The Predictive Value of Atherogenic Index of Plasma, Non- High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (Non-HDL-C), Non-HDL-C/HDL-C, and Lipoprotein Combine Index for Stroke Incidence and Prognosis in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients.

Purpose: The serum lipid level is strongly associated with atherosclerosis. However, research on the relationship between lipid-derived indices and acute ischemic stroke (AIS) occurrence in hemodialysis populations is limited. This study aimed to explore the predictive value of lipid-derived indices, including atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), Non- high density lipoprotein cholesterol (Non-HDL-C), Non-HDL-C/HDL-C, and lipoprotein combine index (LCI) in clinical practice for the occurrence and prognosis of AIS in hemodialysis patients. Methods: A total of 451 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis were screened and 350 were enrolled in this study. The lipid parameters exhibit a progressive increase across the tertiles, with values rising from Q1 through Q3. Enrolled patients were divided into three groups (Q1, Q2, and Q3) based on tertiles of AIP, Non-HDL-C, Non-HDL-C/HDL-C, and LCI values. Kaplan-Meier curves were performed to investigate the association between the AIP, Non-HDL-C, Non-HDL-C/HDL-C, LCI and AIS-free survival in hemodialysis patients. Chi-square analysis was used to explore the association between the AIP, Non-HDL-C, Non-HDL-C/HDL-C, LCI and AIS outcomes in hemodialysis patients. AIS outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results: Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the AIS-free survival rates were significantly higher in the Q1 group compared to Q2 and Q3 groups for AIP, Non-HDL-C, Non-HDL-C/HDL-C, and LCI. Log rank tests showed statistically significant differences between the Q1 group and the Q2 and Q3 groups (p < 0.05 for all). The proportion of patients with a good outcome mRS was higher in the Q1 group compared to the Q2-Q3 groups (AIP: 0.818 vs 0.792; Non- HDL-C: 0.866 vs 0.767; Non- HDL-C/HDL-C: 0.867 vs 0.767; LCI: 0.938 vs 0.750). Conclusion: The four lipid-derived parameters are effective predictors of AIS in patients undergoing hemodialysis, and AIP has a strongest correlation with the risk of AIS. Hemodialysis patients with elevated levels of the four lipid-derived indices had a higher incidence of AIS and poorer functional outcomes compared to those with lower levels. Our conclusions may require confirmation by further research in the future.

Role of ferroptosis in chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has historically been a significant global health concern, profoundly impacting both life and well-being. In the process of CKD, with the gradual loss of renal function, the incidence of various life-threatening complications, such as cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular accident, infection and stroke, is also increasing rapidly. Unfortunately, existing treatments exhibit limited ability to halt the progression of kidney injury in CKD, emphasizing the urgent need to delve into the precise molecular mechanisms governing the occurrence and development of CKD while identifying novel therapeutic targets. Renal fibrosis, a typical pathological feature of CKD, plays a pivotal role in disrupting normal renal structures and the loss of renal function. Ferroptosis is a recently discovered iron-dependent form of cell death characterized by lipid peroxide accumulation. Ferroptosis has emerged as a potential key player in various diseases and the initiation of organ fibrosis. Substantial evidence suggests that ferroptosis may significantly contribute to the intricate interplay between CKD and its progression. This review comprehensively outlines the intricate relationship between CKD and ferroptosis in terms of iron metabolism and lipid peroxidation, and discusses the current landscape of pharmacological research on ferroptosis, shedding light on promising avenues for intervention. It further illustrates recent breakthroughs in ferroptosis-related regulatory mechanisms implicated in the progression of CKD, thereby providing new insights for CKD treatment. Video Abstract.

Mean Platelet Volume/Platelet Count Ratio as a Predictor of Both Incidence and Prognosis of Acute Ischemic Stroke in Hemodialysis Patients.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore whether the mean platelet volume/platelet count ratio (MPR) has predictive value for the occurrence and prognosis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in hemodialysis patients. Patients and Methods: A total of 402 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis were screened and 259 were enrolled in this study. The receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the predictive power of the models. The patients enrolled in this study were divided into three groups based on the tertiles of the MPR value (Q1, Q2, and Q3). Kaplan-Meier curves were used to investigate the association between the MPR and AIS-free survival in hemodialysis patients. Chi-square analysis was performed to explore the association between the MPR and AIS outcomes in hemodialysis patients. And the AIS outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results: MPR had a predictive value for the occurrence of AIS (AUC=0.814) in hemodialysis patients with a high sensitivity and specificity. AIS-free survival rates in the MPR Q1, MPR Q2, and MPR Q3 groups were 0.930, 0.701, and 0.360, respectively. The proportion of patients with good outcomes (mRS 0-2) was significantly greater among patients in the MPR Q1-Q2 group than in the MPR Q3 group (0.844 vs 0.745, p <0.001). Conclusion: The MPR can be used as a good predictor of AIS in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Patients on hemodialysis with increased MPR levels had a higher incidence of AIS and poorer functional outcomes than those with low MPR levels.

Insights into autotrophic carbon fixation strategies through metagonomics in the sediments of seagrass beds.

Seagrass beds contributes up to 10% ocean carbon storage. Carbon fixation in seagrass bed greatly affect global carbon cycle. Currently, six carbon fixation pathways are widely studied: Calvin, reductive tricarboxylic acid (rTCA), Wood-Ljungdahl (WL), 3-hydroxypropionate (3HP), 3-hydroxypropionate/4-hydroxybutyrate (3HP/4HB) and dicarboxylate/4-hydroxybutyrate (DC/4-HB). Despite the knowledges about carbon fixation increase, the carbon fixation strategies in seagrass bed sediment remain unexplored. We collected seagrass bed sediment samples from three sites with different characteristics in Weihai, a city in Shandong, China. The carbon fixation strategies were investigated through metagenomics. The results exhibited that five pathways were present, of which Calvin and WL were the most dominant. The community structure of microorganisms containing the key genes of these pathways were further analyzed, and those dominant microorganisms with carbon fixing potential were revealed. Phosphorus significantly negatively corelated with those microorganisms. This study provides an insight into the strategies of carbon fixation in seagrass bed sediments.

Constructing a Photocatalyst for Selective Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol to Benzaldehyde by Photo-Fenton-like Catalysis.

A photoactive metal-organic framework (MOF), [K(H2O)][Cu(DPNDI)][Cu(DPNDI)(CH3CN)(H2O)] [Cu1.5(DPNDI)1.5H1.5P2W18O62]·2H2O (Cu(Ι)W-DPNDI), was prepared by combining a functional photosensitizer N, N'-bis(4-pyridylmethyl)naphthalene diimide (DPNDI), copper(I) ions, and an oxidation catalyst [P2W18O62]6- into a single framework via a hydrothermal process. Cu(Ι)W-DPNDI exhibited a stable structure, strong light absorption capacity, a suitable band gap, and photoelectric properties, which provided favorable conditions for photocatalysis. In the confined space, the well-aligned Cu(I) ions and POM polyanions played a synergetic effect in the electron-transfer process and reactive oxygen species generation. By coupling photocatalysis and heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysis, Cu(Ι)W-DPNDI displayed high efficiency for the selective oxidation of aromatic alcohols, with up to >99% selectivity and 75% yield.

Hydroxyl radical-dominated selective oxidation of ethylbenzene over a photoactive polyoxometalate-based metal-organic framework.

Realizing photo-promoted saturated C-H functionalization is a significant challenge. [CuI3(H2O)6(TPT)2][H2BW12O40]·28H2O was assembled by combining electron reservoir [BW12O40]5- with photosensitizer TPT. The continuous coordination bonds and π-π stacking interactions facilitate hole-electron separation and electron transfer, and allow it to exhibit high photocatalytic activity toward ethylbenzene oxidation with O2/H2O as oxidants.

A Polysiloxane Delivery Vehicle of Cyclic N-Halamine for Biocidal Coating of Cellulose in Supercritical CO2.

Cyclic N-halamines are highly antimicrobial, very stable, and not susceptible to bacterial resistance. A polysiloxane delivery vehicle was synthesized to deliver cyclic imide N-halamine onto cellulose via a benign and universal procedure that does not require a harmful solvent or chemical bonding. In brief, Knoevenagel condensation between barbituric acid and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde furnished 5-(4-hydroxybenzylidene)pyrimidine-2,4,6-trione, whose phenolic O-H was subsequently reacted with the Si-H of poly(methylhydrosiloxane) (PMHS) via silane alcoholysis. The product of silane alcoholysis was interpenetrated into cellulose in supercritical CO2 (scCO2) at 50 °C, to form a continuous modification layer. The thickness of the modification layer positively correlated with interpenetration pressure in the experimental range of 10 to 28 MPa and reached a maximum value of 76.5 nm, which demonstrates the ability for tunable delivery, to control the loading of the imide N-H bond originating from barbituric acid unit. The imide N-H bonds on cellulose with the thickest modifier were then chlorinated into N-Cl counterparts using tert-butyl hypochlorite, to exert a powerful biocidability, providing ~7 log reductions of both S. aureus and E. coli in 20 min. The stability and rechargeability of the biocidability were both very promising, suggesting that the polysiloxane modifier has a satisfactory chemical structure and interlocks firmly with cellulose via scCO2 interpenetration.

Constructing a Redox-Active Cu(I)-Pyridyltriazine Framework for Catalytic Photoreduction of Nitrobenzenes and Carboxylic Cyclization of Alkynol with CO2.

A redox-active metal-organic framework, Cu(I)-TPT, was synthesized by combination of Cu(I), the halogenoid cyanide group (CN), and redox-active organic bridging ligand 2,4,6-tri(4-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine (TPT) into one single framework. Cu(I)-TPT displays a two-dimensional (2D) plane structure by 1D -Cu(I)-CN- chains connected with TPT ligands. Cu(I)-TPT exhibits intrinsic semiconductive features with a moderate bandgap energy (1.97 eV). Under irradiation, Cu(I)-TPT has an electrical conductivity of 2 × 10-7 S cm-1 in the presence of the sacrificial electron donor ethanol under the ambient test conditions, which is owing to the π-π stacking interactions between TPT moieties, the d-π conjugation between the Cu(I) ion and the CN ligands, and the permanent microporosity. Cu(I)-TPT displayed highly efficient hole-electron separation and ordered electron transfer, which is beneficial for the photoreduction of nitrobenzene. In addition, Cu(I)-TPT displays high efficiency in carboxylic cyclization of alkynol with CO2 because it possesses highly decentralized Cu(I) catalytic sites to the active C≡C bond of alkynol and affluent N atoms on the 2D sheets to facilitate the trapping and activation of CO2.

A systematic review and Meta-analysis of urinary extracellular vesicles proteome in diabetic nephropathy.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major microvascular complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus and is the most frequent cause of end-stage renal disease with an increasing prevalence. Presently there is no non-invasive method for differential diagnosis, and an efficient target therapy is lacking. Extracellular vesicles (EV), including exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies, are present in various body fluids such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine. Proteins in EV are speculated to be involved in various processes of disease and reflect the original cells' physiological states and pathological conditions. This systematic review is based on urinary extracellular vesicles studies, which enrolled patients with DN and investigated the proteins in urinary EV. We systematically reviewed articles from the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science databases, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database until January 4, 2022. The article quality was appraised according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS). The methodology of samples, isolation and purification techniques of urinary EV, and characterization methods are summarized. Molecular functions, biological processes, and pathways were enriched in all retrievable urinary EV proteins. Protein-protein interaction analysis (PPI) revealed pathways of potential biomarkers. A total of 539 articles were retrieved, and 13 eligible records were enrolled in this systematic review and meta-analysis. And two studies performed mass spectrometry to obtain the proteome profile. Two of them enrolled only T1DM patients, two studies enrolled both patients with T1DM and T2DM, and other the nine studies focused on T2DM patients. In total 988 participants were enrolled, and DN was diagnosed according to UACR, UAER, or decreased GFR. Totally 579 urinary EV proteins were detected and 28 of them showed a potential value to be biomarkers. The results of bioinformatics analysis revealed that urinary EV may participate in DN through various pathways such as angiogenesis, biogenesis of EV, renin-angiotensin system, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, collagen degradation, and immune system. Besides that, it is necessary to report results compliant with the guideline of ISEV, in orderto assure repeatability and help for further studies. This systematic review concordance with previous studies and the results of meta-analysis may help to value the methodology details when urinary EV proteins were reported, and also help to deepen the understanding of urinary EV proteins in DN.

Salivary Glycopatterns as Potential Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Diagnosing and Reflecting Severity and Prognosis of Diabetic Nephropathy.

Discriminating between diabetic nephropathy (DN) and non-diabetic renal disease (NDRD) can help provide more specific treatments. However, there are no ideal biomarkers for their differentiation. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify biomarkers for diagnosing and predicting the progression of DN by investigating different salivary glycopatterns. Lectin microarrays were used to screen different glycopatterns in patients with DN or NDRD. The results were validated by lectin blotting. Logistic regression and artificial neural network analyses were used to construct diagnostic models and were validated in in another cohort. Pearson's correlation analysis, Cox regression, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to analyse the correlation between lectins, and disease severity and progression. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and bioinformatics analyses were used to identify corresponding glycoproteins and predict their function. Both the logistic regression model and the artificial neural network model achieved high diagnostic accuracy. The levels of Aleuria aurantia lectin (AAL), Lycopersicon esculentum lectin (LEL), Lens culinaris lectin (LCA), Vicia villosa lectin (VVA), and Narcissus pseudonarcissus lectin (NPA) were significantly correlated with the clinical and pathological parameters related to DN severity. A high level of LCA and a low level of LEL were associated with a higher risk of progression to end-stage renal disease. Glycopatterns in the saliva could be a non-invasive tool for distinguishing between DN and NDRD. The AAL, LEL, LCA, VVA, and NPA levels could reflect the severity of DN, and the LEL and LCA levels could indicate the prognosis of DN.

Designing a Polyoxometalate-Incorporated Metal-Organic Framework for Reduction of Nitroarenes to Anilines by Sequential Proton-Coupled Electron Transfers.

Developing new photocatalysts for reduction of nitroarenes to anilines under mild conditions is very significant. Herein, a new polyoxometalate-based metal-organic framework (POMOF), {[Co(H2O)]2[Co2(H2O)6(TPT)][Co(TPT)PW11O39]}·3H2O·TPT (namely, CoW-TPT, TPT = 2,4,6-tri(4-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine), was prepared by incorporating Co(II)-substituted Keggin-type anions [PCoW11O39]5- and a photosensitizer (TPT) into a framework. In this structure, the direct coordination bond between [PCoW11O39]5- and TPT ligand and π···π interactions between TPT molecules are beneficial for the separation and migration of photogenerated carriers, thus improving the photocatalytic activity of CoW-TPT. The combination of both photosensitizer TPT and the electron-storable component [PCoW11O39]5- in a cooperative photocatalysis fashion is conducive to the photocatalytic multielectron reduction of nitroarenes. CoW-TPT provided a high conversion of 94.71% in the photocatalytic reduction of nitroarenes to anilines utilizing triethanolamine as the proton source and electron donor by sequential proton-coupled electron transfers.

Photocatalytic Multielectron Reduction of Nitroarenes to Anilines by Utilizing an Electron-Storable Polyoxometalate-Based Metal-Organic Framework.

A powerful approach to generate photocatalysts for the highly selective reduction of nitrobenzene using light as the driving force is a combination of photosensitizers and electron-storable components in a cooperative photocatalysis fashion. Herein, a new precious metal-free photocatalyst, {ZnW-TPT}, was prepared by incorporating a Zn-substituted monovacant Keggin polyanion [SiZnW11O39]6- and a photoactive organic bridging link 2,4,6-tri(4-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine (TPT) into a framework. In this structure, the direct coordination bond between [SiZnW11O39]6- and the TPT ligand and the π-π interactions between TPT molecules help separate and migrate photogenerated carriers, which improves the photocatalytic activity of {ZnW-TPT}. The photoelectrochemical properties of {ZnW-TPT} were well studied by solid UV-vis absorption, fluorescence, transient photocurrent response, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests. {ZnW-TPT} efficiently converts using hydrazine hydrate with 99% conversion and 99% selectivity for anilines under mild conditions.

Design of a Polyoxometalate-Based Metal-Organic Framework for Photocatalytic C(sp3)-H Oxidation of Toluene.

A powerful and promising route for developing novel photocatalysts for light-driven toluene oxidation in water under mild conditions is presented. Herein, a novel polyoxometalate-based metal-organic framework (POMOF), {Co4W22-DPNDI}, is prepared by incorporating the unusual Co4-sandwiched POM anion [Co4(µ-OH)2(SiW11O39)2]10- ({Co4W22}) and the photoactive organic bridging link N,N'-bis(4-pyridylmethyl)naphthalene diimide (DPNDI) into a framework. {Co4W22} is a good candidate for photocatalytic water oxidation. DPNDI is easily excited to form the radical species DPNDI* in the presence of an electron donor, which is beneficial for activation of the inert O2. Anion···π interactions and covalent bonds between {Co4W22} and DPNDI facilitate electron-hole separation and electron transfer. {Co4W22-DPNDI} displays high catalytic activity for the activation of the C(sp3)-H bond of toluene using light as a driving force and inexpensive water as an oxygen source under mild conditions. In particular, the yield and selectivity are improved by replacing oxygen with water, which may be ascribed to the release of protons during the water oxidation process that facilitate the generation of •OH.

Microalgal bioremediation of heavy metal pollution in water: Recent advances, challenges, and prospects.

With the rapid economy development and population surge, the water resources available for direct use on the earth have been in shortage. Therefore, water pollution remediation inevitably becomes the focus of global attention. Aside from their capacity to fix and effectively control the emission of carbon dioxide thus achieve negative carbon emission, microalgae and its products modified by genetic engineering and other technologies also have a broad prospect in sewage treatment such as efficiently removing all kinds of pollutants in water and producing high-quality biofuels after use. Therefore, research on these organisms has gradually deepened in recent years. This paper summarizes the bioremediation mechanism of heavy metal ions in water by using microalgae and their modified products. The relevant research progresses since 2015 are critically reviewed and discussed. Challenges and prospects are also put forward for their industrial implementation.

A review on solid acid catalysis for sustainable production of levulinic acid and levulinate esters from biomass derivatives.

Biomass is a kind of renewable and abundant resource that can be seen as an important candidate to solve the energy crisis. Levulinic acid (LA) and levulinate esters (LEs) have been widely researched as biomass-based platform compounds. In recent years, efficient, green, and environment-friendly solid acid catalysts have been developed for the fast production and resolution of the problems, such as low yield, high equipmental requirements, and difficulty in product separation, in the preparation of LA and LE from biomass. In this paper, the preparation routes of LA and LEs from various raw materials are introduced, and the solid acid catalysts involved in their production are emphatically reviewed. The challenges and prospects in LA and LE production from biomass are proposed to achieve a more economical and energy efficient process with the concept of sustainable development in the future.

An Isopolymolybdate-Incorporated Metal-Organic Framework with Sulfite Oxidase-Mimicking Activity for Photocatalytic Oxidation of Sulfides Utilizing In Situ-Generated Singlet Oxygen.

Developing new photocatalysts for sulfide oxidation utilizing in situ-generated 1O2 is very significant. Inspired by natural enzymatic processes, we synthesized a mimic sulfite oxidase (SO), {[Co(Mo4O13)(TPT)2]} (CoMo-TPT), by incorporating an isopolymolybdate anion [Mo4O13]2- into a 2,4,6-tri(4-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine (TPT)-based metal-organic framework under mild hydrothermal conditions. In this structure, {Mo4O13} units with intrinsic SO-like catalytic sites are beneficial for the selective oxidation of sulfite and thioether. The ultraviolet-visible spectra of CoMo-TPT exhibited strong absorption from 250 to 650 nm and potential application in the utilization of solar energy. Mott-Schottky measurements indicated that CoMo-TPT is an n-type semiconductor with a LUMO value of -0.70 V (vs NHE) and a HOMO value of 1.39 V. The transient photocurrent responses with strong current density cycles with visible light indicated CoMo-TPT has a high photochemical activity. The lower resistance indicated that CoMo-TPT has a higher efficiency of photoinduced electron and hole separation. CoMo-TPT displayed a high efficiency of 99% and a selectivity of 97.3% in photocatalytic oxidation of sulfides by utilizing in situ-generated 1O2 through a tandem process of formation of H2O2 from O2 followed by catalyzed disproportionation of H2O2.

Association of Immune and Inflammatory Gene Polymorphism With the Risk of IgA Nephropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 45 Studies.

IgA nephropathy is the most prevalent primary glomerulonephritis worldwide, with identical immunopathological characteristics caused by multiple etiologies as well as influenced by geographical and ethnical factors. To elucidate the role of immunologic and inflammatory mechanisms in the susceptibility to IgA nephropathy, we explored single nucleotide polymorphisms of related molecules in the immune pathways. We searched the PubMed database for studies that involved all gene variants of molecules in the 20 immunologic and inflammatory pathways selected from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database. The odds ratios with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals in six genetic models (allele model, dominant model, homozygote model, heterozygote model, overdominant model, and recessive model) were summarized using fixed or random effect models. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on different ethnicities with generalized odds ratios. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the Q and I2 tests. Begg's funnel plot and Egger's linear regression test were used to evaluating possible publication bias among the included studies, and sensitivity analysis was used to test the stability of the overall results. A total of 45 studies met our selection criteria and eight related genetic association studies were retrieved, including 320 single-nucleotide polymorphisms from 20 candidate pathways, ranging from 2000 to 2021. A total of 28,994 healthy people versus 20,600 IgA nephropathy patients were enrolled. Upon meta-analyzed results that TGFB1 (rs1800469, rs1982073, rs1800471), IL-1B (rs1143627), IL-18 (rs1946518), and TLR1 (rs5743557) showed effect with or without ethnicity difference. And 10 variants presented stable and robust related to IgA nephropathy. This research showed that genetic variants are related to the immunologic and inflammatory effects of IgA nephropathy pathogenesis. The meta-analysis results supported the previous researches, and may help deepen the understanding of pathogenesis and explore new targets for IgA nephropathy-specific immunotherapy.

Urinary sediment microRNAs can be used as potential noninvasive biomarkers for diagnosis, reflecting the severity and prognosis of diabetic nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: Patients with both diabetes mellitus (DM) and kidney disease could have diabetic nephropathy (DN) or non-diabetic renal disease (NDRD). IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and membranous nephropathy (MN) are the major types of NDRD. No ideal noninvasive diagnostic model exists for differentiating them. Our study sought to construct diagnostic models for these diseases and to identify noninvasive biomarkers that can reflect the severity and prognosis of DN. METHODS: The diagnostic models were constructed using logistic regression analysis and were validated in an external cohort by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis method. The associations between these microRNAs and disease severity and prognosis were explored using Pearson correlation analysis, Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and log-rank tests. RESULTS: Our diagnostic models showed that miR-95-3p, miR-185-5p, miR-1246, and miR-631 could serve as simple and noninvasive tools to distinguish patients with DM, DN, DM with IgAN, and DM with MN. The areas under the curve of the diagnostic models for the four diseases were 0.995, 0.863, 0.859, and 0.792, respectively. The miR-95-3p level was positively correlated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (p < 0.001) but was negatively correlated with serum creatinine (p < 0.01), classes of glomerular lesions (p < 0.05), and scores of interstitial and vascular lesions (p < 0.05). However, the miR-631 level was positively correlated with proteinuria (p < 0.001). A low miR-95-3p level and a high miR-631 level increased the risk of progression to end-stage renal disease (p = 0.002, p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: These four microRNAs could be noninvasive tools for distinguishing patients with DN and NDRD. The levels of miR-95-3p and miR-631 could reflect the severity and prognosis of DN.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Drug-Induced Acute Kidney Injury.

Drug-induced nephrotoxicity is an important and increasing cause of acute kidney injury (AKI), which accounts for approximately 20% of hospitalized patients. Previous reviews studies on immunity and AKI focused mainly on ischemia-reperfusion (IR), whereas no systematic review addressing drug-induced AKI and its related immune mechanisms is available. Recent studies have provided a deeper understanding on the mechanisms of drug-induced AKI, among which acute tubular interstitial injury induced by the breakdown of innate immunity was reported to play an important role. Emerging research on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has revealed its potential as treatment for drug-induced AKI. MSCs can inhibit kidney damage by regulating the innate immune balance, promoting kidney repair, and preventing kidney fibrosis. However, it is important to note that there are various sources of MSCs, which impacts on the immunomodulatory ability of the cells. This review aims to address the immune pathogenesis of drug-induced AKI versus that of IR-induced AKI, and to explore the immunomodulatory effects and therapeutic potential of MSCs for drug-induced AKI.

Visible-Light-Driven C-N Bond Formation by a Hexanickel Cluster Substituted Polyoxometalate-Based Photocatalyst.

A powerful and attractive route to develop novel photocatalysts for C-N bond formation involves the use of pyrrolidine as the substrate and cocatalyst simultaneously. Herein, a new polyoxometalate (POM)-based metal-organic framework, namely, [Ni6(OH)3(H2O)9(DPNDIH)(SiW9O34)]2·2H2O (SiW9Ni6-DPNDI) (DPNDI = N,N'-di(4-pyridyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalenediimide), was prepared by incorporating a Ni6 cluster-substituted POM anion and a photosensitizer (DPNDI) into a framework. The anion···π interactions and covalent bonds between SiW9Ni6 and DPNDI are beneficial for the consecutive electron separation and transfer. Under visible-light irradiation, DPNDI can be easily excited to generate radical species DPNDI* that could be further excited in the presence of the electron donor pyrrolidine for the inert O2 activation. SiW9Ni6-DPNDI showed a high efficiency in the photocatalysis of C-N bond formation under a mild condition by the synergy of DPNDI and SiW9Ni6. The results of the reaction were confirmed by gas chromatography and 1H NMR. In addition, SiW9Ni6-DPNDI exhibited a high sustainability without an obvious change in yields after five cycles.