Bioprinted Multi-Composition Array Mimicking Tumor Microenvironments to Evaluate Drug Efficacy with Multivariable Analysis.

Current organ-on-a-chip technologies confront limitations in effectively recapitulating the intricate in vivo microenvironments and accommodating diverse experimental conditions on a single device. Here, a novel approach for constructing a multi-composition tumor array on a single microfluidic device, mimicking complex transport phenomena within tumor microenvironments (TMEs) and allowing for simultaneous evaluation of drug efficacy across 12 distinct conditions is presented. The TME array formed by bioprinting on a microfluidic substrate consists of 36 individual TME models, each characterized by one of three different compositions and tested under four varying drug concentrations. Notably, the TME model exhibits precise compartmentalization, fostering the development of self-organized vascular endothelial barriers surrounding breast cancer spheroids affecting substance transport. Multivariable screening and analysis of diverse conditions, including model complexity, replicates, and drug concentrations, within a single microfluidic platform, highlight the synergistic potential of integrating bioprinting with microfluidics to evaluate drug responses across diverse TME conditions comprehensively.

Evaluation of Fluid Behaviors in a Pushbutton-Activated Microfluidic Device for User-Independent Flow Control.

Although numerous studies have been conducted to realize ideal point-of-care testing (POCT), the development of a user-friendly and user-independent power-free microfluidic platform is still a challenge. Among various methods, the finger-actuation method shows a promising technique that provides a user-friendly and equipment-free way of delivering fluid in a designated manner. However, the design criteria and elaborate evaluation of the fluid behavior of a pushbutton-activated microfluidic device (PAMD) remain a critical bottleneck to be widely adopted in various applications. In this study, we have evaluated the fluid behavior of the PAMD based on various parameters, such as pressing velocity and depth assisted by a press machine. We have further developed a user-friendly and portable pressing block that reduces user variation in fluid behavior based on the evaluation.

A Drop-and-Drain Method for Convenient and Efficient Fabrication of MOF/Fiber Composites.

The fabrication of flexible composites by integrating metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with flexible substrates is a critical strategy for developing advanced materials with excellent feasibility and processability. These flexible MOF-based composites play a particularly important role in the separation and purification processes. However, several drawbacks remain challenge to overcome such as long processing time, high-cost, complicated processes, or harsh reaction conditions. In this paper, a convenient and efficient method is reported for fabricating MOF/fiber composites using a simple drop-and-drain (D&D) process. By exploiting the electrostatic interactions between the positively charged MOF particles and negatively charged fiber-based flexible substrates, a uniform coating of MOF on flexible fibers are achieved. This is accomplished by allowing the MOF ink to drop and drain through a substrate using a custom-made Teflon cell. Additionally, the D&D method enables the production of multiple layers of composites in a single-step process. UiO-66 and ZIF-8 submicroparticles and various substrates such as cotton-pad, cotton-fabric, nylon-fabric, PET-fabric, and filter-paper are employed to create flexible MOF/fiber composites. These composites demonstrate outstanding capacities for capturing negatively charged organic dyes, including methyl orange and indigo carmine. Furthermore, the MOF/fiber composites can be reused for dye capture after a simple washing process.

Au Octahedral Nanosponges: 3D Plasmonic Nanolenses for Near-Field Focusing.

Here, we report the synthesis of three-dimensional plasmonic nanolenses for strong near-field focusing. The nanolens exhibits a distinctive structural arrangement composed of nanoporous sponge-like networks within their interior. We denote these novel nanoparticles as "Au octahedral nanosponges" (Au Oh NSs). Employing a carefully planned multistep synthetic approach with Au octahedra serving as sacrificial templates, we successfully synthesized Au Oh NSs in solution. The porous domains resembling sponges contributed to enhanced scattering and absorption of incident light within metal ligaments. This optical energy was subsequently transferred to the nanospheres at the vertex, where near-field focusing was maximized. We named this observed enhancement a "lightning-sphere effect". Using single particle-by-particle surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), we optimized the morphological dimensions of the spheres and porous domains to achieve the most effective near-field focusing. In the context of bulk SERS measurements targeting weakly adsorbing analytes (2-chloroethyl phenyl sulfide) in the gas phase, we achieved a low detection limit of 10 ppb. For nonadsorbing species (dimethyl methyl phosphonate), utilization of hybrid SERS substrates consisting of Au Oh NSs and metal-organic frameworks as gas-adsorbing intermediate layers was highly effective for successful SERS detection.

Boosted ability of ZIF-8 for early-stage adsorption and degradation of chemical warfare agent simulants.

Efficient adsorption of hazardous substances from the environment is crucial owing to the considerable risks they pose to both humans and ecosystems. Consequently, the development of porous materials with strong adsorption capabilities for hazardous substances, such as chemical warfare agents (CWAs), is pivotal for safeguarding human lives. Specifically, the early-stage adsorption proficiency of the adsorbents plays a vital role in determining their effectiveness as ideal adsorbents. Herein, we report the efficient adsorption of CWA simulants using thermally treated ZIF-8 (T-ZIF-8). The T-ZIF-8 samples were prepared by subjecting ZIF-8 to a simple thermal treatment, which resulted in a more positive surface charge with extra open metal sites. Although the pore volume of T-ZIF-8 decreased after thermal treatment, the positive surface charge of T-ZIF-8 proved advantageous for the adsorption of the CWA simulants. As a result, the adsorption capacity of T-ZIF-8 for the CWA simulants improved compared to that of pure ZIF-8. Notably, T-ZIF-8 exhibited a remarkably enhanced adsorption ability in the early stage of exposure to the CWA simulants, possibly due to the effective polar interactions between T-ZIF-8 and the simulants via the electron-rich components within the CWA simulants. Moreover, the enhanced adsorption capacity of T-ZIF-8 led to the fast degradation of simulant compared to pure ZIF-8. T-ZIF-8 also demonstrated excellent stability over three adsorption cycles. These findings highlight that T-ZIF-8 is an outstanding material for the early-stage adsorption and degradation of CWA simulants, offering high effectiveness and stability.

Fabrication of a self-assembled and vascularized tumor array via bioprinting on a microfluidic chip.

A tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex system that comprises various components, including blood vessels that play a crucial role in supplying nutrients, oxygen, and growth factors, as well as delivering chemotherapy drugs to the tumor mass through the vascular endothelial barrier. To replicate the TME in vitro, several bioprinting and microfluidic organ-on-a-chip technologies have been developed. However, these technologies have not been fully exploited in terms of potential benefits of bioprinting and microfluidics, such as precise spatial control for biological samples, construction of multiple TMEs per microfluidic device, and the ability to adjust culture environments for better biological similarity. In addition, the complex transport phenomena within the vascular endothelial barrier and the aggregated tumor mass in the TME model should be considered before applying the model to drug treatment and screening. In this study, we describe a novel integrative technology that addresses these issues by introducing a self-organized TME array bioprinted on a microfluidic chip consisting of a vascular endothelial barrier surrounding breast cancer spheroids. To integrate the TME array onto the microfluidic platform, a microfluidic substrate for extrusion bioprinting was developed for a cell culture platform, which enables diffusivity control by microstructures and establishes a perfusion culture environment inside the culture channel. We also analyzed the cellular behaviors within the TME array to investigate the influence of the diffusivity on the self-organization process required to form the vascular endothelial barrier surrounding breast cancer spheroids.

Defective MOF-74 with ancillary open metal sites for the enhanced adsorption of chemical warfare agent simulants.

The development of effective porous adsorbents plays a vital role in eliminating hazardous substances from the environment. Toxic chemicals, including chemical warfare agents (CWAs), pose significant risks to both humans and ecosystems, highlighting the urgency to create efficient porous adsorbents. Therefore, substantial attention has been directed towards advancing adsorption techniques for the successful eradication of CWAs from the environment. Herein, we demonstrate a rational approach for enhancing the adsorption capability of a porous metal-organic framework (MOF) by employing ancillary open metal sites within the MOF structure. To generate defective MOF-74 (D-MOF-74) with ancillary open metal sites, some of the 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-bezenedicarboxylic acid (DHBDC) linkers originally present in the MOF-74 structure were replaced with 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid (BDC) linkers. The absence of hydroxyl groups in the BDC linkers compared to the original DHBDC linkers creates ancillary open metal sites, which enhance the adsorption ability of D-MOF-74 for CWA simulants such as dimethyl methyl phosphonate, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide, and methyl salicylate by providing effective interaction sites for the targeted molecules. However, excessive creation of open metal sites causes the collapse of the originally well-developed MOF-74 structure, resulting in a substantial reduction in its empty space and a subsequent decline in adsorption efficiency. Thus, to produce a defective MOF with the best performance, it is necessary to replace an appropriate amount of organic linker and create suitable open metal sites. Moreover, D-MOF-74 displays excellent recyclability during consecutive adsorption cycles without losing its original structure and morphology, suggesting that D-MOF-74 is an effective and stable material for the removal of CWA simulants.

Hybrid Biofabrication of Heterogeneous 3D Constructs Using Low-Viscosity Bioinks.

The application of cytocompatible hydrogels supporting extensive cellular activities to three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is crucial for recreating complex physiological environments with high biomimicry. However, the poor printability and tunability of such natural hydrogels diminish the versatility and resolution of bioprinters. In this study, we propose a novel approach for the hybrid biofabrication of complex and heterogeneous 3D constructs using low-viscosity bioinks. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) filament is extruded by fused deposition modeling on a micromesh to create PLA-framed micromesh substrates onto which fibrinogen is printed by microextrusion bioprinting. The micromesh supports the printed hydrogel with a capillary pinning effect to enable high-resolution bioprinting. Accordingly, the micromesh-bioink layers are aligned and stacked to form volumetric constructs. This approach, called the 3D micromesh-bioink overlaid structure and interlocked culture (3D MOSAIC) platform, enables the fabrication of complicated and multimaterial 3D structures, including overhangs and voids. Endothelial cells cultured under vasculogenic conditions in the platform self-organize within the biologically functional hydrogel to form vascular networks, and cancer cell migration can be observed across the layers. The multidisciplinary 3D MOSAIC platform is an important step toward the biofabrication of complex constructs with high biological and structural significance and functionality.

Enhanced adsorption capacity of ZIF-8 for chemical warfare agent simulants caused by its morphology and surface charge.

The effective separation of toxic chemicals, including chemical warfare agents (CWAs), from the environment via adsorption is of great importance because such chemicals pose a significant threat to humans and ecosystems. To this end, the development of effective porous adsorbents for CWA removal has received significant attention. Understanding the specific interactions between adsorbents and CWAs must precede for the development of effective adsorbents. Herein, we report the relationship between the adsorption capacity of porous ZIF-8 and its morphological and surface characteristics. Four types of ZIF-8, which have different morphologies (such as cubic, rhombic dodecahedron, and leaf- and plate-shaped samples), were selectively prepared. The four types of ZIF-8 were found to have different surface charges owing to dissimilarly exposed components on the surfaces and additionally incorporated components. The specific surface charges of ZIF-8 were found to be closely related to their adsorption capacities for CWA simulants such as 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) and dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP). Cubic ZIF-8, with the most positive surface charge among four ZIF-8 samples, exhibited the highest adsorption capacity for CEES and DMMP via the effective polar interaction. Moreover, ZIF-8 exhibited excellent recyclability without losing its adsorption capacity and without critical morphological or structural changes.

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.

Construction of defected MOF-74 with preserved crystallinity for efficient catalytic cyanosilylation of benzaldehyde.

Numerous open metal sites and well-developed micropores are the two most significant characteristics that should be imparted to design metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as effective catalysts. However, the construction of the best MOF catalyst with both these characteristics is challenging because the creation of numerous open metal sites generally triggers some structural collapse of the MOF. Herein, we report the construction of well-structured but defected MOFs through the growth of defected MOFs, where some of the original organic linkers were replaced with analog organic linkers, on the surface of a crystalline MOF template (MOF-on-MOF growth). Additional open metal sites within the MOF-74 structure were generated by replacing some of the 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-bezenedicarboxylic acid presenting in MOF-74 with 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid due to the missing hydroxyl groups. And the resulting additional open metal sites within the MOF-74 structure resulted in enhanced catalytic activity for the cyanosilylation of aldehydes. However, the collapse of some of the well-developed MOF-74 structure was also followed by structural defects. Whereas, the growth of defected MOF-74 (D-MOF-74) on the well-crystallized MOF-74 template led to the production of relatively well-crystallized D-MOF-74. Core-shell type MOF-74@D-MOF-74 having abundant open metal sites with a preserved crystallinity exhibited the efficient catalytic cyanosilylation of several aldehydes. Additionally, MOF-74@D-MOF-74 displayed excellent recyclability during the consecutive catalytic cycles.

Bee Venom Acupuncture for Neck Pain: A Review of the Korean Literature.

Bee venom is a natural toxin that is effective in treating various types of pain. The purpose of this paper was to review all the features of clinical studies conducted on bee venom acupuncture (BVA) for the treatment of neck pain in Korean publications. Six Korean databases and 16 Korean journals were searched in August 2022 for clinical studies on BVA for neck pain. We identified 24 trials that met our inclusion criteria, of which 316 patients with neck pain were treated with BVA. The most common diagnosis in the patients with neck pain was herniated intervertebral discs (HIVDs) of the cervical spine (C-spine) (29.2%), and the concentration and dosage per session were 0.05-0.5 mg/mL and 0.1-1.5 mL, respectively. The visual analog scale was most often measured for neck pain severity (62.5%), and all clinical research reported improvements in 16 outcome measures. This study shows that BVA could be recommended for the treatment of neck pain, especially HIVD of the C-spine; however, the adverse effects of BVA must be examined in future studies.

Structural Compromise Between Conflicted Spatial-Arrangements of Two Linkers in Metal-Organic Frameworks.

The structural control of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is essential for the development of superlative MOFs because the structural features of MOFs and their components play a critical role in determining their properties, and ultimately, their applications. The best components to endow the desired properties for MOFs are available via the appropriate choice from many existing chemicals or synthesizing new ones. However, to date, considerably less information exists regarding fine-tuning the MOF structures. Herein, a strategy for tuning MOF structures by merging two MOF structures into a single MOF, is demonstrated. Depending on the incorporated amounts and relative contributions of the two coexisting organic linkers, benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate (BDC2- ) and naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxylate (NDC2- ), which have conflicting spatial-arrangement preferences within an MOF structure, MOFs are rationally designed to have a Kagomé or rhombic lattice. In particular, MOFs with rhombic lattices are constructed to have specific lattice angles by compromising the optimal structural arrangements between the two mixed linkers. The relative contributions of the two linkers during MOF construction determine the final MOF structures, and the competitive influence between BDC2- and NDC2- is effectively regulated to produce specific MOF structures with controlled lattices.

Dissolvable Microneedle Patch Increases the Therapeutic Effect of Jawoongo on DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in Mice.

BACKGROUND: Jawoongo (JW) is a topical herbal ointment that has been used as an alternative treatment option for atopic dermatitis. Topical ointments are known to have less bioavailability because the stratum corneum allows only lipophilic and low molecular weight drugs to pass across it. This study aimed to investigate whether applying microneedle patches (MNP) increases the therapeutic effect of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)+JW for atopic dermatitis by enhancing transdermal delivery. METHODS: Atopic dermatitis was induced by DNCB in BALB/c mice. The combination treatment of JW and MNP was estimated to study the effect of MNP in improving transdermal delivery. Histological analysis, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), and immunofluorescence were performed to verify the effect of MNP in enhancing the therapeutic effects of DNCB+JW on atopic dermatitis in mice. RESULTS: Both combination treatment and DNCB+JW treatment ameliorated histological alterations and reduced skin thickness and infiltration of CD4+ T cells in atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in DNCB-exposed BALB/c mice. However, the improvement of histological alterations was better in the combination treatment, which was almost normal. Furthermore, the combination treatment exhibited a larger decrease in mRNA levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-13, iNOS, and TNF-α, compared to DNCB+JW only. In addition, skin thickness and infiltration of CD4+ T cells in the sensitized skin were significantly lower using the combination treatment than using DNCB+JW only. CONCLUSION: Combination treatment with JW and MNP further decreased skin thickness and several inflammatory cytokines in atopic dermatitis like skin lesions compared to treatment using JW alone. These findings suggest that applying a dissolvable MNP after JW application could be useful for treating atopic dermatitis.

A comparative study on a biodegradable hyaluronic acid microneedle patch with a needleless patch for dry skin in atopic dermatitis: a single-blinded, split-body, randomized controlled trial.

To overcome interruption of skin barrier in transdermal drug delivery, the microneedle (MN) patch penetrates the barrier by punching with its MNs. Setting a needleless patch (NL patch) as the control intervention, this study assessed the efficacy of a biodegradable hyaluronic acid MN patch (BHMN patch) for atopic dermatitis (AD) patients with dry skin. Similar two AD lesions were selected from the extremities of a participant. For one lesion, a BHMN patch was attached for 6-8 h on where an aroma cream was applied (BHMN patch group). Simultaneously, an NL patch was attached on the other lesion as in the BHMN patch group (NL patch group). For 2 weeks, the interventions were conducted 3 times a week. The local scoring AD (L-SCORAD) index, the visual analog scale for pruritus and skin dryness, skin hydration, the transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and safety were assessed. Fifteen participants finished this trial with no dropouts. Both groups improved the L-SCORAD index after 2 weeks (p < 0.05), but the score of the BHMN patch group decreased more than that of the NL patch group (p < 0.05). The other outcomes, except for the TEWL, also showed statistical significance in intragroup comparisons. Nevertheless, none of the other outcomes showed statistical significance in intergroup comparisons. The TEWL showed no statistical significance even in intragroup comparison. Recoverable minor adverse events were reported in three cases. Considering the result of L-SCORAD index, the BHMN patch may be effective for ameliorating AD. However, a large-scale confirmatory trial is necessary to reassess other outcomes.Trial Registration: This study was registered with the Clinical Research Information Service, Republic of Korea (Submitted date: 04/01/2022, Registered date: 23/02/2022, The first participant enrollment: 01/12/2021, Registration No. KCT0007037).

Effects of Donepezil Treatment on Brain Metabolites, Gut Microbiota, and Gut Metabolites in an Amyloid Beta-Induced Cognitive Impairment Mouse Pilot Model.

Accumulated clinical and biomedical evidence indicates that the gut microbiota and their metabolites affect brain function and behavior in various central nervous system disorders. This study was performed to investigate the changes in brain metabolites and composition of the fecal microbial community following injection of amyloid ß (Aß) and donepezil treatment of Aß-injected mice using metataxonomics and metabolomics. Aß treatment caused cognitive dysfunction, while donepezil resulted in the successful recovery of memory impairment. The Aß + donepezil group showed a significantly higher relative abundance of Verrucomicrobia than the Aß group. The relative abundance of 12 taxa, including Blautia and Akkermansia, differed significantly between the groups. The Aß + donepezil group had higher levels of oxalate, glycerol, xylose, and palmitoleate in feces and oxalate, pyroglutamic acid, hypoxanthine, and inosine in brain tissues than the Aß group. The levels of pyroglutamic acid, glutamic acid, and phenylalanine showed similar changes in vivo and in vitro using HT-22 cells. The major metabolic pathways in the brain tissues and gut microbiota affected by Aß or donepezil treatment of Aß-injected mice were related to amino acid pathways and sugar metabolism, respectively. These findings suggest that alterations in the gut microbiota might influence the induction and amelioration of Aß-induced cognitive dysfunction via the gut-brain axis. This study could provide basic data on the effects of Aß and donepezil on gut microbiota and metabolites in an Aß-induced cognitive impairment mouse model.

Pharmacokinetic improvement provided by microneedle patch in delivering bee venom, a case study in combating scopolamine-induced neurodegeneration in mouse model.

Much research has shown Bee venom to be an effective neuroprotective agent. However, the usual transdermal injection of bee venom poses many pharmacokinetic disadvantages. Here, we compared the administration of bee venom via subcutaneous injection (SC) and via Microneedle patch (MN). Both administrated routes produce significant recovery effects, however: the MN significantly prolongs the bio-significant-and-yet-lower concentration of bee venom in mice bodies. In contrast, SC could produce only a short period of much higher bee venom levels in the blood and brain. We also see that due to the concentration-response-curve of bee venom (represented by melittin): mice bodies do not require much higher bee venom concentration (seen in the SC group) to produce a much more significant neuroprotective effect (than seen in those treated with the MN method). Therefore, a MN could maintain bee venom levels in mice bodies at lower-yet-more-efficient concentrations. This is important, as bee venom can cause more adverse effects and pain sensations, at higher concentrations. For the first time, we confirmed that the pharmacokinetic advantages of MN delivered bee venom also guarantee a holistic neuroprotection effect (which was shown by SC delivered bee venom in previous research). This was proven via the results of the water maze experiments for long-term learning memory assessment and protein analysis of key neuronal regulatory proteins: BDNF, p-CREB, iNOS, and mArhR 1. In conclusion, for situations where we ought to administrate drugs at a more downward amount, such as bee venom, MN can keep the therapeutic concentrations at a lower, yet interestingly, more-efficient level.

Investigating the effect of phospholipids on droplet formation and surface property evolution in microfluidic devices for droplet interface bilayer (DIB) formation.

Despite growing interest in droplet microfluidic methods for droplet interface bilayer (DIB) formation, there is a dearth of information regarding how phospholipids impact device function. Limited characterization has been carried out for phospholipids, either computationally (in silico) or experimentally (in situ) in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic devices, despite recent work providing a better understanding of how other surfactants behave in microfluidic systems. Hence, microfluidic device design for DIB applications relies heavily on trial and error, with many assumptions made about the impact of phospholipids on droplet formation and surface properties. Here, we examine the effects of phospholipids on interfacial tension, droplet formation, wetting, and hence device longevity, using DPhPC as the most widely used lipid for DIB formation. We use a customized COMSOL in silico model in comparison with in situ experimental data to establish that the stabilization of droplet formation seen when the lipid is dosed in the aqueous phase (lipid-in) or in the oil phase (lipid-out) is directly dependent on the effects of lipids on the device surface properties, rather than on how fast they coat the droplet. Furthermore, we establish a means to visually characterize surface property evolution in the presence of lipids and explore rates of device failure in the absence of lipid, lipid-out, and lipid-in. This first exploration of the effects of lipids on device function may serve to inform the design of microfluidic devices for DIB formation as well as to troubleshoot causes of device failure during microfluidic DIB experiments.

Enhanced catalytic activity of MOF-74 via providing additional open metal sites for cyanosilylation of aldehydes.

The preparation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) having many open metal sites is an excellent approach for the development of highly active MOF-based catalysts. Herein, well-defined rice-shaped MOF-74 microparticles having structural defects are prepared by incorporating two analogous organic linkers [2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-bezenedicarboxylic acid (DHBDC) and 2-hydroxy-1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid (HBDC)] within the MOF-74 structure. The replacement of some of DHBDC in MOF-74 by HBDC causes the structural defects (excluding some of the bridged hydroxyl groups), and these structural defects provide the additional open metal sites within MOF-74. Finally, the additional open metal sites within MOF-74 result in the enhanced catalytic activity for the cyanosilylation of several aldehydes. A series of MOF-74s is prepared with various incorporated amounts of HBDC, and the optimum ratio between DHBDC and HBDC in MOF-74 to achieving the best catalytic performance is determined. In addition, the defected MOF-74 displays an excellent recyclability for the catalytic reaction.

Clinical Studies of Bee Venom Acupuncture for Lower Back Pain in the Korean Literature.

This study aimed to identify all of the characteristics of bee venom acupuncture (BVA) for the treatment of lower back pain (LBP) that are described in the Korean literature, and to provide English-speaking researchers with bibliometrics. Six Korean electronic databases and sixteen Korean journals on BVA treatment for back pain were searched up to February 2022. This report included and analyzed 64 clinical studies on BVA interventions for back pain and 1297 patients with LBP. The most common disease in patients with back pain was lumbar herniated intervertebral discs (HIVD) of the lumbar spine (L-spine). All studies used bee venom (BV) diluted with distilled water. The concentration of BVA for HIVD of L-spine patients with LBP ranged from 0.01 to 5.0 mg/mL; the dosage per treatment was 0.02-2.0 mL, and for a total session was 0.3-40.0 mL. The most used outcome measure was the visual analogue scale for back pain (n = 45, 70.3%), and most of the papers reported that each outcome measure had a positive effect. Korean clinical studies were typically omitted from the review research, resulting in potential language bias. This study provides clinical cases in Korea for future development and standardization of BVA treatment for back pain.