Induced Production of Atypical Naturally Nonpreferred Metal-Organic Frameworks and Their Detachment via Provoking Post-Mismatching.

The structures of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are typically determined by the building blocks that compose them and the conditions under which they are formed. MOFs tend to adopt a thermodynamically and/or kinetically stable structure (naturally preferred form). Thus, constructing MOFs with naturally nonpreferred structures is a challenging task, as it requires avoiding the easier pathway toward a naturally preferred MOF. Herein, an approach to construct naturally nonpreferred dicarboxylate-linked MOFs employing reaction templates is reported. This strategy relies on the registry between the surface of the template and the cell lattice of a target MOF, which reduces the effort required to form naturally nonpreferred MOFs. Reactions of p-block trivalent metal ions (Ga3+ and In3+ ) with dicarboxylic acids typically produce preferred MIL-53 or MIL-68. However, the surface of UiO-67 (and UiO-66) template exhibits the well-defined hexagonal lattice, which induce the selective formation of a naturally nonpreferred MIL-88 structure. Inductively grown MIL-88s are purely isolated from the template via provoking a post-mismatch in their lattices and weakening the interfacial interaction between product and template. It is also discovered that an appropriate template for effective induced production of naturally nonpreferred MOFs shall be properly selected based on the cell lattice of a target MOF.

Surface Charge-Directed Efficient and Selective Catalytic Activities of Porous M@UiO-66 Composites (M = Pt or Ag) for Reduction of Organic Pollutants.

Precisely constructed porous composites containing catalytically active nanoparticles can stabilize unstable nanoparticles, thus improving catalytic activity and longevity while preventing agglomeration of active nanoparticles. Herein, we report the confined incorporation of highly active metal nanoparticles within a metal-organic framework support and efficient catalytic performances in the reduction of organic pollutants, such as methylene blue (MB) and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). UiO-66-based porous composites (M@UiO-66, M = Pt or Ag) containing well-dispersed metal nanoparticles are constructed via the one-step thermal treatment of UiO-66 implanted with metal ions (UiO-66/Mn+, Mn+ = Pt2+ or Ag+). The comprehensive features of M@UiO-66s, such as well-dispersed nanocatalysts, well-developed pores, and characteristic surface charges, expedite not only efficient but also selective catalytic activities in the reduction of MB or 4-NP, along with impressive recyclability.

Hepatitis C virus core protein inhibits hepatitis B virus replication by downregulating HBx levels via Siah-1-mediated proteasomal degradation during coinfection.

Most clinical and experimental studies have suggested that hepatitis C virus (HCV) is dominant over hepatitis B virus (HBV) during coinfection, although the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we found that HCV core protein inhibits HBV replication by downregulating HBx levels during coinfection in human hepatoma cells. For this effect, HCV core protein increased reactive oxygen species levels in the mitochondria and activated the ataxia telangiectasia mutated-checkpoint kinase two pathway in the nucleus, resulting in an upregulation of p53 levels. Accordingly, HCV core protein induced p53-dependent activation of seven in absentia homolog one expression, an E3 ligase of HBx, resulting in the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of HBx. The effect of the HCV core protein on HBx levels was accurately reproduced in both a 1.2-mer HBV replicon and in vitro HBV infection systems, providing evidence for the inhibition of HBV replication by HCV core protein. The present study may provide insights into the mechanism of HCV dominance in HBV- and HCV-coinfected patients.

Characterization of Latilactobacillus curvatus MS2 isolated from Korean traditional fermented seafood and cholesterol reduction effect as synbiotics with isomalto-oligosaccharide in BALB/c mice.

This study investigated the properties of Latilactobacillus curvatus MS2 isolated from Korean traditional fermented seafood as probiotics and the effect of reducing cholesterol as a synbiotic with isomalto-oligosaccharide (IMO) in BALB/c mice. The isolated strain showed high resistance to acids and bile acids and exhibited a high DPPH scavenging capacity of 72.27 ± 0.38 %. In the intestinal adhesion test using HT-29 cells, the adhesion rate of MS2 was 17.10 ± 1.78 %, which was higher than the adhesion rate of the other investigated probiotics. MS2 showed good antimicrobial activity against food-borne pathogens, especially Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Vibrio vulnificus. This strain had high availability for IMO among the prebiotics of fructo-oligosaccharide, inulin and IMO. Oral administration of MS2 and IMO to BALB/c mice for 5 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in blood cholesterol levels by regulating liver lipid metabolism. These results suggest that the combination of MS2 and IMO has potential for application in functional foods.

Post-stroke palatal tremor as a clinical predictor of dysphagia and its neuroanatomical correlates in patients with midbrain and pontine lesions.

The precise associations between dysphagia and palatal tremor (PT) remain unknown. We aimed to identify the association between PT and dysphagia among patients with midbrain/pontine stroke, compare the characteristics of dysphagia between patients with PT (PT + dysphagia) and without PT (PT- dysphagia), and verify neuroanatomical predictors of PT + dysphagia in this patient population. This retrospective observational study enrolled 40 patients (34 males, 6 females; mean age: 95% confidence interval [CI], 56.6 ± 14.6 years) with first-ever midbrain or pontine stroke exhibiting brain stem lesions admitted to the stroke unit of a single rehabilitation hospital between January 2010 and April 2020. Main outcome measures included dysphagia and aspiration rates and videofluoroscopic swallowing study findings. Lesion localization was stratified according to established vascular territories. Associations between PT and dysphagia and lesion location according to PT and dysphagia were analyzed. Dysphagia and aspiration rates were greater among patients with PT than among those without PT (95% CI, p = 0.030 and p = 0.017, respectively). The proportion of patients exhibiting oral stage impairment (95% CI, p = 0.007) was greater in the PT + dysphagia group than in the PT- dysphagia group. The posterolateral portion of the midbrain and pons (95% CI, p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) were the lesions more often involved in the PT + dysphagia group. Patients with PT following midbrain/pontine stroke more frequently present with dysphagia than those without PT. Thus, they should be carefully examined for PT and delayed dysphagia, including oral stage impairment, if initial brain images show posterolateral midbrain and pons lesions.

Characterization of a Bacillus sp. KRF-7 isolated from the intestine of rockfish and effects of dietary supplementation with mannan oligosaccharide in rockfish aquaculture.

The purpose of this study was to characterize the bacteria isolated from rockfish intestines and to investigate the effects of feed supplementation in rockfish aquaculture. Bacillus sp. KRF-7 isolated from the intestine of rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) was demonstrated to be safe based on in vitro tests confirming the absence of hemolysis, cytotoxicity, and genes with toxigenic potential. In a feeding trial, providing a supplemental diet of 1 × 108 CFU g-1Bacillus sp. KRF-7 was observed to positively alter the weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency ratio of juvenile rockfish. KRF-7 supplementation showed positive regulation of nonspecific immune parameters, such as superoxide dismutase, lysozyme activity, and myeloperoxidase activity. This analysis also revealed a change in the composition of the intestinal microbiota at the phylum level from Proteobacteria to Firmicutes. In both the kidney and spleen, the expression levels of IL-10, NF-κB, and B cell activating factors in the KRF-7-supplemented group were significantly increased compared to those in the control group. Therefore, this study verified the safety of KRF-7 isolated from the intestine of rockfish and suggests that dietary supplementation with KRF-7 enhances the growth performance of rockfish and has beneficial effects on the regulation of the intestinal microbiota and immune response.

Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activity of psiguadial B and its halogenated analogues as potential neuroprotective agents.

Psiguadial B (8), and its fluoro- (8a), chloro- (8b), and bromo- (8c) derivatives were synthesized using a sodium acetate-catalyzed single step coupling of three components: ß-caryophyllene (5), diformylphloroglucinol (11), and benzaldehyde (12). These compounds efficiently and dose-dependently decreased H2O2-induced cell death, a quantitative marker of cell death, in primary cultures of mouse cortical neurons. Psiguadial B also decreased neuronal death and accumulation of ROS induced by FeCl2 in cortical cultures. The in vitro effects of these compounds in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of nitric oxide (NO), and TNF-α and IL-6 by suppressing the NF-κB pathway in immune cells demonstrated their antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activity. The present findings warrant further research on the development of psiguadial B-based neuroprotective agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, acute brain injuries and immunological disorders.

Tip-To-Middle Anisotropic MOF-On-MOF Growth with a Structural Adjustment.

Well-organized construction of hybrid metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with complicated structures or components is a great importance because of their potential usefulness. In this regard, the conjugation of more than two MOFs, which have dissimilar components and/or structures, is a smart strategy for the production of hybrid MOFs. MOF-on-MOF growth is fundamental for the conjugation of two MOFs and should be deeply understood for the finely controlled conjugation and for the formation of well-organized hybrid MOFs. Herein, we report an interesting MOF growth process for the construction of hybrid MOF particles containing heterogeneous components and cell lattices. Interestingly, even though a newly grown MOF and an MOF template have mismatched cell lattices, the anisotropic growth results in unexpectedly well-defined core-shell-type hybrid MOFs. Comprehensive monitoring of the growth process revealed a tip-to-middle MOF-on-MOF growth, which elucidates the uncommon formation of a well-defined core-shell hybrid despite the anisotropic growth. A tip-to-middle anisotropic growth process is accompanied by self-adjustment of MOF cell lattices to anchor on the template surface having mismatched cell lattices in the early reaction stage and self-reversion of cell lattices to the original comfortable configuration in the middle stage of the reaction.

Atypical Hybrid Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs): A Combinative Process for MOF-on-MOF Growth, Etching, and Structure Transformation.

The structural, compositional, and morphological features of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) govern their properties and applications. Construction of hybrid MOFs with complicated structures, components, or morphologies is significant for the development of well-organized MOFs. An advanced route is reported for construction of atypical hybrid MOFs with unique morphologies and complicated components: 1) MOF-on-MOF growth of a 3D zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) on a ZIF-L template, 2) etching of a part of the 2D ZIF-L template, and 3) structural transformation of 2D ZIF-L into 3D ZIF. The formation of core-shell-type MOF rings and plates is controlled by regulating the three processes. The formation route for the core-shell-type MOF rings and plates was monitored by tracking changes in morphology, structure, and composition. Carbon materials prepared from the pyrolysis of the core-shell-type hybrid MOFs displayed enhanced oxygen reduction reaction activities compared to their monomeric counterparts.

Synthesis of Bimetallic Conductive 2D Metal-Organic Framework (Cox Niy -CAT) and Its Mass Production: Enhanced Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction Activity.

The development of new electrocatalysts for electrochemical oxygen reduction to replace expensive and rare platinum-based catalysts is an important issue in energy storage and conversion research. In this context, conductive and porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are considered promising materials for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) due to not only their high surface area and well-developed pores but also versatile structural features and chemical compositions. Herein, the preparation of bimetallic conductive 2D MOFs (Cox Niy -CATs) are reported for use as catalysts in the ORR. The ratio of the two metal ions (Co2+ and Ni2+ ) in the bimetallic Cox Niy -CATs is rationally controlled to determine the optimal composition of Cox Niy -CAT for efficient performance in the ORR. Indeed, bimetallic MOFs display enhanced ORR activity compared to their monometallic counterparts (Co-CAT or Ni-CAT). During the ORR, bimetallic Cox Niy -CATs retain an advantageous characteristic of Co-CAT in relation to its high diffusion-limiting current density, as well as a key advantage of Ni-CAT in relation to its high onset potential. Moreover, the ORR-active bimetallic Cox Niy -CAT with excellent ORR activity is prepared at a large scale via a convenient method using a ball-mill reactor.

A de novo KMT2D mutation in a girl with Kabuki syndrome associated with endocrine symptoms: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Kabuki syndrome is characterized by distinctive facial features and varying degrees of growth retardation. It leads to malformations in skeletal, urogenital and cardiac structures; moreover, endocrine conditions such as premature thelarche, precocious puberty, growth hormone deficiency, diabetes insipidus, thyroid dysfunction and obesity have been reported. Kabuki syndrome is caused by a heterozygous mutation in the KMT2D or KDM6A genes. CASE PRESENTATION: An 11-year-old girl with the typical facial features of Kabuki syndrome visited our hospital due to her short stature. She was found to have the de novo heterozygous mutation of c.8200C > T, p(Arg2734*) in exon 32 of the KMT2D gene and was diagnosed with Kabuki syndrome. The patient also exhibited endocrine abnormalities such as a constitutional delay of puberty, transiently congenial hypothyroidism, obesity and growth hormone deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: This is a case of a mutation in the KMT2D gene in a girl with Kabuki syndrome who presented with endocrine symptoms (constitutional delay of puberty, hypothyroidism, obesity and growth hormone deficiency).

Improvement in Crystallinity and Porosity of Poorly Crystalline Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) through Their Induced Growth on a Well-Crystalline MOF Template.

Porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are interesting materials owing to their interesting structural features and their many useful properties and applications. In particular, the structural features are greatly important to optimize the MOFs' porosities and so properties. Indeed, the MOFs' well-developed micropore and high surface area are the most important structural features, and as such, many practical applications of MOFs originate from these structural features. We herein demonstrate a strategy for improving the crystallinity of MOFs, and so increasing the porosity and surface area of poorly crystalline MOFs by making them in core-shell-type hybrids through the induced growth on the well-crystalline template. Although poorly crystalline versions of MOFs generate naturally in the absence of the well-crystalline template, well-crystalline versions of MOFs produce inductively in the presence of the well-crystalline template. In addition, the crystallinity enhancement of MOFs brings together the improvement in their porosities and surface areas. The surface areas and pore volumes of the well-crystalline versions of MOFs produced through the induced growth on the template are calculated based on this study, indicating that MOF surface areas increase by up to 7 times compared to the poorly crystalline versions.

Organocatalytic enantioselective synthesis of acyclic pyrimidine nucleosides by aza-Michael reaction.

An efficient diarylprolinol triphenylsilyl ether-catalyzed enantioselective aza-Michael reaction of pyrimidines as N-centered nucleophiles to α,ß-unsaturated aldehydes, followed by reduction, provided chiral acyclic pyrimidine nucleosides in good yields (51-78% yields for two steps) and excellent enantioselectivities (91-98% ee). In addition, the chiral acyclic pyrimidine nucleoside having the tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-protected hydroxyl substituent was successfully applied to the synthesis of the corresponding chiral cyclic pyrimidine nucleoside analogue bearing the tetrahydrofuranyl ring.

Evaluation of nefazodone-induced cardiotoxicity in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.

The recent establishment of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs), which express the major cardiac ion channels and recapitulate spontaneous mechanical and electrical activities, may provide a possible solution for the lack of in vitro human-based cardiotoxicity testing models. Cardiotoxicity induced by the antidepressant nefazodone was previously revealed to cause an acquired QT prolongation by hERG channel blockade. To elucidate the cellular mechanisms underlying the cardiotoxicity of nefazodone beyond hERG, its effects on cardiac action potentials (APs) and ion channels were investigated using hiPSC-CMs with whole-cell patch clamp techniques. In a proof of principle study, we examined the effects of cardioactive channel blockers on the electrophysiological profile of hiPSC-CMs in advance of the evaluation of nefazodone. Nefazodone dose-dependently prolonged the AP duration at 90% (APD90) and 50% (APD50) repolarization, reduced the maximum upstroke velocity (dV/dtmax) and induced early after depolarizations. Voltage-clamp studies of hiPSC-CMs revealed that nefazodone inhibited various voltage-gated ion channel currents including IKr, IKs, INa, and ICa. Among them, IKr and INa showed relatively higher sensitivity to nefazodone, consistent with the changes in the AP parameters. In summary, hiPSC-CMs enabled an integrated approach to evaluate the complex interactions of nefazodone with cardiac ion channels. These results suggest that hiPSC-CMs can be an effective model for detecting drug-induced arrhythmogenicity beyond the current standard assay of heterologously expressed hERG K(+) channels.

Colloidal synthesis of single-layer MSe2 (M = Mo, W) nanosheets via anisotropic solution-phase growth approach.

The generation of single-layer 2-dimensional (2D) nanosheets has been challenging, especially in solution-phase, since it requires highly anisotropic growth processes that exclusively promote planar directionality during nanocrystal formation. In this study, we discovered that such selective growth pathways can be achieved by modulating the binding affinities of coordinating capping ligands to the edge facets of 2D layered transition-metal chalcogenides (TMCs). Upon changing the functional groups of the capping ligands from carboxylic acid to alcohol and amine with accordingly modulated binding affinities to the edges, the number of layers of nanosheets is controlled. Single-layer MSe2 (M = Mo, W) TMC nanosheets are obtained with the use of oleic acid, while multilayer nanosheets are formed with relatively strong binding ligands such as oleyl alcohol and oleylamine. With the choice of appropriate capping ligands in the 2D anisotropic growth regime, our solution-based synthetic method can serve a new guideline for obtaining single-layer TMC nanosheets.

Synthesis and structural transformations of colloidal 2D layered metal chalcogenide nanocrystals.

This review presents recent advances in synthetic methods and structural transformations of colloidal 2D layered metal chalcogenide nanocrystals. Planar 2D anisotropy and interlayer van der Waals gaps are the important characteristics of these nanocrystals for pristine disc, plate or sheet morphologies. These 2D nanocrystals undergo unique chemical transformations upon exposure to external chemical stimuli and newly obtained structures are 2D nanostructures with high complexity in their morphological geometries and chemical compositions. Finally, future opportunities and potential applications of 2D layered metal chalcogenide nanocrystals are briefly discussed.

Special Issue: "Recent Developments in Geopolymers and Alkali-Activated Materials".

As efforts toward global sustainability converge with the imperative to reduce the environmental impact of construction materials, extensive research and development is underway in the field of geopolymers and alkali-activated materials (AAMs) [...].

Protective Effects of the Postbiotic Levilactobacillus brevis BK3 against H2O2- Induced Oxidative Damage in Skin Cells.

Postbiotics have various functional effects, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiobesity. Levilactobacillus brevis BK3, the subject of this study, was derived from lactic acid bacteria isolated from Kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented food. The antioxidant activity of BK3 was confirmed through the measurements of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis (3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The wrinkle improvement effect was validated by assessing elastase inhibitory activity and collagenase inhibitory activity. The intracellular activity was confirmed using human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and human fibroblasts (HFF-1). BK3 protects skin cells from oxidative stress induced by H2O2 and reduces intracellular ROS production. In addition, the expressions of the antioxidant genes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were upregulated. Meanwhile, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1), involved in collagen degradation and synthesis, were significantly regulated. These results suggest the possibility of utilizing BK3 as a functional ingredient with antioxidant and wrinkle-improving effects.

Allium tuberosum-derived nanovesicles with anti-inflammatory properties prevent DSS-induced colitis and modify the gut microbiome.

Edible plant-derived nanovesicles (ePDNs) have shown potential as a non-pharmacological option for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by maintaining gut health and showing anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effects of Allium tuberosum-derived nanovesicles (ADNs) on colitis have not been studied to date. Here, we extracted exosome-like nanovesicles from Allium tuberosum and investigated whether they have an anti-inflammatory effect in RAW 264.7 cells and colitis mice. The results showed that ADNs reduced the elevated levels of inflammatory factors such as IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB pathway-related proteins as a consequence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, our mouse experiments demonstrated that ADNs could ameliorate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis symptoms (e.g., increased disease activity index score, intestinal permeability, and histological appearance). Additionally, ADNs counteracted DSS-induced colitis by downregulating the expression of serum amyloid A (SAA), IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α and increasing the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that ADN intervention restored the gut microbial composition, which was similar to that of the DSS non-treated group, by decreasing the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes and the relative abundance of Proteobacteria. Furthermore, ADNs induced acetic acid production along with an increase in the abundance of Lactobacillus. Overall, our findings suggest that ADN supplementation has a crucial role in maintaining gut health and is a novel preventive therapy for IBD.