LCoRL Regulates Growth and Metabolism.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in humans and livestock have identified genes associated with metabolic traits. However, the causality of many of these genes on metabolic homeostasis is largely unclear due to a lack of detailed functional analyses. Here we report ligand-dependent corepressor-like (LCoRL) as a metabolic regulator for body weight and glucose homeostasis.

"The Sulfur Dance" Around Arenes and Heteroarenes - the Reversible Nature of Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitutions.

We disclose the features of a category of reversible nucleophilic aromatic substitutions in view of their significance and generality in dynamic aromatic chemistry. Exchange of sulfur components surrounding arenes and heteroarenes may occur at 25 °C, in a process that one may call a "sulfur dance". These SAr systems present their own features, apart from common reversible reactions utilized in dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC).

Hybrid CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dot-Gold Nanoparticle Composites Assembled by Click Chemistry: Toward Affordable and Efficient Redox Photocatalysts Working with Visible Light.

A new modular, easy-to-synthesize photocatalyst was prepared by assembling colloidal CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QD) and gold nanoparticles (AuNP) via their ligands thanks to copper-catalyzed azide to alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) click chemistry. The resulting composite (QD-AuNP) photocatalyst was tested with a benchmark photoredox system previously reported by our group, for which QD alone acted as a photocatalyst but with a modest quantum yield (QY = 0.06%) and turnover number (TON = 350 in 3 h) due to poor charge separation.

Phenothiazine functionalized fulleropyrrolidines: synthesis, charge transport and applications to organic solar cells.

A series of phenothiazine-C dyads containing fulleropyrrolidine tethered to C-3 position (C-PTZ and C-PTZ) or to the heteroatom N-position via either phenyl (C-Ph-PTZ and C-Ph-PTZ) or phenoxyethyl linkers (C-PhOEt-PTZ and C-PhOEt-PTZ) of the phenothiazine were synthesized and light-induced electron transfer events were explored. Optimized studies suggested that the highest molecular orbital (HOMO) resides on donor phenothiazine moiety while lowest molecular orbital (LUMO) on the acceptor fulleropyrrolidine moiety of the dyads. Optical and electrochemical properties suggested no electronic communication between the donor and acceptor moieties in the ground state.

Persulfurated Benzene-Cored Asterisks with π-Extended ThioNaphthyl Arms: Synthesis, Structural, Photophysical and Covalent Dynamic Properties.

The synthesis of regioisomeric asterisks (5) and (6) incorporating a benzene core with six 1-naphthylthio or six 2-naphthylthio arms are reported in search for new materials with optoelectronic properties. The consequences on the extension of a π system surrounding a persulfurated benzene core provide a new avenue to study the structural, photophysical, and chemical properties of such family of all-organic phosphors. It also diverts the persulfuration mechanism after two radical cyclizations for making a [5]dithiohelicene by-product (7) and favors dynamic sulfur component exchange reactions surrounding the core.

The G209R mutant mouse as a model for human PCSK1 polyendocrinopathy.

PCSK1 encodes an enzyme required for prohormone maturation into bioactive peptides. A striking number of SNPs and rare mutations in PCSK1 are associated with a range of clinical phenotypes. Infants bearing two copies of a catalytically inactivating mutation, such as G209R, exhibit life-threatening chronic diarrhea and subsequently develop systemic endocrinopathies.

Single source precursor route to nanometric tin chalcogenides.

Low-temperature solution phase synthesis of nanomaterials using designed molecular precursors enjoys tremendous advantages over traditional high-temperature solid-state synthesis. These include atomic-level control over stoichiometry, homogeneous elemental dispersion and uniformly distributed nanoparticles. For exploiting these advantages, however, rationally designed molecular complexes having certain properties are usually required.

Coinage Metal Complexes with Di-tertiary-butyl Sulfide as Precursors with Ultra-Low Decomposition Temperature.

We report here the synthesis of [Cu (TFA) ( Bu S) ] (1), [Ag (TFA) ( Bu S) ] (2) and [AuCl( Bu S)] (3) (TFA=trifluoroacetate), which decompose in solution medium at ultra-low temperature (e. g., in boiling toluene) to afford phase-pure and highly crystalline Cu S , Ag S and metallic Au nanoparticles, respectively.

Mice lacking PC1/3 expression in POMC-expressing cells do not develop obesity.

Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons form an integral part of the central melanocortin system regulating food intake and energy expenditure. Genetic and pharmacological studies have revealed that defects in POMC synthesis, processing, and receptor signaling lead to obesity. It is well established that POMC is extensively processed by a series of enzymes, including prohormone convertases PC1/3 and PC2, and that genetic insufficiency of both PC1/3 and POMC is strongly associated with obesity risk.

Molecules versus Nanoparticles: Identifying a Reactive Molecular Intermediate in the Synthesis of Ternary Coinage Metal Chalcogenides.

The identification of reactive intermediates during molecule-to-nanoparticle (NP) transformation has great significance in comprehending the mechanism of NP formation and, therefore, optimizing the synthetic conditions and properties of the formed products. We report here the room temperature (RT) synthesis of AgCuSe NPs from the reaction of di--butyl selenide with trifluoroacetates (TFA) of silver(I) and copper(II). The isolation and characterization of a molecular species during the course of this reaction, [AgCu(TFA)(BuSe)] (), which shows extraordinary reactivity and interesting thermochromic behavior (blue at 0 °C and green at RT), confirmed that ternary metal selenide NPs are formed via this intermediate species.

Room-temperature conversion of CuSe to CuAgSe nanoparticles to enhance the photocatalytic performance of their composites with TiO.

Rational design and precise engineering are needed to optimize the structural and chemical parameters of functional materials. In this work, we demonstrate how pre-formed binary metal selenides can be an excellent synthetic choice for the synthesis of ternary coinage metal selenide nanoparticles (NPs) with controlled composition. The mild conditions required to obtain these ternary coinage metal selenide NPs offered an easy synthesis of n% CuAgSe-TiO2 (n = 0.

Spinal Tumors and Tumor-like Masses: Relevance of Initial Imaging, Karnofsky Performance Status, Age, Location, and Cord Edema.

Objective: The aim of this study is to know the relevance of initial imaging, Karnofsky performance status,age,location and cord edema for future score development for radiologists.

Methods: The present study was carried out on total of 32 patients who visited SRN Hospital and Kriti scanning centre between August 2009 to February 2019. General and systemic examination was done.

Precursor-mediated synthesis of CuSe nanoparticles and their composites with TiO for improved photocatalysis.

The direct synthesis of copper selenide nanoparticles from the reaction of ditertiarybutyl selenide tBu2Se with copper(ii) trifluoroacetate Cu(TFA)2 under mild conditions is reported. The isolation of a molecular species during the course of this reaction, established as [Cu2(TFA)2(tBu2Se)3], by spectroscopic studies and single crystal X-ray structure analysis, confirmed that metal selenide NPs are formed via this intermediate species containing a reduced copper center. Extending this reaction in the presence of commercial TiO2 (P25) offered an easy synthesis of copper selenide-titania nanocomposites with different Cu/Ti ratios.

Improvement in sperm functional competence through modified low-dose packaging in French mini straws of bull semen.

To achieve the targeted artificial insemination coverage with the current rate of semen production, without affecting the conception rate, it needs to reduce the number of spermatozoa per insemination dose in India as per international practice. Therefore, this study was planned to perform different levels of semen dilution, compare in vitro post-thaw semen quality and develop a modified low-dose semen packaging method in French mini straw to minimise semen dilution effect. Sixteen ejaculates were collected from Karan Fries bulls (n = 4).

A study of pulmonary function in end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The aim here was to study acute effects of hemodialysis among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients.

Design And Setting: Prospective study in tertiary-level care center.

Methods: Fifty ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis were studied.

Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Stable SPES/SPANI Composite Polymer Electrolyte Membranes by Enriched Ionic Nanochannels.

Herein, we present the results of sulfonated polyaniline (SPANI) and sulfonated poly(ether sulfone) (SPES) composite polymer electrolyte membranes. The membranes are established for high-temperature proton conductivity and methanol permeability to render their applicability. Composite membranes have been prepared by modifying the SPES matrix with different concentrations of SPANI (e.

Biochemical analysis of uterine fluid for identification of indicators for subclinical endometritis in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

Alterations in biochemical constituents of uterine fluid have been suggested for diagnosis of subclinical uterine infection in the bovine. This study was undertaken to investigate whether uterine fluid biomolecules could act as tool for diagnosis of subclinical endometritis in the buffalo. Uterine fluid samples from normal (n = 22) and subclinical endometritis (n = 18; diagnosed based on uterine cytology)-affected buffaloes were subjected to biochemical analysis.

Effect of Menstrual Cycle Phases on Plasma Lipid and Lipoprotein Levels in Regularly Menstruating Women.

Introduction: Physiological cyclic variability in levels of sex hormones during a menstrual cycle may possibly have an impact on lipids, lipoprotein levels and therefore on cardiovascular health status of females.

Aim: To ascertain the effect of menstrual cycle phases on the levels of cardiovascular risk predictors i.e.

Spermatozoa with high mitochondrial membrane potential and low tyrosine phosphorylation preferentially bind to oviduct explants in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

Although it is understood that spermatozoa are subjected to selection processes to form a functional sperm reservoir in the oviduct, the mechanism remains obscure. With the aim to understand the sperm selection process in the oviduct, in the present in vitro study, we analyzed mitochondrial membrane potential and tyrosine phosphorylation status in oviduct-explants bound and unbound spermatozoa. Frozen semen from Murrah buffalo bulls (n=10) used under progeny testing programme were utilized for the study.

Heme Oxygenase-1 Deficiency Diminishes Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Clearance Due to Reduced TLR9 Expression in Pleural Mesothelial Cells.

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) cause pneumonia and empyema thoraces. TLR9 activation provides protection against bacterial infections and Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is known to enhance host innate immunity against bacterial infections. However, it is still unclear whether HO-1 regulates TLR-9 expression in the pleura and modulates the host innate defenses during MRSA empyema.

Efficiency of uterine fluid cytology in the diagnosis of subclinical endometritis in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

This study compared endometrial cytology vis-a-vis uterine fluid cytology for assessment of uterine health in clinically normal and subclinical endometritis (SE)-affected buffaloes. Uterine fluid samples and endometrial samples were collected from the buffaloes (n = 38) at oestrus using blue sheath and cytobrush, respectively. The smears were stained with Field stain for 3 minutes, and a minimum of 400 cells were counted in each smear for determination of the percentage of polymorphonuclear (PMN) leucocyte.

Cubic mesoporous Ag@CN: a high performance humidity sensor.

The fabrication of highly responsive, rapid response/recovery and durable relative humidity (%RH) sensors that can precisely monitor humidity levels still remains a considerable challenge for realizing the next generation humidity sensing applications. Herein, we report a remarkably sensitive and rapid %RH sensor having a reversible response using a nanocasting route for synthesizing mesoporous g-CN (commonly known as g-CN). The 3D replicated cubic mesostructure provides a high surface area thereby increasing the adsorption, transmission of charge carriers and desorption of water molecules across the sensor surfaces.

Isolation of genes conferring salt tolerance from Piriformospora indica by random overexpression in Escherichia coli.

Piriformospora indica, a root endophytic fungus identified in the Indian Thar desert, colonizes the roots of plants and provides resistance towards biotic stress as well as tolerance to abiotic stress in the plants. Despite its positive impact on the host, little is known about the P. indica genes that are involved in salt stress tolerance.

Dramatic improvement in water retention and proton conductivity in electrically aligned functionalized CNT/SPEEK nanohybrid PEM.

Nanohybrid membranes of electrically aligned functionalized carbon nanotube f CNT with sulfonated poly ether ether ketone (SPEEK) have been successfully prepared by solution casting. Functionalization of CNTs was done through a carboxylation and sulfonation route. Further, a constant electric field (500 V·cm(-2)) has been applied to align CNTs in the same direction during the membrane drying process.