Cytosolic Hmgb1 accumulation in mesangial cells aggravates diabetic kidney disease progression via NFκB signaling pathway.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the predominant type of end-stage renal disease. Increasing evidence suggests thatglomerular mesangial cell (MC) inflammation is pivotal for cell proliferation and DKD progression. However, the exactmechanism of MC inflammation remains largely unknown. This study aims to elucidate the role of inflammatoryfactor high-mobility group box 1 (Hmgb1) in DKD. Inflammatory factors related to DKD progression are screened viaRNA sequencing (RNA-seq). In vivo and in vitro experiments, including db/db diabetic mice model, CCK-8 assay, EdUassay, flow cytometric analysis, Co-IP, FISH, qRT-PCR, western blot, single cell nuclear RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq),are performed to investigate the effects of Hmgb1 on the inflammatory behavior of MCs in DKD. Here, wedemonstrate that Hmgb1 is significantly upregulated in renal tissues of DKD mice and mesangial cells cultured withhigh glucose, and Hmgb1 cytopasmic accumulation promotes MC inflammation and proliferation. Mechanistically,Hmgb1 cytopasmic accumulation is two-way regulated by MC-specific cyto-lncRNA E130307A14Rik interaction andlactate-mediated acetylated and lactylated Hmgb1 nucleocytoplasmic translocation, and accelerates NFκB signalingpathway activation via directly binding to IκBα. Together, this work reveals the promoting role of Hmgb1 on MCinflammation and proliferation in DKD and helps expound the regulation of Hmgb1 cytopasmic accumulation in twoways. In particular, Hmgb1 may be a promising therapeutic target for DKD.

Targeting RSK2 in Cancer Therapy: A Review of Natural Products.

P90 ribosomal S6 kinase 2 (RSK2) is an important member of the RSK family, functioning as a kinase enzyme that targets serine and threonine residues and contributes to regulating cell growth. RSK2 comprises two major functional domains: the N-terminal kinase domain (NTKD) and the C-terminal kinase domain (CTKD). RSK2 is situated at the lower end of the Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway and is phosphorylated by the direct regulation of Extracellular signal-regulating kinase (ERK). RSK2 has been found to play a pivotal role in regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and invasion in various cancer cells, including breast cancer and melanoma. Consequently, RSK2 has emerged as a potential target for the development of anti-cancer drugs. Presently, several inhibitors are undergoing clinical trials, such as SL0101. Current inhibitors of RSK2 mainly bind to its NTK or CTK domains and inhibit their activity. Natural products serve as an important resource for drug development and screening and with the potential to identify RSK2 inhibitors. This article discusses how RSK2 influences tumor cell proliferation, prevents apoptosis, arrests the cell cycle process, and promotes cancer metastasis through its regulation of downstream pathways or interaction with other biological molecules. Additionally, the paper also covers recent research progress on RSK2 inhibitors and the mechanisms of action of natural RSK2 inhibitors on tumors. This review emphasizes the significance of RSK2 as a potential therapeutic target in cancer and offers a theoretical basis for the clinical application of RSK2 inhibitors.

Giant Optical Anisotropy in a Covalent Molybdenum Tellurite via Oxyanion Polymerization.

Large birefringence is a crucial but hard-to-achieve optical parameter that is a necessity for birefringent crystals in practical applications involving modulation of the polarization of light in modern opto-electronic areas. Herein, an oxyanion polymerization strategy that involves the combination of two different types of second-order Jahn-Teller distorted units is employed to realize giant anisotropy in a covalent molybdenum tellurite. Mo(H2O)Te2O7 (MTO) exhibits a record birefringence value for an inorganic UV-transparent oxide crystalline material of 0.528 @ 546 nm, which is also significantly larger than those of all commercial birefringent crystals. MTO has a UV absorption edge of 366 nm and displays a strong powder second-harmonic generation response of 5.4 times that of KH2PO4. The dominant roles of the condensed polytellurite oxyanions [Te8O20]8- in combination with the [MoO6]6- polyhedra in achieving the giant birefringence in MTO are clarified by structural analysis and first-principles calculations. The results suggest that polymerization of polarizability-anisotropic oxyanions may unlock the promise of birefringent crystals with exceptional birefringence.

Sfrp2 promotes renal dysfunction of diabetic kidney disease via modulating Fzd5-induced cytosolic calcium ion concentration and CaMKII/Mek/Erk pathway in mesangial cells.

OBJECTIVE: Mesangial cells (MCs) in the kidney play central role in maintaining glomerular integrity, and their abnormal proliferation leads to major glomerular diseases including diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Although high blood glucose elicits MCs impairment, the underlying molecular mechanism is poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (Sfrp2) from single-nucleus RNA profiling on MC proliferation of DKD in vitro and in vivo and explored the specific mechanisms. RESULTS: By snRNA-seq analysis of isolated renal cells from leptin receptor-deficient db/db mice and control db/m mice, we found that Sfrp2 was increased in the MCs of DKD in comparison to other intrinsic renal cells, which was further verified in vitro and in vivo. We also found that the expression of Sfrp2 was significantly upregulated in DKD patients and correlated with renal function, demonstrating that Sfrp2 might serve as an independent biomarker for DKD patients. Functionally, we showed the loss and acquisition of Sfrp2 affected cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, cell proliferation and fibrosis of MC, albuminuria and kidney injury in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we identify c-Jun as a transcription factor of Sfrp2 promoting its transcription, and the Ca2+ signaling related protein frizzled receptor 5 (Fzd5) as the binding protein of Sfrp2. And we further found Sfrp2 promoted Fzd5-induced cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and the downstream CaMKII/Mek/Erk pathway activation, leading to MC proliferation and fibrosis in DKD. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed a novel involvement for Sfrp2 in the regulation of MC function and the effect of Sfrp2 on cell proliferation and fibrosis of MC via the Fzd5/Ca2+/CaMKII/Mek/Erk pathway, implying that Sfrp2 may be a possible biomarker and therapeutic target for DKD.

Secondary-Bond-Driven Construction of a Polar Material Exhibiting Strong Broad-Spectrum Second-Harmonic Generation and Large Birefringence.

Considerable effort has been invested in the development of non-centrosymmetric (NCS) inorganic solids for ferroelectricity-, piezoelectricity- and, particularly, optical nonlinearity-related applications. While great progress has been made, a persistent problem is the difficulty in constructing NCS materials, which probably stems from non-directionality and unsaturation of the ionic bonds between metal counter-cations and covalent anionic modules. We report herein a secondary-bond-driven approach that circumvents the cancellation of dipole moments between adjacent anionic modules that has plagued second-harmonic generation (SHG) material design, and which thereby affords a polar structure with strong SHG properties. The resultant first NCS counter-cation-free iodate, VO2 (H2 O)(IO3 ) (VIO), a new class of iodate, crystallizes in a polar lattice with ∞ 1 [ ${{}_{{\rm { \infty }}}{}^{{\rm { 1}}}{\rm { [}}}$ VO2 (H2 O)(IO3 )] zigzag chains connected by weak hydrogen bonds and intermolecular forces. VIO exhibits very large SHG responses (18 × KH2 PO4 @ 1200 nm, 1.5 × KTiOPO4 @ 2100 nm) and sufficient birefringence (0.184 @ 546 nm). Calculations and crystal structure analysis attribute the large SHG responses to consistent polarization orientations of the ∞ 1 [ ${{}_{{\rm { \infty }}}{}^{{\rm { 1}}}{\rm { [}}}$ VO2 (H2 O)(IO3 )] chains controlled by secondary bonds. This study highlights the advantages of manipulating the secondary bonds in inorganic solids to control NCS structure and optical nonlinearity, affording a new perspective in the development of high-performance NLO materials.

CircUBXN7 promotes macrophage infiltration and renal fibrosis associated with the IGF2BP2-dependent SP1 mRNA stability in diabetic kidney disease.

Introduction: Inflammatory cell infiltration is a novel hallmark of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), in part, by activated macrophages. Macrophage-to-tubular epithelial cell communication may play an important role in renal fibrosis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported in the pathogenesis of various human diseases involving macrophages activation, including DKD. However, the exact mechanism of circRNAs in macrophage infiltration and renal fibrosis of DKD remains obscure. Methods: In our study, a novel circRNA circUBXN7 was identified in DKD patients using microarray. The function of circUBXN7 in vitro and in vivo was investigated by qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence. Finally, a dual-luciferase reporter assay, ChIP, RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation and rescue experiments were performed to investigate the mechanism of circUBXN7. Results: We demonstrated that the expression of circUBXN7 was significantly upregulated in the plasma of DKD patients and correlated with renal function, which might serve as an independent biomarker for DKD patients. According to investigations, ectopic expression of circUBXN7 promoted macrophage activation, EMT and fibrosis in vitro, and increased macrophage infiltration, EMT, fibrosis and proteinuria in vivo. Mechanistically, circUBXN7 was transcriptionally upregulated by transcription factor SP1 and could reciprocally promote SP1 mRNA stability and activation via directly binding to the m6A-reader IGF2BP2 in DKD. Conclusion: CircUBXN7 is highly expressed in DKD patients may provide the potential biomarker and therapeutic target for DKD.

Exploration of the Pharmacological Mechanism of Vitexicarpin against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in Network Pharmacology.

BACKGROUND: Vitexicarpin (VIT), an isoflavone derived from various medicinal herbs, has shown promising anti-tumor activities against multiple cancer cells. However, the understanding of the mechanisms and potential targets of VIT in treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains limited. METHODS: The potential VIT targets were searched for in the Super-PRED online database, while the TNBC targets were acquired in the DisGeNET database, and the Veeny database was used to identify the VIT and TNBC targets that overlapped. Then, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were carried out in the DAVID database. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to acquire the hub targets in the STRING database, and the overall survival analysis of the hub targets was examined in the Kaplan-Meier plotter database. Afterward, molecular docking was performed to evaluate the binding capabilities between VIT and the hub targets. In order to measure the effect of VIT on proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest in the TNBC cell lines-MDA-MB-231 and HCC-1937-the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry analysis were performed. The Western blot and pull-down assays were used to verify the molecular mechanisms by modulating the hub targets. RESULTS: The network pharmacology results identified a total of 37 overlapping genes that were shared by VIT and TNBC. The results of the PPI network and molecular docking analyses showed that HSP90AA1, CREBBP, and HIF-1A were key targets of VIT against TNBC. However, the pull-down results suggested that VIT could directly bind to HSP90AA1 and HIF-1A, yet not to CREBBP. The results of the in vitro tests showed that VIT decreased proliferation and induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 and HCC-1937 cells, in a dose-dependent manner, while the cell cycle arrest occurred at the G2 phase. Mechanistically, the Western blot assay demonstrated that VIT decreased the expression of HSP90AA1, CREBBP, and HIF-1A. CONCLUSIONS: VIT inhibited growth and induced apoptosis of TNBC cells by modulating HIF-1A, HSP90AA1, and CREBBP expression. Our findings suggest that VIT is a potential drug for TNBC therapy.

Wide bandgaps and strong SHG responses of hetero-oxyfluorides by dual-fluorination-directed bandgap engineering.

A wide bandgap is an essential requirement for a nonlinear optical (NLO) material. However, it is very challenging to simultaneously engineer a wide bandgap and a strong second-harmonic generation (SHG) response, particularly in NLO materials containing second-order Jahn-Teller (SOJT) distorted units. Herein, we employ a bandgap engineering strategy that involves the dual fluorination of two different types of SOJT distorted units to realize remarkably wide bandgaps in the first examples of 5d0-transition metal (TM) fluoroiodates. Crystalline A2WO2F3(IO2F2) (A = Rb (RWOFI) and Cs (CWOFI)) exhibit the largest bandgaps yet observed in d0-TM iodates (4.42 (RWOFI) and 4.29 eV (CWOFI)), strong phase-matching SHG responses of 3.8 (RWOFI) and 3.5 (CWOFI) × KH2PO4, and wide optical transparency windows. Computational studies have shown that the excellent optical responses result from synergism involving the two fluorinated SOJT distorted units ([WO3F3]3- and [IO2F2]-). This work provides not only an efficient strategy for bandgap modulation of NLO materials, but also affords insight into the relationship between the electronic structure of the various fluorinated SOJT distorted units and the optical properties of crystalline materials.

Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Intramedullary Nail and Locking Compression Plate in the Treatment of Humeral Shaft Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objective: The surgical treatment scheme of humeral shaft fracture is still controversial with no consensus reached. This meta-analysis was aimed at comparing the efficacy and safety of intramedullary nail (IMN) and locking compression plate (LCP) in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures. Methods: PubMed, Medline, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, Clinical Trials, and Chinese databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure Project, Wanfang database, and China biomedical abstracts database, were used to search the literature. Review Manager software was employed for statistical analysis and establishing forest and funnel maps. Categorical variables were measured by relative risk (RR), and standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to measure continuous variables. 95% confidence intervals were used for each variable. The modified Jadad scale, Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and Cochrane's bias risk tools were used to evaluate the bias and risk of eligible studies. Results: A total of 14 studies were included in the analysis with a total of 903 patients with humeral shaft fracture. Significant differences with regard to operation time (Std = -1.18, 95% CI: -2.14, -0.22, Z = 2.41, P = 0.02), blood loss (Std = -2.97, 95% CI: -4.32, -1.63, Z = 4.34, P < 0.001), and postoperative infection rate (RR = 0.32, 95% CI: -0.15, 0.68, Z = 2.98, P = 0.003) were noted between the IMN group and LCP group. In addition, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon (ASES) score (Std = -0.22, 95% CI: -0.44, 0.01, Z = 2.08, P = 0.04) and the rate of shoulder and elbow function limitation (RR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.06, 3.33, Z = 2.17, P = 0.03) between the 2 groups were also statistically significant. There were no significant differences in the rate of radial nerve injury, nonunion, delayed healing, and secondary operation between the two groups. Conclusion: IMN is superior than the LCP in terms of the operation time, intraoperative bleeding, and postoperative infection, suggesting its superiority in the humeral shaft fracture fixation. However, IMN is inferior to LCP in ASES score and shoulder elbow function limitation rate, indicating poor early postoperative functional recovery. More studies are required to evaluate and analyze the clinical efficacy between IMN and LCP regarding long-term function after artificial graft removal.

Ultrawide Bandgap and Outstanding Second-Harmonic Generation Response by a Fluorine-Enrichment Strategy at a Transition-Metal Oxyfluoride Nonlinear Optical Material.

The development of nonlinear optical (NLO) materials has been hindered by competing microstructure requirements: the need to simultaneously engineer a large hyperpolarizability (a large second-harmonic generation (SHG)) and a wide HOMO-LUMO gap (a wide band gap). Herein, a non-centrosymmetric transition-metal (TM) oxyfluoride K5 (NbOF4 )(NbF7 )2 (KNOF) with an extremely high F/O ratio is constructed in high yield. KNOF exhibits an extremely wide band gap (5.88 eV) and a strong powder SHG response (4.0×KH2 PO4 )-both being the largest values for TM-centered oxyfluorides-as well as a birefringence sufficient for applications. The dominant roles of the partially fluorinated [NbO2 F4 ] and totally fluorinated [NbF7 ] groups in achieving the enlarged band gap in KNOF have been clarified by first-principles calculations. Our results suggest that maximizing the fluorine content of oxyfluorides may unlock the promise of short-wavelength-transparent materials with exceptional NLO performance.

A Lanthanum Ammonium Sulfate Double Salt with a Strong SHG Response and Wide Deep-UV Transparency.

The targeted synthesis of deep-ultraviolet (deep-UV) nonlinear optical (NLO) materials, especially those with non-π-conjugated sulfates, has experienced considerable difficulties due to the need to reconcile the oft-competing requirements for deep-UV transparency and strong second-harmonic generation (SHG). We report herein the designed synthesis of the first rare-earth metal-based deep-UV sulfate La(NH4 )(SO4 )2 by a double-salt strategy involving introduction of complementary cations, together with optical studies that reveal a short-wavelength deep-UV absorption edge (below 190 nm) and the strongest SHG response among deep-UV NLO sulfates (2.4×KDP). Theoretical calculations and crystal structure analysis suggest that the excellent balance between SHG response and deep-UV transparency can be attributed to a synergistic interaction of the hetero-cations La3+ and [NH4 ]+ , which optimize alignment of the [SO4 ] tetrahedra and highly polarizable [LaO8 ] polyhedra.

A Congruent-Melting Mid-Infrared Nonlinear Optical Vanadate Exhibiting Strong Second-Harmonic Generation.

Study of mid-infrared (mid-IR) nonlinear optical (NLO) materials is hindered by the competing requirements of optimized second-harmonic generation (SHG) coefficient dij and laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) as well as the harsh synthetic conditions. Herein, we report facile hydrothermal synthesis of a polar NLO vanadate Cs4 V8 O22 (CVO) featuring a quasi-rigid honeycomb-layered structure with [VO4 ] and [VO5 ] polyhedra aligned parallel. CVO possesses a wide IR-transparent window, high LIDT, and congruent-melting behavior. It has very strong phase-matchable SHG intensities in metal vanadate family (12.0 × KDP @ 1064 nm and 2.2 × AGS @ 2100 nm). First-principles calculations suggest that the exceptional SHG responses of CVO largely originate from virtual electronic transitions within [V4 O11 ]∞ layer; the excellent optical transmittance of CVO arises from the special characteristics of vibrational phonons resulting from the layered structure.

Large Second-Harmonic Response and Giant Birefringence of CeF2(SO4) Induced by Highly Polarizable Polyhedra.

Second-harmonic generation (SHG) response and birefringence are two critically important properties of nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. However, the simultaneous optimization of these two key properties remains a major challenge because of their contrasting microstructure requirements. Herein, we report the first tetravalent rare-earth metal fluorinated sulfate, CeF2(SO4). Its structure features novel net-like layers constructed by highly distorted [CeO4F4] polyhedra, which are further interconnected by [SO4] tetrahedra to form a three-dimensional structure. CeF2(SO4) exhibits the strongest SHG effect (8 times that of KH2PO4) and the largest birefringence for sulfate-based NLO materials, the latter exceeding the birefringent limit for oxides. Theoretical calculations and crystal structure analysis reveal that the unusually large SHG response and giant birefringence can be attributed to the introduction of the highly polarizable fluorinated [CeO4F4] polyhedra as well as the favorable alignment of [CeO4F4] polyhedra and [SO4] tetrahedra. This research affords a new paradigm for the designed synthesis of high-performance NLO materials.

Porous FeO x /carbon nanocomposites with different iron oxidation degree for building high-performance lithium ion batteries.

Transition metal oxides have attracted lots of interest for lithium ion battery (LIB) due to the high theoretical capacity, however, the large specific volume change, low electrical conductivity and slow intrinsic lithiation/delithiation still limit the practical applications. In order to overcome the challenge, a novel type of high temperature annealing treatment for the synthesis of 3D porous FeO x nanocrystals embedded in a partially carbon matrix as an example for high-performance LIB is reported. The FeO x /carbon nanocomposites with coral-like architecture achieved at 700 °C (F700) exhibit good long term cyclability with a reversible capacity 1012 mAh g-1 remain after 500 cycles at 1.0 A g-1 and the high rate capacity with a reversible capacity of 233 mAh g-1 even at extremely high current density of 20 A g-1. These excellent electrochemical performances could be attributed to the 3D porous structure and carbon coating, which could not only provide excellent electronic conductivity and enough elastic buffer space to accommodate volume changes upon lithium insertion/extraction, but also effectively avoid agglomeration of the Fe3O4 nanocrystals and maintain the structural integrity of the electrode during the charge/discharge process.

Germacrone attenuates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats via antioxidative and antiapoptotic mechanisms.

Germacrone (GM) is an anti-inflammatory compound extracted from Rhizoma curcuma. Here, we strived to investigate the neuroprotective effects of GM in rat models of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion injury. Rats immediately after cerebral ischemia were intraperitoneally injected with GM at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg. After 1 day of reperfusion, the water content in the brain, infarct volume, and neurological deficits were assessed. Hippocampus neurons were histopathologically examined by hematoxylin and eosin and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining. Activities of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in brain tissue were detected. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were utilized to quantify the expression of apoptosis markers, such as caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2. The content of phospho-Akt (p-Akt) was also measured using Western blotting. GM treatment markedly decreased the brain water content, infarct volume and the neurological deficits, which was corroborated by attenuated histopathologic change. MDA levels were reduced and activities of GSH, SOD, and GSH-PX were elevated after GM treatment. Caspase-3 and Bax were decreased, and Bcl-2 was increased at both messenger RNA and protein levels by GM treatment. The p-Akt expression was increased by GM. Our data indicated that the neuroprotective effects of GM may attenuate the injuries from cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats through antioxidative and antiapoptotic mechanisms.

Erratum: Alpinumisoflavone suppresses tumour growth and metastasis of clear-cell renal cell carcinoma.

[This corrects the article on p. 999 in vol. 7, PMID: 28469971.].

[Value of galactose-deficient IgA1 in the early diagnosis of Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis in children].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the value of galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) in the early diagnosis of Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) in children. METHODS: A total of 67 hospitalized children who were definitely diagnosed with HSPN between January and April 2018 and 58 hospitalized children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) were enrolled in the study. Twenty children undergoing routine physical examinations served as controls. The levels of serum and urine Gd-IgA1 were determined using ELISA. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the value of serum Gd-IgA1 and urine Gd-IgA1/urine creatinine ratio in the diagnosis of HSPN. RESULTS: The level of serum Gd-IgA1 and urine Gd-IgA1/urine creatinine ratio in children with HSP or HSPN were significantly higher than those in healthy control group (P<0.01), with a significantly greater increase observed in children with HSPN (P<0.01). Serum Gd-IgA1 ≥1 485.57 U/mL and/or urine Gd-IgA1/urine creatinine ratio ≥105.74 were of favorable value in the diagnosis of HSPN. During the six-month follow-up of the 49 children with HSP, the incidence of HSPN was 47% (23/49), which included a 100% incidence in children with serum Gd-IgA1 ≥1 485.57 U/mL and a 73% incidence in children with urine Gd-IgA1/urine creatinine ratio ≥105.74. CONCLUSIONS: Serum and urine Gd-IgA1 is of favorable clinical value in the early diagnosis of HSPN.

Homoleptic cyclometalated iridium(III) complex nanowires electrogenerated chemiluminescence sensors for high-performance discrimination of proline enantiomers based on the difference of electron-transfer capability.

Chiral molecules can generally exhibit different physiological and biological activities, thus triggering wide interest in chiral discrimination. Herein, we demonstrate a sensitive homoleptic cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes nanowires (Ir(piq)3 NWs) electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor for high-performance discrimination of chiral molecules based on the difference in electron-transfer ability between different radicals. The developed Ir(piq)3 NWs/ITO sensor exhibits high ECL signal and satisfying stability without the presence of co-reactant based on hot electron-induced ECL, which would spur its further application in detecting proline enantiomers. Obvious difference on the ECL intensity towards L-Pro and D-Pro is observed under the presence of high concentration of proline enantiomers, which attributes to the different electron-transfer capability between Ir+(piq)3 and L-pro•/D-pro•. In order to attain high-performance discrimination, we construct the Ir(piq)3 NWs/TPrA sensor to achieve chiral discrimination for trace amounts of proline enantiomers (1.0 × 10-9 M), which attributes to the strong molecular interactions enhanced by introduction of active radical TPrA•.

Hispidulin Protects Against Focal Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Rats.

Focal cerebral ischemia is associated with ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Hispidulin is a flavonoid compound with a variety of pharmacological properties. The neuroprotective effects of hispidulin have not been fully elucidated. Herein, we demonstrated that pretreatment of animals with hispidulin improved the neurological outcomes and decreased the infarct size and brain edema in the cerebral focal I/R model. Mechanistically, we showed in vivo and in vitro that hispidulin exerted a protective effect against I/R injury by inducing the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway through modulation of AMPK/GSK3ß signaling. Taken together, our results suggest that hispidulin may be a useful neuroprotective agent against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.

Synthesis of Reduced Grapheme Oxide as A Platform for loading ß-NaYF4:Ho3+@TiO2Based on An Advanced Visible Light-Driven Photocatalyst.

In this paper a novel visible light-driven ternary compound photocatalyst (ß-NaYF4:Ho3+@TiO2-rGO) was synthesized using a three-step approach. This photocatalyst was characterized using X-ray diffraction, Raman scattering spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, fluorescence spectrometries, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area measurement, electron spin resonance, three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy, and photoelectrochemical properties. Such proposed photocatalyst can absorb 450 nm visible light while emit 290 nm ultraviolet light, so as to realize the visible light-driven photocatalysis of TiO2. In addition, as this tenary compound photocatalyst enjoys effecitve capacity of charge separation, superior durability, and sound adsorb ability of RhB, it can lead to the red shift of wavelength of absorbed light. This novel tenary photocatalyst can reach decomposition rate of RhB as high as 92% after 10 h of irradiation by visible-light Xe lamp. Compared with the blank experiment, the efficiency was significantly improved. Recycle experiments showed that theß-NaYF4:Ho3+@TiO2-rGOcomposites still presented significant photocatalytic activity after four successive cycles. Finally, we investigated visible-light-responsive photocatalytic mechanism of the ß-NaYF4:Ho3+@TiO2-rGO composites. It is of great significance to design an effective solar light-driven photocatalysis in promoting environmental protection.