found that the Zr-BDC-NO2 and GO solids assembling at the oil/water interface can effectively stabilize the oil droplets that are dispersed in the water phase. Such a Pickering emulsion offers a facile route for fabricating Zr-MOF/GO composite materials. After removing water and oil by freeze drying from Pickering emulsions, the Zr-MOF/GO composites were obtained and their morphologies, structures and interaction properties were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, respectively. The influences of the concentration of GO and Zr-MOF on the emulsion microstructures and the properties of the MOF/GO composites were studied. Based on experimental results, the mechanisms for the emulsion formation by Zr-MOF and GO and the as-synthesized superstructures of the Zr-MOF/GO composite were proposed. It is expected that this facile and tunable route can be applied to the synthesis of different kinds of MOF-based or GO-based composite materials.