Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of a Chiral Carbon Nanoring Containing Rubicene.

Herein we report the construction of an inherently chiral carbon nanoring, cyclo[7]paraphenylene-2,9-rubicene ([7]CPPRu2,9), by combining rubicene with a C-shaped synthon through the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction. The structure was fully confirmed by high-resolution mass spectroscopies (HR-MS) and various NMR techniques. The photophysical properties were investigated by UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy as well as the time-resolved fluorescence decay. Moreover, two enantiomers (M)/(P)-[7]CPPRu2,9 were successfully resolved by recyclable HPLC and studied by CD and CPL spectra.

Selective Synthesis of Conjugated Chiral Macrocycles: Sidewall Segments of (-)/(+)-(12,4) Carbon Nanotubes with Strong Circularly Polarized Luminescence.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have unusual physical properties that are valuable for nanotechnology and electronics, but the chemical synthesis of chirality- and diameter-specific CNTs and π-conjugated CNT segments is still a great challenge. Reported here are the selective syntheses, isolations, characterizations, and photophysical properties of two novel chiral conjugated macrocycles ([4]cyclo-2,6-anthracene; [4]CAn2,6 ), as (-)/(+)-(12,4) carbon nanotube segments. These conjugated macrocyclic molecules were obtained using a bottom-up assembly approach and subsequent reductive elimination reaction. The hoop-shaped molecules can be directly viewed by a STM technique. In addition, chiral enantiomers with (-)/(+) helicity of the [4]CAn2,6 were successfully isolated by HPLC. The new tubular CNT segments exhibit large absorption and photoluminescence redshifts compared to the monomer unit. The carbon enantiomers are also observed to show strong circularly polarized luminescence (glum ≈0.1). The results reported here expand the scope of materials design for bottom-up synthesis of chiral macrocycles and enrich existing knowledge of their optoelectronic properties.

Identification of differentially expressed genes and biological characteristics of colorectal cancer by integrated bioinformatics analysis.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. Its mortality rate has remained high in recent years. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in its pathogenesis, which may be used as novel biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets for CRC. The gene expression profiles of GSE21510, GSE32323, GSE89076, and GSE113513 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. After screening DEGs in each GEO data set, we further used the robust rank aggregation method to identify 494 significant DEGs including 212 upregulated and 282 downregulated genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed by DAVID and the KOBAS online database, respectively. These DEGs were shown to be significantly enriched in different cancer-related functions and pathways. Then, the STRING database was used to construct the protein-protein interaction network. The module analysis was performed by the MCODE plug-in of Cytoscape based on the whole network. We finally filtered out seven hub genes by the cytoHubba plug-in, including PPBP, CCL28, CXCL12, INSL5, CXCL3, CXCL10, and CXCL11. The expression validation and survival analysis of these hub genes were analyzed based on The Cancer Genome Atlas database. In conclusion, the robust DEGs associated with the carcinogenesis of CRC were screened through the GEO database, and integrated bioinformatics analysis was conducted. Our study provides reliable molecular biomarkers for screening and diagnosis, prognosis as well as novel therapeutic targets for CRC.

Identification of a five-gene signature with prognostic value in colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies worldwide. Although mortality rates have been decreasing, the prognosis of CRC patients is still highly dependent on the individual. Therefore, identifying and understanding novel biomarkers for CRC prognosis remains crucial. The gene expression profiles of five-gene expression omnibus (GEO) data sets of CRC were first downloaded. A total of 352 consistent differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified for CRC and paired with normal tissues. Functional analysis including gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment revealed that these DEGs were related to metabolic pathways, tight junctions, and the cell cycle. Ten hub DEGs were identified based on the search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes database and protein-protein interaction networks. By using univariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, we found 11 survival-related genes among these DEGs. We finally established a five-gene signature (kinesin family member 15, N-acetyltransferase 2, glutathione peroxidase 3, secretogranin II, and chloride channel accessory 1) with prognostic value in CRC by step multivariate Cox regression analysis. Based on this risk scoring system, patients in the high-risk group had significantly poorer survival results compared with those in the low-risk group (log-rank test, p < 0.0001). Finally, we validated our gene signature scoring system in two independent GEO cohorts (GSE17536 and GSE33113). We found all five of the signature genes to be DEGs in The Cancer Genome Atlas database. In conclusion, our findings suggest that our five DEG-based signature can provide a novel biomarker with useful applications in CRC prognosis.

Impact of the preoperative prognostic nutritional index on postoperative and survival outcomes in colorectal cancer patients who underwent primary tumor resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: We aimed to explore whether the preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) could be an indicator of prognostic outcomes in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. All original comparative studies published in English that were related to a high PNI versus a low PNI in CRC patients were included. RESULTS: A total of 10 studies involving 6372 patients were included in our meta-analysis. Our overall analysis indicated that the low-PNI group had a significantly reduced overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.45-2.42, P < 0.01), cancer-specific survival (HR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.07-2.19, P = 0.02), and disease-free survival (HR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.23-2.26, P < 0.01) compared with the high-PNI group. Furthermore, our subgroup results indicated that a high PNI could be a significant indicator of improved OS in TNM stage II (HR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.29-2.90, P < 0.01) and III (HR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.25-2.34, P < 0.01), and a similar trend in TNM stage I or IV could also be observed though without statistical significance. Regarding postoperative complications, our pooled results indicated that the low-PNI group had a significantly increased incidence of total and severe postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that CRC patients with a preoperative high PNI had a significantly improved OS. However, almost only Asian CRC patients were included based on current issue.

Can sarcopenia be a predictor of prognosis for patients with non-metastatic colorectal cancer? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: We aimed to explore whether sarcopenia diagnosed with the third lumbar vertebra skeletal muscle index (L3 SMI) can be a predictor of prognosis for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and the Web of Science databases. All original comparative studies published in English that were related to sarcopenia versus non-sarcopenia in non-metastatic CRC patients based on postoperative and survival outcomes were included. Data synthesis and statistical analysis were carried out using Stata software. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies including 5337 patients were included in our meta-analysis. In our overall analyses of postoperative outcomes, we indicated that CRC patients with sarcopenia would have longer hospital stays, higher incidence of total postoperative morbidity (OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.07-2.70, P < 0.01), mortality (OR = 3.45, 95% CI = 1.69-7.02, P < 0.01), and infection (OR = 2.21, 95% CI = 1.50-3.25, P < 0.01) but not anastomosis leakage or intestinal obstruction when compared to non-sarcopenia patients. Regarding survival outcomes, our results showed that sarcopenia predicted a decreased overall survival (HR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.24-2.14, P < 0.01), disease-free survival, and cancer-specific survival for non-metastatic CRC patients. Moreover, our subgroup analyses showed similar tendency with our overall analyzed results. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia diagnosed with L3 SMI can be a negative predictor of postoperative and survival outcomes for non-metastatic CRC patients. Prospective studies with a uniform definition of sarcopenia are needed to update our findings.

A Three-Dimensional Capsule-like Carbon Nanocage as a Segment Model of Capped Zigzag [12,0] Carbon Nanotubes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Complexation with C70.

Herein we report the synthesis and photophysical and supramolecular properties of a novel three-dimensional capsule-like hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene (HBC)-containing carbon nanocage, tripodal-[2]HBC, which is the first synthetic model of capped zigzag [12,0] carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Tripodal-[2]HBC was synthesized by the palladium-catalyzed coupling of triboryl hexabenzocoronene and L-shaped cyclohexane units, followed by nickel-mediated C-Br/C-Br coupling and subsequent aromatization of the cyclohexane moieties. The physical properties of tripodal-[2]HBC and its supramolecular host-guest interaction with C70 were further studied by UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. Theoretical calculations revealed that the strain energy of tripodal-[2]HBC was as high as 55.2 kcal mol-1 .

A Large π-Extended Carbon Nanoring Based on Nanographene Units: Bottom-Up Synthesis, Photophysical Properties, and Selective Complexation with Fullerene C70.

Herein we report the organoplatinum-mediated bottom-up synthesis, characterization, and properties of a novel large π-extended carbon nanoring based on a nanographene hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene (HBC) building unit. This tubular structure can be considered as an example of the longitudinal extension of the cycloparaphenylene scaffold to form a large π-extended carbon nanotube (CNT) segment. The cyclic tetramer of a tetramesityl HBC ([4]CHBC) was synthesized by the reaction of a 2,11-diborylated hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene with a platinum complex, followed by reductive elimination. The structure of this tubular molecule was further confirmed by physical characterization. Theoretical calculations indicate that the strain energy of this nanoring is as high as 49.18 kcal mol-1 . The selective supramolecular host-guest interaction between [4]CHBC and C70 was also investigated.

Prognostic Value of Expression of MicroRNAs in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: microRNAs are widely involved in a variety of life processes and considered as potential biomarkers of tumor prognosis. A growing number of studies have documented that miRNAs were associated with outcome in NSCLC patients and can act as a prognostic marker. However, existing studies concerning the relationship between miRNAs and outcome in NSCLC patients were contentious and dispersive. Therefore, a systematic metaanalysis to explore the prognostic value of miRNAs on NSCLC patients is urgently needed. METHODS: Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched for all relevant articles. Only articles investigating the survival effect of microRNAs on NSCLC patients were included in this meta-analysis. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were extracted and pooled on overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS)/disease-specific survival (DSS). RESULTS: 28 articles were finally included in the overall meta-analysis. The pooled results revealed that high expression miR-21 (HR = 2.82, 95% CI: 2.10 - 3.79), miR-200c (HR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.36 - 3.07), and miR-125b (HR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.30 - 2.28) were negatively associated with survival in NSCLC patients. Conversely, high expression miR-148b (HR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.19 - 0.70), miR-365 (HR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.27 - 0.59), miR-124 (HR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.16 - 0.53), miR-32 (HR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.33 - 0.65), miR-146a (HR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.18 - 0.68), and miR-375 (HR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.45 - 0.96) were significantly associated with better prognosis. Meanwhile, the expression of miR-93 (HR = 1.19, 95% CI: 0.38 - 3.69) and miR-126 (HR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.12 - 1.16) showed no relationship with NSCLC prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis provided the evidence that miR-21, miR-200c, miR-125b, miR-148b, miR-365, miR-124, miR-32, miR-146a, and miR-375 can act as prognostic biomarkers in NSCLC.

Descending projections from the nucleus accumbens shell excite activity of taste-responsive neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract in the hamster.

The nucleus of the solitary tract (NST) and the parabrachial nuclei (PbN) are the first and second relays in the rodent central taste pathway. A series of electrophysiological experiments revealed that spontaneous and taste-evoked activities of brain stem gustatory neurons are altered by descending input from multiple forebrain nuclei in the central taste pathway. The nucleus accumbens shell (NAcSh) is a key neural substrate of reward circuitry, but it has not been verified as a classical gustatory nucleus. A recent in vivo electrophysiological study demonstrated that the NAcSh modulates the spontaneous and gustatory activities of hamster pontine taste neurons. In the present study, we investigated whether activation of the NAcSh modulates gustatory responses of the NST neurons. Extracellular single-unit activity was recorded from medullary neurons in urethane-anesthetized hamsters. After taste response was confirmed by delivery of sucrose, NaCl, citric acid, and quinine hydrochloride to the anterior tongue, the NAcSh was stimulated bilaterally with concentric bipolar stimulating electrodes. Stimulation of the ipsilateral and contralateral NAcSh induced firings from 54 and 37 of 90 medullary taste neurons, respectively. Thirty cells were affected bilaterally. No inhibitory responses or antidromic invasion was observed after NAcSh activation. In the subset of taste cells tested, high-frequency electrical stimulation of the NAcSh during taste delivery enhanced taste-evoked neuronal firing. These results demonstrate that two-thirds of the medullary gustatory neurons are under excitatory descending influence from the NAcSh, which is a strong indication of communication between the gustatory pathway and the mesolimbic reward pathway.

Serum soluble ST2 is associated with ER-positive breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: ST2, a member of the interleukin (IL)-1receptor family, regulates Th1/Th2 immune responses in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. However, the role of ST2 signaling in tumor growth and metastasis of breast cancers has not been investigated. This study investigated the possible role of soluble ST2 (sST2) in breast cancer. METHODS: The serum levels of IL-33, sST2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in 150 breast cancer patients and 90 healthy women were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Estrogen receptor(ER), progesterone receptor, human epithelial receptor (HER)-2, and cell cycle regulated protein Ki-67 were measured. Clinical stage, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and histological type were also recorded. RESULTS: The serum levels of sST2, IL-33, and VEGF were significantly higher in breast cancer patients than in the control group (P < 0.05, each). Serum sST2 levels in ER-positive breast cancer patients were significantly associated with age, histological type, clinical stage, tumor size, and Ki-67 status (P < 0.05, each). Moreover, the serum levels of IL-33 and sST2 in breast cancers significantly correlated with VEGF levels (IL-33: r = 0.375, P < 0.0001; sST2: r = 0.164, P = 0.045). Serum levels of sST2, IL-33, and VEGF decreased after modified radical mastectomy in ER-positive breast cancers. Serum levels of IL-33, sST2, and VEGF and clinicopathological factors were not significantly correlated with disease-free survival and overall survival of ER-positive breast cancer women during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Serum sST2 levels in ER-positive breast cancer patients are significantly associated with factors that indicate poor prognosis.

Enantiomerically Resolvable Inherent Chirality Induced by Strong Para-Steric Hindrance in Cycloparaphenylene-Based Carbon Nanohoops.

The chemical modification of the achiral carbon nanohoops to break the symmetry will result in inherently chiral structures with interesting optical properties. Herein, we report two novel π-extended chiral macrocycles, cyclo[10]paraphenylene-pyrene ([10]CPP-2Pyrene) and cyclo[10]paraphenylene-hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene ([10]CPP-2HBC). The large substituents on the nanohoop peripheries effectively prevented free rotation and the racemization process. The conformation of each enantiomer is stable enough to be resolved by recycling HPLC.

Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of Small Helical Carbon Nanohoops Combined with Computational Studies on Racemization Pathway.

We herein report the facile synthesis of two helical carbon nanorings with small ring sizes, cyclo[6]paraphenylene-1,5-naphthylene ([6]CPPNap1,5), and cyclo[6]paraphenylene-1,5-anthrylene ([6]CPPAn1,5). The structures were determined by NMR and HR-MS. X-ray single-crystal data of [6]CPPNap1,5 was also achieved. The strain energy and racemization processes were investigated by DFT calculations. The reduced ring sizes result in increased ring strain and elevated energy barriers. The photophysical properties were studied by UV-Vis absorption, fluorescence emission, and time-resolved fluorescence decay.

Low-dose SAHA enhances CD8+ T cell-mediated antitumor immunity by boosting MHC I expression in non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a highly aggressive type of lung cancer with poor responses to traditional therapies such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. While immunotherapy has become an effective approach for treating multiple types of cancer, solid tumors frequently exhibit immune escape through various mechanisms, including downregulation of MHC I expression. However, whether the upregulation of MHC I expression can improve the immunotherapeutic effect on NSCLC remains unexplored. Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) is a potent histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor that has been applied clinically to treat lymphoma, but a high dose of SAHA kills tumor cells and normal cells without preference. Here, we report that low-dose SAHA enhances CD8+ T cell-mediated antitumor immunity by upregulating MHC I expression in NSCLC cells. METHODS: Flow cytometric analysis, quantitative real-time PCR and western blot were used to analyze the expression of MHC I, STAT1 and Smad2/3 in both human and mouse NSCLC cell lines after SAHA treatment. The nuclear translocation of phosphorylated STAT1 and Smad2/3 was investigated by western blot and immunofluorescence staining. The mechanisms underlying STAT1 and Smad2/3 upregulation were analyzed through database searches and chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR. Finally, we assessed the antitumor effect of specific CD8+ T cells with SAHA treatment in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: We showed that low-dose SAHA upregulated the expression of MHC I in NSCLC cell lines without affecting cell viability. We also provided evidence that high levels of MHC I induced by SAHA promoted the activation, proliferation, and cytotoxicity of specific CD8+ T cells in mouse models. Mechanistically, low-dose SAHA increased the levels of H3K9ac and H3K27ac in the promoters of the STAT1, Smad2 and Smad3 genes in NSCLC cells by inhibiting HDAC activity, resulting in elevated expression levels of STAT1, Smad2 and Smad3. The nuclear translocation of phosphorylated STAT1 and Smad2/3 markedly upregulated the expression of MHC I in NSCLC cells. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose SAHA enhances CD8+ T cell-mediated antitumor immunity by boosting MHC I expression in NSCLC cells. Thus, we revealed a key mechanism of SAHA-mediated enhanced antitumor immunity, providing insights into a novel immunotherapy strategy for NSCLC.

Descending projections from the nucleus accumbens shell suppress activity of taste-responsive neurons in the hamster parabrachial nuclei.

The parabrachial nuclei (PbN), the second central relay for the gustatory pathway, transfers taste information to various forebrain gustatory nuclei and to the gustatory cortex. The nucleus accumbens is one of the critical neural substrates of the reward system, and the nucleus accumbens shell region (NAcSh) is associated with feeding behavior. Taste-evoked neuronal responses of PbN neurons are modulated by descending projections from the gustatory nuclei in the forebrain. In the present study, we investigated whether taste-responsive neurons in the PbN project to the NAcSh and whether pontine gustatory neurons are subject to modulatory influence from the NAcSh in urethane-anesthetized hamsters. Extracellular single-unit activity was recorded in the PbN, and taste responses were confirmed by the delivery of 32 mM sucrose, NaCl, quinine hydrochloride, and 3.2 mM citric acid to the anterior tongue. The NAcSh was then stimulated (0.5 ms, ≤100 µA) bilaterally using concentric bipolar stimulating electrodes. A total of 98 taste neurons were recorded from the PbN. Eighteen neurons were antidromically invaded from the NAcSh, mostly the ipsilateral NAcSh (n = 16). Stimulation of the ipsilateral and contralateral NAcSh suppressed the neuronal activity of 88 and 55 neurons, respectively; 52 cells were affected bilaterally. In a subset of pontine neurons tested, electrical stimulation of the NAcSh during taste stimulation also suppressed taste-evoked neuronal firing. These results demonstrated that taste-responsive neurons in the PbN not only project to the NAcSh but also are under substantial descending inhibitory influence from the bilateral NAcSh.

Efficiency of Nanohydroxyapatite on Repairing Type II Diabetes Dental Implant-Bone Defect.

The purpose of this study was to see how a nanohydroxyapatite (n-HA) composite polyamide 66 (PA66) affected the repair of bone defects in diabetics with titanium implants, as well as to develop experimental materials for the creation of the interface between bone tissue and titanium implants. Rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated using n-HA/PA66 composite material, and the effect of coculture with the material on cell proliferation was analyzed after induction of mineralization. Bone defect models of diabetic experimental rabbits and titanium implants were prepared. Normal rabbits with bone defects were used as control (NC group, N = 8). After the diabetic bone defect (DM group, N = 8) and the implantation of n-HA/PA66 composite material (n-HA/PA66 group, N = 8), the differences in body weight, blood glucose, scanning electron microscopy of the implant-bone interface, bone mineral density, new bone trabecular parameters, histomorphology, and biomechanical properties of the implant-bone interface were compared and analyzed. In vitro test results showed that MSC cell growth could be promoted by mineralization induction, the cell growth condition was good after coculture with n-HA/PA66, and the proliferation activity of MSCs was not affected by the material. In vivo test results showed that the body weight of the DM group and n-HA/PA66 group was considerably inferior to that of the NC group, and the blood glucose was dramatically superior to that of the NC group (P < 0.05). However, the body weight of the n-HA/PA66 group was dramatically superior to that of the DM group (P < 0.05). The bone mineral density, bone volume fraction (BV/TV), bone surface area fraction (BS/BV), bone trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), bone trabecular number (Tb.N), bone trabecular area, and biomechanical properties in the DM group were considerably inferior to those in the NC group and n-HA/PA66 group (P < 0.05). The trabecular space (Tb.Sp) in the NC group and n-HA/PA66 group was dramatically superior to that in the NC group (P < 0.05). The bone mineral density, BV/TV, BS/BV, Tb.Th, Tb.N, trabecular area, and biomechanical properties of the n-HA/PA66 group were dramatically superior to those of the NC group (P < 0.05), while Tb.Sp was considerably inferior to that of the NC group (P < 0.05). These findings showed that the n-HA/PA66 material had good biocompatibility and minimal cytotoxicity, and that filling the space between the surrounding bone and the titanium implant can enhance bone repair. This research paved the way for future research into the tissue-engineered bone in the field of oral surgery.

Targeted delivery of edaravone by liposomes for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Aim: To construct an edaravone-encapsulated liposomes (EDV-LIPs) formulation against acute ischemic stroke. Methods: EDV-LIPs were prepared by the film dispersion method. The biosafety was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo by flow cytometry and the histological staining method. Biodistribution and therapeutic effect of EDV-LIPs against acute ischemic stroke was investigated by fluorescent imaging, the behavior test, laser speckle imaging and triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Results: The nanoliposomes had a long circulation time and could accumulate in the brain lesion region in ischemic stroke rats. EDV-LIPs show good biosafety. EDV-LIPs could restore more cerebral blood flow, reduce infarct volume and decrease neuronal apoptosis. Conclusion: EDV-LIPs provide an effective alternative for drug-targeted delivery against acute ischemic stroke.

Nanometer precise red blood cell sizing using a cost-effective quantitative dark field imaging system.

Because of the bulk, complexity, calibration requirements, and need for operator training, most current flow-based blood counting devices are not appropriate for field use. Standard imaging methods could be much more compact, inexpensive, and with minimal calibration requirements. However, due to the diffraction limit, imaging lacks the nanometer precision required to measure red blood cell volumes. To address this challenge, we utilize Mie scattering, which can measure nanometer-scale morphological information from cells, in a dark-field imaging geometry. The approach consists of a custom-built dark-field scattering microscope with symmetrically oblique illumination at a precisely defined angle to record wide-field images of diluted and sphered blood samples. Scattering intensities of each cell under three wavelengths are obtained by segmenting images via digital image processing. These scattering intensities are then used to determine size and hemoglobin information via Mie theory and machine learning. Validation on 90 clinical blood samples confirmed the ability to obtain mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and red cell distribution width (RDW) with high accuracy. Simulations based on historical data suggest that an instrument with the accuracy achieved in this study could be used for widespread anemia screening.

Folic acid modified Fe3O4 nanoclusters by a one-step ultrasonic technique for drug delivery and MR imaging.

Multifunctional nanoclusters based on Fe3O4 nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and drug delivery are reported here. At first, oleic acid (OA)-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared. Then block copolymer Pluronic F127 or folic acid (FA) conjugated-Pluronic F127 was used to modify the hydrophobic nanoparticles to become hydrophilic Fe3O4@F127 nanoclusters via facile ultrasonic treatment. During this process, drug molecules can also be introduced into the nanoclusters and therefore the targeted drug delivery system was formed. Next, we verified the feasibility of the nanoclusters as drug delivery vehicles and magnetic contrast agents. The nanoclusters have an average size of 200 nm and remained stable in water for long periods. Folic acid-modified nanoclusters showed an enhanced intracellular uptake into HepG2 cells by using both cellular iron amount analysis and flow cytometry analysis. Besides, Fe3O4@F127@FA nanoclusters showed good compatibility in the tested concentration range and good sensitivity in T 2-weighted MRI. The magnetic nanoclusters combined with drug delivery properties have greatly increased the significance in the diagnosis and therapy of diseases, which are suitable for systematical administration of hydrophobic drugs and simultaneously MRI diagnosis.

The Supramolecular Chemistry of Cycloparaphenylenes and Their Analogs.

Cycloparaphenylenes (CPPs) and their analogs have recently attracted much attention due to their aesthetical structures and optoelectronic properties with radial π-conjugation systems. The past 10 years have witnessed a remarkable advancement in CPPs research, from synthetic methodology to optoelectronic investigations. In this present minireview, we highlight the supramolecular chemistry of CPPs and their analogs, mainly focusing on the size-selective encapsulation of fullerenes, endohedral metallofullerenes, and small molecules by these hoop-shaped macrocycles. We will also discuss the assembly of molecular bearings using some belt-persistent tubular cycloarylene molecules and fullerenes, photoinduced electron transfer properties in supramolecular systems containing carbon nanohoop hosts and fullerene guests, as well as the shape recognition properties for structure self-sorting by using dumbbell-shaped dimer of [60]fullerene ligand. Besides, the supramolecular complexes with guest molecules other than fullerenes, such as CPPs themselves, iodine, pyridinium cations, and bowl-shaped corannulene, are also discussed.