G4LDB 3.0: a database for discovering and studying G-quadruplex and i-motif ligands.

Non-canonical nucleic acid structures, such as G-quadruplex (G4) and i-Motif (iM), have garnered significant research interest because of their unique structural properties and biological activities. Thousands of small molecules targeting G4/iM structures have been developed for various chemical and biological applications. In response to the growing interest in G4-targeting ligands, we launched the first G4 Ligand Database (G4LDB) in 2013. Here, we introduce G4LDB 3.0 (http://www.g4ldb.com), an upgraded version featuring extensive enhancements in content and functionality. The new version includes over 4800 G4/iM ligands and approximately 51 000 activity entries. Key upgrades include advanced search capabilities, dynamic knowledge graphs, enhanced data visualization, along with a new dynamic analysis function that automatically displays ligand structure clustering results and chemical space distribution. With these updates, G4LDB 3.0 further evolves into a comprehensive resource and valuable research tool. The significant improvements address the increasing demand for efficient data handling and user experience, highlighting the critical role of G4LDB in advancing research on G-quadruplexes and i-motifs.

Proline hydroxylation of CREB-regulated transcriptional coactivator 2 controls hepatic glucose metabolism.

Prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD) enzymes change HIF activity according to oxygen signal; whether it is regulated by other physiological conditions remains largely unknown. Here, we report that PHD3 is induced by fasting and regulates hepatic gluconeogenesis through interaction and hydroxylation of CRTC2. Pro129 and Pro615 hydroxylation of CRTC2 following PHD3 activation is necessary for its association with cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) and nuclear translocation, and enhanced binding to promoters of gluconeogenic genes by fasting or forskolin. CRTC2 hydroxylation-stimulated gluconeogenic gene expression is independent of SIK-mediated phosphorylation of CRTC2. Liver-specific knockout of PHD3 (PHD3 LKO) or prolyl hydroxylase-deficient knockin mice (PHD3 KI) show attenuated fasting gluconeogenic genes, glycemia, and hepatic capacity to produce glucose during fasting or fed with high-fat, high-sucrose diet. Importantly, Pro615 hydroxylation of CRTC2 by PHD3 is increased in livers of fasted mice, diet-induced insulin resistance or genetically obese ob/ob mice, and humans with diabetes. These findings increase our understanding of molecular mechanisms linking protein hydroxylation to gluconeogenesis and may offer therapeutic potential for treating excessive gluconeogenesis, hyperglycemia, and type 2 diabetes.

Application of Proteomics and Machine Learning Methods to Study the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Nephropathy and Screen Urinary Biomarkers.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) has become the main cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide, causing significant health problems. Early diagnosis of the disease is quite inadequate. To screen urine biomarkers of DN and explore its potential mechanism, this study collected urine from 87 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (which will be classified into normal albuminuria, microalbuminuria, and macroalbuminuria groups) and 38 healthy subjects. Twelve individuals from each group were then randomly selected as the screening cohort for proteomics analysis and the rest as the validation cohort. The results showed that humoral immune response, complement activation, complement and coagulation cascades, renin-angiotensin system, and cell adhesion molecules were closely related to the progression of DN. Five overlapping proteins (KLK1, CSPG4, PLAU, SERPINA3, and ALB) were identified as potential biomarkers by machine learning methods. Among them, KLK1 and CSPG4 were positively correlated with the urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR), and SERPINA3 was negatively correlated with the UACR, which were validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This study provides new insights into disease mechanisms and biomarkers for early diagnosis of DN.

Temporally Decoupled Ammonia Splitting by a Zn-NH3 Battery with an Ammonia Oxidation/Hydrogen Evolution Bifunctional Electrocatalyst as a Cathode.

Ammonia splitting to hydrogen is a decisive route for hydrogen economy but is seriously limited by the complex device and low efficiency. Here, we design and propose a new rechargeable Zn-NH3 battery based on temporally decoupled ammonia splitting to achieve efficient NH3-to-H2 conversion. In this system, ammonia is oxidized into nitrogen during cathodic charging (2NH3 + 6OH- → N2 + 6H2O + 6e-) with external electrical energy conversion and storage, while during cathodic discharging, water is reduced to hydrogen (2H2O + 2e- → H2 + 2OH-) with electrical energy generation. In this loop, continuous and efficient H2 production without separation and purification is achieved. With the help of the ammonia oxidation reaction (AOR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) bifunctional catalyst of Mo2C/NiCu@C, a rechargeable Zn-NH3 battery is realized that exhibits a high NH3-to-H2 FE of 91.6% with outstanding durability for 900 cycles (300 h) at 20 mA/cm2, enabling efficient and continuous NH3-to-H2 conversion.

Antibiotic-induced gut microbiota disruption promotes vascular calcification by reducing short-chain fatty acid acetate.

BACKGROUND: Vascular calcification is a common vascular lesion associated with high morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular events. Antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiota (GM) and have been shown to exacerbate or attenuate several human diseases. However, whether antibiotic-induced GM disruption affects vascular calcification remains unclear. METHODS: Antibiotic cocktail (ABX) treatment was utilized to test the potential effects of antibiotics on vascular calcification. The effects of antibiotics on GM and serum short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in vascular calcification mice were analyzed using 16 S rRNA gene sequencing and targeted metabolomics, respectively. Further, the effects of acetate, propionate and butyrate on vascular calcification were evaluated. Finally, the potential mechanism by which acetate inhibits osteogenic transformation of VSMCs was explored by proteomics. RESULTS: ABX and vancomycin exacerbated vascular calcification. 16 S rRNA gene sequencing and targeted metabolomics analyses showed that ABX and vancomycin treatments resulted in decreased abundance of Bacteroidetes in the fecal microbiota of the mice and decreased serum levels of SCFAs. In addition, supplementation with acetate was found to reduce calcium salt deposition in the aorta of mice and inhibit osteogenic transformation in VSMCs. Finally, using proteomics, we found that the inhibition of osteogenic transformation of VSMCs by acetate may be related to glutathione metabolism and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. After adding the glutathione inhibitor Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) and the ubiquitination inhibitor MG132, we found that the inhibitory effect of acetate on VSMC osteogenic differentiation was weakened by the intervention of BSO, but MG132 had no effect. CONCLUSION: ABX exacerbates vascular calcification, possibly by depleting the abundance of Bacteroidetes and SCFAs in the intestine. Supplementation with acetate has the potential to alleviate vascular calcification, which may be an important target for future treatment of vascular calcification.

Single-cell and spatially resolved transcriptomics for liver biology.

Single-cell transcriptomics enables the identification of rare cell types and the inference of state transitions, whereas spatially resolved transcriptomics allows the quantification of cells and genes in the context of tissues. The recent progress in these new technologies is improving our understanding of the cell landscape and its roles in diseases. Here, we review key biological insights into liver homeostasis, development, regeneration, chronic liver disease, and cancer obtained from single-cell and spatially resolved transcriptomics. We highlight recent progress in the liver cell atlas that characterizes the comprehensive cellular composition; diversity and function; the spatial architecture such as liver zonation, cell communication, and proximity; the cell identity conversion and cell-specific alterations that are associated with liver pathology; and new therapeutic targets. We further discuss outstanding challenges, advanced experimental technologies, and computational methods that help to address these challenges.

Intrahepatic osteopontin signaling by CREBZF defines a checkpoint for steatosis-to-NASH progression.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: NASH has emerged as a leading cause of chronic liver disease. However, the mechanisms that govern NASH fibrosis remain largely unknown. CREBZF is a CREB/ATF bZIP transcription factor that causes hepatic steatosis and metabolic defects in obesity. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Here, we show that CREBZF is a key mechanism of liver fibrosis checkpoint that promotes hepatocyte injury and exacerbates diet-induced NASH in mice. CREBZF deficiency attenuated liver injury, fibrosis, and inflammation in diet-induced mouse models of NASH. CREBZF increases HSC activation and fibrosis in a hepatocyte-autonomous manner by stimulating an extracellular matrix protein osteopontin, a key regulator of fibrosis. The inhibition of miR-6964-3p mediates CREBZF-induced production and secretion of osteopontin in hepatocytes. Adeno-associated virus -mediated rescue of osteopontin restored HSC activation, liver fibrosis, and NASH progression in CREBZF-deficient mice. Importantly, expression levels of CREBZF are increased in livers of diet-induced NASH mouse models and humans with NASH. CONCLUSIONS: Osteopontin signaling by CREBZF represents a previously unrecognized intrahepatic mechanism that triggers liver fibrosis and contributes to the severity of NASH.

Flat-band Friedrich-Wintgen bound states in the continuum based on borophene metamaterials.

Many applications involve the phenomenon of a material absorbing electromagnetic radiation. By exploiting wave interference, the efficiency of absorption can be significantly enhanced. Here, we propose Friedrich-Wintgen bound states in the continuum (F-W BICs) based on borophene metamaterials to realize coherent perfect absorption with a dual-band absorption peak in commercially important communication bands. Metamaterials consist of borophene gratings and a borophene sheet that can simultaneously support a Fabry-Perot plasmon resonance and a guided plasmon mode. The formation and dynamic modulation of the F-W BIC can be achieved by adjusting the width or carrier density of the borophene grating, while the strong coupling leads to the anti-crossover behavior of the absorption spectrum. Due to the weak angular dispersion originating from the intrinsic flat-band characteristic of the deep sub-wavelength periodic structure, the proposed plasmonic system exhibits almost no change in wavelength and absorption at large incident angles (within 70 degrees). In addition, we employ the temporal coupled-mode theory including near- and far-field coupling to obtain strong critical coupling, successfully achieve coherent perfect absorption, and can realize the absorption switch by changing the phase difference between the two coherent beams. Our findings can offer theoretical support for absorber design and all-optical tuning.

Investigating metabolic dysregulation in serum of triple transgenic Alzheimer's disease male mice: implications for pathogenesis and potential biomarkers.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease that lacks convenient and accessible peripheral blood diagnostic markers and effective drugs. Metabolic dysfunction is one of AD risk factors, which leaded to alterations of various metabolites in the body. Pathological changes of the brain can be reflected in blood metabolites that are expected to explain the disease mechanisms or be candidate biomarkers. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of targeted metabolites within peripheral blood of AD mouse model, with the purpose of exploring the disease mechanism and potential biomarkers. Targeted metabolomics was used to quantify 256 metabolites in serum of triple transgenic AD (3 × Tg-AD) male mice. Compared with controls, 49 differential metabolites represented dysregulation in purine, pyrimidine, tryptophan, cysteine and methionine and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Among them, adenosine, serotonin, N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine, and acetylcholine play a key role in regulating neural transmitter network. The alteration of S-adenosine-L-homocysteine, S-adenosine-L-methionine, and trimethylamine-N-oxide in AD mice serum can served as indicator of AD risk. The results revealed the changes of metabolites in serum, suggesting that metabolic dysregulation in periphery in AD mice may be related to the disturbances in neuroinhibition, the serotonergic system, sleep function, the cholinergic system, and the gut microbiota. This study provides novel insights into the dysregulation of several key metabolites and metabolic pathways in AD, presenting potential avenues for future research and the development of peripheral biomarkers.

An Atlas of Dietary Intakes and Medication Uses on Risk of Bladder Cancer: A Wide-Angle Mendelian Randomization Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Observational studies suggests that diets and medications affect bladder cancer (BC) development, which are subject to confounding and difficult to make causal inference. Here we aimed to investigate whether those observational associations are causal and determining the potential directions and pathways. METHODS: We used 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess associations of dietary intakes, medication uses and molecules with BC risk. Genetic summary data were derived from participants of predominantly European ancestry with rigorous instruments selection, where univariable MR, mediation MR and multivariable MR were performed. RESULTS: The results of univariable MR showed 4 dietary intakes and 4 medication uses having a protective effect on BC, while 4 circulating metabolites, 440 circulating proteins and 2 gut microbes were observed to be causally associated with BC risk. Through mediation MR, we found 572 analytes showing consistent mediating effects between dietary intakes or medication uses and BC risk. Furthermore, 9 out of 16 diet-medication pairs showed significant interactions and alterations on BC when consumed jointly. CONCLUSION: In summary, the findings obtained from the current study have important implications for informing prevention strategies that point to potential lifestyle interventions or medication prescriptions to reduce the risk of developing BC.HighlightsThe current study extends observational literature in showing the importance of diets and medications on bladder cancer prevention.The associations of diets and medications on bladder cancer prevention might be through circulating metabolites, circulating proteins and gut microbiotaOur results provide a new understanding of interactions in certain diet-medication pairs which should be taken into account by both physicians and patients during the development of a treatment strategy.

Photoinduced Decarboxylative Difluoroalkylation and Perfluoroalkylation of α-Fluoroacrylic Acids.

Herein, a novel and practical methodology for the photoinduced decarboxylative difluoroalkylation and perfluoroalkylation of α-fluoroacrylic acids is reported. A wide range of α-fluoroacrylic acids can be used as applicable feedstocks, allowing for rapid access to structurally important difluoroalkylated and polyfluoroalkylated monofluoroalkenes with high Z-stereoselectivity under mild conditions. The protocol demonstrates excellent functional group compatibility and provides a platform for modifying complex biologically active molecules.

Proteomic analysis of the effects of Dictyophora polysaccharide on arsenic-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Arsenic (As) is a highly toxic environmental toxicant and a known human carcinogen. Long-term exposure to As can cause liver injury. Dictyophora polysaccharide (DIP) is a biologically active natural compound found in the Dictyophora with excellent antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and immune protection properties. In this study, the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model of As toxicity was established using a feeding method, followed by DIP treatment in rats with As-induced liver injury. The molecular mechanisms of As toxicity to the rat liver and the protective effect of DIP were investigated by proteomic studies. The results showed that 172, 328 and 191 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified between the As-exposed rats versus control rats (As/Ctrl), DIP treated rats versus As-exposed rats (DIP+As/As), and DIP treated rats versus control rats (DIP+As /Ctrl), respectively. Among them, the expression of 90 DEPs in the As/Ctrl groups was reversed by DIP treatment. As exposure caused dysregulation of metabolic pathways, mitochondria, oxidative stress, and apoptosis-related proteins in the rat liver. However, DIP treatment changed or restored the levels of these proteins, which attenuated the damage to the livers of rats caused by As exposure. The results provide new insights into the mechanisms of liver injury induced by As exposure and the treatment of DIP in As poisoning.

Effects of arsenic exposure on blood trace element levels in rats and sex differences.

Arsenic (As) is a widespread environmental metalloid and human carcinogen, and its exposure is associated with a wide range of toxic effects, leading to serious health hazards. As poisoning is a complex systemic multi-organ and multi-system damage disease. In this study, a rat model of As poisoning was established to investigate the levels of trace elements in the blood of rats and sex differences in the effect of As on every trace elements in rat blood. Twenty 6-week-old SD (Sprague Dawley) rats were randomly divided into the control group and the As-exposed group. After 3 months, the contents of 19 elements including As in the blood were detected in these two groups by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). As levels in the blood of As-exposed rats were significantly higher than those in the control group, with increased levels of Rb, Sr, Cs and Ce, and decreased levels of Pd. As showed a significant positive correlation with Rb. There were significant sex differences in blood Se, Pd, Eu, Dy, Ho, and Au levels in the As-exposed group. The results showed that As exposure can lead to an increase of As content in blood and an imbalance of some elements. There were sex differences in the concentration and the correlation between elements of some elements. Elemental imbalances may affect the toxic effects of As and play a synergistic or antagonistic role in As toxicity.

Circulating metabolites of Borneolum syntheticum (Bingpian) ameliorate atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice via inhibiting macrophage foam-cell formation.

Translational pharmacological research on traditional medicines lays the foundation for precisely understanding how the medicines function in the body to deliver therapeutic benefits. Borneolum syntheticum (Bingpian) is commonly used in Chinese herbal medicines for coronary heart disease, but its specific cardiovascular impact remains poorly understood. Isoborneol, a constituent of Bingpian, has been found to reduce lipid accumulation in macrophages in vitro, but its oral bioavailability is limited. This investigation aimed to evaluate anti-atherosclerotic effects of Bingpian, based on understanding its first-pass metabolism. Human subjects orally received an herbal medicine containing Bingpian and their plasma samples were analyzed to identify the major circulating compounds of Bingpian, with the metabolism that was also characterized in vitro and in mice. The identified compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit macrophage foam-cell formation induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein. Furthermore, the anti-atherosclerotic effect of repeatedly dosed Bingpian was assessed in ApoE-/- mice fed a high-fat diet. In human subjects, the major circulating compounds of Bingpian were metabolites, rather than their precursor constituents borneol and isoborneol. These constituents were efficiently absorbed in the intestinal tract but underwent significant first-pass metabolism, involving UGT2B7-mediated glucuronidation into borneol-2-O-glucuronide and isoborneol-2-O-glucuronide, respectively, and CYP2A6/2B6/3A-mediated oxidation both into camphor. Despite their poor membrane permeability, hepatic efflux of borneol-2-O-glucuronide and isoborneol-2-O-glucuronide into the systemic circulation was enhanced by MRP3/4. The circulating metabolites, particularly their combinations, markedly inhibited macrophage foam-cell formation induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein in vitro. Sub-chronic administration of Bingpian (30 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.g.) for 12 weeks significantly decreased atherosclerotic lesion size and enhanced plaque stability in ApoE-/- mice. Systemic exposure to Bingpian metabolites in mice closely resembles that in humans, suggesting that the pharmacodynamic effects of Bingpian in mice are likely applicable to humans. Overall, the cardiovascular benefits of Bingpian involve reducing atherosclerosis by inhibiting foam-cell formation through its metabolites. This investigation supports that oral Bingpian could be a druggable agent for reducing atherosclerosis.

Hypertension toxicity of VEGFR-TKIs in cancer treatment: incidence, mechanisms, and management strategies.

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR-TKIs) are a class of targeted anticancer agents that include pazopanib, sunitinib, axitinib, and others. Currently, VEGFR-TKIs are widely used in the clinical treatment of various tumors, which can prolong patients' survival and even cure tumors. However, the use of VEGFR-TKIs is frequently associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular adverse events, with hypertension being the most prevalent. Hypertension and its complications can significantly impact the prognosis of patients, potentially jeopardizing their lives and resulting in the reduction or even cessation of treatment in severe cases. This review addresses the incidence of hypertension due to VEGFR-TKIs, mechanisms of toxicity, management strategies, and future research directions. In addition, hypertension due to VEGFR-TKIs may be associated with salt sensitivity, and possible mechanisms of hypertensive side effects are vasodilator imbalance, decreased capillary density, renal injury, impaired endothelial function due to oxidative stress, decreased lymphatic vascular density, and "off-target effect". A comprehensive understanding of hypertension toxicity due to cancer treatment with VEGFR-TKIs, can enhance clinical practice, thereby improving the prognostic outcomes of VEGFR-TKIs in oncology patients.

Integration of proteomics and metabolomics analysis investigate mechanism of As-induced immune injury in rat spleen.

Arsenic (As) is a widespread metalloid and human carcinogen found in the natural environment, and multiple toxic effects have been shown to be associated with As exposure. As can be accumulated in the spleen, the largest peripheral lymphatic organ, and long-term exposure to As can lead to splenic injury. In this study, a Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model of As-poisoned was established, aiming to explore the molecular mechanism of As-induced immune injury through the combined analysis of proteomics and metabolomics of rats' spleen. After feeding the rats with As diet (50 mg/kg) for 90 days, the spleen tissue of the rats in the As-poisoned group was damaged, the level of As was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.001), and the level of inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) was decreased (P < 0.01). Proteomics and metabolomics results showed that a total of 134 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) (P < 0.05 and fold change > 1.2) and 182 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) (VIP >1 and P < 0.05) were identified in the spleens of the As poisoned group compared to the control group (As/Ctrl). The proteomic results highlight the role of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF), natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity, and ribosomes. The major pathways of metabolic disruption included arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism and folate single-carbon pool. The integrated analysis of these two omics suggested that Hmox1, Stat3, arachidonic acid, phosphatidylcholine and leukotriene B4 may play key roles in the mechanism of immune injury to the spleen by As exposure. The results indicate that As exposure can cause spleen damage in rats. Through proteomic and metabolomic analysis, the key proteins and metabolites and their associated mechanisms were obtained, which provided a basis for further understanding of the molecular mechanism of spleen immune damage caused by As exposure.

Association between graded subchorionic hematoma and adverse pregnancy outcomes in singleton pregnancies: a prospective observational cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether different grades of subchorionic hematoma (SCH) are involved in the timing of birth and the development of adverse pregnancy outcomes in singleton pregnant women. METHODS: A total of 171 women with singleton pregnancies, 72 of whom had SCH before 20 weeks and between 12 and 20 weeks of gestational age (GA), were included in this study conducted between January 2018 and December 2021. These patients were divided into three subgroups based on the size of the subchorionic hematoma on ultrasound imaging. Baseline demographic data, obstetric outcomes, and risk factors for subchorionic hematoma were compared for the two groups. RESULTS: A higher number of pregnancies from the SCH group resulted in miscarriage (30.56% versus 2.02%, p < 0.0001), early preterm birth (8.33% versus 1.01%, p = 0.0035), premature rupture of membranes (15.28% versus 4.04%, p = 0.0103), fetal growth restriction (9.72% versus 0%, p = 0.0015), and delivery 13.18 days earlier (274.34 ± 11.25 versus 261.16 ± 29.80, p = 0.0013) than those from the control group. Compared with SCH detected before 12 weeks of GA, the rate of miscarriage increased, and the live birth rate decreased significantly in patients with SCH caught between 12 and 20 weeks of GA. With the increase in hematoma size, the likelihood of miscarriage increased significantly. Further analysis found that delivery occurred earlier in the medium/large SCH group (271.49 ± 23.61 versus 253.28 ± 40.68/261.77 ± 22.11, p = 0.0004/0.0073) but not in the small SCH group (274.34 ± 11.25 versus 267.85 ± 21.01, p = 0.2681) compared to the control group. Our results also showed that the anterior placenta (52.04% versus 33.33%, p = 0.0005, OR = 0.3137, 95% CI [0.1585, 0.601]) is a protective factor for subchorionic hematoma. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that women with SCH are at a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and are independently associated with miscarriage, early preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes, and fetal growth restriction. A subchorionic hematoma, especially detected between 12 and 20 weeks of GA, is very likely to cause miscarriage or preterm birth in women with a medium or large subchorionic hematoma.

Eu3+-functionalized covalent organic framework for ratiometric fluorescence detection and adsorption of tetracycline and information steganography.

Functional materials with organic/inorganic composites as the main matrix and rare earth ion complexes as the guest have shown a very broad application prospect for antibiotic sensors. However, Eu3+-complex often relies on a single fluorescence response signal, which is susceptible to changes in the detection environment and cannot simultaneously detect and remove tetracycline (TC). Herein, green fluorescent covalent two-dimensional organic framework (COF-TD) is synthesized, followed by modification of Eu3+ to synthesize COF-TD@Eu3+. In the ratiometric sensor, Eu3+ serves as the recognition site and specific response probe for TC, while COF-TD is the fluorescence reference and carrier for Eu3+. Due to the antenna effect, TC enhances the red fluorescence of Eu3+, while the green fluorescence of COF-TD remains almost stable. Based on the change of fluorescence intensity and fluorescence color from green to red, the efficient ratiometric sensing can be finished in 1 min. The developed method shows high sensitivity with a detection limit of 0.3 µM and high selectivity to TC which makes the method applicable to detect TC in traditional Chinese medicine preparations. In addition, due to the high specific surface area of COFs and specific adsorption sites, COF-TD@Eu3+ also shows good performance for TC removal. The findings show that the maximum adsorption capacity is 137.3 mg g-1 and the adsorption equilibrium is reached in 30 min. Smartphone assisted COF-TD@Eu3+ for both ratiometric fluorescence detection and detecting the absorption of TC is proposed for the first time. The molecular cryptosteganography that transforms the selective response of COF-TD@Eu3+ to binary strings is anticipated to advance utilization of nanomaterials in logic sensing and information safety.

Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Hirschfeld Surface Analysis of a New Cu(II) Complex and Its Role in Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction.

A new Cu(II) complex, [CuL1L2(CH3COO)2(H2O)]·H2O, was synthesized by the reaction of Cu(CH3COO)2·H2O, 6-phenylpyridine-2-carboxylic acid (HL1), and 4-[5-(pyridin-4-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl]pyridine (L2) in ethanol-water (v:v = 1:1) solution. The Cu(II) complex was characterized using elemental analysis, IR, UV-vis, TG-DTA, and single-crystal X-ray analysis. The fluorescence properties of the copper complex were also evaluated. The structural analysis results show that the Cu(II) complex crystallizes in the triclinic system with space group P-1. The Cu(II) ion in the complex is five-coordinated with one O atom (O2) and one N atom (N1) from one 6-phenylpyridine-2-carboxylate ligand (L1), one N atom (N2) from 4-[5-(pyridin-4-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl]pyridine ligand (L2), one O atom (O4) from acetate, and one O atom (O5) from a coordinated water molecule, and it adopts a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry. Cu(II) complex molecules form a two-dimensional layer structure through intramolecular and intermolecular O-H…O hydrogen bonding. The two-dimensional layer structures further form a three-dimensional network structure by π-π stacking interactions of aromatic rings. The analysis of the Hirschfeld surface of the Cu(II) complex shows that the H…H contacts made the most significant contribution (46.6%) to the Hirschfeld surface, followed by O…H/H…O, N…H/H…N and C…H/H…C contacts with contributions of 14.2%, 13.8%, and 10.2%, respectively. In addition, the photocatalytic CO2 reduction using Cu(II) complex as a catalyst is investigated under UV-vis light irradiation. The findings reveal that the main product is CO, with a yield of 10.34 µmol/g and a selectivity of 89.4% after three hours.

The Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and DFT Calculation of a New Binuclear Gd(III) Complex with 4-Aacetylphenoxyacetic Acid and 1,10-Phenanthroline Ligands and Its Roles in Catalytic Activity.

A new binuclear Gd(III) complex, [Gd2(L)6(Phen)2]·4H2O, was synthesized via the reaction of gadolinium(III) nitrate hexahydrate, 4-acetylphenoxyacetic acid (HL), NaOH, and 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) in a solution of water-ethanol (v:v = 1:1). The Gd(III) complex was characterized using IR, UV-vis, TG-DSC, fluorescence, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The results showed that the Gd(III) complex crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P-1, and each Gd(III) ion was coordinated with two nitrogen atoms (N1, N2, or N1a, and N2a) from two Phen ligands and seven oxygen atoms (O1, O2, O7a, O9, O8, O8a, O10a, or O1a, O2a, O7, O8, O8a, O9a, and O10) from six L ligands, respectively, forming a nine-coordinated coordination mode. The Gd(III) complex molecules formed a one-dimensional chained and three-dimensional network structure via benzenering π-π stacking. The Hirschfeld surface analysis and the calculations of the electron density distributions of the frontier molecular orbitals of the Gd(III) complex were performed. The catalytic activities of the photocatalytic CO2 reduction and benzyl alcohol oxidation using the Gd(III) complex as a catalyst were performed. The results of the photocatalytic CO2 reduction showed that the yield and the selectivity of CO reached 41.5 µmol/g and more than 99% after four hours, respectively. The results of the benzyl alcohol oxidation showed that the yield of benzaldehyde was 45.7% at 120 °C with THF as the solvent under 0.5 MPa O2 within 2 h.