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Multinuclear (di/tri) copper(II) complexes bridged through hydroxyl groups are very interesting coordination complexes owing to their potential applications in various fields. In this work, three novel dinuclear (μ-hydroxo)-bridged copper(II) complexes in the crystal form, namely, [Cu 2 (3,5-DIFLB) 2 (H 2 tea ) 2 ](H 2 O) (1), [Cu 2 (4-ClB) 2 (H 2 tea ) 2 ](H 2 O) (2), and [Cu 2 (4-ETHB) 2 (H 2 tea ) 2 ](H 2 O) 2 (3) (where DIFLB = difluorobenzoate, CLB = chlorobenzoate, ETHB = ethoxybenzoate, and H 3 tea = triethanolamine), were isolated at room temperature using methanol and water in a 4 : 1 v/v ratio as a solvent. Furthermore, all three complexes (1-3) were characterised using spectroscopic (UV-vis, DRS, and FT-IR), electrochemical (CV) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Structural insights gained by packing analysis revealed the role of steric constraints of substituents and various non-covalent interactions in lattice stabilization, which were indeed supported by theoretical and molecular electrostatic potential illustrations. Hirshfeld surface analysis provided quantitative verification about various non-covalent interactions (interatomic contacts) involved in the packing of molecules. Interestingly, as a potential application, complexes 1-3 all exhibited remarkable visible light-mediated photo-Fenton degradation of approximately 98% for 50 ppm concentration of organic dyes (fuchsin basic (FB) and methyl orange (MO)) in 90 minutes with the optimized conditions of 1 mg mL -1 of dye solution. In all the cases, dye degradation by these materials was ascribed to the symbiotic relations among the molecular structures of complexes 1-3, which were endowed with various electron-withdrawing and electron-releasing substituents and ionic strength, with respect to the structure, shape and interacting patterns of dye molecules. The adsorption mechanism indicates that various weak interactions between the donor and acceptor groups of complexes and dyes, such as electrostatic, hydrogen bonding, and direct coordination to metal sites, play a crucial role, which is confirmed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Theoretical studies by DFT-based descriptors, molecular electrostatic potentials, and band gaps provided deep insights into various electronic and reactivity parameters. For subsequent processes of dye degradation, complexes 1-3 were stable and recoverable. The successful integration of experimental and theoretical approaches sheds light on copper-based dinuclear stable coordination complexes, showcasing a significant step towards the development of novel heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalysts.

We have prepared and characterized three coordination polymers formulated as [Dy 2 (C 6 O 4 Cl 2 ) 3 (fma) 6 ] ⋅ 4.5fma (1) and [Dy 2 (C 6 O 4 X 2 ) 3 (fma) 6 ] ⋅ 4fma ⋅ 2H 2 O with X=Br (2) and Cl (3), where fma=formamide and C 6 O 4 X 2 2- =3,6-disubstituted-2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone dianion with X=Cl (chloranilato) and Br (bromanilato). Compounds 1 and 3 are solvates obtained with slow and fast precipitation methods, respectively. Compounds 2 and 3 are isostructural and only differ in the X group of the anilato ligand. The three compounds present (6,3)-gon two-dimensional hexagonal honey-comb structures. Magnetic measurements indicate that the three compounds show slow relaxation of the magnetization at low temperatures when a continuous magnetic field is applied, although with different relaxation times and energy barriers depending on X and the crystallisation molecules. Compounds 1-3 represent the first examples of anilato-based lattices with formamide and field-induced slow relaxation of the magnetization., (© 2024 The Authors. Chemistry - A European Journal published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are neurodevelopmental conditions characterised by deficits in social communication and interaction and repetitive behaviours. Maternal immune activation (MIA) during the mid-pregnancy is a known risk factor for ASD. Although reported in 15% of affected individuals, little is known about the specificity of their clinical profiles. Adaptive skills represent a holistic approach to a person's competencies and reflect specifically in ASD, their strengths and difficulties. In this study, we hypothesised that ASD individual with a history of MIA (MIA + ) could be more severely socio-adaptively impaired than those without MIA during pregnancy (MIA - ). To answer this question, we considered two independent cohorts of individuals with ASD (PARIS study and FACE ASD) screened for pregnancy history, and used supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms. We included 295 mother-child dyads with 14% of them with MIA + . We found that ASD-MIA + individuals displayed more severe maladaptive behaviors, specifically in their socialization abilities. MIA + directly influenced individual's socio-adaptive skills, independent of other covariates, including ASD severity. Interestingly, MIA + affect persistently the socio-adaptive behavioral trajectories of individuals with ASD. The current study has a retrospective design with possible recall bias regarding the MIA event and, even if pooled from two cohorts, has a relatively small population. In addition, we were limited by the number of covariables available potentially impacted socio-adaptive behaviors. Larger prospective study with additional dimensions related to ASD is needed to confirm our results. Specific pathophysiological pathways may explain these clinical peculiarities of ASD- MIA + individuals, and may open the way to new perspectives in deciphering the phenotypic complexity of ASD and for the development of specific immunomodulatory strategies., (© 2023. Springer Nature Limited.)

We exploit the high versatility of the solvent ethylene glycol (eg = CH 2 OH-CH 2 OH) acting as a ligand with three different coordination modes: terminal (κ O ), chelate (κ 2 O,O' ), and bridge (1κ O ,2κ O' ) to prepare a novel family of six different coordination polymers with Dy III and three different anilato ligands (3,6-disubstituted-2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone dianion = C 6 O 4 X 2 2- , with X = H, Cl, and Br). With the X = H derivative (dhbq 2- ), we have prepared [Dy 2 (dhbq) 3 (eg) 2 (μ-eg)]·4eg·2H 2 O ( 1 ), a 3D diamond-like network with a chelate and bridging eg molecules. With the X = Cl derivative (chloranilato), we have prepared [Dy 2 (C 6 O 4 Cl 2 ) 3 (eg) 4 ]·2eg·H 2 O ( 2 ) and [Dy 2 (C 6 O 4 Cl 2 ) 3 (μ-eg)(H 2 O) 4 ]·2eg·7H 2 O ( 3 ). Compound 2 has a 2D (6,3)-gon brick-wall lattice and contains a chelate and a terminal eg molecule. Compound 3 has a 3D diamond-like topology as 1 , although now the chelate eg has been replaced by two water molecules. Finally, with the X = Br derivative (bromanilato), we have obtained [Dy 2 (C 6 O 4 Br 2 ) 3 (eg) 2 (CH 3 OH) 2 ]·2eg·4CH 3 OH ( 4 ), [Dy 2 (C 6 O 4 Br 2 ) 3 (eg) 4 ]·4eg ( 5 ), and [Dy 2 (C 6 O 4 Br 2 ) 3 (eg) 3 (H 2 O)]·2eg·H 2 O ( 6 ). Compound 4 has a 2D (6,3)-gon herringbone topology and contains a chelate eg and a MeOH molecule. Compounds 5 and 6 have a 2D (6,3)-gon brick-wall topology with a chelate and a terminal eg molecules (in 5 and in one of the two independent Dy centers of 6 ). The other Dy center in 6 has a chelate eg and a water molecule. All the compounds show slow relaxation of the magnetization at low temperatures (in compounds 1 , 2 , and 5 with no applied DC field). The magnetization of compounds 1 - 6 relaxes through Orbach and direct mechanisms when a DC field is applied and through an Orbach and/or quantum tunneling mechanism when no DC field is applied., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2023 American Chemical Society.)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a very heterogeneous disorder. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) comorbidity, frequent in ASD, could be useful to define a specific ASD subtype. Our objective was to explore if adults with ASD and comorbid OCD could present a specific clinical profile of ASD in 89 high functioning-adult ASD patients. We found that adults with ASD and comorbid OCD showed a lower verbal IQ and a more severe impairments in social cognition. ASD with comorbid OCD present a specific clinical profile which could constitute a possible subtype of ASD., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The synthesis, characterization, crystal structure and detailed magnetic properties of a pyrazine (pyz) and azido (N 3 ) bridged cobalt(II) compound of formula [Co(N 3 ) 2 (pyz)] (1) are reported. Compound 1 shows a layered structure formed by Co(II) chains with double μ-N 3 (κN 1 ,N 1 ) bridges that are further connected by μ-(pyrazine-κN 1 ,N 4 ) bridges. The layers present weak van der Waals interactions between azido terminal groups. The magnetic properties show the presence of a metamagnetic behaviour in 1 with two critical fields of 200 and 400 mT at low temperatures. AC magnetic measurements show the presence of a long-range 2D ferromagnetic order at T c ≈ 8.0-7.0 K for dc fields above 200 mT and a long-range 3D ferromagnetic order at T c ≈ 4.5 K for dc fields above 400 mT.

Background: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, AscH2) has been shown to enhance immunity. Here, we studied its immunomodulatory effect on human endothelial cells (ECs) during S. aureus infection., Materials and Methods: The ex vivo effects of AscH2 were performed on primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) infected or not with S. aureus., Results: AscH2 treatment induced a marked downregulation of nitric oxide (NO) production and a moderate upregulation of arginase activity in S. aureus-infected HUVECs (respectively, p < 0.05 and p > 0.05). Although the upregulated release levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecular 1 (sICAM-1/sCD54) and sE-selectin (sCD62E) molecules were not significantly different between treated and untreated S. aureus-infected HUVECs, AscH2 treatment induced reversing effect on sICAM-1 release when comparing to uninfected control HUVECs. Moreover, AscH2 treatment appears to have a significant effect on preventing HUVEC necrosis induced by S. aureus infection (p < 0.05). Furthermore, AscH2 treatment induced a significant upregulation of cell protective redox biomarker in S. aureus-infected, as shown by superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (p < 0.05), but not by catalase activity (p > 0.05). Additionally, S. aureus infection markedly downregulated total bound calcium ions ( b Ca 2+ ) levels as compared to control HUVECs, whereas, AscH2 treatment induced a slight upregulation of b Ca 2+ levels in infected HUVECs as compared to infected and untreated HUVECs (p > 0.05). On the other hand, AscH2 treatment downregulated increased total cellular cholesterol content ( tcc CHOL) levels in HUVECs induced by S. aureus infection (p < 0.05). In addition, AscH2 treatment markedly reversed S. aureus effect on upregulation of intracellular glucose ( i GLU) levels within infected HUVECs (p < 0.05). Moreover, AscH2 treatment significantly downregulated S. aureus growth (p < 0.05), and significantly upregulated bacterial internalization and intracellular killing by HUVECs (p < 0.05), as well as their cell cycle activation (p < 0.01). Finally, AscH2 treatment has a slight effect on the production of interleukin 6 (IL-6), but induced a marked downregulation of that of IL-1β in S. aureus-infected HUVECs (respectively, p > 0.05, and p < 0.05)., Conclusions: Our outcomes demonstrated that, during S. aureus infection, AscH2 treatment promotes human ECs survival and function, as well as prevents inflammatory response exacerbation, while inducing bactericidal activity., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Herein, a new 2-dimensional coordination polymer based on copper (II), {Cu 2 (L)(DMF) 2 } n , where L stands for 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylate (complex 1) is synthesized. Interestingly, we demonstrate that both solvent and sonication are relevant in the top-down fabrication of nanostructures. Water molecules are intercalated in suspended crystals of complex 1 modifying not only the coordination sphere of Cu(II) ions but also the final chemical formula and crystalline structure obtaining {[Cu(L)(H 2 O) 3 ]·H 2 O} n (complex 2). On the other hand, ultrasound is required to induce the nanostructuration. Remarkably, different morphologies are obtained using different solvents and interconversion from one morphology to another seems to occur upon solvent exchange. Both complexes 1 and 2, as well as the corresponding nanostructures, have been fully characterized by different means such as infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and microscopy., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The combination of Co(III) and Dy(III) with a compartmental Schiff base ligand (H 3 L=3-[(2-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzylidene)-amino]-propane-1,2-diol), presenting three different coordinating pockets, has allowed the synthesis of two novel Co(III)-Dy(III) complexes: [Co 2 Dy(HL) 4 ]NO 3  ⋅ 2CH 3 CN (1), a rare example of trinuclear linear Co III 2 Dy III complex (and the first with slow relaxation of magnetization in absence of a DC field) and [Co 2 Dy 2 (μ 3 -OH) 2 (HL) 2 (OAc) 6 ] ⋅ 4.6H 2 O (2), the first tetranuclear Co III 2 Dy III 2 cluster with a rhomb-like structure where the Co(III) ions are connected along the short diagonal of the rhomb. 1 presents two different relaxation processes: a fast relaxation dominated by Quantum tunnelling (QT) and a slow relaxation with an energy barrier of 40 K. 2 shows two close relaxation processes without applied DC fields that follow QT and Orbach mechanisms whereas for H DC =500 Oe, the QT is cancelled and a direct term appears. Here we present the synthesis, X-ray structure and magnetic characterization of these two Co(III)-Dy(III) single-ion/molecule magnets., (© 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Introduction: Stroke is a public health problem worldwide. Community stroke knowledge is crucial to guide the prevention approach. We aimed to evaluate the level of stroke knowledge among the visitors to Emergency Centres (ECs) in the southern region of Tunisia concerning factors of risk, symptoms, and treatment of stroke., Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional survey about stroke knowledge; conducted in five ECs for 10 days. All the visitors to these ECs were invited to participate in this survey. In each center, one investigator had to conduct the questionnaire. We used the stroke knowledge test (SKT)., Results: We enrolled 839 participants aged at 44 ± 7 years and with an M/F sex-ratio at 0.9. Relatives and mass media were the most reported sources of information about stroke. In 32.3% of cases, the participants had a university schooling level. The upper quartile had an SKT score of 55% or over (n = 247; 29.4%). The SKT score was significantly higher in young, female participants, in rural centers, with a university level of schooling and with no reported chronic diseases. Receiving information about stroke through the medium of television or via relatives was an independent predictor of a high SKT score compared with other knowledge sources., Conclusion: This study emphasises the urgent need for improving the population's knowledge about stroke in Tunisia. These findings may reflect the lack of government policies for education and training on stroke. A national educating program is necessary to implement to increase stroke knowledge., Competing Interests: The authors declared no conflict of interest., (© 2018 Published by Elsevier Ltd. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.)

The search for two- and three-dimensional materials with slow relaxation of the magnetization (single-ion magnets, SIM and single-molecule magnets, SMM) has become a very active area in recent years. Here we show how it is possible to prepare two-dimensional SIMs by combining Dy(III) with two different anilato-type ligands (dianions of the 3,6-disubstituted-2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone: C 6 O 4 X 2 2- , with X = H and Cl) in dimethyl sulfoxide (dmso). The two compounds prepared, formulated as: [Dy 2 (C 6 O 4 H 2 ) 3 (dmso) 2 (H 2 O) 2 ]·2dmso·18H 2 O ( 1 ) and [Dy 2 (C 6 O 4 Cl 2 ) 3 (dmso) 4 ]·2dmso·2H 2 O ( 2 ) show distorted hexagonal honeycomb layers with the solvent molecules (dmso and H 2 O) located in the interlayer space and in the hexagonal channels that run perpendicular to the layers. The magnetic measurements of compounds 1 , 2 and [Dy 2 (C 6 O 4 (CN)Cl) 3 (dmso) 6 ] ( 3 ), a recently reported related compound, show that the three compounds present slow relaxation of the magnetization. In compound 1 the SIM behaviour does not need the application of a DC field whereas 2 and 3 are field-induced SIM (FI-SIM) since they show slow relaxation of the magnetization when a DC field is applied. We discuss the differences observed in the crystal structures and magnetic properties based on the X group of the anilato ligands (H, Cl and Cl/CN) in 1 - 3 and in the recently reported derivative [Dy 2 (C 6 O 4 Br 2 ) 3 (dmso) 4 ]·2dmso·2H 2 O ( 4 ) with X = Br, that is also a FI-SIM.

Two dinuclear cobalt(ii) complexes, [(dmso)CoIIL1(μ-(m-NO2)C6H4COO)CoII(NCS)] (1) and [(dmso)CoIIL2(μ-(m-NO2)C6H4COO)CoII(NCS)] (2) [dmso = dimethylsulfoxide, H2L1 = (2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediyl)bis(iminomethylene)bis(6-methoxyphenol) and H2L2 = (2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediyl)bis(iminomethylene)bis(6-ethoxyphenol)] have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, magnetic-susceptibility measurements and various spectroscopic techniques. Each complex contains a cobalt(ii) center with a slightly distorted octahedral geometry and a second cobalt(ii) center with a distorted trigonal prismatic one. To obtain insight into the physical nature of weak non-covalent interactions, we have extensively used the Bader's quantum theory of atoms-in-molecules (QTAIM). In addition, the non-covalent interaction reduced density gradient (NCI-RDG) methods established the presence of such non-covalent intermolecular interactions. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements show that both cobalt centers in each complex are in the high spin state (S = 3/2) and both complexes show weak ferromagnetic couplings through the double phenoxido bridges (J = 3.36(3) cm-1 in 1 and 4.56(2) cm-1 in 2). The magnetic properties of both complexes can be fitted to a Co(ii) dimer model including similar orbital reduction factors (α = -0.94(1) for 1 and -0.85(1) for 2) although different zero field splitting parameters D(1) = 11.0(4) cm-1 and D(2) = 19.5(4) cm-1 in 1 and D(1) = 8.2(4) cm-1 and D(2) = -1.3(4) cm-1 in 2. AC magnetic measurements reveal that the CoII2 unit in complex 2 exhibits field-induced slow relaxation of the magnetization at low temperatures and high frequencies.

Background: Neonatal sepsis remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The ability to quickly and accurately diagnose neonatal sepsis based on clinical assessments and laboratory blood tests remains difficult, where haemoculture is the gold standard for detecting bacterial sepsis in blood culture. It is also very difficult to study because neonatal samples are lacking., Methods: Forty-eight newborns suspected of sepsis admitted to the Neonatology Department of the Mother-Child Specialized Hospital of Tlemcen. From each newborn, a minimum of 1-2 ml of blood was drawn by standard sterile procedures for blood culture. The miRNA-23b level in haemoculture was evaluated by RT-qPCR., Results: miR-23b levels increased in premature and full-term newborns in early onset sepsis (p < 0.001 and p < 0.005 respectively), but lowered in late onset sepsis in full-term neonates (p < 0.05) compared to the respective negative controls. miR-23b levels also increased in late sepsis in the negative versus early sepsis negative controls (p < 0.05). miR-23b levels significantly lowered in the newborns who died from both sepsis types (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05 respectively). In early sepsis, miR-23b and death strongly and negatively correlated (correlation coefficient = - 0.96, p = 0.0019). In late sepsis, miRNA-23b and number of survivors (correlation coefficient = 0.70, p = 0.506) positively correlated., Conclusions: Lowering miR-23b levels is an important factor that favours sepsis development, which would confirm their vital protective role, and strongly suggest that they act as a good marker in molecular diagnosis and patient monitoring.

A series of multifunctional 2D frameworks prepared with Dy(iii) and the bromanilato ligand, formulated as: [Dy 2 (C 6 O 4 Br 2 ) 3 (G) n ]·nG with G = H 2 O, dimethylformamide (dmf) and dimethylsulfoxide (dmso), can exchange the coordinated and non-coordinated solvent molecules (G) in a reversible way. These multifunctional frameworks show field induced slow relaxation of the magnetization and luminescence that can be easily and reversibly modified by solvent exchange.

The combination of two 8-aminoquinoline-based Schiff base ligands (L1 and L2) with SCN - and Ni(II) has led to the synthesis of two new one-dimensional thiocyanato-bridged coordination polymers: [Ni(L1)(NCS) 2 ] n ( 1 ) and [Ni(L2)(NCS) 2 ] n ( 2 ). Both compounds are isostructural and consists of regular zigzag thiocyanato-bridged chains with very weak S···S interchain interactions. The measured room-temperature conductivities of compounds 1 and 2 (7.0 × 10 -5 and 2.0 × 10 -5 S m -1 , respectively) are indicative of semiconductor behavior which increases in the presence of photoillumination (3.5 × 10 -4 and 4.9 × 10 -4 S m -1 , respectively). The measured I - V characteristics of compound 1 and 2 based thin film metal-semiconductor (MS) junction devices under irradiation and nonirradiation conditions show a nonlinear rectifying behavior, typical of a Schottky diode (SD). The rectification ratios ( I on / I off -based devices, respectively) increase to 44.19 and 79.42, respectively, upon light irradiation. The photoinduced behavior has been analyzed by thermionic emission theory, and to determine the diode parameters, the Cheung's method has been employed. These diode parameters indicate that compound 1 - and 2 -based devices, respectively) increase to 44.19 and 79.42, respectively, upon light irradiation. The photoinduced behavior has been analyzed by thermionic emission theory, and to determine the diode parameters, the Cheung's method has been employed. These diode parameters indicate that compound 2 has a better performance in comparison to compound 1 and that these materials are good candidates for applications in electrochemical devices. Magnetic measurements show that both compounds present ferromagnetic Ni-Ni intrachain and weak antiferromagnetic interchain interactions. The isothermal magnetizations at 2 K show that both compounds are metamagnets with critical fields of ca. 130 mT in 1 and 90 mT in 2 at 2 K. In the ferromagnetic phase (above the critical field), both compounds exhibit a long-range ferromagnetic order with critical temperatures of around 3.5 K in 1 and 3.0 K in 2 . DC and AC measurements with different applied DC fields confirm the metamagnetic behaviors and have allowed the determination of the magnetic phase diagram in both compounds.

Two tetranuclear mixed-valence cobalt(III/II) complexes having the general formula [(μ 1,3 -N 3 ){Co II (L n )(μ-O 2 CC 6 H 4 NO 2 )Co III (N 3 )} 2 ]PF 6 (where H 2 L 1 and H 2 L 2 are two reduced Schiff base ligands) have been synthesized and characterized. The structures of both complexes show cobalt(II) and cobalt(III) centers with a distorted octahedral geometry with cobalt(III) and cobalt(II) centers located at the inner N 2 O 2 and outer O 4 cavities of the reduced Schiff base ligands, respectively. The oxidation states of both cobalt centers have been confirmed by bond valence sum (BVS) calculations. The magnetic properties show that both compounds behave as cobalt(II) dimers connected through an end-to-end azido bridging ligand and show moderate antiferromagnetic Co(II)-Co(II) couplings of -11.0 and -14.4 cm -1 for 1 and 2 , respectively, as also corroborated by DFT calculations, J theo = -13.07 cm -1 for 1 and -12.49 cm -1 for 2 . The calculated spin densities of both complexes at the cobalt(II) centers are -2.75 and +2.75, respectively, clearly supporting that they are the magnetic centers., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (Copyright © 2019 American Chemical Society.)

We report the synthesis and characterization of six novel heterometallic molecule-based 2D magnets with the bromanilato ligand (C 6 O 4 Br 2 2- = 1,3-dibromo-2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone dianion) and six different benzene derivative molecules. The compounds, formulated as (NBu 4 )[MnCr(C 6 O 4 Br 2 ) 3 ]·1.75C 6 H 5 Br (1), (NBu 4 )[MnCr(C 6 O 4 Br 2 ) 3 ]·C 6 H 5 X with X = Cl (2), I (3) and CH 3 (4) and (NBu 4 )[MnCr(C 6 O 4 Br 2 ) 3 ]·2C 6 H 5 X with X = CN (5) and NO 2 (6), present the classical hexagonal honeycomb-(6,3) lattice with alternating Mn(ii) and Cr(iii) ions. The layers are packed in an eclipsed way along the a direction giving rise to hexagonal channels where the benzene derivative molecules are located with π-π interactions between the benzene and anilato rings. The interlayer space contains the NBu 4 + cations needed to compensate the anionic charge of the [Mn II Cr III (C 6 O 4 Br 2 ) 3 ] - layers. The Mn-Cr exchange coupling through the bromanilato ligands is antiferromagnetic, leading to a long range ferrimagnetic order in the six compounds with ordering temperatures around 10 K. These ordering temperatures can be slightly modified in the range 9.5-11.4 K by simply changing the benzene-derivative solvent molecule. Here we discuss the possible structural and electronic reasons for this tuning effect of the solvent molecule and the important structural role played by the solvent molecules. We also show that it is possible to exchange the solvent molecules inside the hexagonal channels post-synthetically causing a tiny change in the ordering temperature and coercive field. Furthermore, we also show that it is possible to further change the ordering temperatures by simply removing the solvent molecules by heating the sample at low pressures to obtain a de-solvated phase.

Two novel cadmium-based 2D coordination polymers have been synthesized and characterized. Experimental results evidence that the best delamination processes occurs when weak interactions dominate the cohesion between layers and solvent molecules are occluded within the crystalline network. In this case, the delamination of the crystals occurs spontaneously in water. On top of that, and thanks to the high stability of the resulting (flake) colloidal dispersions, we have completed a detailed study of the sonication assisted delamination impact by: I) comparison of two different sonication approaches (bath vs. tip sonication) and II) optimization of final flake morphology and yield by controlling solvent and sonication time. Our results definitely pave the way for the fabrication and implementation of 2D coordination polymers using ultrasound., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A new multidentate ligand (H 3 L) was synthesized by the condensation reaction of 4-tert-butyl-2,6-diformylphenol and 2-amino-4-nitrophenol. The reaction of the ligand with hydrated lanthanide nitrate produced two isostructural trinuclear coordination clusters: [DyLn 3 L 3 (DMF) 3 (H 2 O) 2 ] ⋅ 3.8DMFLn=Dy (1) and Nd (2) (DMF=N, N-dimethylformamide). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that there are three lanthanide ions arranged in an almost perfect linear fashion in both complexes. Magnetic studies show single-molecule-magnet (SMM) behavior in the Dy derivative with τ 0 =1.7×10 -6  s and a thermal energy barrier of 7.0 cm -1 . Both complexes were used as catalysts towards the Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction of indole with different aldehydes with yields varying from 59-98 %. Complex 1 showed better catalytic efficiency than complex 2. This is the first report of using trinuclear lanthanide coordination clusters as catalysts for the Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction., (© 2019 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

We report the synthesis and characterization of the first fluorescent oxalato-based canted antiferromagnet. Compound [DOC][MnFe(C2O4)3] (1) (DOC = 3,3'-diethyloxacarbocyanine) combines the well-known canted antiferromagnetic [MnFe(C2O4)3]- honeycomb layers with a fluorescent cationic cyanine-type fluorescent dye. Besides the expected spin canted antiferromagnetic order in the oxalato layer at ca. 29 K, we show the key role played by the anionic oxalato lattice in the optical properties of the cation since it provides isolation of dye cations in the hexagonal cavities of the oxalato-based matrix. The emission of the DOC+ dye shows a redshift and a broadening of the emission as well as an increase in the lifetime compared to the emission of the DOC+ cations in solution. These facts are attributed to the isolation effect of the oxalato-based matrix.

We show the key role that the size and shape of the solvent molecules may play in the dimensionality and structure of a series of lanthanoid-chloranilato coordination polymers. We report the synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of six different coordination polymers prepared with Er(iii) and chloranilato (C6O4Cl22- = 3,6-dichloro-2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone) and six different solvents: [Er2(C6O4Cl2)3(H2O)6]·10H2O (1), [Er2(C6O4Cl2)3(FMA)6]·4FMA·2H2O (2) (FMA = formamide = NH2CHO), [Er2(C6O4Cl2)3(DMSO)4]·2DMSO·2H2O (3) (DMSO = dimethy sulfoxide = Me2SO), [Er2(C6O4Cl2)3(DMF)6] (4) (DMF = dimethylformamide = Me2NCHO), [Er2(C6O4Cl2)3(DMA)4] (5) (DMA = dimethylacetamide = Me2NC(Me)O) and [Er2(C6O4Cl2)3(HMPA)(H2O)3]·H2O (6) (HMPA = hexamethylphosphormamide = (Me2N)3PO). We show how the different solvent molecules modulate and determine important structural parameters such as the coordination number and geometry, the shape and distortions of the cavities, the presence of solvent molecules in these cavities, the interlayer space and even the dimensionality of the structure.

We report the synthesis, magnetic properties, electrical conductivity, and delamination into thin nanosheets of two anilato-based Fe(II)/Fe(III) mixed-valence two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Compounds [(H 3 O)(H 2 O)(phenazine) 3 ][Fe II Fe III (C 6 O 4 X 2 ) 3 ]·12H 2 O [X = Cl (1) and Br (2)] present a honeycomb layered structure with an eclipsed packing that generates hexagonal channels containing the water molecules. Both compounds show ferrimagnetic ordering at ca. 2 K coexisting with electrical conductivity (with room temperature conductivities of 0.03 and 0.003 S/cm). Changing the X group from Cl to Br leads to a decrease in the ordering temperature and room temperature conductivity that is correlated with the decrease of the electronegativity of X. Despite the ionic charge of the anilato-based layers, these MOFs can be easily delaminated in thin nanosheets with the thickness of a few monolayers.

This study investigated the effect of age and that of the post-ovariectomy (OVX) time interval on the antidepressant (AD)-like effects of estradiol (E 2 ) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in middle-aged (10 month) OVX rats (10m-OVX). Acute or chronic effects of these treatments in 10m-OVX were compared with those (1) in young adult (4-month) OVX rats (4m-OVX) or with older (14-month) OVX rats (14m-OVX), at a short time: 2 weeks post-OVX (+2w) and (2) in 10m-OVX rats after a longer times: 4 or 8 months post-OVX (+4m or +8m). Using in vivo chronoamperometry in the CA3 region of the hippocampus, E 2 at 20 pmol, a dose shown previously to inhibit the serotonin transporter (SERT) in 4m-OVX, had no effect in 10m-OVX+2w. A higher dose of E 2 (40 pmol) increased T80 value, a measure of serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) clearance, and also blocked the ability of fluvoxamine to increase T80. By contrast, estradiol had no effects on SERT function in 10m-OVX+4m, even at a higher dose than 40 pmol. Fluvoxamine slowed 5-HT clearance in 10m-OVX at +2w, +4m and +8m post-OVX as it did in the 4m-OVX. Using the forced swim test, 2 weeks treatment with E 2 (5 μg/day), a dose shown previously to induce AD-like effects in 4m-OVX, had no effect in 10m-OVX+2w. However, a higher dose (10 μg/day) of E 2 induced an AD-like effect as demonstrated by significantly increased swimming behavior and decreased immobility. This effect was not seen in 10m-OVX+4m. By contrast, significant AD-like effects were obtained in 14m-OVX+2w, thereby demonstrating that the lack of an AD effect of E 2 is due to the 4-month hormone withdrawal and not to an age effect. After 2 weeks treatment with the SSRI sertraline, similar AD-like effects were obtained in 10m-OVX tested at +2w, +4m or +8m post-OVX as those found in 4m-OVX. Thus, the potency of estradiol to produce effects consistent with inhibition of the SERT was not only decreased in older rats but its effects were markedly diminished the longer hormonal depletion occurred. By contrast, the ability of SSRIs to inhibit the SERT was not affected either by age or the length of hormonal depletion.

In order to synthesize new coordination polymers with original architectures and interesting magnetic properties, we used the nitranilate ligand (C₆O₄(NO₂)₂ 2- = C₆N₂O₈ 2- ), derived from the dianionic ligand dhbq 2- (2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone = H₂C₆O₄ 2- ). The use of this bis-bidentate bridging ligand led to [(DAMS)₂{FeNa(C₆N₂O₈)₃}·CH₃CN] n (1) (DAMS⁺ = C 16 H 17 N₂⁺ = 4-[4-(dimethylamino)-α-styryl]-1-methylpyridinium), a 2D heterometallic coordination polymer presenting an unprecedented structure for any anilato-based compound. This structural type is a 3,6-connected 2D coordination polymer derived from the well-known honeycomb hexagonal structure, where Fe(III) ions alternate with Na⁺ dimers (as Na₂O 12 units) in the vertices of the hexagons and with an additional [Fe(C₆N₂O₈)₃] 3- anion located in the center of the hexagons connecting the three Na⁺ dimers. The magnetic properties of compound 1 show the presence of paramagnetic isolated high spin Fe(III) complexes with a zero field splitting, |D| = 8.5 cm -1 .

The first example of a triple formato/hydroxido/sulfato (FHS) bridge for any metal is reported in compound [Cu2(bpym)(OH)(HCO2)(SO4)(H2O)2]·3H2O (1). Its structure shows the presence of alternating triple FHS bridges and 2,2'-bipyrimidine (bpym) ones. Although in the initial synthesis the sulfate anions were introduced accidentally, here we report the rational synthesis and the magnetic properties of this compound. The magnetic properties show that 1 is an alternating ferro/antiferromagnetic (F/AF) chain compound with predominant antiferromagnetic interactions and were fit to an alternating F/AF S = (1)/2 chain with g = 2.103, JAF = -139 cm(-1), and JF = 116 cm(-1) (α = JF/|JAF| = 0.83). The JAF value found corresponds very well to those previously reported for Cu-bpym-Cu bridges (average value of ca. -150 cm(-1)). The JF value is also very close to the estimated one (ca. 100 cm(-1)) from magneto-structural correlations in triply Cu-Cu bridged compounds with both hydroxido and carboxylato bridges in equatorial positions.

Single-ion magnets (SIMs) are the smallest possible magnetic devices for potential applications in quantum computing and high-density information storage. Both, their addressing in surfaces and their organization in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are thus current challenges in molecular chemistry. Here we report a two-dimensional 2D MOF with a square grid topology built from cobalt(ii) SIMs as nodes and long rod-like aromatic bipyridine ligands as linkers, and exhibiting large square channels capable to host a large number of different guest molecules. The organization of the cobalt(ii) nodes in the square layers improves the magnetic properties by minimizing the intermolecular interactions between the cobalt(ii) centres. Moreover, the SIM behaviour was found to be dependent on the nature of the aromatic guest molecules. The whole process could be followed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, providing comprehensive evidence of the putative role of the solvent guest molecules that leave a "fingerprint" on the 2D structures and thus, on the cobalt environment.

Acute estradiol treatment was reported to slow the clearance of serotonin via activation of estrogen receptors (ER)β and/or GPR30 and to block the ability of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) to slow serotonin clearance via activation of ERα. In this study, the behavioral consequences of longer-term treatments with estradiol or ER subtype-selective agonists and/or an SSRI were examined in the forced swim test (FST). Ovariectomized rats were administered the following for 2 weeks: estradiol, ERβ agonist (diarylpropionitrile, DPN), GPR30 agonist (G1), ERα agonist (PPT), and/or the SSRI sertraline. Similar to sertraline, longer-term treatment with estradiol, DPN or G1 induced an antidepressant-like effect. By contrast, PPT did not, even though it blocked the antidepressant-like effect of sertraline. Uterus weights, used as a peripheral measure of estrogenic activity, were increased by estradiol and PPT but not DPN or G1 treatment. A second part of this study investigated, using Western blot analyses in homogenates from hippocampus, whether these behavioral effects are accompanied by changes in the activation of specific signaling pathways and/or TrkB. Estradiol and G1 increased phosphorylation of Akt, ERK and TrkB. These effects were similar to those obtained after treatment with sertraline. Treatment with DPN increased phosphorylation of ERK and TrkB, but it did not alter that of Akt. Treatment with PPT increased phosphorylation of Akt and ERK without altering that of TrkB. In conclusion, activation of at least TrkB and possibly ERK may be involved in the antidepressant-like effect of estradiol, ERβ and GPR30 agonists whereas Akt activation may not be necessary., (© 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Direct reactions between CuI and isonicotinic acid (HIN) or the corresponding esters, ethyl isonicotinate (EtIN) or methyl isonicotinate (MeIN), give rise to the formation of the coordination polymers [CuI(L)]n with L=EtIN (1), MeIN (2) and HIN (3). Polymers 1-3 show similar structures based on a CuI double chain in which ethyl-, methyl isonicotinate or isonicotinic acid are coordinated as terminal ligands. Albeit, their supramolecular architecture differs considerably, affecting the distances and angles of the central CuI double chains and thereby their physical properties. Hence, the photoluminescence shows remarkable differences; 1 and 2 show a strong yellow emission, whereas 3 displays a weak emission; and 1 and 2 are semiconductors with moderate room temperature conductivities, whereas 3 has increased electrical conductivity up to 3×10(-3)  S cm(-1) . Additionally, 1 and 2 present an irreversible transition to a highly conducting phase with a conductivity almost 4 orders of magnitude higher and a quasi-metallic behaviour. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) coupled to a mass spectrometer and magnetic measurements point to a partial thermally induced oxidation of the carboxylate groups of the ligands with Cu(I) to Cu(0) reduction. DFT calculations have been carried out to rationalise these observations., (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

We present a structurally flexible copper-iodide-pyridine-based coordination polymer showing drastic variations in its electrical conductivity driven by temperature and sorption of acetic acid molecules. The dramatic effect on the electrical conductivity enables the fabrication of a simple and robust device for gas detection. X-ray diffraction studies and DFT calculations allow the rationalisation of these observations.

The similar bis-bidentate coordination mode of oxalato and anilato-based ligands is exploited here to create the first examples of 2D and 3D heterometallic lattices based on anilato ligands combining M(I) and a M(III) ions, phases already observed with oxalato but unknown with anilato-type ligands. These lattices are prepared with alkaline metal ions and magnetic chiral tris(anilato)metalate molecular building blocks: [M(III)(C6O4X2)3](3-) (M(III) = Fe and Cr; X = Cl and Br; (C6O4X2)(2-) = dianion of the 3,6-disubstituted derivatives of 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone, H4C6O4). The new compounds include two very similar 2D lattices formulated as (PBu3Me)2[NaCr(C6O4Br2)3] (1) and (PPh3Et)2[KFe(C6O4Cl2)3](dmf)2 (2), both presenting hexagonal [M(I)M(III)(C6O4X2)3](2-) honeycomb layers with (PBu3Me)(+) in 1 or (PPh3Et)(+) and dmf in 2 inserted between them. Minor modifications in the synthetic conditions yield the novel 3D lattice (NEt3Me)[Na(dmf)][NaFe(C6O4Cl2)3] (3), in which hexagonal layers analogous to 1 and 2 are interconnected through Na(+) cations, and (NBu3Me)2[NaCr(C6O4Br2)3] (4), the first heterometallic 3D lattice based on anilato ligands. This compound presents two interlocked chiral 3D (10,3) lattices with opposite chiralities. Attempts to prepare 4 in larger quantities result in the 2D polymorph of compound 4 (4'). Magnetic properties of compounds 1, 3, and 4' are reported, and in all cases we observe, as expected, paramagnetic behaviors that can be satisfactorily reproduced with simple monomer models including a zero field splitting (ZFS) of the corresponding S = 3/2 for Cr(III) in 1 and 4' or S = 5/2 for Fe(III) in 3.

Coordination polymer chains have been formed by the direct reaction between HSC6H2Cl2SH and FeCl3·6H2O in the presence of an aqueous solution of the corresponding alkali-metal hydroxide (M = Li, Na, and K) or carbonate (M = Rb and Cs). The structures consist of dimeric [Fe2(SC6H2Cl2S)4](2-) entities bridged by [M2(THF)4] [M = K (1), Rb (2), and Cs (3); THF = tetrahydrofuran] or {[Na2(μ-H2O)2(THF)2] (5 and 5') units. The smaller size of the lithium atom yields an anion/cation ion-pair molecule, [Li(THF)4]2[Fe2(SC6H2Cl2S)4] (4), in which the dianionic moieties are held together by Cl···Cl interactions. Electrical characterization of these compounds shows a general semiconductor behavior in which the conductivity and activation energies are mainly determined by the M-Cl and M-S bond distances. Compounds 1 and 5' are interesting examples of bistability showing reversible transitions centered at ca. 350 and 290 K with very large hysteresis of ca. 60 and 35 K, respectively. All of these compounds exhibit intradimer strong antiferromagnetic Fe···Fe interactions.

Estradiol was found previously to have an antidepressant-like effect and to block the ability of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to have an antidepressant-like effect. The antidepressant-like effect of estradiol was due to estrogen receptor β (ERβ) and/or GPR30 activation, whereas estradiol's blockade of the effect of an SSRI was mediated by ERα. This study focuses on investigating signaling pathways as well as interacting receptors associated with these two effects of estradiol. In vivo chronoamperometry was used to measure serotonin transporter (SERT) function. The effect of local application of estradiol or selective agonists for ERα (PPT) or ERβ (DPN) into the CA3 region of the hippocampus of ovariectomized (OVX) rats on 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) clearance as well as on the ability of fluvoxamine to slow 5-HT clearance was examined after selective blockade of signaling pathways or that of interacting receptors. Estradiol- or DPN-induced slowing of 5-HT clearance mediated by ERβ was blocked after inhibition of MAPK/ERK1/2 but not of PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. This effect also involved interactions with TrkB, and IGF-1 receptors. Estradiol's or PPT's inhibition of the fluvoxamine-induced slowing of 5-HT clearance mediated by ERα, was blocked after inhibition of either MAPK/ERK1/2 or PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. This effect involved interactions with the IGF-1 receptor and with the metabotropic glutamate receptor 1, but not with TrkB. This study illustrates some of the signaling pathways required for the effects of estradiol on SERT function, and particularly shows that ER subtypes elicit different as well as common signaling pathways for their actions.

Three new heterometallic copper(II)-cobalt(II) complexes [(CuL(2))2Co{dca}2]·H2O(1), [(CuL(1))2Co{dca}2]n (2a), and [(CuL(1))2Co{dca}2]n (2b) [dca(-) = dicyanamide = N(CN)2(-)] have been synthesized by reacting the "metallo-ligand" [CuL(1)] or [CuL(2)] with cobalt(II) perchlorate and sodium dicyanamide in methanol-water medium (where H2L(1) = N,N'-bis(salicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine and H2L(2) = N,N'-bis(α-methylsalicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine). The three complexes have been structurally and magnetically characterized. Complex 1 is a discrete trinuclear species in which two metallo-ligands coordinate to a cobalt(II) ion through the phenoxido oxygen atoms along with two terminally coordinated dicyanamide ions. On the other hand, complexes 2a and 2b are one of the very scarce examples of supramolecular isomers since they present the same [(CuL(1))2Co{dca}2] trinuclear units (very similar to the trinuclear core in 1) and differ only in their superstructures. Thus, although each Cu2Co trimer in 2a and 2b is connected to four other Cu2Co trimers through four μ1,5-dca(-) bridges, 2a presents a square two-dimensional structure (each Cu2Co trimer is connected to four in-plane Cu2Co trimers); whereas, 2b shows a triangular three-dimensional lattice (each Cu2Co trimer is connected to three in-plane and one out-of-plane trimers). Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements show the presence of moderate antiferromagnetic exchange interactions (ferrimagnetic) in all the cases mediated through the double phenoxido bridges that have been fitted with an anisotropic model including spin-orbit coupling in the central Co(II) ion.

A simple change of the substituents in the bridging ligand allows tuning of the ordering temperatures, Tc, in the new family of layered chiral magnets A[M(II)M(III)(X2An)3]·G (A = [(H3O)(phz)3](+) (phz = phenazine) or NBu4(+); X2An(2-) = C6O4X2(2-) = 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone derivative dianion, with M(III) = Cr, Fe; M(II) = Mn, Fe, Co, etc.; X = Cl, Br, I, H; G = water or acetone). Depending on the nature of X, an increase in Tc from ca. 5.5 to 6.3, 8.2, and 11.0 K (for X = Cl, Br, I, and H, respectively) is observed in the MnCr derivative. Furthermore, the presence of the chiral cation [(H3O)(phz)3](+), formed by the association of a hydronium ion with three phenazine molecules, leads to a chiral structure where the Δ-[(H3O)(phz)3](+) cations are always located below the Δ-[Cr(Cl2An)3](3-) centers, leading to a very unusual localization of both kinds of metals (Cr and Mn) and to an eclipsed disposition of the layers. This eclipsed disposition generates hexagonal channels with a void volume of ca. 20% where guest molecules (acetone and water) can be reversibly absorbed. Here we present the structural and magnetic characterization of this new family of anilato-based molecular magnets.

Background: Ovarian hormones may contribute to the vulnerability to depression, as well as to the response to antidepressants (ADs). Previously, we reported that acute systemic treatment with estradiol or progesterone blocked the ability of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, fluvoxamine, to inhibit serotonin transporter function in ovariectomized rats. In this study, behavioral consequences, as well as receptor mechanisms underlying these hormonal effects, were investigated., Methods: Using the forced swimming test, the acute effect of estradiol and/or progesterone on fluvoxamine's AD-like effects was investigated. Using in vivo chronoamperometry, the effect of local application of estradiol or progesterone into the hippocampus of ovariectomized rats on serotonin (5-HT) clearance, as well as on the ability of fluvoxamine to slow 5-HT clearance, were investigated., Results: The decreased immobility and increased swimming caused by fluvoxamine in the forced swimming test was blocked in rats treated with estradiol and/or progesterone. Local application of estradiol, but not progesterone, slowed 5-HT clearance and both hormones blocked the ability of fluvoxamine to slow 5-HT clearance. Use of hormone receptor agonists and antagonists, revealed that the effects of estradiol are mediated by activation of membrane, as well as nuclear estrogen receptors (ER). The AD-like effect of estradiol involved ER beta and G-protein coupled receptor 30, whereas its blockade of fluvoxamine's effects was ER alpha-mediated. The effects of progesterone occurred solely by activation of intracellular progesterone receptors., Conclusions: Targeting of ER beta or G-protein coupled receptor 30 might reveal a strategy to permit beneficial effects of estrogen without its deleterious effect on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor efficacy., (Copyright © 2012 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The use of the recently prepared polynitrile ligand tcnopr3OH(-) ([(NC)(2)CC(OCH(2)CH(2)CH(2)OH)C(CN)(2)](-)) with different salts of Fe(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) has led to a very rare example of linkage isomerism in a coordination chain. These pairs of linkage isomers can be formulated as [M(tcnopr3OH-κN,κO)(2)(H(2)O)(2)]; M = Fe (1), Co (3), and Ni(5) and [M(tcnopr3OH-κN,κN')(2)(H(2)O)(2)]; M = Fe (2), Co (4), and Ni (6). Compounds 1-2, 3-4, and 5-6 are three pairs of linkage isomers since they present the same formula and chain structure and they only differ in the connectivity of the polynitrile ligand bridging the metal ions in the chain: through a N and an O atom (1κN:2κO-isomer) or through two N atoms (1κN:2κN'-isomer). The magnetic properties show, as expected, very similar behaviors for both isomers.

An original magnetic bistability and a thermochromic transition are observed in a new Cu(II) molecular chain. Thermal structural studies reveal changes in the Cu(II) coordination sphere, driven by a more pronounced Jahn-Teller effect at low temperature. These distortions provoke a gradual color change. The structural study at 10 K shows a dimerization of the molecular chain, in agreement with the abrupt magnetic transition observed at 30 K.

Most preclinical studies examining the mechanism(s) of action of antidepressants are carried out using male animals. Blockade of serotonin transporter (SERT) function by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is the initial event that triggers a not completely understood process that results in clinical improvement in depression. To investigate whether there are differences in the ability of SSRIs to inhibit the SERT between male and female rats at different phases of the estrous cycle, clearance of locally applied serotonin (5-HT) was measured by in vivo chronoamperometry. Local application of the SSRI, fluvoxamine, directly into the CA3 area of hippocampus increased significantly 5-HT clearance time parameters in male rats and female rats in estrus or diestrus, but not in proestrus. The contribution of ovarian steroids to this result was investigated in ovariectomized (OVX) rats treated with estradiol benzoate (EB) and/or progesterone (P). In OVX-control rats, fluvoxamine increased clearance time parameters, whereas EB and/or P treatment blocked this effect, consistent with what was seen in female rats in proestrus. This effect was gender-specific, since treatment of castrated rats with EB/P had no effect on the ability of fluvoxamine to slow 5-HT clearance. The time course of hormonal effects showed that 1-60 min after local application of 17-beta-estradiol (E(2)) into the CA3 region of OVX rats, fluvoxamine had no effect on clearance time of 5-HT. E(2)-BSA mimicked E(2)'s effects at 10 min but not at 60 min. Pretreatment with estrogen receptor antagonists blocked the effects of E(2). The finding that acutely both estradiol and progesterone can inhibit the ability of an SSRI to slow the clearance of 5-HT, may have important implications for the use of SSRIs in women.

In vivo intracerebral microdialysis is an important neurochemical technique that has been applied extensively in genetic and pharmacological studies aimed at investigating the relationship between neurotransmitters. Among the main interests of microdialysis application is the infusion of drugs through the microdialysis probe (reverse dialysis) in awake, freely moving animals. As an example of the relevance of intracerebral microdialysis, this review will focus on our recent neurochemical results showing the impact of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) on serotonergic neurotransmission in basal and stimulated conditions. Indeed, although the elevation of 5-HT outflow induced by chronic administration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) causes an increase in BDNF protein levels and expression (mRNA) in the hippocampus of rodents, the reciprocal interaction has not been demonstrated yet. Thus, the neurochemical sight of this question will be addressed here by examining the consequences of either a constitutive decrease or increase in brain BDNF protein levels on hippocampal extracellular levels of 5-HT in conscious mice.

Whereas SSRIs produce rapid blockade of the serotonin transporter (SERT) in vitro and in vivo, the onset of an observable clinical effect takes longer to occur and a variety of pharmacological effects caused by antidepressants have been speculated to be involved either in initiating antidepressant effects and/or enhancing their effects on serotonergic transmission so as to cause clinical improvement. Among such secondary factors is increased activity of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which requires the Tropomyosine-related kinase B receptor (TrkB) for its effects. To begin an analysis of the influence of BDNF on serotonergic activity, we studied the acute effects of BDNF on SERT activity. A single BDNF injection (either intracerebroventricularly or directly into the CA3 region of hippocampus) decreased the signal amplitude and clearance rate produced by exogenously applied 5-HT compared to what was measured in control rats, shown using in vivo chronoamperometry. It also reduced the ability of a locally applied SSRI to block the clearance of 5-HT. In awake freely moving mice, acute intrahippocampal injection of BDNF decreased extracellular levels of 5-HT in the hippocampus, as measured using microdialysis. In addition, perfusion with BDNF decreased KCl-evoked elevations of 5-HT. These effects of BDNF were blocked by the non-selective antagonist of TrkB receptors, K252a. Overall, it may be inferred that in the hippocampus, through TrkB activation, a single injection of BDNF enhances SERT function. Such acute effects of BDNF would be expected to counter early effects of SSRIs, which might, in part, account for some delay in therapeutic effect.

By introducing the flexible 1,1'-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(imidazole) (bbi) ligand into the polyoxovanadate system, five novel polyoxoanion-templated architectures based on [As(8)V(14)O(42)](4-) and [V(16)O(38)Cl](6-) building blocks were obtained: [M(bbi)(2)](2)[As(8)V(14)O(42)(H(2)O)] [M = Co (1), Ni (2), and Zn (3)], [Cu(bbi)](4)[As(8)V(14)O(42)(H(2)O)] (4), and [Cu(bbi)](6)[V(16)O(38)Cl] (5). Compounds 1-3 are isostructural, and they exhibit a binodal (4,6)-connected 2D structure with Schläfli symbol (3(4) x 4(2))(3(4) x 4(4) x 5(4) x 6(3))(2), in which the polyoxoanion induces a closed four-membered circuit of M(4)(bbi)(4). Compound 4 exhibits an interesting 3D framework constructed from tetradentate [As(8)V(14)O(42)](4-) cluster anions and cationic ladderlike double chains. There exists a bigger M(8)(bbi)(6)O(2) circuit in 4. The 3D extended structure of 5 is composed of heptadentate [V(16)O(38)Cl](6-) anions and flexural cationic chains; the latter consists of six Cu(bbi) segments arranged alternately. It presents the largest 24-membered circuit of M(24)(bbi)(24) so far observed made of bbi molecules and transition-metal cations. Investigation of their structural relations shows the important template role of the polyoxoanions and the synergetic interactions among the polyoxoanions, transition-metal ions, and flexible ligand in the assembly process. The magnetic properties of compounds 1-3 were also studied.

Background: Downregulation of serotonin transporter was observed previously after chronic treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) but not selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs). This study investigated if chronic treatment of rats with selective NRIs or SSRIs also affected the norepinephrine transporter (NET)., Methods: Rats were treated for 3 to 6 weeks by osmotic minipumps with either the selective NRIs, desipramine, or the SSRI paroxetine., Results: [(3)H]nisoxetine binding sites as well as [(3)H]norepinephrine uptake were decreased in hippocampus and cortex after treatment with desipramine. By contrast, paroxetine-treated rats showed no alteration in either [(3)H]nisoxetine binding or [(3)H]norepinephrine uptake. NET messenger RNA levels in the locus coeruleus were unchanged by desipramine treatment., Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the marked decrease in NET density 1) is not a consequence of a decrease in gene expression; 2) was caused only by a selective NRI; and 3) was associated with a parallel decrease in norepinephrine uptake.

Serotonin uptake, mediated by the serotonin transporter (SERT), is blocked acutely by antidepressants such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), but such blockade does not correlate temporally with the onset of therapeutic improvement. Treatment with SSRIs for 21 d induced downregulation of the SERT (Benmansour et al., 1999). The time course of SERT downregulation as well as the time course for its recovery after cessation of treatment with the SSRI sertraline were investigated using tritiated cyanoimipramine to measure SERT binding sites. To determine if there was a temporal correlation between the time when sertraline induced downregulation of the SERT and when marked alteration in SERT function occurred, clearance of locally applied 5-HT into the CA3 region of hippocampus was achieved using in vivo electrochemistry. After 4 or 10 d treatment with sertraline, SERT binding sites decreased very little (15-30%), and the chronoamperometric signals for serotonin in sertraline-treated rats were comparable with ones obtained in control animals. By contrast, after 15 d of treatment, when SERT binding sites were markedly reduced by 80%, there was robust decrease in the clearance of 5-HT. Moreover, the functional consequences of SERT downregulation as measured by chronoamperometry were significantly greater than those seen after acute blockade of the SERT by SSRIs. SERT binding sites decreases are not a consequence of reduced SERT gene expression, as revealed by in situ hybridization measurements. SSRI-induced downregulation of the SERT may be a key component for the clinical response to SSRIs.

Although antidepressants may not be primary mood stabilizers, they are efficacious in the prophylaxis of recurrent depressive illnesses, as well as in the treatment of acute episodes. Pharmacological effects that may contribute to the prophylactic effects of these drugs are not understood. Studies have been carried out in which antidepressants have been given to laboratory animals, such as rats, for periods of up to 3-4 weeks. Data obtained in such studies are thought to be important for their beneficial effects in depressive episodes, but also may be relevant to their prophylactic effects. Results are presented showing that when selective inhibitors of serotonin or norepinephrine uptake are given for such time periods, they still produce selective effects on serotonergic or noradrenergic parameters. For example, long-term administration of selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors causes a down-regulation of beta(1) adrenoceptors. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors do not produce this effect. Long-term administration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors causes down-regulation of the serotonin transporter, but not the norepinephrine transporter. In contrast, selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors down-regulate the norepinephrine transporter but not the serotonin transporter. Substantial loss of serotonin transporter binding sites takes 15 days to occur and is accompanied by a marked reduction of serotonin transporter function in vivo.

To investigate functional changes in the brain serotonin transporter (SERT) after chronic antidepressant treatment, several techniques were used to assess SERT activity, density, or its mRNA content. Rats were treated by osmotic minipump for 21 d with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) paroxetine or sertraline, the selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor desipramine (DMI), or the monoamine oxidase inhibitor phenelzine. High-speed in vivo electrochemical recordings were used to assess the ability of the SSRI fluvoxamine to modulate the clearance of locally applied serotonin in the CA3 region of hippocampus in drug- or vehicle-treated rats. Fluvoxamine decreased the clearance of serotonin in rats treated with vehicle, DMI, or phenelzine but had no effect on the clearance of serotonin in SSRI-treated rats. SERT density in the CA3 region of the hippocampus of the same rats, assessed by quantitative autoradiography with tritiated cyanoimipramine ([(3)H]CN-IMI), was decreased by 80-90% in SSRI-treated rats but not in those treated with phenelzine or DMI. The serotonin content of the hippocampus was unaffected by paroxetine or sertraline treatment, ruling out neurotoxicity as a possible explanation for the SSRI-induced decrease in SERT binding and alteration in 5-HT clearance. Levels of mRNA for the SERT in the raphe nucleus were also unaltered by chronic paroxetine treatment. Based on these results, it appears that the SERT is downregulated by chronic administration of SSRIs but not other types of antidepressants; furthermore, the downregulation is not caused by decreases in SERT gene expression.

RT-PCR and intracellular Ca2+ measurements were used to identify factors that modulate alternative splicing of exon 5 in the NMDA receptor transcript encoding NR1, in cultured cerebellar granule neurons. Although cells grown in media containing 5 mM KCl demonstrate compromised survival, they show the predicted developmental transition from NR1a (-exon 5) to NR1b (+exon 5) mRNA expression. This transition was blocked under culture conditions that promote survival; inclusion or exclusion of exon 5 is a reversible process that is sensitive to alterations in Ca2+ and pH. We conclude that alternative splicing of NR1 pre-mRNA transcripts may be regulated by developmental cues that modulate the degree of glutamate receptor activation.

Excessive activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor channels (NRs) is a major cause of neuronal death associated with stroke and ischemia. Cerebellar granule neurons in vivo, but not in culture, are relatively resistant to toxicity, possibly owing to protective effects of glia. To evaluate whether NR-mediated signaling is modulated when developing neurons are cocultured with glia, the neurotoxic responses of rat cerebellar granule cells to applied NMDA or glutamate were compared in astrocyte-rich and astrocyte-poor cultures. In astrocyte-poor cultures, significant neurotoxicity was observed in response to NMDA or glutamate and was inhibited by an NR antagonist. Astrocyte-rich neuronal cultures demonstrated three significant differences, compared with astrocyte-poor cultures: (a) Neuronal viability was increased; (b) glutamate-mediated neurotoxicity was decreased, consistent with the presence of a sodium-coupled glutamate transport system in astrocytes; and (c) NMDA- but not kainate-mediated neurotoxicity was decreased, in a manner that depended on the relative abundance of glia in the culture. Because glia do not express NRs or an NMDA transport system, the mechanism of protection is distinct from that observed in response to glutamate. No differences in NR subunit composition (evaluated using RT-PCR assays for NR1 and NR2 subunit mRNAs), NR sensitivity (evaluated by measuring NR-mediated changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels), or glycine availability as a coagonist (evaluated in the presence and absence of exogenous glycine) were observed between astrocyte-rich and astrocyte-poor cultures, suggesting that glia do not directly modulate NR composition or function. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid, a lipoxygenase inhibitor, blocked NMDA-mediated toxicity in astrocyte-poor cultures, raising the possibility that glia effectively reduce the accumulation of highly diffusible and toxic arachidonic acid metabolites in neurons. Alternatively, glia may alter neuronal development/phenotype in a manner that selectively reduces susceptibility to NR-mediated toxicity.

The effect of co-administration of MAO inhibitors together with a low dose of the neurotoxic amphetamine p-chloroamphetamine (pCA) on neurotoxicity was examined. Neurotoxicity was assessed by measuring decreases in the binding of [3H]cyanoimipramine to serotonin uptake sites using quantitative autoradiography. By itself, a low dose of pCA (2 mg/kg) did not produce any alterations in radioligand binding, measured 7 days after drug administration. However, co-administration of the MAO-B selective inhibitor deprenyl (1 mg/kg) or the non-selective inhibitor pargyline (50 mg/kg) produced significant decreases in radioligand binding. Measurements of the effects of these drugs on body temperature ruled out the possibility that deprenyl and pargyline were increasing neurotoxicity by producing a drug-induced hyperthermia. In contrast to the effects of deprenyl and pargyline, co-administration of the MAO-A selective inhibitor clorgyline (1 mg/kg) did not alter binding. By themselves none of the MAO inhibitors produced neurotoxic effects. There are a number of possible explanations for these results. Administration of deprenyl or pargyline, together with pCA, itself a MAO-A inhibitor, will lead to inhibition of both MAO-A and MAO-B activities. This will likely lead to an enhanced release of dopamine and serotonin compared with the release following administration of pCA alone or pCA together with clorgyline. Elevation of the extracellular levels of either or both of these monoamines could lead to enhanced neurotoxicity. Whatever the mechanism involved, our results show that the co-administration of a type-B MAOI enhances the neurotoxic effects of pCA on serotonin neurons.