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The pancreas is a complex organ consisting of differentiated cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) organized adequately to enable its endocrine and exocrine functions. Although much is known about the intrinsic factors that control pancreas development, very few studies have focused on the microenvironment surrounding pancreatic cells. This environment is composed of various cells and ECM components, which play a critical role in maintaining tissue organization and homeostasis. In this study, we applied mass spectrometry to identify and quantify the ECM composition of the developing pancreas at the embryonic (E) day 14.5 and postnatal (P) day 1 stages. Our proteomic analysis identified 160 ECM proteins that displayed a dynamic expression profile with a shift in collagens and proteoglycans. Furthermore, we used atomic force microscopy to measure the biomechanical properties and found that the pancreatic ECM was soft (≤400 Pa) with no significant change during pancreas maturation. Lastly, we optimized a decellularization protocol for P1 pancreatic tissues, incorporating a preliminary crosslinking step, which effectively preserved the 3D organization of the ECM. The resulting ECM scaffold proved suitable for recellularization studies. Our findings provide insights into the composition and biomechanics of the pancreatic embryonic and perinatal ECM, offering a foundation for future studies investigating the dynamic interactions between the ECM and pancreatic cells.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most frequent histological subtype of thyroid cancers (TC), and BRAFV600E genetic alteration is found in 60% of this endocrine cancer. This oncogene is associated with poor prognosis, resistance to radioiodine therapy, and tumor progression. Histological follow-up by anatomo-pathologists revealed that two-thirds of surgically-removed thyroids do not present malignant lesions. Thus, continued fundamental research into the molecular mechanisms of TC downstream of BRAFV600E remains central to better understanding the clinical behavior of these tumors. To study PTC, we used a mouse model in which expression of BRAFV600E was specifically switched on in thyrocytes by doxycycline administration. Upon daily intraperitoneal doxycycline injection, thyroid tissue rapidly acquired histological features mimicking human PTC. Transcriptomic analysis revealed major changes in immune signaling pathways upon BRAFV600E induction. Multiplex immunofluorescence confirmed the abundant recruitment of macrophages, among which a population of LYVE-1+/CD206+/STABILIN-1+ was dramatically increased. By genetically inactivating the gene coding for the scavenger receptor STABILIN-1, we showed an increase of CD8+ T cells in this in situ BRAFV600E-dependent TC. Lastly, we demonstrated the presence of CD206+/STABILIN-1+ macrophages in human thyroid pathologies. Altogether, we revealed the recruitment of immunosuppressive STABILIN-1 macrophages in a PTC mouse model and the interest to further study this macrophage subpopulation in human thyroid tissues.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most frequent histological subtype of thyroid cancers (TC), and BRAF

Today, in rural isolated areas or so-called ‘medical deserts’, access to diagnosis and care is very limited. With the current pandemic crisis, now even more than ever, telemedicine platforms are gradually more employed for remote medical assessment. Only a few are tailored to comprehensive teleneuropsychological assessment of older adults. Hence, our study focuses on evaluating the feasibility of performing a remote neuropsychological assessment of older adults suffering from a cognitive complaint. 50 participants (aged 55 and older) were recruited at the local hospital of Digne-les-Bains, France. A brief neuropsychological assessment including a short clinical interview and several validated neuropsychological tests was administered in two conditions, once by Teleneuropsychology (TNP) and once by Face-to-Face (FTF) in a crossover design. Acceptability and user experience was assessed through questionnaires. Results show high agreement in most tests between the FTF and TNP conditions. The TNP was overall well accepted by the participants. However, differences in test performances were observed, which urges the need to validate TNP tests with broader samples with normative data.

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common endocrine malignancy for which diagnosis and recurrences still challenge clinicians. New perspectives to overcome these issues could come from the study of extracellular vesicle (EV) populations and content. Here, we aimed to elucidate the heterogeneity of EVs circulating in the tumor and the changes in their microRNA content during cancer progression. Using a mouse model expressing BRAF

Today, in rural isolated areas or so-called 'medical deserts', access to diagnosis and care is very limited. With the current pandemic crisis, now even more than ever, telemedicine platforms are gradually more employed for remote medical assessment. Only a few are tailored to comprehensive teleneuropsychological assessment of older adults. Hence, our study focuses on evaluating the feasibility of performing a remote neuropsychological assessment of older adults suffering from a cognitive complaint. 50 participants (aged 55 and older) were recruited at the local hospital of Digne-les-Bains, France. A brief neuropsychological assessment including a short clinical interview and several validated neuropsychological tests was administered in two conditions, once by Teleneuropsychology (TNP) and once by Face-to-Face (FTF) in a crossover design. Acceptability and user experience was assessed through questionnaires. Results show high agreement in most tests between the FTF and TNP conditions. The TNP was overall well accepted by the participants. However, differences in test performances were observed, which urges the need to validate TNP tests with broader samples with normative data.

International audience; Introduction Early detection of cognitive impairments is crucial for the successful implementation of preventive strategies. However, in rural isolated areas or so-called ‘medical deserts’, access to diagnosis and care is very limited. With the current pandemic crisis, now even more than ever, remote solutions such as telemedicine platforms represent great potential and can help to overcome this barrier. Moreover, current advances made in voice and image analysis can help overcome the barrier of physical distance by providing additional information on a patients’ emotional and cognitive state. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of a videoconference system for remote cognitive testing empowered by automatic speech and video analysis. Methods and analysis 60 participants (aged 55 and older) with and without cognitive impairment will be recruited. A complete neuropsychological assessment including a short clinical interview will be administered in two conditions, once by telemedicine and once by face-to-face. The order of administration procedure will be counterbalanced so half of the sample starts with the videoconference condition and the other half with the face-to-face condition. Acceptability and user experience will be assessed among participants and clinicians in a qualitative and quantitative manner. Speech and video features will be extracted and analysed to obtain additional information on mood and engagement levels. In a subgroup, measurements of stress indicators such as heart rate and skin conductance will be compared. Ethics and dissemination The procedures are not invasive and there are no expected risks or burdens to participants. All participants will be informed that this is an observational study and their consent taken prior to the experiment. Demonstration of the effectiveness of such technology makes it possible to diffuse its use across all rural areas (‘medical deserts’) and thus, to improve the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative pathologies, while providing data crucial for basic research. Results from this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Tight junction complexes are involved in the establishment and maintenance of cell polarity and the regulation of signalling pathways, controlling biological processes such as cell differentiation and cell proliferation. MarvelD3 is a tight junction protein expressed in adult epithelial and endothelial cells. In Xenopus laevis, MarvelD3 morphants present differentiation defects of several ectodermal derivatives. In vitro experiments further revealed that MarvelD3 couples tight junctions to the MEKK1-JNK pathway to regulate cell behaviour and survival. In this work, we found that MarvelD3 is expressed from early developmental stages in the exocrine and endocrine compartments of the pancreas, as well as in endothelial cells of this organ. We thoroughly characterized MarvelD3 expression pattern in developing pancreas and evaluated its function by genetic ablation. Surprisingly, inactivation of MarvelD3 in mice did not alter development and differentiation of the pancreatic tissue. Moreover, tight junction formation and organization, cell polarization, and activity of the JNK-pathway were not impacted by the deletion of MarvelD3.

Ninety percent of hepatocarcinoma (HCC) develops in a chronically damaged liver. Interactions between non-tumor stromal components, especially macrophages, and cancer cells are still incompletely understood. Our aim was to determine whether a chronically injured liver represents a favorable environment for the seeding and growth of HCC cells, and to evaluate the potential roles of macrophages infiltrated within the tumor. HCC cells were injected into the liver in healthy mice (healthy liver group [HL]) and in mice chronically treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) for 7 weeks (CCl4 7w group). Livers were examined for the presence of tumor 2 weeks post-injection. Tumor and non-tumor tissues were analyzed for macrophage infiltration, origin (monocytes-derived vs resident macrophages) and polarization state, and MMP production. Fifty-three percent of mice developed neoplastic lesion in the HL group whereas a tumor lesion was found in all livers in the CCl4 7w group. Macrophages infiltrated more deeply the tumors of the CCl4 7w group. Evaluation of factors involved in the recruitment of macrophages and of markers of their polarization state was in favor of prominent infiltration of M2 pro-tumor monocyte-derived macrophages inside the tumors developing in a chronically injured liver. MMP-2 and -9 production, attributed to M2 pro-tumor macrophages, was significantly higher in the tumors of the CCl4 7w group. In our model, chronic liver damage promotes cancer development. Our results suggest that an injured background favors the infiltration of M2 pro-tumor monocyte-derived macrophages. These secrete MMP-2 and MMP-9 that promote tumor progression.

International audience; Series of 6-aminophenanthridines and related heterocyclic compounds such as benzonaphtyridines were prepared. Reduction of one of the three aromatic rings was also performed. The compounds were first tested for their antiprion activity in a previously described yeast-based colourimetric prion assay. The most potent derivatives were then assayed ex vivo against the mammalian prion PrP(Sc) in a cell-based assay. Several of the new compounds were found more potent than the parent lead 6-aminophenanthridine. The most promising compounds against yeast and mammalian prions were 8-azido-6-aminophenanthridine (3m), and 7,10-dihydrophenanthridin-6-amine (14). In the mammalian cell-based assay, the IC50 of these two compounds were around 5 μM and 1.8 μM, respectively.

Matrix metalloproteinase-27 (MMP-27) is poorly characterized. Sequence comparison suggests that a C-terminal extension (CTE) includes a potential transmembrane domain as in some membrane-type (MT)-MMPs. Having noticed that MMP-27 was barely secreted, we investigated its subcellular localization and addressed CTE contribution for MMP-27 retention. Intracellular MMP-27 was sensitive to endoglycosidase H. Subcellular fractionation and confocal microscopy evidenced retention of endogenous MMP-27 or recombinant rMMP-27 in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) with locked exit across the intermediate compartment (ERGIC). Conversely, truncated rMMP-27 without CTE accessed downstream secretory compartments (ERGIC and Golgi) and was constitutively secreted. CTE addition to rMMP-10 (a secreted MMP) caused ER retention and blocked secretion. Addition of a PKA target sequence to the cytosolic C-terminus of transmembrane MT1-MMP/MMP-14 led to effective phosphorylation upon forskolin stimulation, but not for MMP-27, excluding transmembrane anchorage. Moreover, MMP-27 was protected from digestion by proteinase K. Finally, MT1-MMP/MMP-14 but neither endogenous nor recombinant MMP-27 partitioned in the detergent phase after Triton X-114 extraction, indicating that MMP-27 is not an integral membrane protein. In conclusion, MMP-27 is efficiently retained within the ER due to its unique CTE, which does not lead to stable membrane insertion. This could represent a novel ER retention system.

Menstrual endometrial breakdown induced by estradiol and progesterone withdrawal is regularly attributed to vasospasm of spiral arteries causing ischemia and hypoxia. We investigated whether hypoxia actually occurred in an in vivo model of menstruation. Three complementary approaches were used to look for signs of hypoxia in fragments of human functionalis xenografted to ovariectomized immunodeficient mice bearing pellets-releasing estradiol and progesterone, and then deprived of ovarian steroids. Hormone withdrawal 21 d after grafting induced menstrual breakdown and MMP expression within 4 d. Local partial oxygen pressure (pO2) was measured by electron paramagnetic resonance using implanted lithium phtalocyanine crystals. In mice with hormone maintenance until sacrifice, pO2 was low one week after grafting (14.8±3.4 mmHg) but increased twofold from the second week when tissue was largely revascularized. After 3 wk, pO2 was not modified by hormone withdrawal but was slightly increased on hormone reimpregnation 4 d after removal (34.7±6.1 mmHg) by comparison with hormone maintenance (27.1±8.6 mmHg). These results were confirmed using fluorescence quenching-based OxyLite measurements. In a further search for signs of hypoxia, we did not find significant HIF1-α immunostaining, nor pimonidazole adducts after hormone withdrawal. We conclude that hypoxia is not needed to trigger menstrual-like tissue breakdown or repair in human endometrial xenograft.-Coudyzer, P., Lemoine, P., Jordan, B. F., Gallez, B., Galant, C., Nisolle, M., Courtoy, P. J., Henriet, P., and Marbaix, E. Hypoxia is not required for human endometrial breakdown or repair in a xenograft model of menstruation.

The present work reports syntheses, crystal structures and variable-temperature magnetic properties of three copper(II)–iron(II/III) compounds [{CuIIL1}{FeIIIL1(H2O)2}](ClO4) (1), [{CuIIL1FeII(H2O)3}{CuIIL1}2](ClO4)2 (2) and [{CuIIL2FeII(H2O)3}{CuIIL2}2](ClO4)2·H2O·CH3COCH3 (3), where H2L1 = N,N′-ethylenebis(3-ethoxysalicylaldimine) and H2L2 = N,N′-o-phenylenebis(3-ethoxysalicylaldimine). Compounds 2 and 3 are tetrametallic [2 × 1 + 1 × 2] cocrystals of one diphenoxo-bridged dinuclear CuIIFeII and two mononuclear CuII moieties, while compound 1 is a dimetallic [1 × 1 + 1 × 1] cocrystal of one mononuclear FeIII and one mononuclear CuII moieties. The overall topology of 1 is one-dimensional. Tetrametallic (in 2 and 3) and one-dimensional (in 1) self-assemblies are generated due to weak noncovalent interactions. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that iron(II) or iron(III) centers in 1–3 remain in high-spin state. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibit weak antiferromagnetic interaction; the J values in the dinuclear core are −22.5 and −13.7 cm−1, respectively, compound 1 exhibits very weak antiferromagnetic interaction (J = −0.25 cm−1) propagated through the weak noncovalent bonds.

Reaction of [CuIIL⊂(H2O)] (H2L = N,N′-ethylenebis(3-ethoxysalicylaldimine)) with nickel(II) perchlorate in 1:1 ratio in acetone produces the trinuclear compound [(CuIIL)2NiII(H2O)2](ClO4)2 (1). On the other hand, on changing the solvent from acetone to methanol, reaction of the same reactants in same ratio produces the pentametallic compound [(CuIIL)2NiII(H2O)2](ClO4)2·2[CuIIL⊂(H2O)]·2MeOH (2A), which loses solvated methanol molecules immediately after its isolation to form [(CuIIL)2NiII(H2O)2](ClO4)2·2[CuIIL⊂(H2O)] (2B). Clearly, formation of 1 versus 2A and 2B is solvent dependent. Crystal structures of 1 and 2A have been determined. Interestingly, compound 2A is a [3 × 1 + 1 × 2] cocrystal. The cryomagnetic profiles of 1 and 2B indicate that the two pairs of copper(II)···nickel(II) ions in the trinuclear cores in both the complexes are coupled by almost identical moderate antiferromagnetic interaction (J = −22.8 cm−1 for 1 and −26.0 cm−1 for 2B).

Copper(I) thiophenolate was considered as a copper source for the synthesis of Cu(I)-N-heterocyclic carbenes (Cu(I)-NHCs). It displayed a dual mode of reactivity allowing the synthesis of both thiophenolato-Cu(I)-NHCs via the free carbene in a one-pot procedure starting from imidazolium chlorides and chloro-Cu(I)-NHCs by a salt metathesis reaction starting from chloro-Ag(I)-NHCs.

Explants from nonmenstrual endometria cultured in the absence of ovarian hormones undergo tissue breakdown. Addition of estradiol and progesterone (EP) prevents proteolysis. Explants include stromal and epithelial compartments which play different but complementary roles in endometrial physiology, including tissue remodeling and hormonal response. In order to characterize the cell type-specific contribution to regulation of tissue breakdown, we characterized the transcriptomes of microdissected stromal and glandular areas from endometrial explants cultured with or without EP. The datasets were also compared to other published endometrial transcriptomes. Finally, the contribution of proteolysis, hypoxia, and MAPKs to the regulation of selected genes was further investigated in explant culture. This analysis identified distinct gene expression profiles in stroma and glands, with differential response to EP, but functional clustering underlined convergence in biological processes, further indicating that endometrial remodeling requires cooperation between the two compartments through expression of cell type-specific genes. Only partial overlaps were observed between lists of genes involved in different occurrences of endometrial breakdown, pointing to a limited number of potentially crucial regulators but also to the requirement for additional mechanisms controlling tissue remodeling. We identified a group of genes differentially regulated by EP in stroma and glands among which some were sensitive to MAPKs and/or aspartic proteinases and were not induced by hypoxia. In conclusion, MAPKs and/or aspartic proteinases likely act in concert with EP to locally and specifically control differential expression of genes between degrading and preserved areas of the human endometrium.

The present investigation describes syntheses, characterization and studies of the mononuclear compound [Cu II L⊂ (H 2 O)] (1), the triangular, trinuclear monophenoxido-bridged compounds [{Cu II L} 2 M II (H 2 O) 2 ](CIO 4 ) 2 ·nH 2 O [2 (M = Cu, n = 0), 3 (M = Ni, n = 3), 4 (M = Co, n = 0), 5 (M = Fe, n = 0)] and the tetrametallic self-assembled complex [{Cu II LMn II (H 2 O) 3 }-{Cu II L} 2 ](CIO 4 ) 2 ·H 2 O (6) derived from compartmental Schiff base ligand, H 2 L, which is the [2+1] condensation product of 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde and trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane. Single-crystal X-ray structures of 2, 5 and 6 were determined. Two pairs of terminal···central metal ions in the trinuclear cores in 2 and 5 are monophenoxido-bridged. Interestingly, the CuO 6 and FeO 6 environments have tetragonally compressed octahedral geometries. On the other hand, the structure of 6 reveals that it is a [2×1+1×2] cocrystal of one diphenoxido-bridged dinuclear [Cu II LMn II (H 2 O) 3 ] 2+ dication and two mononuclear [Cu II L] moieties. Cocrystallization in 6 takes place as a result of water encapsulation. The variable-temperature (2-300 K) magnetic susceptibilities of compounds 2-6 have been measured. The exchange integrals obtained are: the Cu II 3 compound 2, J = -78.9 cm -1 ; the Cu II Ni II -Cu II compound 3, J = -22.8 cm -1 ; the Cu II Cu II Cu II compound 4, J = -7.8 cm -1 ; the Cu II Fe II Cu II compound 5, J = -3.0 cm -1 ; the Cu IT 3 Mn II compound 6, J = -15.1 cm -1 . The monophenoxido-bridging core in 3 and 4 has been proposed after comparison of the structures and magnetic properties of these two compounds with those of 2, 5 and related other compounds. This paper presents rare examples of monophenoxido-bridged Cu II M II Cu II (M = Cu, Ni, Co and Fe) compounds, provides an understanding of the structures from magnetic exchange integrals, and, most importantly, reports on the first example of a cocrystal derived from a 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde diamine compartmental ligand.

Two ternary complexes of manganese(II) indole-2-carboxylate (2-IC−) or isoquinolinecarboxylate (IQC−) with 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) in methanol or in dimethylacetamide (DMA) were synthesized and studied by X-ray diffraction and IR spectra. [Mn(C9H6NO2)2(C12H8N2)2]·CH4O (1) crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1 with cell parameters of a = 10.548(2) A, b = 14.168(3) A, c = 14.580(3) A, α = 62.35(2)°, β = 69.16(2)°, γ = 78.61(2)°, V = 1802.4(6) A3 and Z = 2; [Mn(C10H6NO2)2(C12H8N2)].C4H9NO (2) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/a with cell parameters of a = 15.304(5) A, b = 12.871(5) A, c = 17.421(5) A, β = 114.39(1), V = 3125(2) A3 and Z = 4. In 1, Mn is six-coordinate by two bidentate phen ligands and two 2-IC− ligands and exhibits a very distorted octahedral geometry. This complex is solvated by methanol involved in hydrogen bonding. In 2, Mn atom is surrounded by one bidentate phen ligand and two bidentate IQC− ligands. The complex exhibits a distorted octahedral geometry around the MnII atom. The crystal structure is completed by a disordered DMA solvate molecule. The IR spectra of both compounds are slightly different in the range 4000–2400 cm−1 which may be attributed to hydrogen bond lack in 2. Two ternary complexes of manganese(II) indole-2-carboxylate (2-IC−) or isoquinolinecarboxylate (IQC−) with 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) in methanol or in dimethylacetamide (DMA) were synthesized, their X-ray crystal structures were determined and some IR spectra were recorded.

Syntheses, characterization and crystal structures of four designed host-guest compounds of the compositions [{Cu II L 1 } 2 ⊂(H 3 N(ethylene)NH 3 )](NO 3 ) 2 (1), [{Cu II L 1 } 2 ⊂(H 3 N-(propylene)NH 3 )](NO 3 ) 2 (2), [{Cu II L 1 } 2 ⊂(H 3 N(butylene)-NH 3 )](NO 3 ) 2 (3) and [{Cu II L 2 } 2 ⊂(H 3 N(ethylene)NH 3 )](NO 3 ) 2 (4) are described in this investigation [H 2 L 1 = N,N'-ethylenebis(3-methoxysalicylaldimine); H 2 L 2 = N,N'-ethylenebis(3-ethoxysalicylaldimine); ethylene = (CH 2 ) 2 ; propylene = (CH 2 ) 3 ; butylene = (CH 2 ) 4 ]. Compounds 2 and 3 crystallize in the orthorhombic Pcab and monoclinic C2/c systems, respectively, while the space group of compounds 1 and 4 is triclinic Pi. In all of these four compounds 1-4, the two + NH 3 sites of the [H 3 N(CH 2 ) n NH 3 ] 2+ dication (n = 2-4) behave as guests in the 0 4 compartment of two [Cu II L 1 /L 2 ] moieties through bifurcated N-H···O(phenoxo) and NH···O(methoxy/ethoxy) hydrogen-bonding interactions. Evidently, two mononuclear copper(II) moieties are interlinked by bridging supramolecular synthons, resulting in the formation of a supramolecular dimer in the title compounds. From the extent of displacement of the N atoms of [H 3 N(CH 2 ) n- NH 3 ] 2+ from the least-squares O(phenoxo) 2 O(methoxy/ ethoxy) 2 plane, it is clear that [Cu II L 1 ] is a better host than [Cu II L 2 ] for the diprotonated diamine guests. Comparison of the inclusion of water and diprotonated diamines in [Cu II L 1 / L 2 ] is also described in the present investigation. Interestingly, of the two guest species, water and diprotonated diamines, [Cu II L 2 ] prefers the former and [Cu II L 1 ] prefers the latter.

The syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of the trinuclear triangular compounds [{Cu II L 1 } 2 Cu II (H 2 O) 2 ](ClO 4 ) 2 · H 2 O (1) and [{Cu II L 1 } 2 M II (H 2 O) 2 ](ClO 4 ) 2 {M = Ni (2), Co (3), Fe (4)} derived from N,N'-ethylenebis(3-methoxysalicylaldimine) (H 2 L 1 ) are described. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic P2 1 /n space group, while the crystal system for the isomorphous compounds 2-4 is monoclinic P2 1 /c. In the cations of these compounds, two copper(II) ions occupy the salen type N 2 O 2 cavity of two [L 1 ] 2- ligands, while one phenoxido and one methoxy oxygen atom of each of these two [C u II L 1 ] moieties coordinate to a central metal ion, which results in the formation of the trinuclear Cu II 2 M II systems in which the two pairs of central···terminal metal ions are monophenoxido-bridged. In addition, to the two phenoxido bridges, the central metal ion is coordinated to two methoxy and two water oxygen atoms. The coordinated water molecules are strongly hydrogen bonded to the phenoxido and methoxy oxygen atoms. The presence of the coordinated water molecules and the interaction of these water molecules with the phenoxido and methoxy oxygen atoms are proposed to be the governing factors for the stabilization of the rare example of the monophenoxido-bridged Cu II 3 compound 1 and of the first examples of the monophenoxido-bridged Cu II 2 M II compounds 2-4. The three metal ions define an isosceles triangle. The phenoxido bridge angles in these compounds are significantly obtuse and vary between 121.10(12)° and 129.84(13)°. On the other hand, the trinuclear cores are highly twisted as evidenced from the range of the dihedral angles (58.5-143.7°) between the basal planes of the terminal and the central metal ions. The variable-temperature (2-300 K) magnetic susceptibilities of compounds 1-4 have been measured. The magnetic data for 1 have been analyzed by using a model of two exchange integrals for the two pairs of adjacent metal ions, while one J value is considered for the other three complexes. The exchange integrals obtained are: Cu II 3 compound 1: J 1 = -97.6 cm -1 , J 2 = -89.5 cm -1 ; Cu II 2 Ni II compound 2: J = -25.4 cm -1 ; Cu II 2 Co II compound 3: J = -9.0 cm -1 ; Cu II 2 -Fe II compound 4: J = -6.5 cm -1 . These moderate to weak antiferromagnetic interactions in 1-4 are related to the twisting of the trinuclear cores. The relative order of the exchange integrals can been understood from the nature of the magnetic orbitals. The structural and magnetic results have been compared with previously reported related compounds.

Syntheses, structures and magnetic properties of a heterobridged μ-phenoxido-μ1,1-NCO dinickel(II) compound [NiII2(HL)3(μ-NCO)]·2H2O (1) and a heterobridged bis(μ3-phenoxido)bis(μ3-alkoxido)tetranickel(II) system, [NiII4(L)2(HL)2(SeCN)2(H2O)2]·C3H7NO·4H2O (2), containing a cubane-type NiII4O4 core, derived from the tetradentate Schiff base compartmental ligand N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methoxysalicylaldimine (H2L) were described. Compounds 1 and 2 crystallize in triclinic P and monoclinic P21/c systems, respectively. Compound 2, in which the Ni4O4 cubane core is composed of two μ3-phenoxido and two μ3-alkoxido moieties, represents the sole example of this type. The variable-temperature (2–300 K) magnetic susceptibilities and magnetizations of these two compounds were measured. The interaction between the metal centres in dinuclear compound 1 is weak ferromagnetic, resulting in an ST = 2 ground state at 2 K. The overall interaction observed in 2 is weak ferromagnetic, leading to an unusual ST = 3 ground state. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)

Cyclic elimination of the endometrium functional layer through menstrual bleeding results from intense tissue breakdown by proteolytic enzymes, mainly members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family. In contrast to menstrual-restricted MMPs, e.g. interstitial collagenase (MMP-1), gelatinases A (MMP-2) and B (MMP-9) mRNAs are abundant throughout the cycle without detectable tissue degradation at proliferative and secretory phases, implying a tight posttranslational control of both gelatinases. This paper addresses the role of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP)-1 in the endocytic clearance of endometrial gelatinases. LRP-1 mRNA and protein were studied using RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunolabeling. Posttranslational control of LRP-1 was analyzed in explant culture. The receptor-associated protein (RAP), used as LRP antagonist, strongly increased (pro)gelatinase accumulation in medium conditioned by endometrial explants, suggesting a role for LRP-1 in their clearance. Although LRP-1 mRNA remained constant throughout the cycle, the protein ectodomain vanished at menses. LRP-1 immunolabeling selectively disappeared in areas of extracellular matrix breakdown in menstrual samples. It also disappeared from explants cultured without estrogen and progesterone (EP) due to ectodomain shedding in the medium. The shedding was inhibited by metalloproteinase inhibitors, including a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) inhibitor, and by tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMP)-3 and -2, but barely by TIMP-1, pointing to ADAM-12 as the putative sheddase. In good agreement, ADAM-12 mRNA expression was repressed by EP. In conclusion, the efficient LRP-1-mediated clearance of gelatinase activity in nonbleeding endometrium is abrogated upon EP withdrawal, due to shedding of LRP-1 ectodomain by a metalloproteinase, presumably ADAM-12, itself regulated by EP.

BACKGROUND: Menstruation is associated with a striking increase in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. However, it is still unknown whether the level of MMP activity correlates with the amount of menstrual bleeding. METHODS: We used histochemistry to investigate the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and immunohistochemical labelling and zymographic analysis to determine the level of expression and activity of MMP-2 and -9, and of their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) -1, -2 and -3, in endometria sampled during menstruation in 14 women experiencing excessive menstrual bleeding and in 10 women successfully treated for menorrhagia by thermal ablation of the endometrium. RESULTS: After thermal ablation, regenerated menstrual endometria showed reduced areas of collagen fibre lysis and increased content of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 compared with endometria from non-treated menorrhagic women. Surprisingly, treated endometria contained more latent gelatinase A (proMMP-2) but a lower proportion of the active form of gelatinase B (MMP-9) than non-treated endometria. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that ECM degradation is decreased at menstruation in the endometrium regenerated after thermal ablation, mostly because of an increased TIMP expression. This represents the first molecular explanation for the decreased amount of menstrual bleeding.

The synthesis, characterization, and structure of a cyano-bridged two-dimensional supramolecule, [CuII(trans-chxn)2]3[CoIII(CN)6]2·2H2O (1; chxn = 1,2-diaminocyclohexane), have been described. The title compound crystallizes in the triclinic Pī space group with the unit cell parameters: a = 9.141(5) A, b = 12.406(5) A, c = 15.064(5) A, α = 95.190(5)°, β = 94.460(5)°, γ = 109.510(5)°, V = 1593.0(12) A3, and Z = 1. The compound contains two crystallographically different copper(II) and cobalt(III) centers. Each of the two copper(II) ions is hexacoordinated by two diamines and two bridging cyanides. Two trans cyanides of one type of hexacyanometalate link one type of copper(II) center to result in one-dimensional chain, while two pairs of trans cyanides of the second type of hexacyanometalate link both the types of copper(II) ions to result in the second dimension. There are extensive hydrogen bonding interactions within the two-dimensional cyano-bridged sheet involving the solvated water molecule, amine groups, and cyanide nitrogens. Synthesis, characterization, and structure of a cyano-bridged two-dimensional CuIICoIII coordination polymer derived from trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane as blocking ligand Malabika Nayak, Samit Majumder, Pascale Lemoine, and Sasankasekhar Mohanta* The synthesis, characterization, and structure of a cyano-bridged two-dimensional supramolecule, [CuII(trans-chxn)2]3[CoIII(CN)6]2 · 2H2O (chxn = 1,2-diaminocyclohexane), have been described.

At the onset of liver development, the hepatic precursor cells, namely, the hepatoblasts, derive from the ventral foregut endoderm and form a bud surrounded by a basement membrane (BM). To initiate liver growth, the hepatoblasts migrate across the BM and invade the neighboring septum transversum mesenchyme. In the present study, carried out in the mouse embryo, we searched for effectors involved in this process and we examined the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). We found expression of a broad range of MMPs, among which MMP-2 was predominantly expressed in the septum transversum and MMP-14 in the hepatoblasts. Using a new liver explant culture system we showed that inhibition of MMP activity represses migration of the hepatoblasts. We conclude that MMPs are required to initiate expansion of the liver during development and that our culture system provides a new model to study hepatoblast migration.

Syntheses, characterization, and studies of two 2-(N-2′-aminopyridylo)pyridinium salts, [DPA1HA [Fe(CN)6]3− · 5H2O (1) and [DPA1HA]+Cl− · 2H2O (2; DPA1HA = monoprotonated 2,2′-dipyridylamine (DPA) having one pyridine nitrogen protonated) are described. X-ray single crystal structure of 1 has been determined. This complex crystallizes in monoclinic P21/n space group with a = 18.691(8) A, b = 11.685(6) A, c = 20.392(9) A, β = 117.03(3)°, and Z = 4. Quantum chemical calculations on neutral, monoprotonated, and diprotonated 2,2′-dipyridylamine have been performed to understand the site of protonation in 1. The water molecules in 1 are interlinked to result in the generation of the rare example of an acyclic water pentamer. The water pentamer is hydrogen bonded with the ferricyanide anion to generate a two-dimensional water-ferricyanide sheet. The overall supramolecular structure of 1 is three-dimensional due to hydrogen bonding interactions of the organic cations with both the ferricyanide anion and water clu...

The mononuclear copper(II) compound [CuIIL1⊂(H2O)] (1) derived from the hexadentate Schiff base compartmental ligand N,N′-o-phenylenebis(3-ethoxysalicylaldimine) (H2L1) has been characterized from its IR spectrum as an inclusion product. Reaction of 1 with Cu(ClO4)2 · 6H2O leads to the formation of an interesting [2 × 2 + 1 × 3] heptanuclear copper(II) complex [{CuIIL1CuII(H2O)3}2 {CuIIL1}3](ClO4)4 · 2CH3COCH3 (2), in which two monophenoxo-bridged dinuclear [CuIIL1CuII(H2O)3]2+ cationic units are self-assembled and cocrystallized with three mononuclear [CuIIL1] complex units through the hydrogen bonded web formed between the coordinated water molecules and the phenoxo/ethoxy oxygens. Similar reactions of 1 with Co(ClO4)2 · 6H2O or Mn(ClO4)2 · 6H2O produce the [2 × 1 + 1 × 2] heterotetranuclear complexes [{CuIIL1MII(H2O)3}{CuIIL1}2](ClO4)2 · H2O · CH3COCH3 (M = Co (3), M = Mn (4)) in which one diphenoxo-bridged heterodinuclear [CuIIL1MII(H2O)3]2+ cationic unit is self-assembled and cocrystallized with two mononuclear [CuIIL1] units through hydrogen bonding. The structures of 2 and 4 have been determined. Variable-temperature (2–300 K) magnetic susceptibility measurements of 2–4 have been carried out. In all these cases, the metal centers in the bimetallic units are involved in antiferromagnetic exchange interactions with J = −22.2 cm−1, −16.7 cm−1, and −15.9 cm−1 for 2–4, respectively.

A very short and efficient synthesis of protected derivatives of APTO and AETD, the complex polyhydroxylated beta-amino acid residues present in microsclerodermins C, D, and E, is described. The targets are obtained in only five steps, in 23% and 16% overall yields, respectively. The key transformation involves the completely diastereoselective two-carbon homologation of appropriately selected intermediate chiral sulfinimines.

A cycloartane gardurvilleic acid, three 3,4-seco-cycloartanes securvienol, secodienurvilleic acid, securvitriol, a 3,4;9,10-seco-cycloartane gardheptlactone, two dammaranes urvilone, urvilol, along with eight known cycloartanes and 3,4-seco-cycloartanes and four known dammaranes have been isolated from the bud exudate of Gardenia urvillei, an endemic tree to the New Caledonian dry forest. Two other dammarane derivatives have been obtained by semisynthesis. The structures of the original compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods and chemical correlations. In association with previously published data, the description of oxidized side-chains in position 17 are now available for two couples of diastereoisomers. Evaluation of anti-parasite activity and cytotoxicity has shown noticeable results for some of the isolated triterpenes.

N-Aminoguanidine (Amgu) was examined for its behaviour as a ligand for platinum(II) and palladium(II). Protonated AmguH+ can coordinate platinum as a monodentate ligand bound via the N4 amino group. Deprotonated, electrically neutral Amgu forms chelate complexes with both PtII and PdII; in these complexes Amgu is coordinated to the metal by the N4 amino group and the deprotonated N1 imino group, forming a five-membered ring. K[PtCl3(dmso)] reacted with Amgu·HCl to yield a chelate complex with N1 bound trans to S, suggesting that an exchange between the N1 and N4 binding sites followed the primary nucleophilic attack of N4 on platinum. Whereas reactions between K2PdCl4 and Amgu·HCl were rapid and straightforward, K2PtCl4 was easily reduced to metallic platinum by Amgu·HCl, especially in stoichiometric conditions. Solution NMR and X-ray crystallographic characterization is presented for five new complexes: trans-[PtCl2(AmguH-N4)2]Cl2·21/2H2O (3), trans-[Pt(Amgu-N1,N4)2](NO3)2 (4), [PtCl(Amgu-N1,N4)(dmso)]Cl·2H2O (5), [PdCl2(AmguH-N1,N4)] (6), and trans-[Pd(Amgu-N1,N4)2]Cl2 (7)

Thyroid follicles, the functional units of the thyroid gland, are delineated by a monolayer of thyrocytes resting on a continuous basement membrane. Developmental mechanisms whereby follicles are formed by reorganization of a non-structured mass of non-polarized epithelial cells (folliculogenesis) largely unknown. Here we show that assembly of the epithelial basement membrane is critical for folliculogenesis and is controlled by endothelial cell invasion and by BMP-Smad signaling in thyrocytes. Thyroid-specific double Smad1 and Smad5 knockout mice (Smad1/5(dKO)) displayed growth retardation, hypothyroidism and defective follicular architecture. In Smad1/5(dKO)embryonic thyroids, epithelial cells remained associated in large clusters and formed small follicles. Although similar follicular defects are found in Vegfa(KO)thyroids, Smad1/5(dKO)thyroids had normal endothelial cell density yet impaired endothelial differentiation. Interestingly, both Vegfa(KO)and Smad1/5(dKO)thyroids displayed impaired basement membrane assembly. Furthemore, conditioned medium (CM) from embryonic endothelial progenitor cells (eEPC) rescued the folliculogenic defects of both Smad1/5(dKO)and Vegfa(KO)thyroids. Laminin α1β1γ1, abundantly released by eEPC into CM, was critically required for folliculogenesis. Thus, epithelial Smad signaling and endothelial cell invasion promote folliculogenesis via assembly of the basement membrane. ispartof: Development vol:143 issue:11 pages:1958-1970 ispartof: location:England status: published

Time-dependant density functional theory–electronic circular dichroism spectra prediction was carried out to study the absolute configuration of phyllanthidine-type derivatives 5 and 6, derived from securinine (1) and its enantiomer virosecurinine (2), respectively. This method demonstrated to be very reliable in this alkaloid series. Thus, 5 and 6 shared the same stereochemistry as their parent precursors, confirming the retentive nature of the oxidation sequence. In addition, this study highlighted the key role of the methylene bridge (BC ring) in the chiroptical activity of these compounds. These results fully clarified the stereochemical relationships between the phyllanthidine and the securinine subgroups.

Two ternary Cu(II) complexes of 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and singly (Hsal − ) or dideprotonated (sal 2− ) salicylate ligands were synthesized, their X-ray crystal structure and electron paramagnetic resonance spectral characteristics determined, and evaluated for anti-convulsant activities in the maximal electroshock (MES) and Metrazol models of seizure and Rotorod toxicity. The X-ray crystal structure of [bis(1,10-phenanthroline)-μ-bis(salicylato-O,O′)dicopper(II)] dihydrate, 1 , {[Cu II 2 (phen) 2 (sal) 2 ]·2[H 2 O]}, shows it to be binuclear. This dimer consists of two centrosymmetrically related pseudo-five coordinate Cu(II) atoms 3.242(2) A apart and bridged by two dideprotonated salicylate ligands. The X-ray crystal structure of [bis(1,10-phenanthroline)(salicylato)copper(II)][salicylate] monohydrate, 2 , {[Cu II (phen) 2 (Hsal)] + [Hsal] − [H 2 O]}, shows it to be mononuclear. This complex cation exhibits a highly irregular distorted square pyramidal geometry about the Cu(II) atom, (4+1+1*). Each salicylate is singly deprotonated and one of them is ligand bonded in an asymmetric chelating mode. EPR results for 2 indicate that in concentrated DMF solution phen remains bonded to copper but salicylate is likely monodentate in contrast to the situation for 1 . However, in dilute DMF solution, both 1 and 2 form the same species, which accounts for the similarity in anti-convulsant activity of the two compounds. Both 1 and 2 were found to be effective in preventing MES-induced seizures and ineffective in preventing Metrazol-induced seizures. Rotorod toxicity, consistent with central nervous system depression, paralleled the observed anti-convulsant activity. It is suggested that the observed anti-convulsant activity is consistent with central nervous system depression as a physiological mechanism in overcoming MES-induced seizures due to MES-induced brain inflammatory disease.

Recent studies strongly suggest that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a key role in the initiation of menstrual bleeding in the human endometrium upon the fall of ovarian steroid serum concentrations by inducing the degradation of the extracellular matrix of this mucosa. MMPs are also involved in abnormal endometrial bleeding and have been identified in endometriotic foci. In all cases, they are associated with areas of extracellular matrix breakdown. This paper reviews the literature on the regulation by estradiol and progesterone of the expression and activation of MMPs, and of the expression of their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), (i) in the endometrium in situ during normal cycle, (ii) during artificial cycles in spayed monkeys, and (iii) in cultures of endometrial explants or purified cells. Whereas progesterone consistently decreases the activity of endometrial MMPs, its effects vary in intensity, duration, and pattern between MMPs as well as among experimental systems. The contribution and limitations of the various investigations are therefore discussed. The focal heterogeneity points to additional local controls of the expression and activation of MMPs in human endometrium, acting beyond the general inhibitory role of progesterone, for example, by cytokines. Focal changes in type or abundance of sex steroid receptors also could be responsible for spatial variation in the expression of MMPs in the endometrium and endometriotic lesions.