High-pressure study of a 3d-4f heterometallic CuEu-organic skeleton.

We prepared a 3d-4f heterobimetallic CuEu-organic framework NBU-8 with a density of 1921 kg m-3 belonging to the family of dense packing materials (dense metal-organic frameworks or MOFs). This MOF material was prepared from 4-(pyrimidin-5-yl)benzoic acid (HPBA) with a bifunctional ligand site as a tripodal ligand and Cu2+ and Eu3+ as the metal centres; the molecular formula is Cu3Eu2(PBA)6(NO3)6·H2O. This material is a very promising dimethylformamide (DMF) molecular chemical sensor. Systematic high-pressure studies of NBU-8 were carried out by powder X-ray diffraction, high-pressure X-ray diffraction and molecular dynamics simulation. The high-pressure experiment shows that the (006) diffraction peak of the crystal structure moves toward a low angle with increasing pressure, accompanied by the phenomenon that the d-spacing increases, and as the pressure increases, the (10-2) diffraction peak moves to a higher angle, the amplitude of the d-spacing is significantly reduced and finally merges with the (006) diffraction peak into one peak. The amplitude of the d-spacing is significantly reduced, indicating that NBU-8 compresses and deforms along the a-axis direction when subjected to uniform pressure. This is caused by tilting of the ligands to become more vertical along the c direction, leading to its expansion. This allows greater contraction along the a direction. We also carried out a Rietveld structure refinement and a Birch-Murnaghan solid-state equation fitting for the high-pressure experimental results. We calculated the bulk modulus of the material to be 45.68 GPa, which is consistent with the calculated results. The framework is among the most rigid MOFs reported to date, exceeding that of Cu-BTC. Molecular dynamics simulations estimated that the mechanical energy absorbed by the system when pressurized to 5.128 GPa was 249.261 kcal mol-1. The present work will provide fresh ideas for the study of mechanical energy in other materials.

Evaluating the capacity of heavy metal pollution enrichment in green vegetation in the industrial zone, Northwest China.

It focused on heavy metal pollution of green vegetation in Tuokexun County, Xinjiang Northwest China's suburban industrial area, using inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer to analyze the samples for Mn, Ni, Zn, Cd, Hg, Pb, As, Cu, and Cr contents. The soil's heavy metal content in the study area indicated a minor level of pollution overall (P = 1.77), with the most severe contamination being Hg, which is more likely to be caused by human activities. Heavy metal elements in trees have the most stable composition in comparison to grass and shrubs, with varying concentrations across different vegetation. The concentrations of Mn, Cd and Hg were highest in the Haloxylon ammodendron, Ni in Morus alba, Pb, As and Cu in Nitraria tangutorums, and Cr in Phragmites australis. Heavy metal restoration is most effectively performed by shrubs, and there are disparities in heavy metal enrichment among various vegetation. No significant difference was found in heavy metal enrichment between the aboveground and underground parts of vegetation. Based on the average of the membership function, Tamarix exhibits the strongest ability to enrich heavy metals, while Nitraria tangutorum comes in second, and Cynanchum chinense R.Br. is the least effective among all plant species. Morus alba is recommended as the primary planting species in the area. Nitraria tangutorum and Haloxylon ammodendron have good potential for Cd and As restoration and can be used as supporting vegetation.

Correlation analysis of NT-proBNP (N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide), 25-Hydroxyvitamin D, HMGB1(High-mobility group box 1), ACTA (endogenous activin A), blood glucose level, and electrolyte level with developmental quotient scores in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the correlation between N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-(OH) D), high-mobility group box 1(HMGB1), endogenous activin A (ACTA), blood glucose level, electrolyte levels and developmental quotient (DQ) scores of Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). METHODS: In this retrospective study, a total of 90 neonates diagnosed with HIE who were admitted to our hospital from January 2018 to June 2021 were retrospectively enrolled, and 40 healthy full-term neonates born in our hospital during the same period were randomly selected. Neonates with HIE and healthy conditions were set as the study group and control group, respectively. Neonates with HIE are divided into three subgroups, mild, moderate, and severe, based on the severity of HIE. The Gesell Developmental Scale (GDS) was used to assess neural development of neonates at 9 to 12 months postnatal. Biomarkers of peripheral venous blood were measured and collected in all neonates, including NT-proBNP, (25-(OH) D), HMGB1, ACTA, electrolyte levels and blood glucose levels. General demographic information and Apgar score were compared between the two groups. The differences between the two groups of biomarkers were compared and the correlation between these biomarkers and DQ scores was evaluated. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in gestational age, maternal age, gender, way of birth, birth weight, gestational age and whether the mother was a primipara between the two groups (P>0.05). The 10 min Apgar score of the study group (5.87±0.36) was lower than that of the control group (9.37±0.32) with significant difference (P<0.05). The levels of NT-proBNP, HMGB1, and ACTA in the study group were higher than that in the control group (243.87±21.29 pmol/L vs. 116.98±22.19 pmol/L; 8.92±1.87 µg/L vs. 3.28±1.08 µg/L; 23.78±0.89 ng/ml vs. 2.98±0.38 ng/ml), while the levels of 25-(OH) D and electrolyte levels were lower than that in the control group (24.28±1.87 vs. 31.29±1.93; K+: 4.49±0.23 mmol/L vs. 4.73±0.21 mmol/L; Na+: 118.76±13.02 mmol/L vs. 134.28±12.29 mmol/L; Ca2+: 1.77±0.23 mmol/L vs. 2.35±0.26 mmol/L; Mg2+: 0.61±0.17 mmol/L vs. 0.91±0.17 mmol/L), with statistically significant differences (P<0.001). The levels of NT-probNP, HMGB1, ACTA and the incidence of hypoglycemia were the highest in the severe group, which were significantly higher than those in the moderate group and mild group (P<0.05). The levels of NT-probNP, HMGB1, ACTA and the incidence of hypoglycemia were the lowest in the mild group. The 25-(OH) D level, the incidence of hyperglycemia and electrolyte levels were the lowest in the severe group, which were significantly lower than those in the moderate and mild groups (all P<0.05). Meanwhile, the 25-(OH) D level, the incidence of hyperglycemia and electrolyte levels in the moderate group were lower than those in the mild group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The incidence of hyperglycemia in severe group (16 cases) was the lowest, significantly lower than that in moderate group (17 cases) and mild group (22 cases), and the difference was statistically significant (all P<0.05). The DQ scores of HIE neonates were negatively correlated with NT-proBNP, HMGB1, and ACTA (r=-0.671, -0.421, -0.518, all P< 0.001). The DQ scores was positively correlated with levels of 25-(OH) D and blood glucose level (r =0.621, 0.802, all P< 0.001). The DQ scores was also positively correlated with levels of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium (0.367, 0.782, 0.218, 0.678, all P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The NT-proBNP, HMGB1, ACTA, 25-(OH) D, blood glucose levels and electrolyte levels are correlated with the severity of HIE, and developmental quotient scores in neonates with HIE. These biomarkers are suggestive for assessing the prognosis of neonate with HIE.

Recurrence Outcome in Hepatocellular Carcinoma within Milan Criteria Undergoing Microwave Ablation with or without Transarterial Chemoembolization.

Background and Objectives: The recurrence outcome in patients who underwent microwave ablation (MWA) with or without transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within Milan criteria remains unclear. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify the predictive factors of recurrence in these patients. Materials and Methods: From May 2018 to April 2021, 66 patients with HCC within Milan criteria were enrolled. Local tumor progression (LTP) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the risk factors of recurrence. The propensity score analysis was conducted to reduce potential confounding bias. Results: During the median follow-up of 25.07 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 21.85, 28.28), the median time to LTP and RFS were 20.10 (95%CI, 14.67, 25.53) and 13.03 (95%CI, 6.36, 19.70) months. No group difference (MWA vs. MWA + TACE) was found in 1-year cumulative LTP (p = 0.575) and RFS (p = 0.515), but meaningful significant differences were found in two-year recurrence (LTP, p = 0.007 and RFS, p = 0.037). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that treatment received before ablation was an independent risk factor of LTP (hazard ratio [HR] 4.37, 95%CI, 1.44, 13.32) and RFS (HR 3.41, 95%CI, 1.49, 7.81). Conclusions: The LTP and RFS in the MWA group were similar to that in the MWA combined with TACE. For HCC within Milan criteria, both groups preferentially selected MWA. More endeavor and rigorous surveillance should be taken to relapse prevention, in patients who have received previous treatment.

Towards efficient enzymatic conversion of D-galactose to D-tagatose: purification and characterization of L-arabinose isomerase from Lactobacillus brevis.

L-arabinose isomerase (L-AI) (EC 5. 3. 1. 4. L-AI) that mediates the isomerization of D-galactose to D-tagatose was isolated from Lactobacillus brevis (MF 465792), and was further purified and characterized. Pure enzyme with molecular weight of 60.1 kDa was successfully obtained after the purification using Native-PAGE gel extraction method, which was a monomer in solution. The L-AI was found to be stable at 45-75 °C, and at pH 7.0-9.0. Its optimum temperature and pH was determined as 65 °C and 7.0, respectively. Besides, we found that Ca2+, Cu2+, and Ba2+ ions inhibited the enzyme activity, whereas the enzyme activity was significantly enhanced in the presence of Mg2+, Mn2+, or Co2+ ions. The optimum concentration of Mn2+ and Co2+ was determined to be 1 mM. Furthermore, we characterized the kinetic parameters for L-AI and determined the Km (129 mM) and the Vmax (0.045 mM min- 1) values. Notably, L. brevisL-AI exhibited a high bioconversion yield of 43% from D-galactose to D-tagatose under the optimal condition, and appeared to be a more efficient catalyst compared with other L-AIs from various organisms.

Diwu Yanggan capsule inhibits the occurrence and development of liver cancer in the Solt-Farber rat model by regulating the Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk signaling pathway.

This study sought to determine the effect and explore the mechanism of the Chinese medicinal compound preparation Diwu Yanggan (DWYG) capsule on the occurrence and development of liver cancer using the Solt-Farber rat model. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly distributed into a normal group, sham group, DWYG group, sorafenib group, and model group. The DWYG group and sorafenib group were given DWYG capsule and sorafenib tablet, respectively, with induction of the model. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to detect liver pathological changes. The content of nuclear DNA in the liver was detected by Feulgen staining, and the expression of PCNA was detected by immunohistochemical staining. Molecular biology methods were used to detect the expression of liver regeneration-related factors and Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk signaling pathway-related proteins and mRNAs. HE staining showed that compared with those in the model group, the liver pathological changes in the DWYG group were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The nuclear DNA content in the liver based on Feulgen staining and the expression of PCNA in the DWYG group was lower than that in the model group (P < 0.05). The expression of regeneration-related factors and Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk signaling pathway-related proteins and mRNAs was significantly lower in the DWYG group than in the model group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, DWYG capsules to some degree inhibit the occurrence and development of liver cancer in the Solt-Farber rat model, and the effect is not inferior to that of sorafenib. DWYG capsules likely delay the occurrence and development of liver cancer and improve the liver regeneration microenvironment by regulating the Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk signaling pathway and regeneration-related factors.

The herbal compound "diwu yanggan" modulates liver regeneration by affecting the hepatic stem cell microenvironment in 2-acetylaminofluorene/partial hepatectomy rats.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance. "Diwu Yanggan" (DWYG) has been reported to regulate liver regeneration, modulate the immune response, ameliorate liver injury, kill virus, ameliorate liver fibrosis, and suppress hepatic cancer. However, its mechanisms are still unknown. Objectives. To investigate the effects of DWYG on oval cell proliferation in 2-AAF/PH rats and determine its mechanism. Methods. Wistar rats were randomly distributed into normal group, sham group, vehicle group, and DWYG group. Hepatic pathological changes were examined by H&E staining. The oval cell markers CD34, AFP, CK-19 and hematopoietic cell markers CD45, Thy1.1, and hepatocyte marker ALB were examined with immunohistochemistry. The percentage of CD34/CD45 double-positive cells in bone marrow was detected by flow cytometry. Cytokine levels were measured with the Bio-plex suspension array system. Results. DWYG significantly increased the survival rates of 2-AAF/PH rats and promoted liver regeneration. Furthermore, DWYG increased the ratio of CD34/CD45 double-positive cells on days 10 and 14. In addition, DWYG gradually restored IL-1, GRO/KC, and VEGF levels to those of the normal group. Conclusions. DWYG increases 2-AAF/PH rat survival rates, suppresses hepatic precarcinoma changes, and restores hepatic tissue structure and function. DWYG may act by modulating the hepatic microenvironment to support liver regeneration.

Attenuation of early liver fibrosis by herbal compound "Diwu Yanggan" through modulating the balance between epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition.

BACKGROUND: Diwu Yanggan (DWYG) is a Chinese compound herbal preparation which consists of five Chinese herbs. This study investigates the preventative effects of DWYG on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and explores its possible mechanisms of action. METHODS: Liver fibrosis was induced in male Wistar rats by injecting a 50% CCl4/soybean oil solution subcutaneously twice a week for six weeks. After six weeks of treatment, serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) assay, liver tissue histological assessment and hepatic hydroxyproline assay were respectively carried out to examine the effects of DWYG on liver function and fibrosis degree. The impacts of DWYG on the expression levels of epithelial marker E-cadherin, mesenchymal marker Vimentin, transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1) and bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) were further examined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. In addition, the differences of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway activity between DWYG-treated and DWYG-untreated fibrotic liver tissues were also evaluated by quantitative real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Upon DWYG treatment, the serum levels of ALT and AST, hepatic hydroxyproline content and the degree of fibrosis in CCl4-induced fibrotic model rats were dramatically declined. In accompany with the alleviation of the degree of fibrosis, DWYG treatment provoked the reversal of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) in the fibrotic liver tissues, which was characterized with the up-regulation expression of E-cadherin and down-regulation expression of Vimentin. Furthermore, we observed that the expression level of TGF-ß1 was reduced whereas the expression level of BMP-7 was enhanced in liver tissues of DWYG-treated rats, therefore the expression ratio of TGF-ß1/BMP-7 was dramatically decreased compared to CCl4-induced fibrosis model rats. In addition, quantitative real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis demonstrated that after DWYG treatment the expressions of Hh ligand Shh, receptor Smo and Ptc, and transcription factor Gli1 in CCl4-induced fibrotic liver tissues were dramatically repressed. CONCLUSIONS: DWYG demonstrates therapeutic potential to prevent liver fibrosis by modulating the balance between EMT and MET through reducing the expression ratio of TGF-ß1/BMP-7 and inhibiting the excessive activation of Hh signaling pathway.