Synthesis of Low-Silicon X-Type Zeolite from Lithium Slag and Its Fast Exchange Performance of Calcium and Magnesium Ions.

Without the addition of silicon and aluminum sources, a pure-phase KNaLSX zeolite was successfully synthesized from the residue (lithium slag), which was produced from spodumene in the production process of lithium carbonate. The KNaLSX samples were characterized by an X-ray Diffractometer (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF), Thermogravimetric Differential Thermal Analysis (TG-DTA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FT-IR), and N2 adsorption measurement. The ion exchange capacity and the ion exchange rate of calcium and magnesium ions were measured as used for a detergent builder, and the results were compared with the standard zeolites (KNaLSX and 4A). The experimental results show that the pure-phase KNaLSX synthSynthesis and characterization of co-crystalline zeolite composite of LSX/esized from lithium slag has a SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of 2.01 with a grain size of 3~4 µm, which is close to the commercial KNaLSX sample of a SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of 2.0. The BET-specific surface area of KNaLSX is 715 m2/g, which is larger than the low-silicon X-type zeolite (LSX) synthesized from waste residue reported in the literature. The ion exchange rate constant of calcium and magnesium ions in KNaLSX is 5 times and 3 times that of 4A zeolite, respectively. KNaLSX also has a high ion exchange capacity for magnesium ion of 191 mgMgCO3/g, which is 2 times than that of 4A zeolite, and a high ion exchange capacity for calcium ion of 302 mgCaCO3/g, which meets the first-grade standard of zeolite for detergent builders in China. The work provides the basis for high-value resource utilization of lithium slag and the development of a detergent builder for rapid washing.

Orbital-dependent electron correlation in double-layer nickelate La3Ni2O7.

The latest discovery of high temperature superconductivity near 80 K in La3Ni2O7 under high pressure has attracted much attention. Many proposals are put forth to understand the origin of superconductivity. The determination of electronic structures is a prerequisite to establish theories to understand superconductivity in nickelates but is still lacking. Here we report our direct measurement of the electronic structures of La3Ni2O7 by high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. The Fermi surface and band structures of La3Ni2O7 are observed and compared with the band structure calculations. Strong electron correlations are revealed which are orbital- and momentum-dependent. A flat band is formed from the Ni-3d z 2 orbitals around the zone corner which is ~ 50 meV below the Fermi level and exhibits the strongest electron correlation. In many theoretical proposals, this band is expected to play the dominant role in generating superconductivity in La3Ni2O7. Our observations provide key experimental information to understand the electronic structure and origin of high temperature superconductivity in La3Ni2O7.

DDX4 enhances antiviral activity of type I interferon by disrupting interaction of USP7/SOCS1 and promoting degradation of SOCS1.

DEAD-box helicase (DDX) family members play differential roles in regulating innate antiviral immune response. However, the physiological roles played by DDX4 in antiviral innate immunity remain unclear. In this study, we unveiled that DDX4 acts as a positive regulatory molecule of Type-I interferon (IFN-I)-mediated antiviral activity. Our findings demonstrate that IFN-I upregulates DDX4 protein levels, and subsequently, overexpression of DDX4 enhances the IFN-I-mediated signaling pathway. This creates a positive feedback loop that amplifies the antiviral response. DDX4 was found to bind with deubiquitinase ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7), leading to the disruption of the interaction between USP7 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) and the subsequent degradation of SOCS1. This process enhances the antiviral function of IFN-I. Our findings provide new insights into the regulatory role of DDX4 in the IFN-I response.IMPORTANCEDDX4, identified as a putative RNA helicase that modulates RNA secondary structure through RNA binding, is primarily acknowledged for its role in regulating mRNA translation within the germline. Nevertheless, the extent of DDX4's involvement in the antiviral innate immune response remains largely unexplored. This study presents evidence of a previously unrecognized positive feedback loop between DDX4 and the antiviral response, suggesting that disruption of this loop may serve as a novel mechanism for viral evasion. Furthermore, our findings elucidate a positive regulatory mechanism by which the DDX4/USP7/SOCS1 axis mediates the antiviral activity of Type-I interferon, which provides new insight into strategies for improving the efficacy of IFN-based antiviral therapy.

Manipulation of Heterogeneous Surface Electric Potential Promotes Osteogenesis by Strengthening RGD Peptide Binding and Cellular Mechanosensing.

The heterogeneity of extracellular matrix (ECM) topology, stiffness, and architecture is a key factor modulating cellular behavior and osteogenesis. However, the effects of heterogeneous ECM electric potential at the micro- and nanoscale on osteogenesis remain to be elucidated. Here, the heterogeneous distribution of surface potential is established by incorporating ferroelectric BaTiO3 nanofibers (BTNF) into poly(vinylidene fluoridetrifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) matrix based on phase-field and first-principles simulation. By optimizing the aspect ratios of BTNF fillers, the anisotropic distribution of surface potential on BTNF/P(VDF-TrFE) nanocomposite membranes can be achieved by strong spontaneous electric polarization of BTNF fillers. These results indicate that heterogeneous surface potential distribution leads to a meshwork pattern of fibronectin (FN) aggregation, which increased FN-III7-10 (FN fragment) focal flexibility and anchor points as predicted by molecular dynamics simulation. Furthermore, integrin clustering, focal adhesion formation, cell spreading, and adhesion are enhanced sequentially. Increased traction of actin fibers amplifies mechanotransduction by promoting nuclear translocation of YAP/Runx2, which enhances osteogenesis in vitro and bone regeneration in vivo. The work thus provides fundamental insights into the biological effects of surface potential heterogeneity at the micro- and nanoscale on osteogenesis, and also develops a new strategy to optimize the performance of electroactive biomaterials for tissue regenerative therapies.

Study on wet oxidation process and mechanism for ethylene spent caustic.

Ethylene spent caustic with strong alkalinity, high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and toxicity could not be directly discharged without pretreatment. In this paper, the composition of spent caustic from a petrochemical enterprise was analyzed. Effects of oxidants, reaction temperature, pressure and residence time on the removal ratio of COD in the spent caustic were investigated. The oxidation reaction mechanism of main organic sulphides in the spent caustic was discussed. Results show that COD of the ethylene spent caustic is ∼ 24.5 g/L, the main compositions are S2- and disulphides including a small amount of ketones and phenolic organics. The removal ratio of S2- in spent caustic is up to 100%, and the removal ratio of COD is over 83% at 180 °C with the pressure of 2 MPa and residence time of 15 min using oxygen as an oxidant. Taking dimethyl disulphide as an example, dimethyl disulphide with HO• firstly produces methyl thiosulphonate and methyl sulphenic acid, then further oxidized to generate methanesulphonic acid, and the C-S bonds in the methanesulphonic acid were broken to generate sulphuric acid and formic acid. So the oxidative degradation products of organic sulphides are sulphuric acid, formic acid and a small amount of acetic acid.

Effect of CO2/H2O on adsorptive removal of H2S/SO2 mixture.

Few studies focus on the simultaneous removal performance and mechanism of H2S and SO2 mixture in Claus tail gas with a high concentration of H2O (20-30 vol.%) and CO2 (8-10 vol.%). In this paper, the effects of H2O and CO2 on the simultaneous removal of H2S and SO2 for the by activated carbon (TL-1) were studied. Fresh (TL-1-F) and desulfurisation sulfur-loaded TL-1 activated samples (TL-1-E1 and TL-1-E2) were characterised by BET, elemental analysis, TG-MS, FT-IR and XPS. The simultaneous adsorption mechanism of H2S and SO2 on TL-1 in the presence of H2O and CO2 was discussed. Results show that the breakthrough sulfur capacity of TL-1 for the simultaneous removal of H2S and SO2 mixture reaches up to 301.6 mg S/g ads when the feed gas containing 30 vol.% H2O and 8 vol.% CO2, which is 40% higher than that without H2O. H2O in the feed is adsorbed on the surface of TL-1 and forms a water film. The adsorbed H2S and SO2 are dissolved and ionised in the water film, which is conducive to the adsorption removal of H2S and SO2 by TL-1 and the generation of sulfuric acid (55.8%) and S8 (44.2%). Meanwhile, CO2 is only physically adsorbed on the surface of TL-1, and does not participate in the chemical adsorption (or chemical reaction) for the removal sulfide process.

Microbubbles intensification and mechanism of wet air oxidation process of MDEA-containing wastewater.

In order to the intensification of gas-liquid mass transfer of MDEA-containing wastewater during wet air oxidation (WAO) process, the microbubbles and millimetre bubbles were applied by fine-pore sparger (5 and 20-30 µm) and single pore sparger (6.35 mm), respectively. Effect of the superficial gas velocity on the average microbubble size, gas holdup and oxygen mass transfer coefficient (KLa) of MDEA-containing wastewater at the ambient conditions was studied. The results showed that the microbubbles (less than 1 mm) were beneficial to enhance mass transfer process and had a higher dissolved oxygen concentration during WAO process of MDEA-containing wastewater owing to higher gas holdup and larger oxygen mass transfer coefficient. The COD removal ratio was 66% at low superficial gas velocity (ug = 0.3 cm/s) in WAO process by microbubbles, while it achieved at high superficial gas velocity (ug = 3.0 cm/s) by millimetre bubbles. The critical oxygen mass transfer coefficient KLa was 0.183 min-1 of MDEA-containing wastewater by 20-30 and 5 µm fine pore sparger, which was 2∼5 times more than that of single pore sparger (<0.1 min-1). The microbubbles could improve dissolved oxygen concentration and enhance the formation of hydroxyl radical at short time with atmospheric pressure. During the WAO process, the MDEA would be converted into intermediates including formic acid, acetic acid, ammonium, nitrite and nitrate. The WAO process with microbubbles could significantly improve the gas-liquid mass transfer performance at low superficial gas velocity and greatly reduce air consumption for MDEA-containing wastewater.

Qualitative and quantitative determination of trace aldehydes and ketones in food preservative propionic acid for quality improvement.

Aiming at the difficulty in qualitative and quantitative analysis of trace compositions in food preservative propionic acid, the trace compositions and the key components influencing the total aldehyde content in propionic acid were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC) in this paper. The results show that the food preservative propionic acid contains 18 trace compositions. The main compositions affecting the total aldehyde content in propionic acid are acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, 1-cyclopropyl-1-propanone and 2-methyl-2-pentenal, which account for ∼90% of the total aldehyde content in propionic acid. The total aldehyde content in propionic acid can be quickly determined by iodometric titration. However, the impurity compositions, solution oxygen content and pH value of propionic acid may affect the stability of NaHSO3, which lead to a higher titration value of the aldehyde content. The total aldehyde contents in propionic acid determined by GC (148.535-337.890 mg L-1) and HPLC (157.730-335.780 mg L-1) are close and reliable with a relative deviation of 0.31-3.00%. The volatile low-carbon aldehydes and ketones including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acetone have a weak response and a high detection limit in GC. The derivation conditions of all aldehydes and ketones in propionic acid should affect the determination results of HPLC. It provides the basic data for quality improvement and ultra-deep purification of food-grade propionic acid.

[Effect of ipriflavone on reconstruction of periodontal tissues during recurrence of orthodontic teeth in rats].

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of ipriflavone on reconstruction of periodontal tissues during recurrence of orthodontic teeth. METHODS: Twenty-four male SD rats were randomized into 2 groups, ipriflavone group(IP group) and control group, there were 12 rats in each group. The model of recurrence after movement of orthodontic teeth in rats was established. After continuous loading for 10 days, the loading devices were removed. Rats in ipriflavone group (IP group) were given ipriflavone intragastrically for 10 mg/(kg·d) after the devices were removed, while rats in the control group were given an equivalent amount of normal saline after the devices were removed. On the 0th, 1st, 3rd, 7th, and 10th day of administration, the rat maxillary impression and plaster model of two groups were prepared under local anesthesia, the distance between maxillary first molar lingual sulcus point and third molar in lingual groove point was measured to evaluate the relapse distance. After drug infusion for 10 days, the collected tissue specimens were stained with H-E to observe periodontal reconstruction, and expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2(BMP-2) was detected by immunohistochemical staining. Software Image-Pro 6.0 was used to analyze the optical density values of the stained sections. The data were analyzed with SPSS 22.0 software package. RESULTS: After removing the orthopaedic devices for 10 days , there was a significant recurrence of the movement of the orthodontic teeth in both groups. The recurrent distance of IP group was significantly smaller than that of the control group, and still significantly smaller than that of the control group at 10 d. H-E staining and immunohistochemical staining results showed that the IP group had more new bone formation and more BMP-2 expression in the periodontal tissues compared to the control group in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: In the process of recurrence of orthodontic tooth movement, ipriflavone can promote the expression of BMP-2 in periodontal tissue, improve bone remodeling of periodontal tissue, and effectively reduce the recurrent rate of orthodontic tooth movement.

Vitamin K2 promotes the osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells via the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Vitamin K2 (MK-4, menaquinone 4) plays an important role in osteoprotection. The present study aimed to examine the effect of MK-4 on the osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) in vitro and probed the potential signaling pathway. DESIGN: PDLSCs were isolated from extracted premolars by tissue block culture method and were identified by flow cytometry. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were used to determine the effect of MK-4 on the proliferation of PDLSCs. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was analyzed quantitatively, and extracellular matrix mineralization was examined by Alizarin Red S staining. The mRNA and protein expression levels of ALP, Runx Family Transcription Factor 2 (Runx2), osteocalcin (OCN), and Sp7 Transcription Factor (SP7; Osterix) were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot. In addition, after adding the inhibitor XAV-939, Western blot was used to assess the correlation with the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. The above results were obtained by observing at least three fields randomly, and each experiment was repeated at least three times. RESULTS: This study found that 10-5 M MK-4 significantly promoted the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs. Gene and protein expression levels of ALP, Runx2, OCN, and Osterix were all upregulated compared with control. Remarkably, after blocking the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway with XAV-939, the effect of MK-4 was apparently reversed. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that MK-4 can promote the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs, which is likely related to the activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Analysis of trace organics and its correlation with COD in condensate from natural gas to hydrogen production.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of trace organics in the condensate and its correlation with chemical oxygen demand (COD) is the key to the research on the reuse technology of condensate (condensate) from natural gas to hydrogen production process. The contents of anions, COD, total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) were measured by ion chromatography and the TOC analyzer. Trace organics in the condensate and its correlation with COD was investigated in this paper. Results show that the contents of COD and TOC is 74.1 and 17.81 mg/L, respectively, and the anions in the condensate are mainly Cl-, I-, and SO4 2-, etc. The condensate mainly contains small molecule organics including methanol, ethanol and formic acid with the content of 41.4, 2.1 and 3.2 mg/L, respectively. The spiked recovery of methanol, ethanol and formic acid is 96.1%, 100.2% and 103.9% by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC), respectively. Methanol is the main source of COD in the condensate, and the contribution rate reaches up to 83.8%. The removal of trace methanol can significantly reduce the COD of the condensate. This work might provide basic data for reasonable recovery and utilization of condensate in the hydrogen production process.

Matrine enhances osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and promotes bone regeneration in rapid maxillary expansion.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of matrine on osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) as well as on bone metabolism in a rat rapid maxillary expansion (RME) model. METHODS: In in vitro experiments, rat BMSCs were adopted and cell proliferation of BMSCs was measured. Meanwhile, the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs was detected by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, Alizarin red S staining and gene expression. In vivo bone regeneration was analyzed in a rat RME model. Eighteen rats were divided into 3 groups: one group without any treatment, one group receiving only RME, and a group with RME and matrine treatment. After 2 weeks, new bone formation was detected by Micro-CT and histology. Immunohistochemical staining was used to evaluate ALP and BMP2 expression. RESULTS: Overall, we found that matrine upregulated cell proliferation dose-dependently. Also, ALP activity and mineralized matrix generation were enhanced. Moreover, the osteoblast-related gene expression (ALP, bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin) by BMSCs was also promoted. Micro-CT revealed that matrine significantly promoted in vivo bone formation after 2 weeks. Concomitantly, histological examination of haematoxylin-eosin, safranin-O and toluidine blue staining confirmed these findings. In addition, the levels of ALP and BMP2 in the palatal suture tissues of rats with matrine treatment were the highest among three groups. CONCLUSION: This work suggests that matrine regulates osteogenesis and enhances bone regeneration. Matrine treatment may be beneficial in improving the stability of maxillary expansion.

Kaempferol promotes proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells via Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

AIMS: Kaempferol, a type of flavonoid, is widely present in fruits, vegetables and medicinal herbs. This study was designed to investigate the effects of kaempferol on proliferation and osteogenesis of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and to identify the related pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PDLSCs were isolated from extracted premolars and cultured in vitro. Cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were performed to determine the effect of kaempferol, at various concentrations, on the proliferation of PDLSCs. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively, and extracellular matrix mineralization was examined by alizarin red-S staining. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of ALP, RUNX Family Transcription Factor 2 (RUNX2), Sp7 Transcription Factor (SP7; Osterix), Bone Gamma-Carboxyglutamate Protein (BGLAP; osteocalcin) and catenin beta 1 (CTNNB1; ß-catenin) were monitored by qPCR and Western blot analysis. Additionally, the tankyrase inhibitor, XAV939, was used to determine the role of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. KEY FINDINGS: The results illustrated that 10-6 M kaempferol markedly promoted the proliferation, ALP activity and mineral deposition of PDLSCs (P < 0.05). The expression levels of ALP, RUNX2, SP7, BGLAP and ß-catenin were all upregulated (P < 0.05). After blocking the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway with XAV939, the effects of kaempferol were apparently reversed. SIGNIFICANCE: kaempferol enhanced proliferation and osteogenesis of PDLSCs by activating the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling, which suggests the potential application of kaempferol for periodontal tissue regeneration.

The effects of binge alcohol exposure on tooth movement and associated root resorption in rats.

BACKGROUND: Considering the increasing prevalence of alcohol use and the growing number of orthodontic patients, some orthodontic patients might engage in binge drinking during treatment. Nevertheless, little is known about the effect of alcohol use on orthodontic treatment. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into ethanol and control groups (n = 32). The rats received a single daily intraperitoneal injection of 20% (vol/vol) ethanol/saline solution at a dose of 3 g/kg of ethanol or saline for three consecutive days, and no injection was given during the remaining four days each week. All rats received orthodontic appliances to draw the maxillary first molar mesially. The rats were sacrificed at days 14 and 28, respectively. The amount of tooth movement was measured. Root resorption area was evaluated by scanning electron microscope. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining were conducted. Immunohistochemistry staining was performed to evaluate the expressions of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in tooth movement and root resorption between ethanol and control groups. The number of TRAP-positive cells was significantly higher in the ethanol group. The expression of RANKL was statistically increased in the ethanol group. In contrast, the expression of OPG was remarkably decreased in rats injected with ethanol. Moreover, the iNOS level was significantly up-regulated in the ethanol group. CONCLUSION: The tooth movement and root resorption in rats were not affected by binge alcohol exposure.

Effects Of Triptolide On Tooth Movement And Root Resorption In Rats.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of triptolide on the tooth movement and root resorption in rats during orthodontic treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 48 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups of 16 each. The right maxillary first molars of rats were drawn mesially by closed coil nickel-titanium spring with a force of 50 g. The two experimental groups received intraperitoneal injections of triptolide for 14 days at a dose of 15 µg/kg/day and 30 µg/kg/day, respectively. The control group received vehicle injections. After 14 days, the rats were humanely killed. The amount of tooth movement was measured. Eight rats from each group were randomly chosen for analysis of the percentage of root resorption area by scanning electron microscopy. For the remaining eight rats in each group, the H&E staining, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and immunohistochemistry analysis were performed. RESULTS: The amount of tooth movement and the ratio of root resorption area were significantly decreased in the triptolide-treated rats. The number of TRAP-positive cells was significantly lower in triptolide-treated groups. Moreover, the expression of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) was reduced. In contrast, the expression of osteoprotegerin was significantly up-regulated. In the tension side, the expressions of runt-related transcription factor 2 and osteocalcin were significantly enhanced by triptolide injection. CONCLUSION: Triptolide injection could arrest orthodontic tooth movement and reduce root resorption in rats via inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. In addition, triptolide may exert a positive effect on osteoblastogenesis.

Muscone Promotes The Adipogenic Differentiation Of Human Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cells By Inhibiting The Wnt/ß-Catenin Signaling Pathway.

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to evaluate the effects of muscone on the proliferation, migration and differentiation of human gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) and to explore the relevant mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed studies to determine the effects and mechanisms of muscone on GMSC proliferation, migration and differentiation. We conducted CCK-8, colony formation, transwell chamber, scratch wound, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and activity, and alizarin red and oil red O staining assays, as well as real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), to ascertain the effects of muscone on GMSC proliferation, migration and differentiation in vitro. The mechanism by which muscone influences the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of GMSCs was elucidated by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: We found that muscone significantly promoted GMSC proliferation, chemotaxis, wound healing and fat droplet formation and inhibited ALP activity and mineral deposition. Notably, we observed that the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway was closely related to the ability of muscone to inhibit the osteogenic differentiation and promote the adipogenic differentiation of GMSCs. The effect of muscone on the multidirectional differentiation capacity of GMSCs was significantly reversed by the agonist lithium chloride through the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Muscone effectively increased the proliferation and migration, promoted the adipogenic differentiation and inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of GMSCs by inhibiting the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. These results may provide a theoretical basis for the application of GMSCs and muscone in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

A Bismuth Metal-Organic Framework as a Contrast Agent for X-ray Computed Tomography.

A new bismuth metal-organic framework (MOF), bismuth-NU-901 (Bi-NU-901), featuring the scu topology and a pore with a diameter of ∼11 Å, was solvothermally synthesized, and its use as an X-ray computed tomography (CT) contrast agent was tested. X-ray CT is a common diagnostic method used in the medical field. Inside the body, contrast media enhance the distinction between tissues and organs of similar density. Bi-NU-901 consists of eight connected Bi6 nodes and tetratopic 1,3,5,8-(p-benzoate)pyrene linkers (TBAPy). Numerous material characterization studies including powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and DFT pore size distribution support the scu structure. Additionally, given the framework's high density of nontoxic heavy atoms, Bi-NU-901 was evaluated as an X-ray computed tomography (CT) agent. Importantly, in vitro studies revealed this new bismuth MOF demonstrates ∼7 times better contrast intensity compared to a zirconium MOF featuring the same topology and ∼14 times better contrast than a commercially available CT contrast agent. These results suggest bismuth MOFs may be promising CT contrast agents.

Study on the Desorption Process of n-Heptane and Methyl Cyclohexane Using UiO-66 with Hierarchical Pores.

UiO-66 (UiO for University of Oslo) is a zirconium-based metal-organic framework with reverse shape selectivity, which gives an alternative way to produce high-purity n-heptane ( nHEP) used for the manufacture of high-purity pharmaceuticals. A couple of studies have shown that UiO-66 gives a high selectivity on the separation of n-/iso-alkanes. However, the microporous structure of UiO-66 causes poor mass transport during the desorption process. In this work, hierarchical-pore UiO-66 (H-UiO-66) was synthesized and utilized as an adsorbent of nHEP and methyl cyclohexane (MCH) for systematically studying the desorption process of n-/iso-alkanes. A suite of physical methods, including X-ray diffraction patterns, verified the UiO-66 structures, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy showed the existence of hierarchical pores. N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms further confirmed the size distribution of hierarchical pores in H-UiO-66. Of particular note, the MCH/ nHEP selectivity of H-UiO-66 is similar to that of UiO-66 under the same adsorption conditions, and the desorption process of nHEP/MCH from H-UiO-66 is dramatically enhanced; namely, the desorption rates for nHEP/MCH from H-UiO-66 is enhanced by 30%/23% compared with UiO-66 at most. Moreover, desorption activation energy ( Ed) derived from temperature-programmed desorption experiments indicate that the Ed for nHEP/MCH is lower on H-UiO-66; that is, the Ed of MCH on H-UiO-66 is ∼37% lower than that on UiO-66 at most, leading to a milder condition for the desorption process. The introduction of hierarchical structures will be applicable for the optimization of the desorption process during separation on porous materials.

Continual naringin treatment benefits the recovery of traumatic brain injury in rats through reducing oxidative and inflammatory alterations.

Naringin is neuroprotective in ischemia and other disease models. However, the effects of naringin are unknown after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The present study explored the role of naringin for neuroprotection in TBI rats. TBI was performed with the weight drop technique, and naringin was given orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day. The neurological scores, tissue edema, and oxidative stress/inflammation parameters [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), as well as interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß)] were measured. Compared to sham controls, TBI rats displayed obvious sensorimotor dysfunction, significant brain edema, and elevated oxidative and inflammatory molecules. Although a 7-day pre-treatment of naringin was unable to reverse these pathological changes, a 14-day continual treatment (7 days before and 7 days after the TBI) attenuated the increases in MDA and nitric oxide; enhanced the activation of superoxide dismutase; depressed the over-activation of iNOS; down-regulated the over-expression of IL-1ß; and reduced the cortex edema. Additionally, the TBI-induced behavioral dysfunction was reduced. These results suggest that naringin treatment can attenuate cellular and histopathological alterations and improve the sensorimotor dysfunction of TBI rats, which may be partly due to the attenuation of oxidative and inflammatory damages.

[Identification of a novel pathogenic mutation in MATP gene with oculocutaneous albinism type IV from a consanguineous marriage family].

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the pathogenicity-related genes and its mutations in an oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) patient from a consanguineous marriage family. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and automatic DNA sequencing methods, chromosome walking by PCR amplification techniques (PCR-Walking), multiplex PCR in a single PCR tube with 3 primers bridging the breakpoint (Gap-PCR) and bioinformatic analysis were employed for screening the mutations and identifying the novel mutation in the patient and his family. RESULTS: A pathogenic deletion of 6365 bp was found in MATP gene with a range of c.562-1118 (± 2) to c.885 + 4923 (± 2). The patient was homozygous for deletion mutation. CONCLUSION: A large deletion mutation was first detected and identified in OCA4.