Sr2[B5O8(OH)]2 ⋠[B(OH)3] ⋠H2O: A Strontium Borate That Shows Deep-Ultraviolet-Transparent Nonlinear Optical Properties.

A new noncentrosymmetric strontium borate, P1-Sr2[B5O8(OH)]2 ⋅ [B(OH)3] ⋅ H2O (1), has been synthesized under the hydrothermal condition. The P1-Sr2[B5O8(OH)]2 ⋅ [B(OH)3] ⋅ H2O shows a layered B-O network with 9-ring windows in the ab plane. Sr2+ cations, H3BO3, and H2O molecules are located in the voids of layers and interlayers, respectively. The P1-Sr2[B5O8(OH)]2 ⋅ [B(OH)3] ⋅ H2O is the first synthetic phase of veatchite, while the other three polymorphs are found in different natural minerals. This strontium borate is a potential deep-ultraviolet-transparent nonlinear-optical (NLO) crystal whose second-harmonic-generation (SHG) intensity is 1.7 times that of KH2PO4 (KDP) and is phase-matchable. The short wavelength cutoff edge of compound 1 is below 190 nm. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the B-O units are responsible for the nonlinear optical property.

M6[Cd2(CO3)2(B12O18)(OH)6] (M = K, Rb): Borate-Carbonates with Two CdCO3 Embedded in a Cyclic Oxoboron Anion.

Two metal borate-carbonates, M6[Cd2(CO3)2(B12O18)(OH)6] [M = K (1), Rb (2)], were obtained under surfactant-thermal conditions. In 1 and 2, each cyclic [(B12O18)(OH)6]6- anion captures two CdCO3 in two sides of the rings and finally forms the unusual (CdCO3)2@[(B12O18)(OH)6] cluster. Both 1 and 2 show moderate birefringence. Density functional theory calculations indicate that carbonate groups have a major contribution to electron-related optical transition.

Two Acentric Aluminoborates Incorporated d10 Cations: Syntheses, Structures, and Nonlinear Optical Properties.

Two acentric aluminoborates (ABOs), [Zn(en)2Al{B5O9(OH)}{BO(OH)2}] (1) and [Cd(en)2AlB5O10]·H2O (2) (en = ethylenediamine), have been solvothermally made. 1 includes a two-dimensional (2D) wavy ABO layer using B5O9(OH) clusters and AlO3{BO(OH)2} groups, in which both units can be regarded as three-connected nodes, and simplifying the ABO layer to a hcb-type network. 2 features an acentric three-dimensional (3D) porous framework with a unique unc-type network constituted by strictly alternating connected B5O10 clusters and AlO4 units. The structural transformation from a 2D layer 1 to a 3D framework 2 was achieved with the elimination of the terminal hydroxyls in layer 1 by adjusting synthetic conditions in the same solvent system. Metal-amine complexes Zn(en)2/Cd(en)2 bond to the inorganic walls and are located in the cavity of frameworks 1 and 2, respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit large second-harmonic generation (SHG) responses that are 2.2 and 2.7 times those of KH2PO4 (KDP), respectively, which are among the largest powder SHG responses for all deep-ultraviolet (deep-UV) ABOs. The UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra of 1 and 2 show a wide transparency window below 190 nm. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the B-O units and the introduced distorted d10 metal polyhedra played a decisive role in the optical properties of both compounds.

Study on depolymerization kinetics of formic acid dimers in binary mixture.

In this study, polarization Raman spectra were collected for binary mixtures of formic acid/methanol and formic acid/acetonitrile with different volume fractions. The broad band of formic acid in the CO vibration region was divided into four vibration peaks, corresponding to CO symmetric and anti-symmetric stretching vibration from cyclic dimer, CO stretching from open dimer, and CO stretching from the free monomer. The experiments showed that as the volume fraction of formic acid in the binary mixture decreased, the cyclic dimer gradually converted to the open dimer, and at a volume fraction of 0.1, fully depolymerized into monomer form (free monomer, solvated monomer, and hydrogen bonding monomer clusters with solvent). The contribution percentage of the total CO stretching intensity of each structure at different concentrations was quantitatively calculated using high resolution infrared spectroscopy, and the results were consistent with the conclusions predicted by polarization Raman spectroscopy. Concentration-triggered 2D-COS synchronous and asynchronous spectra also confirmed the kinetics of formic acid diluted in acetonitrile. This work provides a spectroscopic method for studying the structure of organic compounds in solution and concentration-triggering kinetics in mixtures.

A practical nomogram for predicting amputation rates in acute compartment syndrome patients based on clinical factors and biochemical blood markers.

BACKGROUND: Amputation is a serious complication of acute compartment syndrome (ACS), and predicting the risk factors associated with amputation remains a challenge for surgeons. The aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors for amputation in patients with ACS and develop a nomogram to predict amputation risk more accurately. METHODS: The study population consisted of 143 patients (32 in the amputation group and 111 in the limb preservation group) diagnosed with ACS. LASSO and multivariate logistic regression were used to screen predictors and create a nomogram. The model's accuracy was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, C-index, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS: The predictors included cause of injury, vascular damage, shock, and fibrinogen in the nomogram. The C-index of the model was 0.872 (95% confidence interval: 0.854-0.962), and the C-index calculated by internal validation was 0.838. The nomogram's area under the curve (AUC) was 0.849, and the calibration curve demonstrated a high degree of agreement between the nomogram's predictions and actual observations. Additionally, the DCA indicated good clinical utility for the nomogram. CONCLUSION: The risk of amputation in ACS patients is associated with the cause of injury, vascular damage, shock, and fibrinogen. Our nomogram integrating clinical factors and biochemical blood markers enables doctors to more conveniently predict the risk of amputation in patients with ACS.

UPLC/Q-TOF-MS-based metabolomics evaluate the efficacy of oroxylin A against postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Post-menopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is a common metabolic bone malady characterized by bone mass loss and bone microarchitectural deterioration; however, there is currently no effective drug for its management. According to our previous study, oroxylin A (OA) could effectively protect ovariectomized (OVX)-osteoporotic mice from bone loss; however, its therapeutic targets are still unclear. From a metabolomic perspective, we studied serum metabolic profiles to discover potential biomarkers and OVX-related metabolic networks, which could assist us to comprehend the impact of OA on OVX. Five metabolites were identified as biomarkers associated with 10 related metabolic pathways, including phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, and phenylalanine, tryptophan and glycerophospholipid metabolism. After OA treatment, the expression of multiple biomarkers changed, with lysophosphatidylcholine (18:2) being a major significantly regulated biomarker. Our study demonstrated that OA's effects on OVX are probably related to the regulation of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis. Our findings explain the role of OA against PMOP in terms of metabolism and pharmacology and provide a pharmacological foundation for OA treatment of PMOP.

Recent Progress in Crystalline Borates with Edge-Sharing BO4 Tetrahedra.

Crystalline borates have received great attention due to their various structures and wide applications. For a long time, the corner-sharing B-O unit is considered a basic rule in borate structural chemistry. The Dy4B6O15 synthesized under high-pressure is the first oxoborate with edge-sharing [BO4] tetrahedra, while the KZnB3O6 is the first ambient pressure borate with the edge-sharing [BO4] tetrahedra. The edge-sharing connection modes greatly enrich the structural chemistry of borates and are expected to expand new applications in the future. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in crystalline borates with edge-sharing [BO4] tetrahedra. We discuss the synthesis, fundamental building blocks, structural features, and possible applications of these edge-sharing borates. Finally, we also discuss the future perspectives in this field.

Hsa_circ_0003945 promotes progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by mediating miR-34c-5p/LGR4/ß-catenin axis activity.

Accumulating evidence suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play essential roles in regulating cancer progression, but many circRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unknown. Dysregulated circRNAs in HCC were identified through bioinformatics analysis of Gene Expression Omnibus data sets. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Sanger sequencing, RNase R digestion and actinomycin D treatment were conducted to confirm the characterization of circRNAs. CCK-8, wound-healing and Transwell assays were performed to assess the functional roles of Hsa_circ_0003945 (Circ_0003945) in HCC cell lines. Subcellular fractionation and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed to locate Circ_0003945 in HCC cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was executed to verify the binding of Circ_0003945 to microRNAs (miRNAs) or the miRNAs to their target genes. In this study, we found that Circ_0003945 was upregulated in HCC tissue, and higher Circ_0003945 expression was positively correlated with tumour size and tumour stage. Furthermore, high plasma levels of circulating Circ_0003945 were confirmed in HCC patients compared with those in non-HCC groups. The functional experiments revealed that overexpression or knockdown of Circ_0003945 promoted or attenuated tumour growth and migration, respectively. Mechanistically, Circ_0003945 might exert as a miR-34c-5p sponge to upregulate the expression of leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4), activating the ß-catenin pathway, and finally facilitating HCC progression. Additionally, a ß-catenin activator could reverse the effect of Circ_0003945 knockdown. In conclusion, Circ_0003945 exerts a tumour-promoting role in HCC cells by regulating the miR-34c-5p/LGR4/ß-catenin axis, which may be a potential target for HCC therapy.

Ba2B10O16(OH)2·(H3BO3)(H2O): A Possible Deep-Ultraviolet Nonlinear-Optical Barium Borate.

A new acentric barium borate, Ba2B10O16(OH)2·(H3BO3)(H2O) (1), was synthesized via a hydrothermal process. Compound 1 contains two different boron oxide units of [B5O10(OH)]6- anions and H3BO3 molecules and features 9-ring channels along the c axis in a layered structure. This barium borate is a possible deep-ultraviolet nonlinear-optical crystal for its moderate second-harmonic-generation signal and wide transparency window below 190 nm.

Corilagin attenuates osteoclastic osteolysis by enhancing HO-1 and inhibiting ROS.

Chinese herbal medicine has well-established therapeutic effects in various diseases. Corilagin (Cor), a gallic acid tannin in Phyllanthus niruri L., has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in many diseases. However, its role in osteoclast-related bone diseases has not been determined. In vitro, bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) were extracted and isolated to differentiate into osteoclasts. The effects of Cor on osteoclast formation, bone resorption, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were performed. In addition, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were used to evaluate the effect of Cor on oxidative stress-related pathways, which are nuclear factors-κB ligand-receptor activator (RANKL) stimulates important downstream pathways. Furthermore, microcomputed tomography and bone histomorphometry were performed to analyze the therapeutic effect of Cor in mouse models of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated bone defects in vivo. Cor influenced the nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) signaling pathway and reduced ROS in RANKL-treated osteoclasts, thereby inhibiting osteoclast formation and bone resorption. Moreover, Cor protected against LPS-mediated skull defects in vivo. In sum, our results confirm that Cor can inhibit osteoclastogenesis and intracellular oxidative stress. In addition, the inflammatory bone defect induced by LPS was also attenuated by Cor. Accordingly, Cor is a new candidate therapeutic agent for osteoclast-mediated osteolytic diseases.

Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of the extracellular vesicles derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on osteoarthritis via M2 macrophages.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative illness that greatly impacts the life quality of patients. Currently, the therapeutic approaches for OA are very limited in clinical. The extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from different mesenchymal stem cells displayed a prominent therapeutic effect on OA. But most EVs have limited resources and the risks of host rejection, immunological response, and etc. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) hold the advantages of easy availability, minimal immune rejection, and excellent immunomodulatory effects, although hUCMSCs-EVs have seldom been applied in OA. Herein, we investigated the potential immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of hUCMSCs-EVs on the treatment of OA. In our results, the treatment of hUCMSCs-EVs promoted the polarization of M2-type macrophages and the expression of anti-inflammation-related cytokines (IL-10). Notably, the supernate of M2 macrophages induced by hUCMSCs-EVs inhibited the level of inflammation-associated factors in OA chondrocytes caused by IL-1ß. Further, injection of hUCMSCs-EVs in the articular lumen ameliorated progression of OA and exerted chondroprotective potential based on the OA joint model created by the surgical transection of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACLT). In addition, we found five highly enriched miRNAs in hUCMSCs-EVs, including has-miR-122-5p, has-miR-148a-3p, has-miR-486-5p, has-miR-let-7a-5p, and has-miR-100-5p by High-throughput sequencing of miRNAs, with targeted genes mainly enriched in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Furthermore, we also detected the protein abundance of hUCMSCs-EVs using liquidation chromatography with tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. Thus, our study indicates that hUCMSCs-EVs can alleviate cartilage degradation during the OA progression, mechanically may through delivering key proteins and modulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway mediated by miRNAs to promote polarization of M2 macrophage, exhibiting potent immunomodulatory potential. The current findings suggest that hUCMSCs-EVs might serve as a new reagent for the therapy of OA.

Detection of circulating tumour cells enables early recurrence prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Liver transplantation (LTx) is one of the most effective treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, tumour recurrence after LTx often leads to poor outcomes. This study investigated the value of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) as a predictor of recurrence following LTx in patients with HCC. METHODS: This analysis included 193 patients with HCC who underwent LTx at our institute and accepted pre- and post-operative CTC detection; 38 were selected for serial CTC monitoring. The predictive value of CTCs for tumour recurrence in patients with HCC following LTx was evaluated. Single-cell whole genome sequencing was used to characterize CTCs. RESULTS: Overall, the CTC burden decreased after LTx (P < .05). Post-operative CTC count ≥ 1 per 5 mL peripheral blood was identified as a potential biomarker for predicting tumour recurrence after LTx, especially in patients with no detectable CTCs prior to LTx and negative tumour serological biomarkers. The predictive value of post-operative CTC count ≥ 1 per 5 mL blood was retained in patients who did not meet the Milan criteria, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) criteria, or Fudan criteria (all P < .05). Furthermore, post-operative serial CTC detection may be useful in post-surgical surveillance for HCC recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: CTCs may be a useful biomarker to evaluate recurrence risk following LTx in patients with HCC. Evaluation based on CTC detection may enhance the post-transplant management of HCC, and improve the therapeutic efficacy of LTx.

Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Factors of Patients with Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma with Fever: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) rarely present fever as the initial symptom. We aimed to identify clinical characteristics and prognostic factors for these feverish patients. SUBJECTS, MATERIALS, AND METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed 31 patients with ICC with fever (≥38.0°C) treated at our hospital between January 2002 and December 2014. A propensity score was used to match patients with and without fever at a ratio of 1:2. RESULTS: Patients with ICC with fever had higher serum γ-glutamyl transferase and carcinoembryonic antigen levels, larger tumors, poorer tumor differentiation, and worse prognosis (all p < .05) than those without fever. This was supported by propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that microvascular invasion, hilar lymph node metastasis, and temperature ≥ 38.6°C were related to prognosis. Patients with ICC with fever had higher levels of leucocytes, neutrophils, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in peripheral blood before and after PSM analysis. Body temperature positively correlated with leucocytes (r = 0.599, p < .001), neutrophils (r = 0.644, p < .001), NLR (r = 0.681, p < .001), and PLR (r = 0.457, p = .010). CONCLUSION: Patients with ICC with fever ≥38.0°C and ≥38.6°C had poor and extremely poor prognosis, respectively. Radical surgical treatment may improve the prognosis of patients with ICC with fever <38.6°C. However, systemic therapy (e.g., anti-inflammatory and immune therapy) may be preferable to surgery for these patients with fever ≥38.6°C. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) with fever (≥38.0°C) as the initial symptom are extremely rare. Because their symptoms are similar to those of liver abscess, diagnosis is challenging, and most of these patients are already at an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis. Patients with ICC with fever had different clinical characteristics and worse prognosis than those without fever. The prognosis of those with temperature <38.6°C would be improved by timely surgical intervention. Those with fever ≥38.6°C had an extremely dismal outcome, although they all received radical surgical treatment. New therapeutic strategies are needed to improve survival for patients with ICC with temperature ≥38.6°C.

Li2CsB7O10(OH)4: A Deep-Ultraviolet Nonlinear-Optical Mixed-Alkaline Borate Constructed by Unusual Heptaborate Anions.

A new noncentrosymmetric mixed-alkaline borate, Li2CsB7O10(OH)4 (1), was made under solvothermal conditions. This layered boron oxide framework consists of unique bird-shaped [B7O12(OH)4]7- clusters with large 14-ring pores. Its second-harmonic-generation (SHG) signal is 2.5KDP (KH2PO4), with its short ultraviolet (UV) cutoff edge indicating that this crystal is a potential deep-UV transparent nonlinear-optical material.

Cyanidin Chloride inhibits ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis by suppressing RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis and associated signaling pathways.

Over-production and activation of osteoclasts is a common feature of osteolytic conditions such as osteoporosis, tumor-associated osteolysis, and inflammatory bone erosion. Cyanidin Chloride, a subclass of anthocyanin, displays antioxidant and anti-carcinogenesis properties, but its role in osteoclastic bone resorption and osteoporosis is not well understood. In this study, we showed that Cyanidin Chloride inhibits osteoclast formation, hydroxyapatite resorption, and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast marker gene expression; including ctr, ctsk, and trap. Further investigation revealed that Cyanidin Chloride inhibits RANKL-induced NF-κB activation, suppresses the degradation of IκB-α and attenuates the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK). In addition, Cyanidin Chloride abrogated RANKL-induced calcium oscillations, the activation of nuclear factor of activated T cells calcineurin-dependent 1 (NFATc1), and the expression of c-Fos. Further, we showed that Cyanidin Chloride protects against ovariectomy-induced bone loss in vivo. Together our findings suggest that Cyanidin Chloride is capable of inhibiting osteoclast formation, hydroxyapatite resorption and RANKL-induced signal pathways in vitro and OVX-induced bone loss in vivo, and thus might have therapeutic potential for osteolytic diseases.

Carnosic acid inhibits inflammation response and joint destruction on osteoclasts, fibroblast-like synoviocytes, and collagen-induced arthritis rats.

The discovery of new therapeutic drugs with the ability of preventing inflammation and joint destruction with less adverse effects is urgently needed for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Carnosic acid (CA), a major phenolic compound isolated from the leaves of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), has been reported to have antioxidative and antimicrobial properties. However, its effects on RA have not been elucidated. Here, we investigated the effects of CA on osteoclasts and fibroblast-like synoviocytes in vitro and on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in Wistar rats in vivo. Our in vitro and in vivo studies showed that CA suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNFɑ, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17 and MMP-3, and downregulated the production of RANKL. More importantly, we observed that CA inhibited osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption in vitro and exerted therapeutic protection against joint destruction in vivo. Further biochemical analysis demonstrated that CA suppressed RANKL-induced activations of NF-κB and MAPKs (JNK and p38) leading to the downregulation of NFATc1. Taken together, our findings provide the convincing evidence that rosemary derived CA is a promising natural compound for the treatment of RA.

Linking 1D Transition-Metal Coordination Polymers and Different Inorganic Boron Oxides To Construct a Series of 3D Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Borates.

Three inorganic-organic hybrid borates, M(1,4-dab)[B5O7(OH)3] [M = Zn (1), Cd (2), 1,4-dab = 1,4-diaminobutane)] and Co(1,3-dap)[B4O7] (3, 1,3-dap = 1,3-diaminopropane), which integrated characteristics of 1D coordination polymers and 1D/3D inorganic boron oxides have been obtained under solvothermal conditions. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural and crystallize in a centrosymmetric space group P21/c; the 3D achiral structures of 1 and 2 consist of the nonhelical Zn/Cd-1,4-dap coordination polymers and 1D B-O chains. Compound 3 crystallizes in a chiral space group P43212; the helical Co-1,3-dap coordination polymer chains are entrained within a 3D B-O network and finally form the chiral framework. Compounds 1-3 represent good examples of using coordination polymers to construct mixed-motif inorganic-organic hybrid borates. Compounds 1 and 2 display blue luminescence when excited with UV light.

CsBxGe6-xO12 (x = 1): A Zeolite Sodalite-Type Borogermanate with a High Ge/B Ratio by Partial Boron Substitution.

The partial replacement of Ge atoms in tetrahedral positions by a small number of B atoms leads to a new microporous borogermanate, CsBxGe6-xO12 (x = 1), under solvothermal conditions. Its framework shows the highest atomic ratios of Ge/B in reported borogermanates and leads to a new type of zeolite sodalite-type net.

Centrosymmetric (Hdima)2[Ge5B3O15(OH)] and Noncentrosymmetric Na4Ga3B4O12(OH): Solvothermal/Surfactant-Thermal Synthesis of Open-Framework Borogermanate and Galloborate.

Under solvothermal/surfactant-thermal conditions, two new open-framework borogermanate and galloborate, centrosymmetric (Hdima)2[Ge5B3O15(OH)] (1; dima = dimethylamine) and noncentrosymmetric Na4Ga3B4O12(OH) (2), were obtained and characterized. Compound 1 contains an unusual basket-shaped Ge5B3O18(OH) cluster and displays a 3D open-framework layered structure. Compound 2 shows an interrupted 3,4-connected network constructed by alternately linked BO3 units and Ga3+ ions and displays weak second-harmonic-generation response.

An Ultraviolet Nonlinear Optic Borate with 13-Ring Channels Constructed from Different Building Units.

Under solvothermal conditions, a chair open-framework borate, Na2B9O15(H2O)(H3O) (1), has been synthesized. Compound 1 shows regular pores of zeolites as well as nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of borates. The large 13-ring channels of the boron oxide framework are constructed from different cluster units of B3O7 and B6O13 with three-ring units. The second harmonic generation (SHG) signal intensity of 1 is similar to that of KH2PO4 (KDP) and gradually increased with larger particle size. Compound 1 is a potential UV NLO material for its short wavelength absorption edge.