Guest-Induced Helical Superstructure from a Gold Nanocluster-Based Supramolecular Organic Framework Enables Efficient Catalysis.

Mimicking hierarchical assembly in nature to exploit atomically precise artificial systems with complex structures and versatile functions remains a long-standing challenge. Herein, we report two single-crystal supramolecular organic frameworks (MSOF-4 and MSOF-5) based on custom-designed atomically precise gold nanoclusters Au(4-Mpy)(PPh), showing distinct and intriguing host-guest adaptation behaviors toward 1-/2-bromopropane (BPR) isomers. MSOF-4 exhibits topology and cylindrical channels with 4-mercaptopyridine (4-Mpy) ligands matching well with guest 1-BPR.

Manipulating the Host-Guest Chemistry of Cucurbituril to Propel Highly Reversible Zinc Metal Anodes.

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries are practically plagued by the short lifespan and low Coulombic efficiency (CE) of Zn anodes resulting from random dendrite deposition and parasitic reactions. Herein, the host-guest chemistry of cucurbituril additive with Zn to achieve longstanding Zn anodes is manipulated. The macrocyclic molecule of cucurbit[5]uril (CB[5]) is delicately designed to reconstruct both the CB[5]-adsorbed electric-double layer (EDL) structure at the Zn interface and the hydrated sheath of Zn ions.

Promising Energetic Melt-Castable Material with Balanced Properties.

As one of the most widely used energetic materials to date, trinitrotoluene (TNT) suffers from several generally known drawbacks such as high toxicity, oil permeability, and poor mechanical properties, which are driving researchers to explore new high-performance energetic melt-castable materials for replacing TNT. However, it still remains a great challenge to discover a promising TNT alternative due to the multidimensional requirements for practical applications. Herein, we reported a new promising energetic melt-castable molecule, 4-methoxy-1-methyl-3,5-dinitro-1-pyrazole (named as DMDNP).

Surface Engineering of MoS Quantum Dots via Cyclodextrin-Based Host-Guest Chemistry as Versatile Platforms for Enhanced Cell Imaging Application.

Transition metal chalcogenide quantum dots (QDs), especially MoS QDs, are an emerging class of novel optical probes for versatile bioanalytical applications owing to their distinct physicochemical properties. However, the reasonable use of these QDs for biological imaging has been largely restricted due to the challenge of controllable surface functionalization. In this work, we report a new strategy to engineer the surface of MoS QDs by taking advantage of cyclodextrin (CD)-based host-guest chemistry.

Metal-Organic Frameworks-Mediated Assembly of Gold Nanoclusters for Sensing Applications.

Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) are an emerging type of ultrasmall nanomaterials possessing unique physicochemical characteristics. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a singular kind of porous solid and crystalline material, have attracted tremendous attention in recent years. The combination of AuNCs and MOFs can integrate and improve the prominent properties of both components, such as high catalytic activities, tunable optical properties, good biocompatibility, surface functionality and stability, which make the composites of MOFs and AuNCs promising for sensing applications.

Interactions of cationic gold nanoclusters with serum proteins and effects on their cellular responses.

Cationic nanoparticles (NPs) have shown great potential in biological applications owing to their distinct features such as favorable cellular internalization and easy binding to biomolecules. However, our current knowledge of cationic NPs' biological behavior, i.e.

Surface chemistry regulates the optical properties and cellular interactions of ultrasmall MoS quantum dots for biomedical applications.

Molybdenum disulfide quantum dots (MoS2 QDs) have drawn increasing attention owing to their distinct optical properties and potential applications in many fields such as biosensing, photocatalysis and cell imaging. Elucidating the relationship between the surface chemistry of MoS2 QDs and their optical properties as well as biological behaviors is critical for their practical applications, which remain largely unclear. Herein, by adopting a sulfur vacancy modification strategy, a toolbox of MoS2 QDs functionalized with different thiolate ligands was prepared.

Macrocyclic Arenes-Based Conjugated Macrocycle Polymers for Highly Selective CO Capture and Iodine Adsorption.

Incorporating synthetic macrocycles with unique structures and distinct conformations into conjugated macrocycle polymers (CMPs) can endow the resulting materials with great potentials in gas uptake and pollutant adsorption. Here, four CMPs (CMP-n, n=1-4) capable of reversibly capturing iodine and efficiently separating carbon dioxide are constructed from per-triflate functionalized leaning tower[6]arene (LT6-OTf) and [2]biphenyl-extended pillar[6]arene (BpP6-OTf) via Pd-catalyzed Sonogashira-Hagihara cross-coupling reaction. Intriguingly, owing to the appropriate cavity size of LT6-OTf and the numerous aromatic rings in the framework, the newly designed CMP-4 possesses an outstanding I affinity with a large uptake capacity of 208 wt % in vapor and a great removal efficiency of 94 % in aqueous solutions.

Highly C2/C1-Selective Covalent Organic Frameworks Substituted with Azo Groups.

A series of covalent organic frameworks substituted with azo groups (AzoCOFs) have been synthesized via imine condensation. The obtained frameworks show crystallinity and high stability. More importantly, the AzoCOFs exhibit exceptionally high ideal adsorption solution theory (IAST) selectivity in adsorption of CH (35-2891) over CH at 273 K and 1 bar, owing to the favorable interactions between azo groups and acetylene molecules.

Simultaneous regulation of optical properties and cellular behaviors of gold nanoclusters by pre-engineering the biotemplates.

Herein, we reported a new strategy to simultaneously regulate both the physicochemical properties and biological behaviors of fabricated nanomaterials. Upon precisely pre-tailoring the number of charged groups of bovine serum albumin (BSA), the resultant BSA-templated gold nanoclusters (BSA-AuNCs) exhibit remarkably different fluorescence properties and strong biotemplate-dependent cellular uptake behavior.

Novel perylene probe-encapsulated metal-organic framework nanocomposites for ratiometric fluorescence detection of ATP.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) plays an important role in various biological processes and the ATP level is closely associated with many diseases. Herein, a novel ratiometric fluorescence assay for ATP was developed based on the excimer-monomer transfer of a perylene probe. By encapsulating a perylene probe, N,N'-bis(6-caproic acid)-3,4:9,10-perylenediimide (PDI), into zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanocrystals, fluorescent nanocomposites (PDI@ZIF-8) with significant excimer emission of the perylene probe were prepared for the first time.

Smart Delivery Systems Based on Poly(glycidyl methacrylate)s-Coated Organic/Inorganic Core-Shell Nanohybrids.

Smart delivery systems have gained momentum over the last few decades due to their potential to realize enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Poly(glycidyl methacrylate)s (PGMAs), which spring up like mushrooms, have drawn great attention in the theranostics field, especially in multifunctional theranostic systems. The marriage of PGMAs with functional inorganic cores is expected to integrate diagnosis (e.

[The Effect of miR-17-5p on Vascular Lesion and Expression of VLDLR in Atherosclerotic Mice].

Objective: To investigate the effect of miR-17-5p on vascular lesion and expression of very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) in atherosclerotic (AS) mice.

Methods: -/- mice were fed with high fat diet for 15 weeks to establish atherosclerotic mice models, and these mice were injected with miR-17-5p inhibitor antagomiR-17-5p 20 mg/kg from week 13 to week 15 to interfere the expression of miR-17-5p. AS model group (injection of normal saline) and NC miRNA group (injection of negative control inhibitors) were set and C57BL/6 mice were fed with normal diet for 15 weeks as normal control group (NC group, injection of normal saline during week 13-15).

Current perspectives of SA-4-1BBL in immune modulation during cancer.

A recombinant co-stimulatory molecule capable of inducing multiple effects on varied immune cells when present in its soluble active form is termed as SA-4-1BBL. It has been reported to influence innate, adaptive, and regulatory immune cells. Recent studies confirmed its engagement with receptor, 4-1BB leading to collection of interleukin-2 (IL-2) that in turn overcomes Treg suppression.

Artemisinin: A Panacea Eligible for Unrestrictive Use?

Although artemisinin has been used as anti-malarial drug, accumulating evidence on the extended therapeutic potential of artemisinin emerges. Apart from anti-malaria and anti-tumor, artemisinin can also exert beneficial effects on some metabolic disorders, such as obesity, diabetes, and aging-related diseases. However, whether artemisinin should be applied to treatment of the wide-spectrum diseases is debating.

Pillar[n]arene-based supramolecular organic frameworks with high hydrocarbon storage and selectivity.

We report the high hydrocarbon storage capacity and adsorption selectivity of two low-density pillar[n]arene-based SOFs. Our study would open new perspectives in the development of pillar[n]arene-based SOFs and study of their great potential in gas-storage and gas-separation applications.

Smart mesoporous silica nanoparticles gated by pillararene-modified gold nanoparticles for on-demand cargo release.

A new drug delivery system, based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles gated by carboxylatopillar[5]arene-modified gold nanoparticles, has been fabricated, which demonstrated good responses to competitive binding and temperature variation. This multifunctional nanosystem combines the excellent characteristics of two kinds of nanoparticles and utilizes a supramolecular host-guest approach for on-demand cargo release.

Screening for dry eye disease using infrared ocular thermography.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of infrared (IR) ocular thermography in screening for dry eye disease (DED).

Methods: IR ocular thermography was performed on 62 dry eye and 63 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Marking of ocular surface and temperature acquisition was done using a novel 'diamond' demarcation method.

Static and Dynamic Measurement of Ocular Surface Temperature in Dry Eyes.

Purpose. To study ocular surface temperature (OST) in dry eyes by static and dynamic measures. Methods.

A high-yield synthesis of [m]biphenyl-extended pillar[n]arenes for an efficient selective inclusion of toluene and m-xylene in the solid state.

[m]Bp-ExPn with a rigid and nanometer-sized cavity, as an extended version of pillar[n]arene by replacing 1,4-dimethoxybenzene monomers with biphenyl entities, was synthesized for the first time. Intriguingly, toluene and m-xylene can be stably included within the cavity of [2]Bp-ExP6, which endows these newly developed synthetic receptors with great potential in the purification of petrochemicals.

Repeatability of infrared ocular thermography in assessing healthy and dry eyes.

Purpose: To investigate the inter-image, inter-occasion and inter-examiner repeatability of NEC infrared thermo-tracer TH 9260 in assessing healthy and dry eyes.

Methods: Ocular surface temperature (OST) was recorded using NEC infrared thermo-tracer TH 9260 on 21 healthy and 15 dry eyes. Data from the right eyes were analyzed.

Ca, pH and thermo triple-responsive mechanized Zr-based MOFs for on-command drug release in bone diseases.

We report a new approach towards the design of multi-stimuli responsive "gated scaffolds" based on the combination of capped metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and supramolecular[2]pseudorotaxanes. These mechanized Zr-MOFs showed negligible premature release, high drug encapsulation, low cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility. Around or inside the bone tumour cells, the pH, lysosomal pH, and osteoclast pH are observed to be lowered (acidosis), and thus the resulting osteolysis increases the Ca concentration (hypercalcemia).

Zn(2+)-Triggered Drug Release from Biocompatible Zirconium MOFs Equipped with Supramolecular Gates.

A new theranostic nanoplatform, comprising of monodisperse zirconium metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as drug carriers and carboxylatopillar[5]arene-based supramolecular switches as gating entities, is constructed, and controlled drug release triggered by bio-friendly Zn(2+) ions (abundant in synaptic vesicles) and auxiliary thermal stimulus is realized. This on-command drug delivery system exhibits large pore sizes for drug encapsulation, excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility, extremely low cytotoxicity and premature drug release, and superior dual-stimuli responsiveness, opening a new avenue in targeted drug delivery and controlled release of therapeutic agents, especially in the treatment of central nervous system diseases.