Regulation of hippocampal miRNA expression by intestinal flora in anxiety-like mice.

This study investigated the possible interaction between gut flora and miRNAs and the effect of both on anxiety disorders. The model group was induced with chronic restraint stress (CRS) and each group was tested for anxiety-like behaviour by open field test and elevated plus maze test. Meanwhile, the gut flora was analysed by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing.

An inclusion complex of cucurbit[7]uril with benzimidazolyl benzyl viologen exhibits fluorescence and photochromic properties.

In order to investigate the photochromic mechanism of photochromic materials based on supramolecular host-guest systems, we designed and synthesized a unique viologen derivative (benzimidazolyl benzyl viologen, guest 1·Cl), which does not contain oxygen atoms. The binding interaction of guest 1 with host cucurbit[7]uril (Q[7]) was investigated by various techniques. The obtained supramolecular host-guest complex 1@Q[7] exhibits interesting fluorescence emission and reversible photochromism.

Symmetrical-Tetramethyl-Cucurbit[6]uril-Driven Movement of Cucurbit[7]uril Gives Rise to Heterowheel [4]Pseudorotaxanes.

Two novel heterowheel [4]pseudorotaxanes consisting of cucurbit[7]uril (Q[7]) and symmetrical-tetramethyl-cucurbit[6]uril (TMeQ[6]) were constructed via the multirecognition mechanism, in which Q[7] can rotate freely around the horizontal axis, while TMeQ[6] cannot. In the construction process, due to strong repulsive forces between carbonyl portals of two neighboring wheels, the dethreading and movement of the wheels along the axle was observed. The dissociation of the [4]pseudorotaxanes was also discussed.

Genipin inhibits the growth of human bladder cancer cells via inactivation of PI3K/Akt signaling.

Genipin, a natural compound derived from the fruit of , possesses numerous biological properties. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anticancer effects of genipin in human bladder cancer. T24 and 5637 bladder cancer cells were treated with different concentrations of genipin (0-200 µM) and tested for cell viability, colony formation, cell cycle progression and apoptosis.

Construction of a Molecular Switch and Selector under Electrochemical Control.

In this work, we designed and synthesized a special axle guest hexyldimethyl(ferrocenylmethyl)ammonium ( ) bromide. The binding interactions of and its oxidized form with cucurbit[7]uril (Q[7]) and cyclohexanocucurbit[6]uril (Cy6Q[6]) were investigated by H NMR, cyclic voltammogram, and isothermal titration calorimetry techniques. Our data indicate that both hosts Cy6Q[6] and Q[7] can form stable [2]pseudorotaxanes with in their different redox states.

Aniline-containing guests recognized by α,α',δ,δ'-tetramethyl-cucurbit[6]uril host.

The host-guest complexation of symmetrical α,α',δ,δ'-tetramethyl-cucurbit[6]uril (TMeQ[6]) and cucurbit[7]uril (Q[7]) with a series of aniline-containing guests has been investigated by various experimental techniques including NMR, ITC, and X-ray crystallography. Experimental results indicate that both TMeQ[6] and Q[7] hosts can encapsulate aniline-containing guests to form stable inclusion complexes. However, the oval cavity of TMeQ[6] is more complementary in size and shape to the aromatic ring of the guests than the spherical cavity of Q[7].

Host-guest complexation of di-cyclohexanocucurbit[6]uril and hexa-cyclohexanocucurbit[6]uril with alkyldiammonium ions: a comparative study.

The host-guest complexation of symmetrical di-cyclohexanocucurbit[6]uril (Cy2Q[6]) and hexa-cyclohexanocucurbit[6]uril (Cy6Q[6]) with a series of alkyldiammonium ions (H(3+)N(CH(2))nNH(3+), n = 2-8) has been studied both in solution and in the gas phase. (1)H NMR data indicate that all alkyldiammonium ions have inclusion interactions with both hosts except for the ethanediammonium ion. In addition, if the alkyl chain of the alkyldiammonium ion is longer than n = 5 methylene groups, compressed conformation may occur, which depends on the cavity shape of the hosts and the length of the alkyl chain.

Mixed behavior of p-phenylenediaminium guest binding with the inverted cucurbit[6]uril host.

The binding interaction between inverted cucurbit[6]uril (iQ[6]) and p-phenylenediaminium both in the solid state and in aqueous solution has been investigated by X-ray crystallography, (1)H NMR spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The experimental results suggest that the binding interaction between iQ[6] and p-phenylenediaminium may generate two different types of complexes in the solid state: one is an inclusion structure and the other is a sandwich structure. In aqueous solution, the iQ[6] host has an ability to accommodate the p-phenylenediaminium guest and in-out guest exchange is fast on the NMR time scale.