Metallo-Helicoid with Double Rims: Polymerization Followed by Folding by Intramolecular Coordination.

In this study, we established a feasible strategy to construct a new type of metallo-polymer with helicoidal structure through the combination of covalent polymerization and intramolecular coordination-driven self-assembly. In the design, a tetratopic monomer (M) was prepared with two terminal alkynes in the outer rim for polymerization, and two terpyridines (TPYs) in the inner rim for subsequent folding by selective intramolecular coordination. Then, the linear covalent polymer (P) was synthesized by polymerization of M via Glaser-Hay homocoupling reaction.

Small-molecule Bifunctional Fluorescent Probes for the Differential Detection of Multiple Guests.

During the last few years, the preparation of bifunctional fluorescent probes, which exhibit differential response towards multiple analytes, has attracted considerable attention since they are cost-effective and highly desirable for real-time applications. This review focuses on the recent advances in the design principles, recognition mechanisms, and applications of multifunctional fluorescent probes for the differential detection of multiple guests.

Expression of Stanniocalcin 2 in Breast Cancer and Its Clinical Significance.

This study aims to explore the expression of stanniocalcin 2 (STC2) gene in breast cancer and its clinical significance. Female patients with breast cancer from Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University admitted during March 2014 to October 2014 were enrolled in this study. All the tissues used in this experiment included 50 cases of breast cancer tissues and corresponding 50 cases of paracancer normal breast tissues with complete patients' information.

Light-Controlled Generation of Singlet Oxygen within a Discrete Dual-Stage Metallacycle for Cancer Therapy.

Noninvasive control over the reversible generation of singlet oxygen (O) has found the practical significance in benefiting photodynamic therapy. In this study, we developed a new dual-stage metallacycle (M) by using a photosensitizer and photochromic switch as the functional building blocks, which enables the noninvasive "off-on" switching of O generation through the efficient intramolecular energy transfer. Due to the proximal placement of the functional entities within the well-defined metallacyclic scaffold, O generation in the ring-closed form state of the photochromic switch (C-M) is quenched by photoinduced energy transfer, whereas the generation of O in the ring-open form state (O-M) is activated upon light irradiation.

Supramolecular Transformation of Metallacycle-linked Star Polymers Driven by Simple Phosphine Ligand-Exchange Reaction.

As a common phenomenon in biological systems, supramolecular transformations of biomacromolecules lead to specific biological functions as outputs, which thus inspire people to construct biomimetic dynamic systems through supramolecular transformation strategy. It should be noted that well-modulating the artificial macromolecules to fine-tune their properties is of great significance yet still remains a big challenge in polymer chemistry. In this study, through the combination of coordination-driven self-assembly and postassembly ring-opening polymerization, a six-armed star polymer linked by well-defined hexagonal metallacycle as core was successfully prepared.

Photoresponsive Chirality-Tunable Supramolecular Metallacycles.

Chirality-tunable supramolecular metallacycles containing two light-responsive dithienylethene units and two chiral 1,1'-bi-2-naphthol (BINOL) units have been successfully constructed via coordination-driven self-assembly. These new metallacycles are well-characterized with 1D multinuclear NMR ( H and P NMR), 2D H- H COSY and DOSY, ESI-TOF-MS, and PM6 semiempirical molecular orbital methods. Interestingly, upon irradiation with ultraviolet and visible light, the conformation of these metallacycles can undergo reversible transformation between ring-open and ring-closed forms accompanied with the obvious change of CD signals.

CO Stimuli-Responsive, Injectable Block Copolymer Hydrogels Cross-Linked by Discrete Organoplatinum(II) Metallacycles via Stepwise Post-Assembly Polymerization.

Supramolecular polymeric gels cross-linked by well-defined, discrete metal-organic macrocycles (MOMs) or metal-organic cages have become a prevailing topic within the field of supramolecular self-assembly. However, the realization of supramolecular polymeric hydrogels cross-linked by discrete organometallic architectures with good biocompatibility is still a great challenge. Herein, we present the successful preparation of CO stimuli-responsive, injectable block copolymer hydrogels cross-linked by discrete organoplatinum(II) metallacycles.

Effects of acupuncture on cortical expression of Wnt3a, β-catenin and Sox2 in a rat model of traumatic brain injury.

Objective: To observe the effects of acupuncture treatment on the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway-related genes (Wnt3a, β-catenin and Sox2) in the injured cerebral cortex of rats with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods: A controlled impact model of TBI was established using Feeney's free-drop method. Seventy-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following three groups: a normal group (n=18) that was left untreated; a model group (n=30) that received no treatment after TBI; and an acupuncture group (n=30) that received acupuncture (at LI4, GV20, GV26 and GV16) after TBI.

Effect of Acupuncture on the Notch Signaling Pathway in Rats with Brain Injury.

Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture on the Notch signaling pathway in rats with traumatic brain injury and to explore the pathogenesis of acupuncture intervention on traumatic brain injury.

Methods: Feeney's freefall epidural impact method was used to establish a traumatic brain injury model in rats; the rats were randomly divided into a normal group, sham operation group, model group and acupuncture group. Acupuncture was performed in the Baihui (DU 20), Shuigou (DU 26), Fengfu (DU 16), Yamen (DU 15) and Hegu (LI 4) acupoints in the rat, and Yamen was punctured via Fengfu.