Organic Sensitizers Research Articles

Shiryate Iti Shariram- An Abstract Study to Disclose the Meaning of Aging

In our day- to- day life which performing conditioning there's further or lower reduction of ‘Dhatu’ takes position which results in “Dhatukshaya” depending on the physical day to day conditioning an existent. It's spoke that “Shiryate iti shariram”. tallying to ultramodern gerontology aims to explain why nearly all abiding effects weaken, pulverize and go with time. tallying to Ayurveda, the physiology descrying ‘sharir’( which means continuously decaying(“shiryati”) as the title suggests) has been explained considerably in Ayurveda. Vriddhavastha is that stage of life when decay in the body, dhatu( colorful anatomical towel), perception authority of the indriya( sensitive and motor organs), energy, energy and peroration, colorful internal and cognitive places. During this period there's ascendance of Vata Dosha( one of three natural procurators). The major physical changes during this period are graying hairs, face, wrinkling, baldness and dwindling capability to do physical work.

New deep-sea species of Aborjinia (Nematoda, Leptosomatidae) from the North-Western Pacific: an integrative taxonomy and phylogeny.

Marimermithid nematodes parasitising invertebrates are mainly found in the deep-sea environments. Several adult and juvenile specimens marimermithids of the genus Aborjinia have been found in bottom sediments and inside Polychaeta during recent cruises to the Kuril-Kamchatka trench and the Kuril Basin (the Sea of Okhotsk). New species are described based on integrative study. Aborjiniaprofundasp. nov. differs from A.eulagiscae by the location of the ventral gland cell bodies (posterior to the nerve ring vs posterior to the cardia), by the smaller body size (23-28 mm vs 103-132 mm) and shorter tail (193-263 µm vs 500-850 µm). BI and ML phylogenetic analyses based on 18S and 28S rDNA suggest that genus Aborjinia belongs to the family Leptosomatidae. Based on molecular and morphological characters the new genus Paraborjiniagen. nov. is proposed for A.corallicola. Within the family Leptosomatidae the new genus differs from all genera except Aborjinia by its endoparasitic lifestyle and hologonic ovaries. Paraborjiniagen. nov. differs from Aborjinia by the position of cephalic sensitive organs (outer labial and cephalic papillae in two separate circles vs outer labial and cephalic papillae in one circle) and by the parasitic adult (vs free-living in Aborjinia).

Computational, experimental investigations on organic Solanum nigrum fruit extract sensitized titanium dioxide for enhanced photovoltaic performance

Natural dye decorated titanium dioxide nanoparticles were synthesized in a single step by modifying the conventional sol – gel method. The colored titanium dioxide (TiO2) was the outcome of the adding up the dye sensitizer during the synthesis itself. An efficient natural photo sensitizer was extracted from Solanum nigrum fruits which contains gallic acid and catechin as major pigments. The untainted TiO2 was blended via conventional sol – gel scheme and colored TiO2 nanoparticles synthesized via improved sol – gel and are sensitized by Solanum nigrum organic photo sensitizer. In order to study the structural, symmetrical, optical, spectral and morphological belongings were inspected by utilizing x- ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy and UV – vis spectral analyses. The adsorption of colorant molecule on TiO2 exterior enhances the structural, vibrational mode symmetries deliberated. The optimized molecular structure of Gallic acid and Catechin were premeditated via Density functional theory. Their FMOs analyses and molecular electrostatic potential reactivity analysis were also premeditated. The efficiency studies reveal that the natural DSSCs made-up by utilizing colored TiO2 showed 63 % improvement in efficiency over the pure TiO2 based DSSC. This is credited to single step altered sol–gel practice which enhanced the morphology, dye adsorption and abridged the agglomeration, dye aggregation in TiO2 nanoparticles which has improved the efficiency.

A method for phenotypic evaluation of grapevine resistance in relation to phenological development

Fungus-resistant grapevine cultivars, so called PIWIs, are characterized by increased resistance to powdery mildew and downy mildew. However, in order to maintain the durability of resistance in these new grape cultivars, targeted fungicide treatments are recommended. For ideal schedule of these treatments, it is necessary to recognize the most sensitive organs of the grape. This study introduces a method for phenotypic evaluation of Plasmopara viticola resistance in grape clusters under controlled and standardized conditions during phenological development over the entire season. The approach was validated with the traditional cultivar Pinot Noir and the PIWIs Cabernet Cortis (Rpv3.3, Rpv10), Solaris (Rpv3.3, Rpv10) and Souvignier Gris (Rpv3.2). All cultivars were susceptible during the early stages of development up to flowering, and resistance levels increased as phenological development progressed. Cabernet Cortis and Solaris clusters were susceptible until fruit development (BBCH 71–73) when they became almost completely resistant. No differences between Souvignier Gris and Pinot Noir were detected until berries were pea-sized (BBCH 75) when P. viticola resistance of Souvignier Gris clusters increased significantly. Ontogenetic resistance in Pinot Noir was detected at berry touch (BBCH 77–79) and clusters of this cultivar were almost completely resistant at the beginning of ripening (BBCH 81–83). These results indicate that the approach presented is suitable for determining the resistance of grape cultivars at different stages of development. Consequently, in the future, fungicide applications can be adjusted more precisely to the resistance level of a grape cultivar during the growing season.

Zinc adeninate metal–organic framework-coated optical fibers for enhanced luminescence-based detection of rare earth elements

Luminescence-based detection of economically critical rare earth elements is enhanced by immobilizing a metal–organic framework sensitization material onto an optical fiber, facilitating sensor regeneration and solvent removal for better signal.

How does the inner ear develop into a sensitive hearing and balance organ?

How does the inner ear develop into a sensitive hearing and balance organ?

Synthesis of cyclobutane-fused chromanones via gold-mediated photocatalysis.

Energy transfer (EnT) photocatalysis has emerged as a valuable tool for constructing complex organic scaffolds via [2 + 2]-cycloaddition reactions. Herein, we present the use of [Au(SIPr)(Cbz)] as a sensitizer for the [2 + 2]-cycloaddition of coumarins and unactivated alkenes. Widely used in EnT catalysis, iridium and organic sensitizers proved less efficient under the examined catalytic conditions. The developed protocol permits the synthesis of cyclobutane-fused chromanones from readily available starting materials. A wide range of alkenes and substituted coumarins, including naturally occurring compounds, were reacted under mild conditions leading to structurally complex products with good functional group tolerance. Mechanistic studies reveal a previously overlooked reaction pathway for energy transfer catalysis involving coumarins.

Determination of Exposure during Handling of <sup>125</sup>I Seed Using Thermoluminescent Dosimeter and Monte Carlo Method Based on Computational Phantom

Background: The thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) and Monte Carlo (MC) dosimetry are carried out to determine the occupational dose for personnel in the handling of <sup>125</sup>I seed sources.Materials and Methods: TLDs were placed in different layers of the Alderson-Rando phantom in the thyroid, lung and also eyes and skin surface. An <sup>125</sup>I seed source was prepared and its activity was measured using a dose calibrator and was placed at two distances of 20 and 50 cm from the Alderson-Rando phantom. In addition, the Monte Carlo N-Particle Extended (MCNPX 2.6.0) code and a computational phantom with a lattice-based geometry were used for organ dose calculations.Results and Discussion: The comparison of TLD and MC results in the thyroid and lung is consistent. Although the relative difference of MC dosimetry to TLD for the eyes was between 4% and 13% and for the skin between 19% and 23%, because of the existence of a higher uncertainty regarding TLD positioning in the eye and skin, these inaccuracies can also be acceptable. The isodose distribution was calculated in the cross-section of the head phantom when the <sup>125</sup>I seed was at two distances of 20 and 50 cm and it showed that the greatest dose reduction was observed for the eyes, skin, thyroid, and lungs, respectively. The results of MC dosimetry indicated that for near the head positions (distance of 20 cm) the absorbed dose rates for the eye lens, eye and skin were 78.1±2.3, 59.0±1.8, and 10.7±0.7 µGy/mCi/hr, respectively. Furthermore, we found that a 30 cm displacement for the <sup>125</sup>I seed reduced the eye and skin doses by at least 3- and 2-fold, respectively.Conclusion: Using a computational phantom to monitor the dose to the sensitive organs (eye and skin) for personnel involved in the handling of <sup>125</sup>I seed sources can be an accurate and inexpensive method.

Synthesis and Some Electrochemical Properties of Carbazole Derivative Monomers for Optoelectronic Device Design

Low-cost instruments are used to achieve high sensitivity, accuracy and precision with electrochemical techniques, making them the most suitable analytical methods used to investigate the electrochemical properties of a new molecule. Among these techniques, cyclic voltammetry, which is widely employed, allows for the determination of electronic characteristics such as molecular energy levels and orbital structure, redox properties, sensor capabilities, surface activity, and more. The carbazole molecule can undergo derivatization from various positions, allowing for alterations in its electrical and optical properties. These compounds serve as heterocyclic building blocks that can be utilized as materials for organic sensitizers and semiconductors in optoelectronic devices. Due to the presence of a hydrogen atom in the nitrogen-hydrogen (N-H) bond within the carbazole structure, which can be replaced with different functional groups, carbazole is highly suitable for nitrogen-based derivatization studies. In this study, two different carbazole monomers (IIa and IIIa), which could be potential optoelectronic, were synthesized using the Ullman and Suzuki-Miyaura reaction and characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, UV-Vis, and Flouresence spectroscopy techniques. The cyclic voltammetry experiments were performed using three different working electrodes (Au, Gc, Pt disk electrodes) for each compound. Since the optimum oxidation of the compounds was obtained from the voltammograms on the gold disk electrode, this electrode was used in the calculation of energy levels. HOMO and Eg values of the compounds were deduced from cyclic voltammetry experiments and the optical absorption bands, respectively.

Analysis of the results of occupational health examination of radiation workers in Shaanxi Province

Objective: To analyze the results of occupational health examinations of radiation workers in Shaanxi Province, and to provide basis and reference for effectively conduct occupational health monitoring. Methods: From April 2016 to January 2022, a questionnaire survey was conducted to collect the basic information on occupational health examinations of qualified radiation workers in Shaanxi Province from 2016 to 2021. Based on the abnormal rate of occupational health among radiation workers, 1018 people were randomly selected using a cluster stratified sampling method to analyze the occupational health examination results of different positions, types of work, gender, length of service, and exposure doses. Results: The chromosomal aberration rates of peripheral blood lymphocytes among radiation workers in Shaanxi Province from 2016 to 2021 were 0.26% (10/3876), 0.77% (27/3512), 0.16% (16/10153), 0.09% (13/14769), 0.10% (13/13399), and 0.12% (20/16671), respectively. The abnormal rates of thyroid ultrasound examination were 32.33% (150/464), 24.46% (649/2653), 55.24% (786/1423), 32.89% (888/2700), 35.69% (1475/4133), and 42.51% (1993/4688), respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the abnormal rates among different years (P<0.05). The abnormal rate of renal function examination in male radiation workers was higher than that in females (P<0.05). Compared with non medical users, the abnormal rates of renal function, thyroid function, and blood routine examination in medical radiation workers were higher (P<0.05), and the abnormal rates of renal function, thyroid function, and blood routine examination in medical applications were higher than those in radiation diagnosis, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy (P<0.05). The abnormal rates of electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, blood pressure, thyroid function, and blood routine increased with the length of service (P<0.05). The abnormal rates of blood pressure, liver function, kidney function, thyroid function, and blood routine examination increased with the exposure dose (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The occupational health status of radiation workers is not optimistic. Occupational health monitoring should be strengthened, especially interventional radiation diagnosis occupational health examination, as well as changes in the indicators of sensitive organs such as eye lens and thyroid, so as to ensure the health of radiation workers.

Investigating mass transport and recombination as a function of structural variation in dye-sensitized solar cells employing indole fused heterocyclic organic sensitizers and cobalt electrolytes

Alternate cobalt redox mediator based dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are getting widespread attention taking advantage of their one-electron transfer mechanism compared to the conventional iodide/triiodide electrolyte. In the present study, we used indole fused heterocyclic organic sensitizers having indolo[3,2-b]indole as donor with three different π-spacers [(benzene (IID-1), thiophene (IID-2) and furan (IID-3)] along with cobalt bipyridine derivatives as redox mediators having different peripheral substituents {[Co(bpy)3]3+/2+, [Co(Me2bpy)3]3+/2+, and [Co(t-Bu2bpy)3]3+/2+}. A detailed investigation was carried out to understand the fundamental charge transfer processes and loss mechanism happening at the various interfaces as a function of structural variations in the present dye-electrolyte combinations. Among the investigated systems, higher performance was obtained for the association of furan substituted dye (IID-3) with [Co(t-Bu2bpy)3]3+/2+ electrolyte. The importance of choosing the right combination of sensitizer and electrolyte is critical to realize higher performance in dye-sensitized solar cells particularly while employing organic dyes and alternate metal complex redox electrolytes which was systematically investigated in the present manuscript.

Pharmacokinetics and Biodistribution of 16,16 dimethyl Prostaglandin E2 in Non-Irradiated and Irradiated Mice and Non-Irradiated Non-Human Primates.

Exposure to high-dose ionizing radiation can lead to life-threatening injuries and mortality. Bone marrow is the most sensitive organ to radiation damage, resulting in the hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS) with the potential sequelae of infection, hemorrhage, anemia, and death if untreated. The development of medical countermeasures (MCMs) to protect or mitigate radiation injury is a medical necessity. In our well-established murine model of H-ARS we have demonstrated that the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) analog 16,16 dimethyl-PGE2 (dmPGE2) has survival efficacy as both a radioprotectant and radiomitigator. The purpose of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics (PK) and biodistribution of dmPGE2 when used as a radioprotector in irradiated and non-irradiated inbred C57BL/6J mice, PK in irradiated and non-irradiated Jackson Diversity Outbred (JDO) mice, and the PK profile of dmPGE2 in non-irradiated non-human primates (NHPs). The C57BL/6J and JDO mice each received a single subcutaneous (SC) dose of 35 ug of dmPGE2 and were randomized to either receive radiation 30 min later or remain non-irradiated. Plasma and tissue PK profiles were established. The NHP were dosed with 0.1 mg/kg by SC administration and the PK profile in plasma was established. The concentration time profiles were analyzed by standard non-compartmental analysis and the metrics of AUC0-Inf, AUC60-480 (AUC from 60-480 min), Cmax, and t1/2 were evaluated. AUC60-480 represents the postirradiation time frame and was used to assess radiation effect. Overall, AUC0-Inf, Cmax, and t1/2 were numerically similar between strains (C57BL/6J and JDO) when combined, regardless of exposure status (AUC0-Inf: 112.50 ng·h/ml and 114.48 ng·h/ml, Cmax: 44.53 ng/ml and 63.96 ng/ml; t1/2: 1.8 h and 1.1 h, respectively). PK metrics were numerically lower in irradiated C57BL/6J mice than in non-irradiated mice [irradiation ratio: irradiated values/non-irradiated values = 0.71 for AUC60-480 (i.e., 29% lower), and 0.6 for t1/2]. In JDO mice, the radiation ratio was 0.53 for AUC60-480 (i.e., 47% lower), and 1.7 h for t1/2. The AUC0-Inf, Cmax, and t1/2 of the NHPs were 29.20 ng·h/ml, 7.68 ng/ml, and 3.26 h, respectively. Despite the numerical differences seen between irradiated and non-irradiated groups in PK parameters, the effect of radiation on PK can be considered minimal based on current data. The biodistribution in C57BL/6J mice showed that dmPGE2 per gram of tissue was highest in the lungs, regardless of exposure status. The radiation ratio for the different tissue AUC60-480 in C57BL/6J mice ranged between 0.5-1.1 (50% lower to 10% higher). Spleen, liver and bone marrow showed close to twice lower exposures after irradiation, whereas heart had a 10% higher exposure. Based on the clearance values from mice and NHP, the estimated allometric scaling coefficient was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.75, 0.86). While slightly higher than the current literature estimates of 0.75, this scaling coefficient can be considered a reasonable estimate and can be used to scale dmPGE2 dosing from animals to humans for future trials.

Solid‐State Monolithic Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell Exceeding 10% Efficiency Using a Copper‐Complex Hole Transport Material and a Carbon Counter‐Electrode

The continuous growth of the Internet of Things devices operating indoor triggers the development of indoor photovoltaic (iPV) technologies to power them. Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with Cu‐based complexes as hole transport material (HTM) and organic sensitizers are among the most efficient, safe, and sustainable options for iPVs. The typical copper‐mediated DSSCs are assembled in the conventional configuration using PEDOT:PSS counter‐electrodes. Herein, a highly efficient solid‐state monolithic DSSCs with a copper‐complex HTM and a carbon counter‐electrode are developed. The monolithic structure allows a low‐cost and direct design for producing in‐series modules, which is very attractive for the market‐scale production of iPVs. Typical devices display average power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of ≈9.5%–10% under 1‐sun simulated solar light provided by a Class ABA light‐emitting diode Solar Simulator. The best energy performing device renders a stable PCE of 10.4% under 1‐sun and PCEs of 26.1% and 28.5% under 600 lx and 1000 lx indoor light, respectively. The performance of a typical device is independently confirmed at Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Research, with a certified PCE of 8.7% using a Class AAA Xenon Solar Simulator (AM1.5 G, 25 °C).

Numerical Study on the Application of Near-Infrared Temperature Distribution Measurement of HIFU

Accurate temperature distribution measurement during high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment is crucial for avoiding damage to sensitive tissues and organ systems. To surpass the constraints of conventional thermocouple temperature measurement approaches, near-infrared temperature measurement, as a non-invasive imaging method, is proposed. Using infrared glass as a temperature observation window allows for studying the temperature distribution on the surface of biological tissues under ultrasound exposure. The temperature rise in the tissues near the infrared glass under ultrasound exposure was investigated through numerical simulations. Moreover, the effects of the shear waves and thermal viscosity induced by the infrared glass were also analyzed. The results indicate that the shear wave in the glass weakens the intensity of the ultrasound pressure in the focal region while enhancing the efficiency of the acoustic thermal conversion. Thermal viscosity increases the acoustic pressure and temperature in the focal zone. Furthermore, oblique incidence facilitates the transformation of the acoustic thermal effect, caused by shear waves and thermal viscosity, resulting in an expanded temperature rise range on the tissue surface. The non-linear effects in the ultrasound field further enhance the acoustic thermal effect. Significant errors occur in the near-infrared method when utilizing infrared glass for temperature measurement, with the shear waves exerting the most substantial impact on the temperature distribution. These research findings carry substantial implications for optimizing treatment plans, enhancing treatment safety and efficacy, and offering potential application value for temperature control in HIFU treatment.

Chromosome-level genome assembly of the deep-sea snail Phymorhynchus buccinoides provides insights into the adaptation to the cold seep habitat

BackgroundThe deep-sea snail Phymorhynchus buccinoides belongs to the genus Phymorhynchus (Neogastropoda: Raphitomidae), and it is a dominant specie in the cold seep habitat. As the environment of the cold seep is characterized by darkness, hypoxia and high concentrations of toxic substances such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), exploration of the diverse fauna living around cold seeps will help to uncover the adaptive mechanisms to this unique habitat. In the present study, a chromosome-level genome of P. buccinoides was constructed and a series of genomic and transcriptomic analyses were conducted to explore its molecular adaptation mechanisms to the cold seep environments.ResultsThe assembled genome size of the P. buccinoides was approximately 2.1 Gb, which is larger than most of the reported snail genomes, possibly due to the high proportion of repetitive elements. About 92.0% of the assembled base pairs of contigs were anchored to 34 pseudo‐chromosomes with a scaffold N50 size of 60.0 Mb. Compared with relative specie in the shallow water, the glutamate regulative and related genes were expanded in P. buccinoides, which contributes to the acclimation to hypoxia and coldness. Besides, the relatively high mRNA expression levels of the olfactory/chemosensory genes in osphradium indicate that P. buccinoides might have evolved a highly developed and sensitive olfactory organ for its orientation and predation. Moreover, the genome and transcriptome analyses demonstrate that P. buccinoides has evolved a sulfite-tolerance mechanism by performing H2S detoxification. Many genes involved in H2S detoxification were highly expressed in ctenidium and hepatopancreas, suggesting that these tissues might be critical for H2S detoxification and sulfite tolerance.ConclusionsIn summary, our report of this chromosome-level deep-sea snail genome provides a comprehensive genomic basis for the understanding of the adaptation strategy of P. buccinoides to the extreme environment at the deep-sea cold seeps.

Age-dependent Radiological Risk Assessment of Radon (222Rn) in Samples of Commercial Bottled Water from Benin City, Nigeria

Radon inhalation as well as ingestion through the use of water has a high potential of causing serious harm to sensitive cells and organs of the body when absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the radiological health damage caused by radon in drinking bottled water available in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Radon concentration was measured using a RAD7 electronic radon detector. The mean activity concentration radon is 137.18 ± 0.25 mBq/L. This mean value is slightly higher than 0.1 Bq/L recommended by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria but lower than the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 11.1 Bq/L set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and 100 Bq/L set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for consumption of radon in drinking water. The mean total annual effective dose is 1.07±1.91 (\(\mu\)Sv/y) for infants, 0.61±1.09 (\(\mu\)Sv/y) for children, and 0.70±1.24 (\(\mu\)Sv/y) for adults. The computed annual effective dose to the public by inhalation and ingestion radon through the use of bottled water in the study areas are lower than the 0.1 mSv/y limit recommended by WHO. The estimated average for the age group excess lifetime cancer risk are 3.21 ± 5.71, 1.836 ± 3.26, 2.086 ± 3.71 (x 10-6) for infants, children and adults respectively. These values are below the world average permissible levels. Hence, consumption of the water examined poses no serious health risk to consumers.

Gender differences in duration and location of erotic touch in mainstream heterosexual pornography

Watching mainstream porn today is a main source for men and women to learn how to behave sexually, including how to erotically stimulate one another. To date, research into the content analysis of pornography has been limited to the measurement of the frequency or prevalence of sexual behaviours or themes. In contrast, little is known regarding porn presentation of the specific location and duration of touch, vital for orgasm, pleasure, and sexual satisfaction for both women and men. Eighty “most-viewed” video clips were selected from two popular porn sites and coded for the gender of toucher/receiver, location, and duration in seconds of erotic touch. Results showed that women received significantly less genital stimulation than men overall, with this difference drastically increasing with non-penetrative erotic touch. The men in these videos received stimulation to their main sexual organ (penis) 10 times more than women received on their most sensitive sexual organ (clitoris), and the women were found to do the majority of non-reciprocal genital touch. While accurate information is widely available regarding competent erotic touch necessary for pleasure and orgasm, unbalanced and inadequate touching is still strongly represented in popular heterosexual pornography. This study elucidates how popular, freely accessible pornography is normalizing beliefs that men’s sexual touch and pleasure are primary and that clitoral stimulation is not a priority for women’s pleasure. Implications for how these normative aspects of sexual stimulation that may be leading to difficulties in sexual pleasure, orgasm, and satisfaction are discussed.

Critical assessment of the endocrine potential of Linalool and Linalyl acetate: proactive testing strategy assessing estrogenic and androgenic activity of Lavender oil main components.

The acyclic linear monoterpenes Linalool (Lin) and Linalyl acetate (LinAc) occur in nature as major constituents of various essential oils such as lavender oils. A potential endocrine activity of these compounds was discussed in literature including premature thelarche and prepubertal gynecomastia due to lavender product use. This study aims to follow-up on these critical findings reported by testing Lin and LinAc in several studies in line with current guidance and regulatory framework. No relevant anti-/ER and AR-mediated activity was observed in recombinant yeast cell-based screening tests and guideline reporter gene in vitro assays in mammalian cells. Findings in the screening test suggested an anti-androgenic activity, which could not be confirmed in the respective mammalian cell guideline assay. Mechanistic guideline in vivo studies (Uterotrophic and Hershberger assays) with Lin did not show significant dose related changes in estrogen or androgen sensitive organ weights and a guideline reproductive toxicity screening study did not reveal evident effects on sex steroid hormone sensitive organ weights, associated histopathological findings and altered sperm parameters. Estrous cycling and mating/fertility indices were not affected and no evident Lin-related steroid hormone dependent effects were found in the offspring. Overall, the initial concerns from literature were not confirmed. Findings in the yeast screening test were aberrant from follow-up guideline in vitro and in vivo studies, which underlines the need to apply careful interpretation of single in vitro test results to support a respective line of evidence and to establish a biologically plausible link to an adverse outcome.

Computational Study on D-π-A-Based Electron Donating and Withdrawing Effect of Metal-Free Organic Dye Sensitizers for Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

A new generation of metal-free organic dyes with a range of donor (D1) and acceptors (A1-A3) were designed and examined for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on (3a) dye as a literature. Triphenylamine (TPA), thiophene ([Formula: see text] and 2-cyanoacrylic acid groups each perform the roles of an acceptor (A), donor (D) and spacer in order to produce a D-[Formula: see text]-A system. To investigate the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), electronic distribution, ultra-violet visible (UV–Vis) absorption wavelengths, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) and photovoltaic (PV) parameters of the D1 and A1–A3 molecules, density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) were used. The classification of the tunable donor D1 and A1–A3 determines the PV performance of the dye molecules. Results show that the A2 dye replacement group increases the performance of PV cells via red-shifting absorption spectra. Also, when compared to 3a, A2 dye have lower energy gap ([Formula: see text] and superior UV–Vis spectra that cover the full visible range. These results demonstrate the viability of molecular tailoring as an approach to improve D-[Formula: see text]-A sensitizer proposal for efficient DSSCs fabrication.

Pituitary gland agouti-related peptide cells: Novel player controlling glucose metabolism.

The liver synthesizes and releases bile acids into the gut. Bile acids, either directly or indirectly, inhibit agouti-related peptide (AGRP)-B cells in the pars tuberalis of the pituitary gland. AGRP-B cells are assumed to promote pancreatic insulin secretion and/or to improve insulin sensitivities in insulin sensitive organs, resulting in improved glucose tolerance.