Tailoring the Solid-State Fluorescence of BODIPY by Supramolecular Assembly with Polyoxometalates.

A cationic boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) derivative () has been successfully combined with two polyoxometalates (POMs), the Lindqvist-type [WO] and the β-[MoO] units, into three new supramolecular fluorescent materials , , and . The resulting hybrid compounds have been fully characterized by a combination of single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR and UV-vis spectroscopies, and photoluminescence analyses. This self-assembly approach prevents any π-π stacking interactions not only between the BODIPY units, responsible for aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) effects, but also between the BODIPY and the POMs, avoiding intermolecular charge-transfer effects.

New Robust Luminescent Supramolecular Assemblies Based on [Ln(MoO)] (Ln = Eu, Sm) Polyoxometalates.

This work highlights for the first time the photoluminescence (PL) properties of two new [Ln(MoO)] (Ln = Eu, Sm) lanthanide-containing polyoxometalates. Stable crystals of their tetrabutylammonium salts were synthesized, and their structures were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The robustness of the [Ln(MoO)] complexes in an acetonitrile solution has been evidenced by Fourier transform Raman and PL spectroscopies.

Strong Solid-state Luminescence Enhancement in Supramolecular Assemblies of Polyoxometalate and "Aggregation-Induced Emission"-active Phospholium.

Two new supramolecular fluorescent hybrid materials, combining for the first time [M O ] (M=Mo, W) polyoxometalates (POMs) and aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active 1-methyl-1,2,3,4,5-pentaphenyl-phospholium (1 ), were successfully synthesized. This novel molecular self-assembling strategy allows designing efficient solid-state emitters, such as (1) [W O ], by directing favorably the balance between the AIE and aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) effects using both anion-π and H-bonding interactions in the solid state. Combined single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Raman, UV-vis and photoluminescence analyses highlighted that the nucleophilic oxygen-enriched POM surfaces strengthened the rigidity of the phospholium via strong C-H⋅⋅⋅O contacts, thereby exalting its solid-state luminescence.

The food contaminant semicarbazide acts as an endocrine disrupter: Evidence from an integrated in vivo/in vitro approach.

Semicarbazide (SEM) is a by-product of the blowing agent azodicarbonamide, present in glass jar-sealed foodstuffs mainly baby foods. The pleiotropic in vivo SEM toxicological effects suggested to explore its possible role as endocrine modulator. Endocrine effects of SEM were assessed in vivo in male and female rats after oral administration for 28 days at 0, 40, 75, 140mg/kg bw pro die during the juvenile period.

Estrogen-like effect of a Cimicifuga racemosa extract sub-fraction as assessed by in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro assays.

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is used in the treatment of painful menstruation and menopausal symptoms. Data about the nature of the active compounds and mechanism(s) of action are still controversial, chiefly with respect to its estrogenic activity. This work aimed to assess the possible estrogenic activity of a commercial dry hydro-alcoholic extract of C.

Quercetin reduces chromosome aberrations induced by atrazine in the Allium cepa test.

Quercetin is a widely distributed plant flavonoid possessing a variety of chemical and biological activities, including chelation, free-radical scavenging, and antioxidant activity. Atrazine is a selective triazine herbicide that has been the subject of an international revision program for human and ecological health risks because of its persistence in the environment. In a previous study, we demonstrated that atrazine was clastogenic in the Allium cepa test.

The antimutagenic activity of Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) essential oil in the bacterial reverse mutation assay.

Essential oils from Melaleuca alternifolia (tea-tree oil) and Lavandula angustifolia (lavender oil) are commonly used to treat minor health problems. Tea-tree oil possesses broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, and is increasingly used for skin problems. Lavender oil, traditionally used as an antiseptic agent, is now predominantly used as a relaxant, carminative, and sedative in aromatherapy.

Clastogenicity of atrazine assessed with the Allium cepa test.

Atrazine is classified as a restricted use pesticide and it is currently included in an international revision program for re-evaluating the human and ecological (non-human populations) health risks associated with its release into the environment. The present study was undertaken to add new data on the genotoxic potential of atrazine using the Allium cepa chromosome aberration test. The test concentrations were based on the Maximum Contaminant Levels in water intended for human consumption set by European and US regulations.

Evaluation of brominated diphenyl ether-99 toxicity with Raphidocelis subcapitata and Daphnia magna.

Brominated flame retardants belong to a new class of environmental contaminants. To obtain new information regarding the effects of 2,2',4,4',5-brominated diphenyl ether (BDE-99), one of the most frequently reported congeners in freshwater biota, the inhibition of algal growth of Raphidocelis subcapitara (also known as Selenastrum capricornutum) and acute toxicity to Daphnia magna were examined. The experimental design also involved a comparison with the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) Aroclor 1254.

In vitro assessment of mutagenicity and clastogenicity of BDE-99, a pentabrominated diphenyl ether flame retardant.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are widely used as flame retardants, are considered persistent organic pollutants. To date, the available toxicological data on PBDEs are limited and were primarily obtained by studying technical blends. The present study was undertaken to investigate the genotoxicity of the pure congener 2,2',4,4',5-brominated diphenyl ether (BDE-99), one of the major isomers present in penta-commercial products.

Biologic activity of the tachykinins on lamb and sheep gallbladder.

In this study, we examined the activity of the tachykinins (TKs) on lamb and sheep isolated gallbladder and whether the TKs are involved in the capsaicin-induced activity in these tissues. Substance P (SP) and physalaemin (PHYS) contracted lamb gallbladder, PHYS-induced striking tachyphylaxis. This tissue was nearly insensitive to neurokinin A (NKA), neurokinin B (NKB), septide, and capsaicin.

Tachykinin-independent activity of capsaicin on in-vitro lamb detrusor.

The capsicum alkaloid capsaicin is an afferent fibre exciter. In the vesical bladder, capsaicin acts by releasing peptides stored in afferent fibres. The aim of this work was to verify the activity of capsaicin on in-vitro lamb urinary bladder and to ascertain whether this alkaloid evokes peptide release.

The controversial efficacy of vitamin E for human male infertility.

Vitamin E (VE) is major lipophilic chain-breaking antioxidant which protects tissue polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) against peroxidation, a property that could be beneficial in the male reproductive physiology because the membranes of germ cells and spermatozoa are very sensitive to oxidation because of their high content of PUFA. Some of the available data on the efficacy of VE as an oral drug for male infertility or as an additive during in vitro manipulations of spermatozoa were reviewed here, observing that they are often contradictory, possibly because: (1) antioxidant therapy could be ineffective in certain studies not concentrated on men in whom oxidative stress is implicated as an infertility factor, and (2) the VE antioxidant therapy is a double-edged sword strictly depending on the dosage or the in vitro concentration of the vitamin. Thus, further laboratory and clinical studies with better-defined experimental conditions should be performed to establish the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of VE for human male infertility.

Cyclo-oxygenase- and capsaicin-sensitive afferent fibres affect Beta-adrenoceptor-evoked response in the rat urinary bladder.

As reported previously, the beta-adrenoceptor-evoked response in the in vitro rabbit detrusor is inhibited by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Prostaglandins can restore this response. This study was designed to better define physiological influences on beta-adrenoceptors in the urinary bladder and to ascertain whether the observations made in the rabbit urinary bladder in vitro were valid in vivo, as well as in a different animal species, i.

Effects of natural tachykinins on ovine lower urinary tract smooth muscle.

1. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the urinary bladder is particularly sensitive to tachykinins; rat, rabbit and guinea pig bladders, besides human detrusor, have been the most extensively studied, whereas very little is known about most large animal detrusors. The aim of this work was to study natural tachykinin activity on the lower urinary tract of ovine to make a comparison with data obtained in laboratory animals.

Pharmaco-toxicological screening of commercially available Italian natural mineral waters.

The consumption of natural mineral water has increased enormously during the past few years, yet doubts are arising about the real utility of using such water instead of ordinary drinking water (tap water). Mineral water's 'special' mineral composition might have properties favourable to health, which should be assessed by clinical and pharmacological analyses. A comparative pharmaco-toxicological study was performed on 14 commercially available Italian natural mineral waters with a wide range of mineral content.

Interactions between A-9THC and capsaicin on isolated lamb bladder detrusor.

A number of studies have demonstrated that capsaicin, a capsicum alkaloid, can affect isolated bladder tissue with either a relaxation or a contraction, depending on the species, by acting on VR1 receptors. In a previous work on isolated lamb detrusor, we demonstrated that capsaicin generally produces a relaxation of the tissue; this relaxation seems to be mediated by CGRP. Endogenous cannabinoids, such as anandamide, produce some of their actions by stimulating VR1 receptors and this seems to cause the release of peptides, e.

Toxicological evaluation of commercial mineral water bottled in polyethylene terephthalate: a cytogenetic approach with Allium cepa.

The aim of this study was to ascertain the possible toxicological effects of chemicals released into mineral water packaged in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. Two commercial mineral waters, bottled both in PET and glass and stored under different conditions, were examined using the Allium cepa test. The influence of the water samples on macroscopic (root length, colour and form) and microscopic (root tip mitotic index, chromosome aberrations) parameters was examined.

Effects of natural tachykinins on porcine lower urinary tract smooth muscle.

1. The aim of our study was to ascertain the possible differences and/or similarities in natural tachykinin activity in vitro on lower urinary tract of large-sized animals as compared with data obtained in laboratory animals. 2.

Response to isoprenaline of rabbit detrusor muscle following exposure to 5, 8, 11, 14 eicosatetraynoic acid. Role of prostanoids on beta-adrenergic-evoked response.

1. Incubation with indomethacin or ibuprofen causes a fall in basal tone and inhibits isoprenaline-evoked response in rabbit detrusor muscle strips. To ascertain whether this is due to cyclo-oxygenase inhibition, we investigated the influence on beta-adrenoceptor response of 5, 8, 11, 14 eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA) which, unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, has no action in vitro other than cyclo-oxygenase inhibition.

Response to isoproterenol of rabbit detrusor strips following exposure to NSAIDs.

To ascertain whether NSAIDs affect the physiological mechanisms involved in bladder detrusor muscle motility we investigated the influence of indomethacin, ibuprofen and acetyl salicylic acid on the beta-adrenergic-evoked response in isolated male-rabbit detrusor strips. Incubation with indomethacin for 60 min significantly reduced the tissue response to isoproterenol (up to 10.8+/-4.

Sequence analysis of a 40.2 kb DNA fragment located near the left telomere of yeast chromosome X.

We have sequenced on both strands a 40,257 bp fragment located near the left telomere of chromosome X of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The sequenced segment contains 21 open reading frames (ORFs) at least 100 amino acids long. Five of the ORFs correspond to known amino acid sequences: two hypothetical proteins in the subtelomeric Y' repeat region of 65.

Complete DNA sequence of yeast chromosome XI.

The complete DNA sequence of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome XI has been determined. In addition to a compact arrangement of potential protein coding sequences, the 666,448-base-pair sequence has revealed general chromosome patterns; in particular, alternating regional variations in average base composition correlate with variations in local gene density along the chromosome. Significant discrepancies with the previously published genetic map demonstrate the need for using independent physical mapping criteria.

DNA sequencing of a 36.2 kb fragment located between the FAS1 and LAP loci of chromosome XI of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

We have completely sequenced on both strands a continuous DNA segment of 36.2 kb located on the left arm of Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome XI. Sequence analysis reveals the presence of 20 open reading frames (ORFs) at least 100 amino acids long.