Comparative Analysis of Proton Conductivity in Two Zn-Based MOFs Featuring Sulfate and Sulfonate Functional Groups.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown promising potential as proton-conducting materials due to their tunable structures and high porosity. In this study, two novel MOFs had been successfully synthesized, one containing sulfate groups (MOF-1; [Zn4(TIPE)2(SO4)4(H2O)]·5H2O) and the other containing sulfonate groups (MOF-2; [Zn2(TIPE)(5-sip)(NO3)0.66]·0.34NO3·17.5H2O) (TIPE = 1,1,2,2-tetrakis(4-(1H-imidazole-1-yl)phenyl)ethene, H35-sip = 5-sulfoisophthalicacid), and the effect of the two groups on the proton conductivity of Zn-based MOFs had been investigated and compared for the first time. The proton conductivity of these MOFs was systematically measured at different temperatures and humidity conditions. Remarkably, the results revealed significant differences in proton conductivity between the two sets of MOFs. At 90 °C and 98% RH, MOF-1 and MOF-2 achieved optimal proton conductivity of 4.48 × 10-3 and 5.69 × 10-2 S·cm-1, respectively. This was due to the structural differences arising from the presence of different functional groups, which subsequently affected the porosity and hydrophilicity, thereby influencing the proton conductivity. Overall, this comparative study revealed the influence of sulfate and sulfonate groups on the proton conductivity of Zn-based MOFs. This research provided a feasible idea for the development of advanced MOF materials with enhanced proton conductivity and opened up new possibilities for their application in proton devices.

A comprehensive review of small-molecule drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: Synthetic approaches and clinical applications.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a long-term metabolic disorder characterized by the body's resistance to insulin and inadequate production of insulin. Small molecule drugs to treat T2DM mainly control blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity, increasing insulin secretion, or reducing liver glycogen production. With the deepening of research on the pathogenesis of diabetes, many drugs with new targets and mechanisms of action have been discovered. The targets of the drugs for T2DM are mainly dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors (DPP4), sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2), sulfonylurea receptor modulators (SUR), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonists (PPARγ), etc. We are of the opinion that acquiring a comprehensive comprehension of the synthetic procedures employed in drug molecule production will serve as a source of inventive and pragmatic inspiration for the advancement of novel, more potent, and feasible synthetic methodologies. This review aims to outline the clinical applications and synthetic routes of some representative drugs to treat T2DM, which will drive the discovery of new, more effective T2DM drugs.

Factors associated with immune-related thyroid dysfunction induced by PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in cancer patients: an observational study.

This study aimed to identify the potential factors associated with immune thyroid dysfunction caused by programmed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors in cancer patients. We conducted a retrospective study of thyroid immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in cancer patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors at Tianjin First Central Hospital from January 2020 to March 2023. Thyroid irAEs were characterized as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis followed by hypothyroidism. A total of 175 patients were screened in the study, of whom 48 patients (27%) developed thyroid irAEs (including 24 hypothyroidism, 11 hyperthyroidism and 13 thyrotoxicosis followed by hypothyroidism) following PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors treatment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that combination therapy with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (lenvatinib/regorafenib) and high baseline anti-TPO level were associated with the development of thyroid irAEs caused by PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. The nomogram models showed good discriminant ability and could bring net benefits for more patients according to the decision curve analysis. However, the model needs to be further validated in other large cohorts.

Changed brain entropy and functional connectivity patterns induced by electroconvulsive therapy in majoy depression disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective is to innovatively integrate both linear and nonlinear characteristics of brain signals in Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) research, with the goal of uncovering deeper insights into the pathogenesis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and identifying novel targets for other physical intervention therapies. METHODS: We measured brain entropy (BEN) in 42 MDD patients and 42 matched healthy controls (HC) using rs-fMRI data. Brain regions that differed significantly in patients with MDD before and after ECT were extracted. Then, we use these brain regions as seed points to investigate the differences in whole-brain resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) patterns before and after ECT. RESULTS: Compared to HCs, patients had higher BEN levels in the right precuneus (PCUN.R) and right angular gyrus (ANG.R). After ECT, patients had lower BEN levels in the PCUN.R and ANG.R. Compared with before ECT, patients showed significantly increased RSFC after ECT between the PCUN.R and right middle temporal gyrus and ANG.R. Significantly increased RSFC was observed between the ANG.R and right middle frontal gyrus and right supramarginal gyrus after ECT. CONCLUSION: Combining the linear and nonlinear characteristics of brain signals can effectively explore the pathogenesis of depression and provide new targets for ECT.