Concurrent manipulation of competitive mechanisms to construct glutathione-stabilized gold nanocluster-based dual-channel molecular classifier for metal ions detection and information steganography.

Understanding charge transport in metal ion-mediated glutathione-stabilized gold nanoclusters (GSH-Au NCs) has proved difficult due to the presence of various competitive mechanisms, such as electron transfer (ET) and aggregation induction effect (AIE). In this paper, we present a dual-channel fluorescence (FL) and second-order Rayleigh scattering (SRS) sensing method for high-throughput classification of metal ions, relying on the competition between ET and AIE using GSH-Au NCs. The SRS signals show significant enhancement when Pb2+, Ag+, Al3+, Cu2+, Fe3+, and Hg2+ are present, as a result of the aggregation of GSH-Au NCs. Notably, the fluorescence signal exhibits the opposite trend. The FL intensities of GSH-Au NCs are enhanced by Pb2+, Ag+, and Al3+ through the AIE mechanism, while they are quenched by Cu2+, Fe3+, and Hg2+, which is dominated by the ET mechanism. By employing principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis, these signals are transformed into unique fingerprints and Euclidean distances, respectively, enabling successful distinction of six metal ions and their mixtures with a low detection limit of 30 nM. This new strategy has successfully addressed interference from impurities in the testing of real water samples, demonstrating its strong ability to detect multiple metal ions. Impressively, we have achieved molecular cryptosteganography, which involves encoding, storing, and concealing information by transforming the selective response of GSH-Au NCs to binary strings. This research is anticipated to advance utilization of nanomaterials in logic sensing and information safety, bridging the gap between molecular sensors and information systems.

Pattern Recognition of Alkaloids by Inhibiting the Catalytic Activity of Dopzymes for Dopamine.

Exploiting the specific recognition probe for all of the biomolecules is difficult in "lock-and-key" biosensors. The cross-reaction or the semispecific probe in pattern recognition mode is an alternative strategy through extracting a multidimensional signal array from recognition elements. Here, we design a pattern recognition sensor array based on the alkaloid-inhibited catalytic activity of dopzymes for the discrimination and determination of six alkaloids. In this sensor array, three different G-rich sequences, i.e., G-triplex (G3), G-quadruplex (GQ1), and the G-quadruplex dimer (2GQ1) possessing various peroxidase activities, conjugated with a dopamine aptamer and the dopzymes (G3-d-apt, GQ1-d-apt, and 2GQ1-d-apt) were obtained with an enhanced catalytic performance for the substrate. Through the interactions between six target alkaloids and G3, GQ1, and 2GQ1 regions, the pattern signal (6 alkaloids × 3 dopzymes × 5 replicates) was obtained from the diverse inhibited effect for the dopzyme activity. In virtue of the statistical method principal component analysis (PCA), the data array was projected into a new dimensional space to acquire the three-dimensional (3D) canonical scores and grouped into their respective clusters. The sensor array exhibited an outstanding discrimination and classification capability for six alkaloids with different concentrations with 100% accuracy. In addition, the nonspecific recognition elements of the sensor array showed high selectivity even though other alkaloids with similar structures to targets existed in the samples. Importantly, the levels of the six targets can be analyzed by the most influential discrimination factor, which represented the vector with the highest variance, evidencing that the sensor array has potential in drug screening and clinical treatment.

Regioselective Electrooxidative [3+2] Annulation between Indole and Aniline Derivatives to Construct Functionalized Indolo[2,3-b]indoles.

A protocol for the electrooxidative [3+2] annulation to generate indolo[2,3-b]indoles in an undivided cell is reported. It exhibits good yields with excellent regioselectivities and tolerates various functional groups without external chemical oxidants. Cyclic voltammetry and density functional theory calculations indicate that the [3+2] annulation is initiated by the simultaneous anodic oxidation of indole and aniline derivatives, and the step to determine the rate relies on the combination of radical cations.

Integrated Eu3+ loaded covalent organic framework with smartphone for ratiometric fluorescence detection of tetracycline.

Developing rapid tetracycline sensing system is of great significance to monitor the illegal addition to drugs and pollution to food and ecosystem. By loading covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with Eu3+, a new hybridized material (COF@Eu3+) was prepared for tetracycline determination. Based on the Schiff base reaction, the COFs were by synthesized through solvent evaporation in 30 min at room temperature. Thereafter, Eu3+ was modified into COFs to develop the COF@Eu3+ sensing platform by adsorption and coordination. In presence of tetracycline, tetracycline can displace water molecules and coordinate with Eu3+ through the antenna effect. As a result, the red fluorescence of Eu3+ was enhanced by tetracycline with green fluorescence of COF as a reference. The developed ratiometric fluorescence sensor exhibits a linear range of 0.1-20 µM for detecting tetracycline with a detection limit of 30 nM. Integrated with a smartphone, the rapid tetracycline detection can be realized in situ, which is potential for high-throughput screening of tetracycline contaminated samples. Furthermore, the COF@Eu3+ fluorescence sensor has been successfully applied to the detection of tetracycline in traditional Chinese medicine compound preparation with satisfied recoveries. Therefore, a smartphone-assisted device was successfully developed based on Eu3+-functionalized COF, which is an attractive candidate for further applications of fluorescence sensing and visual detection.

The MYB family and their response to abiotic stress in ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe).

BACKGROUND: Zingiber officinale Roscoe, colloquially known as ginger, is a crop of significant medicinal and culinary value that frequently encounters adversity stemming from inhospitable environmental conditions. The MYB transcription factors have garnered recognition for their pivotal role in orchestrating a multitude of plant biological pathways. Nevertheless, the enumeration and characterization of the MYBs within Z. officinale Roscoe remains unknown. This study embarks on a genome-wide scrutiny of the MYB gene lineage in ginger, with the aim of cataloging all ZoMYB genes implicated in the biosynthesis of gingerols and curcuminoids, and elucidating their potential regulatory mechanisms in counteracting abiotic stress, thereby influencing ginger growth and development. RESULTS: In this study, we identified an MYB gene family comprising 231 members in ginger genome. This ensemble comprises 74 singular-repeat MYBs (1R-MYB), 156 double-repeat MYBs (R2R3-MYB), and a solitary triple-repeat MYB (R1R2R3-MYB). Moreover, a comprehensive analysis encompassing the sequence features, conserved protein motifs, phylogenetic relationships, chromosome location, and gene duplication events of the ZoMYBs was conducted. We classified ZoMYBs into 37 groups, congruent with the number of conserved domains and gene structure analysis. Additionally, the expression profiles of ZoMYBs during development and under various stresses, including ABA, cold, drought, heat, and salt, were investigated in ginger utilizing both RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR analysis. CONCLUSION: This work provides a comprehensive understanding of the MYB family in ginger and lays the foundation for the future investigation of the potential functions of ZoMYB genes in ginger growth, development and abiotic stress tolerance of ginger.

Effect of Jianpi Shengxue Tablet on Iron Metabolism and Nutritional Status in Patients with Renal Anemia: A Prospective, Randomized, Open, Parallel Controlled and Multicenter Clinical Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the clinical efficacy of the Jianpi Shengxue tablet for treating renal anemia. METHODS: A total of 200 patients with renal anemia from December 2020 to December 2022 were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the control group were treated with polysaccharide-iron complex, and those in the experimental group were administered Jianpi Shengxue tablet. After 8 weeks of continuous treatment, the therapeutic outcomes regarding anemia were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit (HCT), reticulocyte percentage (RET), ferritin (SF), serum iron (SI), transferrin saturation (TSAT), and serum albumin (ALB) all increased (P<0.01), and the clinical symptom score and total iron binding capacity decreased (P<0.01) in the experimental group. Moreover, the improvements in RBC, HCT, RET, SF, SI, TAST, ALB, and clinical symptoms (fatigue, anorexia, dull skin complexion, numbness of hands and feet) in the experimental group were significantly greater than those in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate for treating renal anemia was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The Jianpi Shengxue tablet demonstrates efficacy in treating renal anemia, leading to significant improvements in the laboratory examination results and clinical symptoms of patients with renal anemia.

Bu zhong Yiqi Decoction ameliorates mild cognitive impairment by improving mitochondrial oxidative stress damage via the SIRT3/MnSOD/OGG1 pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi Decoction(BZYQD) is a traditional formula commonly used in China, known for its effects in tonifying Qi and raising Yang. It can relieve symptoms of cognitive impairment such as forgetfulness and lack of concentration caused by qi deficiency, which is common in aging and debilitating. However, much of the current research on BZYQD has been focused on its impact on the digestive system, leaving its molecular mechanisms in improving cognitive function largely unexplored. AIM OF THE STUDY: Cognitive decline in the aging central nervous system is intrinsically linked to oxidative damage. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic mechanism of BZYQD in treating mild cognitive impairment caused by qi deficiency, particularly through repair of mitochondrial oxidative damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A rat model of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was established by administering reserpine subcutaneously for two weeks, followed by a two-week treatment with BZYQD/GBE. In vitro experiments were conducted to assess the effects of BZYQD on neuronal cells using a H2O2-induced oxidative damage model in PC12 cells. The open field test and the Morris water maze test evaluated the cognitive and learning memory abilities of the rats. HE staining and TEM were employed to observe morphological changes in the hippocampus and its mitochondria. Mitochondrial activity, ATP levels, and cellular viability were measured using assay kits. Protein expression in the SIRT3/MnSOD/OGG1 pathway was analyzed in tissues and cells through western blotting. Levels of 8-OH-dG in mitochondria extracted from tissues and cells were quantified using ELISA. Mitochondrial morphology in PC12 cells was visualized using Mito Red, and mitochondrial membrane potential was assessed using the JC-1 kit. RESULTS: BZYQD treatment significantly improved cognitive decline caused by reserpine in rats, as well as enhanced mitochondrial morphology and function in the hippocampus. Our findings indicate that BZYQD mitigates mtDNA oxidative damage in rats by modulating the SIRT3/MnSOD/OGG1 pathway. In PC12 cells, BZYQD reduced oxidative damage to mitochondria and mtDNA in H2O2-induced conditions and was associated with changes in the SIRT3/MnSOD/OGG1 pathway. CONCLUSION: BZYQD effectively counteracts reserpine-induced mild cognitive impairment and ameliorates mitochondrial oxidative stress damage through the SIRT3/MnSOD/OGG1 pathway.

The decreased astrocyte-microglia interaction reflects the early characteristics of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease often associated with olfactory dysfunction. Aß is a typical AD hall marker, but Aß-induced molecular alterations in olfactory memory remain unclear. In this study, we used a 5xFAD mouse model to investigate Aß-induced olfactory changes. Results showed that 4-month-old 5xFAD have olfactory memory impairment accompanied by piriform cortex neuron activity decline and no sound or working memory impairment. In addition, synapse and glia functional alteration is consistent across different ages at the proteomic level. Microglia and astrocyte specific proteins showed strong interactions in the conserved co-expression network module. Moreover, this interaction declines only in mild cognitive impairment patients in human postmortem brain proteomic data. This suggests that astrocytes-microglia interaction may play a leading role in the early stage of Aß-induced olfactory memory impairment, and the decreasing of their synergy may accelerate the neurodegeneration.

Citrus pectin protects mice from burn injury by modulating intestinal microbiota, GLP-1 secretion and immune response.

Water-soluble rhamnogalacturonan-I enriched citrus pectin (WRP) has promising effect on antimicrobial defense. We aim to determine whether the modified acidic (A) or neutral (B) WRP solutions can improve intestinal microbial dysbiosis in burn-injured mice. Male Balb/c mice were gavaged with WRPs at 80, 160, 320 mg/kg. Body weight daily for 21 days before exposed to thermal injury of 15 % total body surface area and mortality was monitored. Mice with 80 mg/kg WRPs were also subjected to fecal DNAs and T cell metabonomics analysis, intestinal and plasma glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) detection, plasma defensin, immunoglobin and intestinal barrier examinations at 1 and 3d postburn (p.b.). Burn-induced mortality was only improved by low dose WRP-A (P = 0.039). Both WRPs could prevent the dysbiosis of gut microbiota in burn injury by reducing the expansion of inflammation-promoting bacteria. Both WRPs suppressed ileum GLP-1 production at 1d p.b. (P = 0.002) and plasma GLP-1 levels at 3d p.b. (P = 0.013). Plasma GLP-1 level correlated closely with ileum GLP-1 production (P = 0.019) but negatively with microbiota diversity at 1d p.b. (P = 0.003). Intestinal T cell number was increased by both WRPs in jejunum at 3d p.b. However, the exaggerated splenic T cell metabolism in burn injury was reversed by both WRPs at 1d p.b. The burn-increased plasma defensin ß1 level was only reduced by WRP-B. Similarly, the intestinal barrier permeability was only rescued by WRP-B at 1d p.b. WRP-A rather than WRP-B could reduce burn-induced mortality in mice by suppressing intestinal GLP-1 secretion, restoring gut microbiota dysbiosis and improving adaptive immune response.

HBB contributes to individualized aconitine-induced cardiotoxicity in mice via interfering with ABHD5/AMPK/HDAC4 axis.

The root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. (Fuzi) is an herbal medicine used in China that exerts significant efficacy in rescuing patients from severe diseases. A key toxic compound in Fuzi, aconitine (AC), could trigger unpredictable cardiotoxicities with high-individualization, thus hinders safe application of Fuzi. In this study we investigated the individual differences of AC-induced cardiotoxicities, the biomarkers and underlying mechanisms. Diversity Outbred (DO) mice were used as a genetically heterogeneous model for mimicking individualization clinically. The mice were orally administered AC (0.3, 0.6, 0.9 mg· kg-1 ·d-1) for 7 d. We found that AC-triggered cardiotoxicities in DO mice shared similar characteristics to those observed in clinic patients. Most importantly, significant individual differences were found in DO mice (variation coefficients: 34.08%-53.17%). RNA-sequencing in AC-tolerant and AC-sensitive mice revealed that hemoglobin subunit beta (HBB), a toxic-responsive protein in blood with 89% homology to human, was specifically enriched in AC-sensitive mice. Moreover, we found that HBB overexpression could significantly exacerbate AC-induced cardiotoxicity while HBB knockdown markedly attenuated cell death of cardiomyocytes. We revealed that AC could trigger hemolysis, and specifically bind to HBB in cell-free hemoglobin (cf-Hb), which could excessively promote NO scavenge and decrease cardioprotective S-nitrosylation. Meanwhile, AC bound to HBB enhanced the binding of HBB to ABHD5 and AMPK, which correspondingly decreased HDAC-NT generation and led to cardiomyocytes death. This study not only demonstrates HBB achievement a novel target of AC in blood, but provides the first clue for HBB as a novel biomarker in determining the individual differences of Fuzi-triggered cardiotoxicity.

Degradation protection and enhanced biocompatibility of Mg alloys pretreated with plasma proteins.

After implantation of the Mg alloy in the human body, the adsorption of plasma protein on surface will cause a series of cell reactions and affect the degradation of Mg alloys. Herein, in vitro biological reactions of the ZK60 and AZ31 Mg alloys are analyzed in plasma protein environment. Combined with mass spectrometry analysis of the type of adsorbed proteins, it is shown that proteins such as fibrinogen, vitronectin, fibronectin, and prothrombin are prone to get adsorbed on the surface of the alloys than other proteins, leading to the promotion of MG63 cell adhesion and proliferation. The effect of selected proteins (fibrinogen, fibronectin, and prothrombin) on degradation of ZK60 and AZ31 Mg alloys is investigated using immersion tests. The degradation of AZ31 Mg alloy is significantly restrained with the presence of proteins. This is due to the protein adsorption effect on the sample surface. The molecular dynamics simulation results indicate that both fibrinogen and fibronectin tend to adsorb onto the AZ31 rather than ZK60, forming a stable protein layer on the AZ31 Mg alloy retarding the degradation of the samples. As to ZK60 alloy, the addition of protein inhibits the degradation in the short term, however, the degradation increases after a long time of immersion. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in fibronectin solution.

Neural Network Excitation/Inhibition: A Key to Empathy and Empathy Impairment.

Empathy is an ability to fully understand and feel the mental states of others. We emphasize that empathy is elicited by the transmission of pain, fear, and sensory information. In clinical studies, impaired empathy has been observed in most psychiatric conditions. However, the precise impairment mechanism of the network systems on the pathogenesis of empathy impairment in psychiatric disorders is still unclear. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that disturbances in the excitatory/inhibitory balance in neurologic disorders are key to empathetic impairment in psychiatric disorders. Therefore, we here describe the roles played by the anterior cingulate cortex- and medial prefrontal cortex-dependent neural circuits and their impairments in psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, and autism. In addition, we review recent studies on the role of microglia in neural network excitation/inhibition imbalance, which contributes to a better understanding of the neural network excitation/inhibition imbalance and may open up innovative psychiatric therapies.

Discovery of Novel Diphenyl Acrylonitrile Derivatives That Promote Adult Rats' Hippocampal Neurogenesis.

We previously discovered WS-6 as a new antidepressant in correlation to its function of stimulating neurogenesis. Herein, several different scaffolds (stilbene, 1,3-diphenyl 1-propene, 1,3-diphenyl 2-propene, 1,2-diphenyl acrylo-1-nitrile, 1,2-diphenyl acrylo-2-nitrile, 1,3-diphenyl trimethylamine), further varied through substitutions of twelve amide substituents plus the addition of a methylene unit and an inverted amide, were examined to elucidate the SARs for promoting adult rat neurogenesis. Most of the compounds could stimulate proliferation of progenitors, but just a few chemicals possessing a specific structural profile, exemplified by diphenyl acrylonitrile 29b, 32a, and 32b, showed better activity than the clinical drug NSI-189 in promoting newborn cells differentiation into mature neurons. The most potent diphenyl acrylonitrile 32b had an excellent brain AUC to plasma AUC ratio (B/P = 1.6), suggesting its potential for further development as a new lead.

How brain 'cleaners' fail: Mechanisms and therapeutic value of microglial phagocytosis in Alzheimer's disease.

Microglia are the resident phagocytes of the brain, where they primarily function in the clearance of dead cells and the removal of un- or misfolded proteins. The impaired activity of receptors or proteins involved in phagocytosis can result in enhanced inflammation and neurodegeneration. RNA-seq and genome-wide association studies have linked multiple phagocytosis-related genes to neurodegenerative diseases, while the knockout of such genes has been demonstrated to exert protective effects against neurodegeneration in animal models. The failure of microglial phagocytosis influences AD-linked pathologies, including amyloid ß accumulation, tau propagation, neuroinflammation, and infection. However, a precise understanding of microglia-mediated phagocytosis in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is still lacking. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in microglial phagocytosis in AD across a wide range of pre-clinical, post-mortem, ex vivo, and clinical studies and review the current limitations regarding the detection of microglia phagocytosis in AD. Finally, we discuss the rationale of targeting microglial phagocytosis as a therapeutic strategy for preventing AD or slowing its progression.

Properties and mechanisms of steel slag strengthening microbial cementation of cyanide tailings.

The advantages of microbial induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) as bio-cementation technology for tailings-solidification are under extensive investigation. In order to improve performance of bio-cementation, many strengthening materials were applied to the bio-cementation of tailings. Steel slag (SS) is a kind of industrial solid waste, its chemical composition and mineral composition are similar to cement, and it has a certain application prospect as an auxiliary cementing material. In this study, the properties and mechanism of SS strengthening MICP cementation of cyanide tailings (CT) were investigated. The results showed that Sporosarcina pasteurii growth is not inhibited by SS, and Sporosarcina pasteurii can promote the hydration reaction of SS, providing a suitable alkaline environment and Ca2+, promoting the production of more CaCO3 in the MICP process. When 200 mL of CT leachate was added 1.4 g SS (200-400 mesh), the adsorption of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, total cyanide (T-CN), and free cyanide (F-CN) reached 48.05%, 44.28%, 36.25%, 16.67%, 79.05%, and 67.20%, respectively. The maximum unconfined compressive strength（UCS） of the cemented body (with 5%, 150 mesh SS) was 1.97 MPa, which was 3.396 times as high as that without SS. The cemented body with the addition of SS (5%, 150 mesh) contained more carbonate bound Cu (2.75%), Pb (4.89%), Zn (5.37%), and Cd (5.75%), and less exchangeable Cu (3.65%), Pb (6.85%), Zn (2.27%), and Cd (4.42%) than that without SS. In summary, the addition of SS improved the UCS of cemented bodies and the stability of heavy metals and cyanide, reduced the environmental risks existing in the process of CT storage. Meanwhile, it also provides new ideas for resource utilization of industrial solid waste SS and improvement of mine filling materials.

Distinctive biochemistry profiles associated with hyperuricemia between Tibetans and Hans in China.

Purpose: We sought to identify distinct risk factors for hyperuricemia in native Tibetan and immigrant Han populations in Tibet, China. Methods: Three cohorts of male participants aged between 20 and 40 years were enrolled in this study. Biochemical parameters including serum uric acid (UA), fasting plasma glucose, insulin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), thyroxin, blood cell count, aminotransferase, and lipid profiles were analyzed. The association of risk factors with UA levels was evaluated using a multivariable line regression model. The effect of UA level on the biochemical parameters between the Hans and Tibetans was evaluated by two-way ANOVA. Results: The prevalence of hyperuricemia (≥420 µmol/L) was 24.8% (62/250) in the Hans, similar to 23.8% (29/136) in the Tibetans. In the regression analysis, the risk factors that were significantly associated with UA in Hans did not apply to Tibetans. Tibetans had higher fasting insulin (P<0.05) and LDH (P<0.01) levels, in contrast with lower levels of triglycerides (P<0.05), total cholesterol (P<0.01), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (P<0.01) than Hans in normal UA populations. Biochemistry analysis revealed lower albumin levels (P<0.001) and higher levels of all aminotransaminase and especially alkaline phosphatase (P<0.01) in Tibetans than in Hans in both populations. Compared with Hans, Tibetans had lower serum levels of urea, creatinine, and electrolytes in the normal UA population, which were further exacerbated in the high UA population. Tibetans had comparable white blood cell counts as Hans in both normal and high UA populations. In contrast, the red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration were much lower in Tibetans than in Hans under high UA conditions. Conclusions: The distinctive biochemistry between Tibetans and Hans may underlie the different etiologies of hyperuricemia in Tibet, China.

Cucurbit[7]uril-based carbon dots for recognizing histamine.

Fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were synthesized from cucurbit[7]uril (Q[7]) and 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic (DMPA) by a hydrothermal method. The Q[7]-DMPA complex was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The CQDs showed blue fluorescence, photostability, and ionic strength stability. They were used to detect histamine with a low limit of 2.33 × 10-6 M.

Red Room-Temperature Phosphorescence Supramolecular Assemblies Based on Cucurbit[7]uril: Reversible Temperature Stimulation Response and Cell-Specific Silver Ion Imaging.

Solid-state materials with efficient room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) emission have been widely used in materials science, and organic RTP-emitting systems with heavy-metal doping in aqueous solutions have attracted much attention in recent years. A novel supramolecular interaction was induced by host-guest assembly using cucurbit[7]uril (Q[7]) as the host and brominated naphthalimide phosphor as the guest. This interaction was further enhanced through synergistic chelation stimulated by analytical silver ion complexation. This approach facilitated the system's structural rigidity, intersystem crossing, and oxygen shielding. We achieved deep red phosphorescence emission in aqueous solution and ambient conditions along with quantitative determination of silver ions. The new complex exhibited good reversible thermoresponsive behavior and was successfully applied for the first time to target phosphorescence imaging of silver ions in the mitochondria of A549 cancer cells. These results are beneficial for constructing novel RTP systems with stimulus-responsive luminescence in aqueous solution, contributing to future research in bioimaging, detection, optical sensors, and thermometry materials.

Clusterin is a Potential Therapeutic Target in Alzheimer's Disease.

In recent years, Clusterin, a glycosylated protein with multiple biological functions, has attracted extensive research attention. It is closely associated with the physiological and pathological states within the organism. Particularly in Alzheimer's disease (AD) research, Clusterin plays a significant role in the disease's occurrence and progression. Numerous studies have demonstrated a close association between Clusterin and AD. Firstly, the expression level of Clusterin in the brain tissue of AD patients is closely related to pathological progression. Secondly, Clusterin is involved in the deposition and formation of ß-amyloid, which is a crucial process in AD development. Furthermore, Clusterin may affect the pathogenesis of AD through mechanisms such as regulating inflammation, controlling cell apoptosis, and clearing pathological proteins. Therefore, further research on the relationship between Clusterin and AD will contribute to a deeper understanding of the etiology of this neurodegenerative disease and provide a theoretical basis for developing early diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for AD. This also makes Clusterin one of the research focuses as a potential biomarker for AD diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

Metal Cation-Doped ns-Cucurbit[10]uril: Adsorption of Para-Phenylenediamine.

The separation of phenylenediamine (PDA) isomers is crucial in the field of chemical manufacturing. Herein, we presented a strategy for the separation of PDA isomers (para-phenylenediamine, p-PDA; meta-phenylenediamine, m-PDA; ortho-phenylenediamine, o-PDA) using four supramolecular framework materials of ns-cucurbit[10]uril (ns-Q[10]), (1) ns-Q[10](Cd), (2) ns-Q[10](Mn), (3) ns-Q[10](Cu), (4) ns-Q[10](Pb). Our findings indicated that these supramolecular framework materials of ns-Q[10] showed remarkable selectivity for para-phenylenediamine (p-PDA) in p-PDA, m-PDA, and o-PDA mixtures, respectively. The variations in selectivity observed in these four single-crystal structures arose from variations in the thermodynamic stabilities and binding modes of the host-guest complexes. Importantly, the supramolecular framework based on ns-Q[10] exhibited selective accommodation of p-PDA over its isomers. This study highlighted the practical application of ns-Q[10] in effectively separating PDA isomers and demonstrated the potential utility of ns-Q[10] in isolating other organic molecules.