Recent advances in circularly polarized luminescence of planar chiral organic compounds.

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL), as an important chiroptical phenomenon, can not only directly characterize excited-state structural information about chiroptical materials but also has great application prospects in 3D optical displays, information storage, biological probes, CPL lasers and so forth. Recently, chiral organic small molecules with CPL have attracted a lot of research interest because of their excellent luminescence efficiency, clear molecular structures, unique flexibility and easy functionalization. Planar chiral organic compounds make up an important class of chiral organic small molecular materials and often have rigid macrocyclic skeletons, which have important research value in the field of chiral supramolecular chemistry (e.g., chiral self-assembly and chiral host-guest chemistry). Therefore, research into planar chiral organic compounds has become a hotspot for CPL. It is time to summarize the recent developments in CPL-active compounds based on planar chirality. In this feature article, we summarize various types of CPL-active compounds based on planar chirality. Meanwhile, we overview recent research in the field of planar chiral CPL-active compounds in terms of optoelectronic devices, asymmetric catalysis, and chiroptical sensing. Finally, we discuss their future research prospects in the field of CPL-active materials. We hope that this review will be helpful to research work related to planar chiral luminescent materials and promote the development of chiral macrocyclic chemistry.

Rational tuning of binding properties of pillar [5] arene-based sensing material by synergistic effect and its application for fluorescent turn-on detection of isoniazid and controlled reversible morphology.

Isoniazid (INH) is crucial in the treatment of tuberculosis; however, its overuse may induce significant gastrointestinal and hepatic side effects. On October 27, 2017, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, under the auspices of the World Health Organization, published a list of carcinogens for preliminary collation and reference. Isoniazid was categorized as a Group 3 carcinogen. The efficient detection of INH poses an important and challenging task. In this study, a "synergistic effect" is incorporated into the pillar (Yamagishi and Ogoshi, 2018) [5] arene-based macrocyclic host (DPA) by strategically attaching bis-p-hydroxybenzoic acid groups to the opposite ends of the pillar (Yamagishi and Ogoshi, 2018) [5] arene. This combination endows DPA with a reversible and selective fluorescence response to isoniazid. Additionally, DPA exhibits excellent analytical capabilities for isoniazid, including speed and selectivity, with a detection limit as low as 4.85 nM. Concurrently, DPA can self-assemble into a microsphere structure, which is convertible into micrometer-sized tubular structures through host-guest interactions with isoniazid. The introduction of a competitive guest, trimethylamine, enables the reversion to its microsphere structure. Consequently, this study presents an innovative and straightforward synthetic approach for smart materials that facilitates the reversible morphological transition between microspheres and microtubes in response to external chemical stimuli. This discovery provides a valuable strategy for designing "synergistic effects" in constructing trace-level isoniazid-responsive interfaces, with potential applications across various fields, such as controlled drug delivery.

Clamparene: Synthesis, Structure, and Its Application in Spontaneous Formation of 3D Porous Crystals.

Macrocyclic arenes have emerged as pivotal scaffolds in supramolecular chemistry. Despite their significant contributions to molecular recognition and diverse applications, challenges persist in the development of macrocyclic arene-based crystalline materials, particularly in achieving porosity and addressing limitations in adsorption efficiency resulting from the small cavity sizes of existing macrocyclic arenes. In this study, we present the design and synthesis of a novel macrocyclic arene, clamparene (CLP), featuring a rigid backbone, easy synthesis, and a sizable cavity. CLP self-assembles into one-dimensional sub-nanotubes that further organize into a three-dimensional porous framework in the solid state. The crystalline solid of CLP exhibits potential as a porous crystalline adsorbent for various benzene-based contaminants with rapid adsorption kinetics, large uptake amounts, and good recyclability.

A Two-Step Fluorescence-Resonance Energy Transfer System Constructed by Platinum(II) Metallacycle Based Molecular Recognition.

Considerable progress in the construction of efficient fluorescence-resonance energy transfer (FRET) systems has promoted the development of artificial energy transfer materials. However, despite recent advances, the exploration of efficient and easy strategies to fabricate novel supramolecular systems with FRET activities is still a challenge. Here, we report that a two-step FRET system was successfully achieved, driven by platinum metallacycle based host-guest interactions. The two-step FRET system is used for the preparation of a white-light-emitting diode and serves as a nanoreactor for the photosynthetic process. This work offers a strategy for the fabrication of FRET systems and opens opportunities for functional materials constructed by platinum(II) metallacycle based host-guest interactions.

The untapped potential of targeting NRF2 in neurodegenerative disease.

Since its initial discovery almost three decades ago, the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) has been shown to regulate a host of downstream transcriptional responses and play a critical role in preventing or promoting disease progression depending on the context. Critically, while the importance of proper nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 function has been demonstrated across a variety of pathological settings, the ability to progress NRF2-targeted therapeutics to clinic has remained frustratingly elusive. This is particularly true in the case of age-related pathologies, where nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 is a well-established mitigator of many of the observed pathogenic effects, yet options to target this pathway remain limited. Along these lines, loss of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 function has clearly been shown to enhance neuropathological outcomes, with enhancing nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway activation to prevent neurodegenerative/neurological disease progression continuing to be an active area of interest. One critical obstacle in generating successful therapeutics for brain-related pathologies is the ability of the compound to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB), which has also hampered the implementation of several promising nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 inducers. Another limitation is that many nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 activators have undesirable off-target effects due to their electrophilic nature. Despite these constraints, the field has continued to evolve, and several viable means of targeting nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in a neuropathological context have emerged. In this perspective, we will briefly discuss the key findings and promising therapeutic options that have been discovered to date, as well as highlight emerging areas of NRF2-neurodegeneration research that provide hope for successfully targeting this pathway in the future.

Recurrence of pediatric intussusception: A nationwide population-based descriptive study in Taiwan.

Intussusception is frequently observed pediatric emergency that is often followed by recurrent intussusception after initial treatment. This study investigated the risk factors associated with recurrent intussusception in children aged ≤ 3 years. Between January 2007 and December 2015, a cohort study was conducted by linking the Taiwan Maternal and Child Health Database to the Birth Certificate Application database and the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. Patients aged ≤ 3 years with intussusception diagnosis and related treatment were included in our study. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors associated with recurrent intussusception. In total, 5341 children with intussusception aged ≤ 3 years were enrolled in our cohort. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for recurrent intussusception in children aged 2 to 3 years was 0.62 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-0.82) compared with children aged < 1 year, and surgery decreased the risk of recurrent intussusception (aOR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.46-0.88). Male patients had higher risk of recurrent intussusception than female patients had (aOR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.13-1.75). Higher birth weight may increase the risk of recurrent intussusception, but this association was not statistically significant. Furthermore, gestational age did not seem to affect the risk of recurrent intussusception. Surgical treatment and delayed onset of intussusception are associated with a reduced risk of recurrent intussusception; males are associated with increased risk of recurrent intussusception. In addition, we suggest that in early infancy, patients who received non-surgical treatment as the initial treatment for intussusception should be closely followed up for potential recurrence of intussusception.

Analysis of the Performance of Recycled Insulation Concrete and Optimal Mix Ratio Design Based on Orthogonal Testing.

Construction and agricultural waste recycling have gained more and more attention recently as renewable resources. Straw and construction waste, both of which are widespread in northern Fujian, were investigated in this research. The orthogonal test was used to investigate the effects of recycled aggregate, straw, and glazed hollow beads on the mechanical and thermal properties of recycled insulation concrete. The influence of different factors on the macroscopic characteristics of recycled insulation concrete was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optimal mix proportion for recycled insulation concrete that satisfies mechanical performance standards and provides superior insulation performance was then determined using the total efficacy coefficient method. According to the research findings, the heat conductivity of recycled insulation concrete decreases as its dried density decreases. A 100% recycled coarse aggregate replacement rate, 1% straw content, and 10% glazed hollow beads replacement rate are the optimal mix ratios for recycled insulation concrete. With a compressive strength of 20.98 MPa, a splitting tensile strength of 2.01 MPa, a thermal conductivity of 0.3776 W/(m·K), and a dry density of 1778.66 kg/m3, recycled insulation concrete has the optimal mix ratio. Recycled insulation concrete is a novel form of eco-friendly, energy-saving concrete that aims to achieve low-carbon energy savings and sustainable development by combining resource recycling with building energy savings to realize the recycling of solid waste resources, which has significant environmental, social, and economic benefits and broad market application potential.

Prevalence, Characteristics, and Treatment of Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study in Taiwan.

Background: Hemorrhoids, a gastrointestinal tract disorder, are common during pregnancy. However, large-scale epidemiological studies on hemorrhoids during pregnancy are limited. Therefore, this study used analyzed data from a nationwide population-based database to investigate the prevalence, characteristics, and treatment of hemorrhoids in Taiwan. Materials and Methods: This retrospective population-based study used data from the National Health Insurance Research Database and Taiwan Birth Certificate Application to collect the medical records of women who were pregnant at any time during 2009-2018. Hemorrhoids was defined by International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) (455. X) and International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) (K64.X, O22.4X) with related treatment. Results: We enrolled 1,608,804 deliveries in 1,070,708 women. The proportion of hemorrhoids increased with age in both primipara and multipara women. Of the pregnant women, 31% received oral medication, and 93.2% used the topical ointment to treat their hemorrhoids. Few patients (1.8%) required procedure or surgery during pregnancy, and 41.4% of those patients underwent procedure or surgery in their first trimester. The cumulative incidence of hemorrhoids during pregnancy was significantly higher in women with a history of hemorrhoids and those with multifetal pregnancies. No significant difference in the incidence of hemorrhoids was observed between multiparous and primiparous women. Conclusion: Women with a history of hemorrhoids or those carrying multiple fetuses had an increased risk of hemorrhoids during pregnancy. The most commonly used treatment for hemorrhoids during pregnancy was topical ointments, with only a small proportion (1.8%) of patients requiring procedure or surgery.

The anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect and mechanism of Chiehyuan herbal oral protection solution.

The Chiehyuan herbal oral protection solution (GB-2) is a herbal mixture commonly utilized in Taiwan for combating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as per traditional Chinese medicine practices. This study assessed the clinical impact of GB-2 through prospective clinical trials. With twice-daily use for a week, GB-2 was shown to diminish the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in oral mucosal cells. Moreover, after two weeks of use, it could reduce transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMRPSS2) expression in these cells. Additionally, in vitro experiments demonstrated that GB-2 lessened the entry efficiency of the Omicron, L452R-D614G, T478K-D614G, and L452R-T478K-D614G variants of the SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped lentivirus. It also impeded the interaction between ACE2 and the receptor-binding domain (RBD) presenting N501Y-K417N-E484A-G339D-Q493R-G496S-Q498R and L452R-T478K mutations. Glycyrrhizic acid, a major compound in GB-2, also hindered the entry of the Omicron variant (BA.1) of the SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped lentivirus by obstructing the binding between ACE2 and the RBD presenting the N501Y-K417N-E484A-G339D-Q493R-G496S-Q498R mutation. To sum up, these findings suggest that GB-2 can decrease ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression in oral mucosal cells. Both glycyrrhizic acid and GB-2 were found to reduce the entry efficiency of the Omicron variant (BA.1) of the SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped lentivirus and block the binding between ACE2 and the RBD with the N501Y-K417N-E484A-G339D-Q493R-G496S-Q498R mutation. This evidence implies that GB-2 might be a potential candidate for further study as a preventative measure against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Platinum Metallacycle-Based Molecular Recognition: Establishment and Application in Spontaneous Formation of a [2]Rotaxane with Light-Harvesting Property.

Macrocyclic molecule-based host-guest systems, which provide contributions for the design and construction of functional supramolecular structures, have gained increasing attention in recent years. In particular, platinum(II) metallacycle-based host-guest systems provide opportunities for chemical scientists to prepare novel materials with various functions and structures due to the well-defined shapes and cavity sizes of platinum(II) metallacycles. However, the research on platinum(II) metallacycle-based host-guest systems has been given little attention. In this article, we demonstrate the host-guest complexation between a platinum(II) metallacycle and a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecule, naphthalene. Taking advantage of metallacycle-based host-guest interactions and the dynamic property of reversible Pt coordination bonds, a [2]rotaxane is efficiently prepared by employing a template-directed clipping procedure. The [2]rotaxane is further applied to the fabrication of an efficient light-harvesting system with multi-step energy transfer process. This work comprises an important supplement to macrocycle-based host-guest systems and demonstrates a strategy for efficient production of well-defined mechanically interlocked molecules with practical values.

Efficient detection of L-aspartic acid and L-glutamic acid by self-assembled fluorescent microparticles with AIE and FRET activities.

Amino acids play an important role in the formation of proteins, enzymes, hormones and peptides in animals. Moreover, aspartic acid and glutamic acid have a critical impact on the central nervous system as excitatory neurotransmitters. Here, we report the highly selective detection of L-glutamic acid (L-Glu) and L-aspartic acid (L-Asp) using fluorescent microparticles constructed by the combination of aggregation-induced emission and self-assembly-induced Förster resonance energy transfer.

Pillar[5]arene-based supramolecular pseudorotaxane polymer material for ultra-sensitive detection of Fe3+ and F.

Recent advancements in ultra-sensitive detection, particularly the Aggregation Induced Emission (AIE) materials, have demonstrated a promising detection method due to their low cost, real-time detection, and simplicity of operation. Here, coumarin functionalized pillar[5]arene (P5C) and bis-bromohexyl pillar[5]arene (DP5) were successfully combined to create a linear AIE supramolecular pseudorotaxane polymer (PCDP-G). The use of PCDP-G as a supramolecular AIE polymer material for recyclable ultra-sensitive Fe3+ and F- detection is an interesting application of the materials. According to measurements, the low detection limits of PCDP-G for Fe3+ and F- are 4.16 × 10-10 M and 6.8 × 10-10 M, respectively. The PCDP-G is also a very effective logic gate and a material for luminous displays.

Descriptive Study of Mastitis in Postpartum Women in Taiwan: Incidence and Related Factors.

Background: Mastitis is a common disorder among postpartum women. The discomfort and pain caused by mastitis may lead to the discontinuation of breastfeeding. Large-scale epidemiological studies examining mastitis are limited. Accordingly, the present study used a nationwide population-based database to collect information about all postpartum women in Taiwan to determine the incidence of and related factors for mastitis. Materials and Methods: This retrospective population-based study used the National Health Insurance Research Database to collect records of patients with mastitis during 2008-2017 and then linked the collected data to the Taiwan Birth Registry. We included women diagnosed as having lactational mastitis within 6 months of delivery. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to compare the risk of mastitis between parity in multiparous women. Results: We identified 1,686,167 deliveries in 1,204,544 women. 19,794 women with 20,163 deliveries had a medical claim for mastitis. The incidence proportion of mastitis for 6 months postpartum was ∼1.19% and highest during the first month after delivery. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that multiparous women with a history of mastitis were likely to experience mastitis again after subsequent deliveries (adjusted odds ratio = 5.86; 95% confidence interval = 5.21-6.58). The Kaplan-Meier curve indicated that primiparous women had a higher risk of mastitis than did multiparous women (log-rank test, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Mastitis generally occurred during the first month postpartum, and primiparous women had a higher risk of mastitis than did multiparous women. Furthermore, multiparous women with a history of mastitis had a 5.86-fold increased risk of recurrence during subsequent deliveries.

A pillar[5]arene-based planar chiral charge-transfer dye with enhanced circularly polarized luminescence and multiple responsive chiroptical changes.

The fabrication of circularly polarized luminescent (CPL) organic dyes based on macrocyclic architecture has become an importantly studied topic in recent years because it is of great importance to both chiral science and supramolecular chemistry, where pillar[n]arenes are emerging as a promising class of planar chiral macrocyclic hosts for CPL. We herein synthesized an unusual planar chiral charge-transfer dye (P5BB) by covalent coupling of triarylborane (Ar3B) as an electron acceptor to parent pillar[5]arene as an electron donor. The intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) nature of P5BB not only caused a thermally responsive emission but also boosted the luminescence dissymmetry factor (g lum). Interestingly, the specific binding of fluoride ions changed the photophysical properties of P5BB, including absorption, fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD), and CPL, which could be exploited as an optical probe for multi-channel detection of fluoride ions. Furthermore, the chiroptical changes were observed upon addition of 1,4-dibromobutane as an achiral guest.

Ion recognition properties of 2,2'-bibenzimidazole regulated by ammonium-modified pillar[5]arenes.

With the increasing issues of environmental degradation and health problem, the selective detection of toxic ions has attracted considerable attention from researchers. Chemical fluorescent sensors with the advantages of facile operation, high sensitivity, rapid response, and easy visualization are emerging as powerful detection tools towards ions. However, the selective recognition of ions is always hindered by the presence of other interfering substances. Herein, we show that supramolecular host-guest interaction based on a pillar[5]arene provides a new opportunity to regulate the ionic recognition properties of guest molecules. A pillar[5]arene-based host-guest complex HG was constructed through the host-guest interaction between ammonium functionalized pillar[5]arene (HAP5) and 2,2'-bibenzimidazole (G). The host-gust complex HG can realize the successive, highly selective, and sensitive detection of specific ions. It was found that only in the presence of HAP5, the sensitivity towards cations was evidently enhanced, and selective successive recognition for I- and HSO4- was achieved. Those results indicate that the introduction of HAP5 can effectively improve the ion recognition performance of 2,2'-bibenzimidazole, so it is a feasible strategy using supramolecular host-guest interaction to regulate the ionic recognition properties of guest molecules.

Proposal and Validation of a New Nonradiological Method for Postoperative Three-Dimensional Implant Position Analysis Based on the Dynamic Navigation System: An In Vitro Study.

PURPOSE: To propose a novel, radiation-free method for postoperative three-dimensional (3D) position analysis of dental implants based on the dynamic navigation system (DNS) and evaluate its accuracy in vitro. METHODS: A total of 60 implants were digitally planned and then placed in the standardized plastic models with a single-tooth gap and a free-end gap under the guidance of the DNS. Postoperative 3D positions of the inserted implants were evaluated using specially designed navigation-based software, and its datasets were superimposed onto those of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for accuracy analyses. Deviations at the coronal, apical, and angular levels were measured and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The mean 3D deviation was 0.88 ± 0.37 mm at the entry point and 1.02 ± 0.35 mm at the apex point. The mean angular deviation was 1.83 ± 0.79 degrees. No significant differences were noted in the deviations between implants placed in the single-tooth gap and the free-end situation (p > 0.05) or between different tooth positions at distal extensions (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This non-radiographic method provides facile, efficient, and reliable postoperative implant position evaluation and may be a potential substitute for CBCT, particularly for implants placed under the guidance of dynamic navigation.

Assessment of the Accuracy of Two Different Dynamic Navigation System Registration Methods for Dental Implant Placement in the Posterior Area: An In Vitro Study.

Purpose: To compare the U-tube and cusp dynamic navigation system registration methods in the use of dental implant placement, and to assess the influence of the location of missing teeth on these registrations. Methods: 32 resin mandible models and 64 implants were utilized, with implants being placed using one of the two registration methods selected at random. Accuracy was measured through the superimposition of the final and planned implant positions. Angular deviation, 3D entry deviation, and 3D apex deviation were analyzed. Results: The overall mean 3D deviation was 1.089 ± 0.515 mm at the entry point and 1.174 ± 0.531 mm at the apex point, and mean angular deviation was 1.970 ± 1.042 degrees. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed when comparing these two registration methods. However, the U-tube method showed significant difference when assessing the location of missing teeth (without distal-extension absence and distal-extension absence), whereas cusp registration was unaffected. Conclusions: Both the U-tube and cusp dynamic navigation system registration methods are accurate when implemented in vitro. Besides, the cusp registration technique can also overcome several of the limitations of the U-tube approach and the accuracy of it was not influenced by the location of the missing teeth, highlighting it as a method worthy of further clinical research.

Application and mechanism of nanomedicine and nanomaterials in antibacterial infection therapy / 药学学报

Antibacterial therapy is a global health issue. The antibiotic resistance is becoming an increasingly serious threat, which caused by misuse and overuse of antibacterial agents combined with the emergence of new resistance mechanism. The resulting infection treatment risk and incidence of the spread of disease, severe cases and deaths are increased in different degrees. With the extensive application of biomaterials and nanotechnology to biomedicine, extensive research has been conducted on antibacterial infection. With the specific physicochemical properties like optical, electric and magnetic and high penetration, inorganic nanomaterials can produce natural antibacterial effect. Nanomedicine can be designed to allow controlled drug release and targeting effect, thus demonstrated better antibacterial efficiency. In this review, the mechanism of antibacterial resistance is described, and the antibacterial infection research on inorganic nanomaterials, as well as nano-drug delivery system including liposomes, nanoparticles, dendrimers and biomimetic nanocarriers are summarized. Nanomaterials and nanotechnology offer promising strategies for the development of new agents that can improve efficacy on antibacterial infections and overcome antibiotic resistance potentially.

Fluorinated leaning pillar[6]arene: synthesis, structure and selective iodide anion binding by anion-π interactions.

Anion recognition has continuously attracted significant attention due to its important role in environmental and biological sciences. Here, we have designed and synthesized an electron-deficient fluorinated leaning pillar[6]arene 1 that contains two tetrafluoro-benzene units. The electron-deficient fluorinated leaning pillar[6]arene 1 is capable of selectively recognizing iodide anions to form a host-guest complex with 1 : 1 stoichiometry driven by anion-π interactions. Our work ascribes this selective recognition to the preorganization of macrocycles, suitable cavity size, and the effect of anion-π interactions. The innovative application of this macrocycle offers us a new avenue for the design of selective receptors for anions and electron-deficient macrocyclic arenes.

Spontaneous acute epidural hematoma secondary to skull and dural metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report.

BACKGROUND: The skull and dura are uncommon sites for the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Spontaneous acute epidural hematoma (AEDH) is also very rare. We report here a spontaneous AEDH secondary to skull and dural metastasis of HCC. This case is extremely rare. CASE SUMMARY: A 48-year-old male patient with a history of HCC developed unconsciousness spontaneously. Head computed tomography showed "a huge AEDH in the left parietal and occipital region with osteolytic destruction of the left parietal bone. Emergent operation was performed to evacuate the hematoma and resect the lesion. Pathological study revealed that the lesion was the metastases from HCC. The patient died of lung infection, anemia, and liver failure 3 wk after operation. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous AEDH caused by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) dural and skull metastases is extremely rare, the outcome is poor. So, early diagnosis is important. If the level of AFP does not decrease with the shrinkage of intrahepatic lesions after treatment, it is necessary to be alert to the existence of extrahepatic metastases. Since most of the patients had scalp and bone masses, physicians should pay attention to the patient's head palpation. Once a patient with the history of HCC had sudden neurological dysfunction, the possibility of spontaneous AEDH caused by the skull and dura mater metastases should be considered. Since hemorrhage is common in the skull HCC metastases, for patients with spontaneous AEDH accompanied by skull osteolytic lesions, it is also necessary to be alert to the possibility of HCC. For AEDH secondary to HCC metastases, early diagnosis and timely treatment are critical to improve the patients' outcomes.