Search

The symmetry of one of the simplest hexamonodentate complexes, [M(H2O)6]2+ (M = Fe, Co, Ni, and Zn), was controlled by tuning interactions in the second coordination sphere. Highly symmetric Ti–Mo or Zr–Mo cluster cations acted as symmetry templates, imposing a crystallographic trigonal coordination geometry in the hexamonodentate complexes through intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions. Magnetic measurements revealed that the ideal trigonal symmetry results in weak spin–orbit coupling for high-spin FeII complexes, despite the T-term ground state in the octahedral geometry. In contrast, high-spin CoII analogues with the T-term ground state exhibited strong spin–orbit coupling. DFT studies supported that a d6 FeII ion in the D3 symmetry has a 5A1 ground state while a d7 CoII in the same symmetry has a 4E ground state. Single-ion magnet behavior was observed in the CoII complexes. These results demonstrate that incorporating a diamagnetic, highly symmetric cluster enables precise symmetry control in single-ion magnets containing only monodentate ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although methods for generating human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived motor nerve organoids are well established, those for sensory nerve organoids are not. Therefore, this study investigated the feasibility of generating sensory nerve organoids composed of hiPSC-derived sensory neurons using a microfluidic approach. Notably, sensory neuronal axons from neurospheres containing 100,000 cells were unidirectionally elongated to form sensory nerve organoids over 6 mm long axon bundles within 14 days using I-shaped microchannels in microfluidic devices composed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chips and glass substrates. Additionally, the organoids were successfully cultured for more than 60 days by exchanging the culture medium. The percentage of nuclei located in the distal part of the axon bundles (the region 3−6 mm from the entrance of the microchannel) compared to the total number of cells in the neurosphere was 0.005% for live cells and 0.008% for dead cells. Molecular characterization confirmed the presence of the sensory neuron marker ISL LIM homeobox 1 (ISL1) and the capsaicin receptor transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). Moreover, capsaicin stimulation activated TRPV1 in organoids, as evidenced by significant calcium ion influx. Conclusively, this study demonstrated the feasibility of long-term organoid culture and the potential applications of sensory nerve organoids in bioengineered nociceptive sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of CoIII–LnIII–CoIII trinuclear complexes [Ln{Co(Hmtimn)3}2](NO3)3 were prepared by following a simple one-pot synthesis method, mixing an unsymmetrical bidentate ligand 2-(2-imidazolinyl)-6-methoxypheol (H2mtimn) with Co(NO3)2·6H2O and LnX3· 6H2O (where Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Gd or Dy and X = NO3− or Cl−) in methanolic solution in the presence of triethylamine in air. In the reaction mixture, this leads to the in situ formation of a tris-chelate CoIII metalloligand unit, which can coordinate LnIII ions through the interactions of phenolato- and methoxy-O donors. X-ray structural analysis revealed that the CoIII metalloligand functions as a rigid tripodal ligand to coordinate to a LnIII ion by six oxygen donors. The two metalloligands in the complex exhibit homochiral aggregation (ΔΔ or ΛΛ) upon coordination to the LnIII ion. The coordination of the central LnIII ion was found to be a distorted icosahedral geometry. Magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that both cobalt and central lanthanide ions exist in trivalent states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To elucidate the risk factors associated with resignation from work of Japanese women undergoing infertility treatment.Methods: A total of 1727 female patients who attended a private fertility clinic in Japan participated in the Japan-Female Employment and Mental health in Assisted reproductive technology study. Questions related to demographic, clinical and socioeconomic characteristics were employed in the questionnaire. Out of the 1727 patients, 1075 patients who were working at the time of initiating infertility treatment and felt infertility treatment incompatible with work were included in the analysis. Risk factors for resignation were assessed by using multivariable logistic regression models.Results: Among 1075 working women who started infertility treatment, 179 (16.7%) subsequently resigned. Multivariable-adjusted ORs for resignation in those with lower educational background and infertility for ≥2 years were 1.58 (95% CI: 1.07 to 2.34) and 1.82 (95% CI: 1.15 to 2.89), respectively. The OR for resignation in non-permanent workers undergoing infertility treatment was 2.65 (95% CI: 1.61 to 4.37). While experiencing harassment in the workplace approached significance, lack of support from the company was significantly associated with resignation after starting infertility treatment, with ORs of 1.71 (95% CI: 0.98 to 2.99) and 1.91 (95% CI: 1.28 to 2.86), respectively.Conclusion: One-sixth of women resigned after starting infertility treatments. It was found that factors related to education, infertility duration and work environment were significantly associated with resignation. Reducing the physical and psychological burden endured by women, for example, by increasing employer-provided support, is vitally important in balancing infertility treatment with maintenance of work life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to determine the differences in thicknesses of the lower leg and foot muscles between sprinters and non-sprinters and to examine the relationship between these muscle thicknesses and sprint performance in sprinters. Twenty-six well-trained sprinters and 26 body size-matched non-sprinters participated in this study. Total 9 muscle thicknesses of bilateral lower leg and foot muscles in participants were measured using ultrasonography. Regarding the lower leg muscles, thicknesses of the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius medial, and gastrocnemius lateral were measured. Regarding the foot muscles, thicknesses of the flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis longus, peroneal longus and brevis, abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, and flexor hallucis brevis were measured. Most muscle thicknesses were significantly larger in sprinters than in non-sprinters. The differences in mean thicknesses of both legs between the two groups were greater in the foot muscles, where it ranged from 10.2% to 17.1%, than in the lower leg muscles, where it ranged from −0.9% to 9.4%. Among foot muscles, the thickness of only the abductor hallucis was positively correlated with the personal best 100-m sprint time in sprinters (r = 0.419, P = 0.033), indicating that a greater abductor hallucis may be a negative factor for superior sprint performance. These findings suggest that although the foot muscles in addition to the lower leg muscles are more developed in sprinters than in non-sprinters, these muscle sizes may not contribute to achieve superior sprint performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]