[Chiral porous organic cage used as stationary phase for gas chromatographic separation of chiral and achiral compounds].

Porous organic cages (POCs) are a new type of molecular material. The well-defined cavities, abundant host-guest recognition ability, and good solubility of POCs render them attractive for use in various fields such as molecular recognition, gas adsorption, molecular containers, sensing, catalysis, chromatographic separation. In this study, a chiral POC (CPOC) was synthesized via the Schiff base condensation of 4,4',4″,4″'-(ethene-1,1,2,2-tetrayl)tetrabenzaldehyde with (R,R)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine. CPOC was characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy (MS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The FT-IR spectrum of CPOC showed a strong peak at 1638 cm-1, which was attributed to imine (-C=N-) absorption, as well as absorption peaks at 2928 and 2856 cm-1, which were attributed to the stretching vibrations of -CH2- and -CH-, respectively. MS analysis of CPOC revealed peaks at m/z=1801.9797, m/z=901.9914, and m/z=601.6631, corresponding to [M+H]+, [M+2H]2+, and [M+3H]3+, respectively, and indicating a molecular formula of CPOC (C126H120N12). The TGA curve of CPOC indicated high thermal stability up to 360 ℃; thus, the material is suitable for use as a stationary phase for gas chromatography (GC). CPOC was coated on the inner wall of a capillary column using the static coating method to prepare a GC column. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the coating condition of the fabricated column. The SEM images showed that the column had a uniform coating with a thickness of approximately 200 nm. Column efficiency was determined to be 3500 plates/m using n-dodecane as a target at 120 ℃. The polarity of the CPOC stationary phase was evaluated using McReynolds constants, which were measured using benzene, 1-nitropropane, 2-pentanone, pyridine, and 1-butanol as probe molecules at 120 ℃. The average McReynolds constant was 152, indicating that CPOC is a moderately polar stationary phase. The ability of the column to separate organic mixtures, isomers, and chiral compounds was subsequently investigated. All components of the four organic mixtures (n-alkanes, aromatics, n-alcohols, and Grob mixtures) tested achieved baseline separation on the column. In addition, nine positional isomers of disubstituted benzenes were well separated, and seven (o,m,p-nitrotoluene, o,m,p-nitrochlorobenzene, o,m,p-nitrobromobenzene, o,m,p-bromotoluene, o,m,p-dichlorobenzene, o,m,p-chloroaniline, and o,m,p-bromoaniline) achieved baseline separation. Some polar and apolar structural isomers, such as pentanol, dimethylphenol, dimethylaniline, butanol, and C9 aromatic hydrocarbon isomers, were also well separated on the column. Five cis/trans-isomers (nerol/geraniol, cis/trans-1,3-dichloropropene, cis/trans-1,2,3-trichloropropene, cis/trans-citral, and cis/trans-decahydronaphthalene) were baseline-separated on the column. More importantly, the column successfully separated 12 chiral compounds, indicating good chiral separation ability. Among these chiral compounds, five (ethyl 3-hydroxybutyrate, a valine derivative, a glutamic acid derivative, 1,2-butanediol diacetate, and 1,2-epoxybutane) achieved baseline separation. Six of these chiral compounds (ethyl 3-hydroxybutyrate, the valine derivative, the glutamic acid derivative, 1,2-epoxybutane, epichlorohydrin, and epibromohydrin) could not be separated on a ß-DEX 120 column but were well separated on the developed column. Moreover, the separation efficiency of 1,2-butanediol diacetate and the isoleucine derivative on this column was better than that on the ß-DEX 120 column. Separation of the glutamic acid derivative and o,m,p-nitrotoluene was performed before and after the column was used for repeated injections to explore its repeatability. The retention times and selectivity observed after 80, 160, and 500 injections were nearly unchanged compared with those obtained following the first use of the column, indicating that the column has good repeatability. The column was conditioned at 280 ℃ for a certain period to examine its thermal stability. Separation of 3-hydroxybutyrate and o,m,p-nitrochlorobenzene after the column was conditioned at 280 ℃ for 2, 4, or 8 h revealed no obvious changes compared with the first use of the column, indicating that the column had good thermal stability. Thus, CPOC is a stationary phase with good application potential for GC.

Facile synthesis of a new chiral polyimine macrocycle and its application for enantioseparation in high-performance liquid chromatography.

Macrocyclic compounds such as crown ethers and cyclodextrins play an important role in the field of chromatography and show excellent separation performance. The design of simple and convenient methods for the efficient synthesis of novel chiral macrocycles for chromatographic separation is of great significance. In this work, a novel chiral polyimine macrocycle (PIMC) was designed and synthesized by the simply one-step reaction of 2,6-diformyl-4-tert-butylphenol with (S)-(-)-1,2-propanediamine. Then, it was bonded onto silica by the thiol-ene click reaction to construct a new chiral stationary phase (CSP) for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The chiral separation performance of the proposed CSP was examined by separating various racemates in the normal-phase (NP) and reversed-phase (RP) HPLC. In total, twelve and nine racemates, including ethers, esters, amines, alcohols, organic acids, ketones, and epoxides, were separated to varying degrees via NP-HPLC and RP-HPLC, respectively, Moreover, the CSP offered good chiral separation complementarity to Chiralcel OD-H and Chiralpak AD-H columns for resolution of these test racemates, and it can separate several racemic compounds that either cannot be separated or cannot be separated well be separated by the two commercially available columns. After the column was used for hundreds of injections, the relative standard deviations of the retention time and resolution were below 0.56 % and 0.45 %, respectively, showing the good reproducibility and stability of the CSP. This study provides a simple and convenient approach to synthesize a novel chiral macrocycle and CSP and also indicates the broad application prospects of such chiral PIMCs in HPLC chiral separation.

Room temperature synthesis of a chiral covalent organic framework core-shell composite for high-performance liquid chromatography enantioseparation.

In this article, chiral covalent organic framework core-shell composite CCOF-TpPa-Py@SiO2 was facilely synthesized by induction at room temperature. The CCOF-TpPa-Py@SiO2 core-shell composite was used as a chiral stationary phase for the separation of the racemates by high-performance liquid chromatography, which exhibits good separation performance for chiral compounds including ketones, alcohols, esters, epoxides, carboxylic acids, amides, and amines. The effects of analyte injection mass on the enantioseparation were studied. The reproducibility and stability of the CCOF-TpPa-Py@SiO2 chiral column were explored. The intra-day (n = 5), inter-day (n = 5), and inter-column (n = 3) relative standard deviations for the migration times and resolution of benzoin were 0.32%-0.54%, 0.45%-0.61%, and 1.21%-1.53%, respectively. In addition, the chiral separation ability of the CCOF-TpPa-Py@SiO2 chiral column (column A) was compared with that of the MDI-ß-CD-Modified COF@SiO2 (column B) as well as a commercial chiral column (Chiralpak AD-H). The chiral recognition ability of column A is complementary to that of column B and AD-H column. The resolution mechanism of CCOF-TpPa-Py@SiO2 stationary phase towards chiral analyte was explored. Hence, the synthesis of CCOF-TpPa-Py@SiO2 core-shell composite by induction at room temperature as chiral stationary phases for chromatographic separation has important research potential and application prospects.

Preparation and evaluation of a 1,1'-bi-2-naphthol-based chiral macrocycle bonded silica chiral stationary phase for high performance liquid chromatography.

Macrocycles play vital roles in supramolecular chemistry and chromatography. 1,1'-Bi-2-naphthol (BINOL)-based chiral polyimine macrocycles are an emerging class of chiral macrocycles that can be constructed by one-step aldehyde-amine condensation of BINOL derivatives with other building blocks. These macrocycles exhibit good characteristics, such as facile preparation, rigid cyclic structures, multiple chiral centers, and defined molecular cavities, that make them good candidates as new chiral recognition materials for chromatographic enantioseparations. In this study, a BINOL-based [2+2] chiral polyimine macrocycle was synthesized by one-step condensation of enantiopure (S)-2,2'-dihydroxy-[1,1'-binaphthalene]-3,3'-dicarboxaldehyde with (1R,2R)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane. The product was modified with 5-bromo-1-pentene and then attached to thiolated silica using click chemistry to construct a new chiral stationary phase (CSP). The enantioselectivity of the new CSP was explored by separating various racemates under normal phase (NP) and reversed phase (RP) high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Thirteen racemates and eight racemates were enantioseparated under the two separation modes, respectively, including chiral alcohols, phenols, esters, ketones, amines, and organic acids. Among them, nine racemates achieved baseline separation under NP-HPLC and seven racemates achieved baseline separation under RP-HPLC. High resolution separation was observed with benzoin (Rs = 5.10), epinephrine (Rs = 4.98), 3-benzyloxy-1,2-propanediol (Rs = 4.42), and 4,4'-dimethylbenzoin (Rs = 4.52) in NP-HPLC, and with 4-methylbenzhydrol (Rs = 4.72), benzoin ethyl ether (Rs = 3.79), 1-phenyl-1-pentanol (Rs = 3.68), and 1-(3-bromophenyl)ethanol (Rs = 3.60) in RP-HPLC. Interestingly, the CSP complemented Chiralcel OD-H, Chiralpak AD-H, and CYCLOBOND I 2000 RSP columns for resolution of these test racemates, separating several racemic compounds that could not be well separated by the three commercially available columns. The influences of injected sample amount on separation were also evaluated. It was found that the column exhibited excellent stability and reproducibility after hundreds of injections, and the relative standard deviations (n = 5) of the retention time and resolution were less than 0.49% and 0.69%, respectively. This study indicates that the BINOL-based chiral macrocycle has great potential for HPLC enantioseparation.

Asymmetric catalytic synthesis of chiral covalent organic framework composite (S)-DTP-COF@SiO2 for HPLC enantioseparations by normal-phase and reversed-phase chromatographic modes.

A novel CCOF core-shell composite material (S)-DTP-COF@SiO2 was prepared via asymmetric catalytic and in situ growth strategy. The prepared (S)-DTP-COF@SiO2 was utilized as separation medium for HPLC enantioseparation using normal-phase and reversed-phase chromatographic modes, which displays excellent chiral separation performance for alcohols, esters, ketones, and epoxides, etc. Compared with chiral commercial chromatographic columns (Chiralpak AD-H and Chiralcel OD-H columns) and some previously reported chiral CCOF@SiO2 (CC-MP CCTF@SiO2 and MDI-ß-CD-modified COF@SiO2)-packed columns, there are 4, 3, 13, and 15 tested racemic compounds that could not be resolved on the Chiralpak AD-H column, Chiralcel OD-H column, CC-MP CCTF@SiO2 column, and MDI-ß-CD-modified COF@SiO2 column, respectively, which indicates that the resolution effect of (S)-DTP-COF@SiO2-packed column can be complementary to the other ones. The effects of the analyte mass, column temperature, and mobile phase composition on the enantiomeric separation were investigated. The chiral column exhibits good reproducibility after multiple consecutive injections. The RSDs (n = 5) of the peak area and retention time were less than 1.5% for repetitive separation of 2-methoxy-2-phenylethanol and 1-phenyl-1-pentanol. The chiral core-shell composite (S)-DTP-COF@SiO2 exhibited good enantiomeric separation performance, which not only demonstrates its potential as a novel CSP material in HPLC but also expands the range of applications for chiral COFs.

Trends in maternal and child health in China and its urban and rural areas from 1991 to 2020: a joinpoint regression model.

The long-term trends in maternal and child health (MCH) in China and the national-level factors that may be associated with these changes have been poorly explored. This study aimed to assess trends in MCH indicators nationally and separately in urban and rural areas and the impact of public policies over a 30‒year period. An ecological study was conducted using data on neonatal mortality rate (NMR), infant mortality rate (IMR), under-five mortality rate (U5MR), and maternal mortality ratio (MMR) nationally and separately in urban and rural areas in China from 1991 to 2020. Joinpoint regression models were used to estimate the annual percentage changes (APC), average annual percentage changes (AAPC) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and mortality differences between urban and rural areas. From 1991 to 2020, maternal and child mortalities in China gradually declined (national AAPC [95% CI]: NMRs - 7.7% [- 8.6%, - 6.8%], IMRs - 7.5% [- 8.4%, - 6.6%], U5MRs - 7.5% [- 8.5%, - 6.5%], MMRs - 5.0% [- 5.7%, - 4.4%]). However, the rate of decline nationally in child mortality slowed after 2005, and in maternal mortality after 2013. For all indicators, the decline in mortality was greater in rural areas than in urban areas. The AAPCs in rate differences between rural and urban areas were - 8.5% for NMRs, - 8.6% for IMRs, - 7.7% for U5MRs, and - 9.6% for MMRs. The AAPCs in rate ratios (rural vs. urban) were - 1.2 for NMRs, - 2.1 for IMRs, - 1.7 for U5MRs, and - 1.9 for MMRs. After 2010, urban‒rural disparity in MMR did not diminish and in NMR, IMR, and U5MR, it gradually narrowed but persisted. MCH indicators have declined at the national level as well as separately in urban and rural areas but may have reached a plateau. Urban‒rural disparities in MCH indicators have narrowed but still exist. Regular analyses of temporal trends in MCH are necessary to assess the effectiveness of measures for timely adjustments.

Subcomponent self-assembly construction of tetrahedral cage FeII4L4 for high-resolution gas chromatographic separation.

Metal organic cages (MOCs), as an emerging discrete supramolecular compounds, have received widespread attention in separation, biomedicine, gas capture, catalysis, and molecular recognition due to their porosity, adjustability and stability. Herein, we present a new chiral MOC FeII4L4 coated capillary column prepared for gas chromatographic (GC) separation of different types of organic compounds, including n-alkanes, n-alcohols, alkylbenzenes, isomers, especially for racemic compounds. There are 20 different kinds of racemates (e.g., alcohols, ethers, epoxides, esters, alkenes, and aldehydes) were well resolved on the FeII4L4 chiral column and a maximum resolution value for 1-phenyl-1-propanol reaches 6.17. The FeII4L4 coated column exhibited high column efficiency (3100 plates m-1 for n-dodecane) and good enantiomeric resolution complementary to that of a commercial ß-DEX 120 column and the previously reported chiral MOC [Fe4L6] (ClO4)8 coated column. The relative standard deviation (RSDs) of the peak area and retention time of glycidol and nitrotoluene were below 1.2 %. This study reveals that chiral MOCs have good application prospects in chromatographic separation.

Chiral-induced synthesis of chiral covalent organic frameworks core-shell microspheres for HPLC enantioseparation.

Two chiral covalent organic frameworks (CCOFs) core-shell microspheres based on achiral organic precursors by chiral-induced synthesis strategy for HPLC enantioseparation are reported for the first time. Using n-hexane/isopropanol as mobile phase, various kinds of racemates were selected as analytes and separated on the CCOF-TpPa-1@SiO2 and CCOF-TpBD@SiO2-packed columns with a low column backpressure (3 ~ 9 bar). The fabricated two CCOFs@SiO2 chiral columns exhibited good separation performance towards various racemates with high column efficiency (e.g., 19,500 plates m-1 for (4-fluorophenyl)ethanol and 18,900 plates m-1 for 1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethanol) and good reproducibility. Some effects have been investigated such as the analyte mass and column temperature on the HPLC enantioseparation. Moreover, the chiral separation results of the CCOF-TpPa-1@SiO2 chiral column and the commercialized Chiralpak AD-H column show a good complementarity. This study demonstrates that the usage of chiral-induced synthesis strategy for preparing CCOFs core-shell microspheres as a novel stationary phase has a good application potential in HPLC.

Engineering thiol-ene click chemistry for the preparation of a chiral stationary phase based on a [4+6]-type homochiral porous organic cage for enantiomeric separation in normal-phase and reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography.

In this study, a new chiral stationary phase (CSP) was fabricated by covalent bonding of a [4+6]-type homochiral porous organic cage (POC) CC19-R onto thiolated silica via a thiol-ene click reaction. The CC19-R was synthesized via Schiff-base reaction between 2-hydroxybenzene-1,3,5-tricarbaldehyde and (1R, 2R)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane. The enantioseparation capability of the resulting CC19-R-based CSP was systematically evaluated upon separating various chiral compounds or chiral pharmaceuticals in normal phase HPLC (NP-HPLC) and reversed phase HPLC (RP-HPLC), including alcohols, organic acids, ketones, diols, esters, and amines. Fifteen racemates were enantioseparated in NP-HPLC and 11 racemates in RP-HPLC. Some racemates have been well separated, such as 4-chlorobenzhydrol, cetirizine (in the form of dihydrochloride), 1,2-diphenyl-1,2-ethanediol, and 3-(benzyloxy)propane-1,2-diol whose resolution values reached 3.66, 4.23, 6.50, and 3.50, respectively. When compared with a previously reported chiral POC-based column (NC1-R column), eight racemates were not separated on the NC1-R column in NP-HPLC and five racemates were not separated in RP-HPLC, but were well resolved on this column, revealing that the enantioselectivity and separable range of chiral POCs-type columns could be significantly widened using this fabricated CC19-R column. Moreover, the resolution performance of the CC19-R column was also compared with commercial Chiralpak AD-H [CSP: Amylose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate)] and Chiralcel OD-H [CSP: Cellulose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate)] columns. The column also can separate some racemates that could not be separated or not well be separated by the two commercial columns, showing its good complementarity to the two commercial columns on chiral separation. In addition, the column also had good stability and reproducibility with the relative standard deviation (n = 5) of the retention time and resolution lower than 1.0% and 1.8%, respectively, after it had undergone multiple injections (100, 200, 300, and 400 times). This work indicated that the features of good resolution ability and simple synthesis methods using with this POC-based CSP provided chiral POCs with potential application prospects in HPLC racemic separation.

[Preparation of porous organic cage and its use as chiral stationary phase for capillary electrochromatography].

Porous organic cages (POCs) are a unique type of microporous materials composed of discrete molecules with internal cavities that are accessible to various compounds. In this study, a prismatic chiral POC with good thermochemical stability was synthesized by condensing (1R,2R)-diaminocyclohexane and 3,3',5,5'-teturonic-4,4'-biphenediol via the Schiff base reaction and characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy. The IR spectrum of the POC revealed a strong characteristic absorption peak at 1635 cm-1, indicating that it formed imine bonds (C=N). The absorption peak at 3425 cm-1 was attributed to the stretching vibrations of -OH, the absorption peaks at 2925 and 2858 cm-1 were attributed to the stretching vibrations of N=C-H and C-H, and the absorption peaks at 1446 and 1383 cm-1 were attributed to the stretching vibrations of C=C-H and C=C in the benzene ring. High-resolution mass spectral analysis of the POC showed a molecular ion peak at m/z 1363.7228, indicating its successful synthesis. TGA was performed from 25 to 800 ℃ at a rate of 10 ℃/min, and the results of this analysis showed that the POC was stable up to approximately 300 ℃. The POC was dissolved in dichloromethane and uniformly coated on the inner wall of a quartz capillary via the dynamic coating method to prepare a capillary electrochromatographic column. The experimental results revealed that the chiral electrochromatographic column could not only resolve ofloxacin, Troger's base, 2-amino-1-butanol, and 1-phenyl-1-amyl alcohol but also separate the isomers of o-, m-, and p-toluidine and o-, m-, and p-chloroaniline, indicating its good chiral separation ability. Investigation of the optimal separation conditions for ofloxacin, Troger's base, 2-amino-1-butanol, and 1-phenyl-1-amyl alcohol revealed that the voltage, buffer solution concentration, and pH significantly affected their separation degree. In particular, the optimal separation voltage for ofloxacin, Troger's base, and 2-amino-1-butanol was 15 kV, while that for 1-phenyl-1-amyl alcohol was 17 kV. The optimal buffer concentration and pH for ofloxacin, Troger's base, 2-amino-1-butanol, and 1-phenyl-1-amyl alcohol were 0.100 mol/L and 7.5. Under optimal chromatographic conditions, the resolution values for ofloxacin, Troger's base, 2-amino-1-butanol, and 1-phenyl-1-pentanol were 1.80, 3.33, 1.69, and 1.18, respectively. The results collectively demonstrate that the prepared POC may serve as a good chiral stationary phase for capillary electrochromatography with a certain chiral resolution ability and has good application prospects in chromatographic separation.

A novel pillar[3]trianglimine macrocycle with a deep cavity used as a chiral selector to prepare a chiral stationary phase by thiol-ene click reaction for enantioseparation in high-performance liquid chromatography.

A chiral pillar[3]trianglimine (C60 H72 N6 O6 ) with a deep cavity has been developed as a chiral selector and bonded to thiolated silica by thiol-ene click reaction to fabricate a novel chiral stationary phase for enantioseparation in high-performance liquid chromatography. The enantioseparation performance of the fabricated chiral stationary phase has been evaluated by separating various racemic compounds, including alcohols, esters, amines, ketones, amino acids, and epoxides, in both normal-phase and reversed-phase elution modes. In total, 14 and 17 racemates have been effectively separated in these two separation modes, respectively. In comparison with two widely used chiral columns (Chiralcel OD-H and Chiralpak AD-H), our novel chiral stationary phase offered good chiral separation complementarity, separating some of the tested racemates that could not be separated or were only partially separated on these two commercial columns. The influences of analyte mass, mobile phase composition, and column temperature on chiral separation have been investigated. Good repeatability, stability, and column-to-column reproducibility of the chiral stationary phase for enantioseparation have been observed. After the fabricated column had been eluted up to 400 times, the relative standard deviations (n = 5) of resolution (Rs) and retention time of the separated analytes were < 0.39% and < 0.20%, respectively. The relative standard deviations (n = 3) of Rs and retention time for column-to-column reproducibility were < 4.6% and < 5.2%, respectively. This study demonstrated that the new chiral stationary phase has great prospects for chiral separation in high-performance liquid chromatography.

NLRC5 potentiates anti-tumor CD8+ T cells responses by activating interferon-ß in endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVES: NLR family CARD domain containing 5 (NLRC5) could promote major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I)-dependent CD8+ T cell-mediated anticancer immunity. In this study, the immunosurveillance role and underlying mechanisms of NLRC5 in endometrial cancer (EC) were characterized. METHODS: CD8+ T cells were separated from healthy women's peripheral blood by using magnetic beads. The effect of NLRC5 and interferon-ß (IFN-ß) on immunosurveillance of EC were examined through a mouse tumor model and a CD8+ T cell-EC cell coculture system after NLRC5 overexpression and IFN-ß overexpression or depletion. The effect of NLRC5 on IFN-ß expression was examined with gain- and loss-of-function experiments. RESULTS: NLRC5 overexpression in the EC cell and CD8+ T cell coculture system inhibited EC cell proliferation and migration and promoted EC cell apoptosis and CD8+ T cell proliferation. In vivo, NLRC5 overexpression increased the proportion of CD8+ T cells and inhibited EC progression. Furthermore, IFN-ß overexpression in the EC cell and CD8+ T cell coculture system activated CD8+ T cell proliferation; however, genetic depletion of IFN-ß exerted the opposite effects. In addition, NLRC5 could negatively regulate IFN-ß expression in EC cells. Mechanistically, NLRC5 potentiated the antitumor responses of CD8+ T cells to EC by activating IFN-ß. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our findings demonstrated that NLRC5 potentiates anti-tumor CD8+ T cells responses by activating interferon-ß in EC, suggesting that genetically escalated NLRC5 and IFN-ß may act as potential candidates for the clinical translation of adjuvant immunotherapies to patients with EC.

Homochiral Metallacycle Used as a Stationary Phase for Capillary Gas Chromatographic Separation of Chiral and Achiral Compounds.

Metallacycles are a novel class of supramolecular materials with circular structures, internal cavities, and abundant host-guest chemical properties that have exhibited good application prospects in many fields. However, to the best of our knowledge, no research on the use of metallacycles as stationary phases for gas chromatographic (GC) separations has been published yet. In this work, we report for the first time the use of a homochiral metallacycle, [ZnCl2L]2, as a stationary phase for GC separations. [ZnCl2L]2 was synthesized by reaction of (S)-(1-isonicotinoylpyrrolidin-2-yl)methyl-isonicotinate (L) with ZnCl2 via coordination-driven self-assembly. The [ZnCl2L]2-coated column displayed an excellent separation performance not only of organic isomers but also of racemic compounds. Sixteen racemates (including alcohols, esters, amino acid derivatives, ethers, organic acids, and epoxides) and 21 isomeric compounds (including positional, structural, and cis/trans-isomers) were well separated on the [ZnCl2L]2-coated column. Impressively, some racemates were resolved with high resolution values (Rs), including 1,2-butanediol diacetate (Rs = 25.86), ethyl 3-hydroxybutyrate (Rs = 20.97), 1,3-butanediol diacetate (Rs = 18.09), and threonine derivative (Rs = 18.61). Compared with the commercial ß-DEX 120 column for separation of the tested racemates, the [ZnCl2L]2-coated column exhibited good enantioseparation complementarity, enabling separation of some racemates that could not be separated, or were not well resolved, by the ß-DEX 120 column. In addition, many organic mixtures, such as n-alkanes, alkylbenzenes, n-alcohols, and a Grob test mixture, were also well separated on the [ZnCl2L]2-coated column. The column also has good reproducibility and thermal stability on separation. This work not only reveals the great potential of metallacycles for GC separations but also opens up a new application of metallacycles in separation science.

In situ growth preparation of a new chiral covalent triazine framework core-shell microspheres used for HPLC enantioseparation.

The manufacturing of chiral covalent triazine framework core-shell microspheres CC-MP CCTF@SiO2 composite is reported as stationary phase for HPLC enantioseparation. The CC-MP CCTF@SiO2 core-shell microspheres were prepared by immobilizing chiral COF CC-MP CCTF constructed using cyanuric chloride and (S)-2-methylpiperazine on the surface of activated SiO2 through an in-situ growth approach. Various racemates as analytes were separated on the CC-MP CCTF@SiO2-packed column. The experimental results indicate that 19 pairs of enantiomers were well separated on the CC-MP CCTF@SiO2-packed column, including alcohols, phenols, amines, ketones, and organic acids. Among them, there are 17 pairs of enantiomers that can achieve baseline separation with good peak shapes. Their resolution values on this chiral column are between 0.4 and 5.61. The influences of analyte mass, column temperature, and composition of the mobile phase on the resolution of enantiomers were studied. In addition, the chiral resolution ability of CC-MP CCTF@SiO2-packed column was compared with the commercial chiral chromatographic columns (Chiralpak AD-H and Chiralcel OD-H columns) and some CCOF@SiO2 chiral columns (ß-CD-COF@SiO2, CTpBD@SiO2, and MDI-ß-CD-modified COF@SiO2). The CC-MP CCTF@SiO2-packed column exhibited some unique advantages and can complement these chiral columns in chiral separations. The research results show that the CC-MP CCTF@SiO2 chiral column offered high column efficiency (e.g., 17680 plates m-1 for ethyl mandelate), low column backpressure (5-9 bar), high enantioselectivity, and excellent chiral resolution ability for HPLC enantioseparation with good stability and reproducibility. The relative standard deviations (RSD) (n = 5) of the retention time, and peak areas by repeated separation of ethyl mandelate are 0.23% and 0.67%, respectively. It demonstrates that the CC-MP CCTF@SiO2 core-shell microsphere composite has great potential in enantiomeric separation by HPLC.

Pattern-recognition receptors in endometriosis: A narrative review.

Endometriosis is closely associated with ectopic focal inflammation and immunosuppressive microenvironment. Multiple types of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are present in the innate immune system, which are able to detect pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in both intracellular and external environments. However, the exact role of PRRs in endometriosis and the underlying molecular mechanism are unclear. PRRs are necessary for the innate immune system to identify and destroy invasive foreign infectious agents. Mammals mainly have two types of microbial recognition systems. The first one consists of the membrane-bound receptors, such as toll-like receptors (TLRs), which recognize extracellular microorganisms and activate intracellular signals to stimulate immune responses. The second one consists of the intracellular PRRs, including nod-like receptors (NLRs) and antiviral proteins retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA-5) with helix enzyme domain. In this review, we mainly focus on the key role of PRRs in the pathological processes associated with endometriosis. PRRs recognize PAMPs and can distinguish pathogenic microorganisms from self, triggering receptor ligand reaction followed by the stimulation of host immune response. Activated immune response promotes the transmission of microbial infection signals to the cells. As endometriosis is characterized by dysregulated inflammation and immune response, PRRs may potentially be involved in the activation of endometriosis-associated inflammation and immune disorders. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nod-like receptor family caspase activation and recruitment domain (CARD) domain containing 5 (NLRC5), nod-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), and c-type lectin receptors (CLRs) play essential roles in endometriosis development by regulating immune and inflammatory responses. Absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2)-like receptors (ALRs) and retinoic acid-inducible gene I-like receptors (RLRs) may be involved in the activation of endometriosis-associated immune and inflammation disorders. PRRs, especially TLRs, may serve as potential therapeutic targets for alleviating pain in endometriosis patients. PRRs and their ligands interact with the innate immune system to enhance inflammation in the stromal cells during endometriosis. Thus, targeting PRRs and their new synthetic ligands may provide new therapeutic options for treating endometriosis.

METTL3 facilitates immunosurveillance by inhibiting YTHDF2-mediated NLRC5 mRNA degradation in endometrial cancer.

BACKGROUND: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is the most abundant chemical posttranscriptional modification of mRNA, and it is associated with the regulation of the immune response to tumors. However, the function of m6A modification in the immune response to endometrial cancer (EC) remains unknown. Our study investigated the immunological role of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in EC and the underlying molecular mechanism. METHODS: We investigated the correlation between the expression of METTL3 and CD8 by using an endometrial tissue microarray cohort. Next, we investigated the role and mechanism of METTL3 in the immune response to EC using a mouse tumor model and a CD8+ T cell-EC cell coculture system after METTL3 overexpression or depletion. Additionally, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), methylated RIP, and RNA stability experiments were used to investigate the mechanism underlying the function of METTL3 in immunosurveillance of EC. RESULTS: METTL3 levels were downregulated in EC patients, low levels of METTL3 were correlated with poor prognosis in EC patients. There was a positive correlation between METTL3 expression and CD8 expression. Overexpression of METTL3 in the EC cell and CD8+ T cell coculture system inhibited EC cell proliferation, migration, and promoted CD8+ T-cell proliferation, and in vivo, METTL3 overexpression increased CD8+ T cell proportions and inhibited EC progression; however, genetic depletion of METTL3 exerted the opposite effects. NLR family CARD domain-containing 5 (NLRC5) was identified as a target of METTL3-mediated m6A modification. The degradation of NLRC5 was increased by YTH domain-containing family 2 (YTHDF2). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, METTL3, YTHDF2, and NLRC5 have potential to be the diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for EC. METTL3 facilitated the m6A modifications of NLRC5 and inhibited its degradation through a YTHDF2-dependent mechanism in EC. Genetic overexpression of METTL3 attenuated the immune evasion of EC by promoting NLRC5-mediated immunosurveillance, suggesting that the METTL3/YTHDF2/NLRC5 axis is a promising target of immunotherapy in EC.

Preparation of Chiral Porous Organic Cage Clicked Chiral Stationary Phase for HPLC Enantioseparation.

Porous organic cages (POCs) are a new subclass of porous materials, which are constructed from discrete cage molecules with permanent cavities via weak intermolecular forces. In this study, a novel chiral stationary phase (CSP) has been prepared by chemically binding a [4 + 6]-type chiral POC (C120H96N12O4) with thiol-functionalized silica gel using a thiol-ene click reaction and applied to HPLC separations. The column packed with this CSP presented good separation capability for chiral compounds and positional isomers. Thirteen racemates have been enantioseparated on this column, including alcohols, diols, ketones, amines, epoxides, and organic acids. Upon comparison with a previously reported chiral POC NC1-R-based column, commercial Chiralpak AD-H, and Chiralcel OD-H columns, this column is complementary to these three columns in terms of its enantiomeric separation; and can also separate some racemic compounds that cannot be separated by the three columns. In addition, eight positional isomers (iodoaniline, bromoaniline, chloroaniline, dibromobenzene, dichlorobenzene, toluidine, nitrobromobenzene, and nitroaniline) have also been separated. The influences of the injection weight and column temperature on separation have been explored. After the column has undergone multiple injections, the relative standard deviations (RSDs) for the retention time and selectivity were below 1.0 and 1.5%, respectively, indicating the good reproducibility and stability of the column for separation. This work demonstrates that POCs are promising materials for HPLC separation.

Recent Insights into Noncoding RNAs in Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Focus on Mechanisms and Treatments.

CONTEXT: Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a heterogeneous disease with an unknown underlying trigger or root cause. Recently many studies evaluated noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for their associations with POI. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: In this review, we outline the biogenesis of various ncRNAs relevant to POI and summarize the evidence for their roles in the regulation of disease occurrence and progression. Articles from 2003 to 2022 were selected for relevance, validity, and quality from results obtained in PubMed and Google Scholar using the following search terms: noncoding RNAs; primary ovarian insufficiency; premature ovarian failure; noncoding RNAs and primary ovarian insufficiency/premature ovarian failure; miRNAs and primary ovarian insufficiency/premature ovarian failure; lncRNAs and primary ovarian insufficiency/premature ovarian failure; siRNAs and primary ovarian insufficiency/premature ovarian failure; circRNAs and primary ovarian insufficiency/premature ovarian failure; pathophysiology; and potential treatment. All articles were independently screened for eligibility by the authors. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: This review summarizes the biological functions and synthesis of miRNAs, lncRNAs, siRNAs, and circRNAs in POI and discusses the findings of clinical and in vitro and in vivo studies. Although there is variability in the findings of individual studies, overall the available literature justifies the conclusion that dysregulated ncRNAs play significant roles in POI. CONCLUSION: The potential of ncRNAs in the treatment of POI requires further investigation, as ncRNAs derived from mesenchymal stem cell-secreted exosomes play pivotal roles and have considerable therapeutic potential in a multitude of diseases.

[Propensity score-matched study of uni-condylar arthroplasty in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in patients over 75 years old. METHODS: The clinical efficacy of primary fixed platform UKA in patients with osteoarthritis, was retrospectively analyzed from October 2014 to November 2020. Age, body mass index (BMI), range of motion (ROM), preoperative joint function score, the quality of life score and other preoperative indicators were measured by propensity score matching (PSM). The patients were divided into elderly group (≥75 years old) and control group (<75 years old). Oxford knee score(OKS), Western Ontario McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index(WOMAC), Short Form-12 including physical component summary (PCS), mental component summary(MCS), minimal clinically important difference(MCID ) and clinical complications were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 514 patients were analyzed, 428 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. A propensity-score matching study was conducted to eliminate confounding factors. After 1∶2 propensity match, there were 84 patients in elderly group (≥75 years), age ranged from 75 to 88 years old, with an average of (78.79±3.08) years old, and 168 patients in control group (<75 years), age ranged from 47 to 74 years old, with an average of (64.10±5.96)years old. The follow-up duration of two groups ranged from 12 to 84 months with an average of (29.35±16.52) months in elderly group, and 12 to 85 months with an average of (31.83±17.34) months in control group. There was only significant difference in age between the elderly and control groups preoperatively (P<0.01). Postoperatively, the elderly group showed significantly higher WOMAC (P<0.01) and lower SF-12 PCS scores (P<0.01) as compared to the control group. There was no significant difference between the elderly group and the control group in knee range of motion, OKS and the proportion of each scoring system reaching the minimum clinical difference value (P>0.05). In the aspect of preperative complications, the elderly group exhibited more surgical site complications and postoperative delirium compared to control group(P<0.05). The differences in other indicators including deep vein thrombosis, acute urinary retention, cardiovascular events, cerebrovascular events and radiolucent lines around prothesis were not statistically significant(P>0.05). CONCLUSION: UKA in the treatment of elderly patients over 75 years old with knee osteoarthritis was safe and feasible, and could obtain satisfactory short-term efficacy.

Role of EGFR expressed on the granulosa cells in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinological disorders affecting between 6 to 20% of reproductive aged women. However, the etiology of PCOS is still unclear. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a critical role in the growth and development of ovarian follicles. In our previous study, we showed that the expression level of EGFR was significantly higher in the cumulus granulosa cells from women with PCOS than that of normal women, suggesting that EGFR may play a potential role in the pathogenesis of PCOS. The present study further evaluated the association between EGFR and PCOS through both in clinical observation and animal experiments. We firstly validated the differential expression of EGFR in cumulus granulosa cells between PCOS patients and normal subjects by qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining. Then we generated a mouse model (n=20) of PCOS by injecting dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). The PCOS mice were then injected with an E corpus GFR inhibitor (AG1478) (n=10), which significantly improved the sex hormone levels in the estrous cycle stage, and the serum levels of LH, FSH and testosterone were compared with the PCOS mice without EGFR inhibitor treatment (n=10). Decreasing the expression level of EGFR in the PCOS mice also improved the ovulatory function of their ovaries which was indicated by the multifarious follicle stage in these mice as compared with the PCOS mice without EGFR inhibitor treatment. Also, the number of corpopa lutea were higher in the control group and the EGFR inhibitor treated group than in the PCOS group. The sex hormone levels and reproductive function were not significantly different between the control mice and the PCOS mice treated with the EGFR inhibitor. Our results demonstrated that EGF/EGFR signaling affected the proliferation of cumulus granulosa cells, oocyte maturation and meiosis, and played a potential role in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Therefore, the selective inhibition of EGFR may serve as a novel strategy for the clinical management of PCOS.