Mixtures obtained by reacting trans-(�)-1,2diaminocyclohexane with acetylacetone in the presence of simple cobalt(II) salts.

In the absence of a metal ion, racemic trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (trans-(�)DCH) reacts with acetylacetone (acacH) (1:2.5 mole ratio) to form the bisoxoenamine condensation product, boe (1). CoCl2·6H2O and Co(ClO4)2·6H2O each react with trans-(�)DCH in air to give complexes containing the oxidised Co(III) ion, [Co((�)DCH)3]3+, which does not subsequently react with added acacH to give a Schiff base complex. Mixtures of complexes are obtained from one-pot reactions involving trans-(�)DCH, a simple Co(II) salt and acacH (1:1:2.5 mole ratio). When CoCl2·6H2O is used, the mixed-ligand Co(II) complex [Co((�)DCH)Cl2] (4) precipitates first and, after a period of weeks, the Co(II) complex (diazH)2[CoCl4] (5) (diazH+ is a diazepinium cation), the Co(II) complex [Co(boe)Cl2]n (6) and the Co(III) complex [Co(acac)3] (7), co-crystallise from the mother liquor. Using Co(ClO4)2·6H2O in the reaction with trans-(�)DCH and acacH also gives a mixture of products. Complexes 7, the Co(II) complex [Co2(acac)4(H2O)2][Co(acac)(H2O)4]ClO4·EtOH (8) and the Co(III) complex [Co(acac)2(�)DCH]ClO4 (9) co-crystallise. Complexes 1, 5, 7, 8 and 9 were characterised using X-ray crystallography. The major difference between using CoCl2·6H2O and Co(ClO4)2·6H2O in reactions involving (�)DCH and acacH is that no DCH/acacH condensation products are identified in the product mixtures when the perchlorate salt is employed

Systematic evidence maps as a novel tool to support evidence-based decision-making in chemicals policy and risk management

Background While systematic review (SR) methods are gaining traction as a method for providing a reliable summary of existing evidence for health risks posed by exposure to chemical substances, it is becoming clear that their value is restricted to a specific range of risk management scenarios - in particular, those which can be addressed with tightly focused questions and can accommodate the time and resource requirements of a systematic evidence synthesis. Methods The concept of a systematic evidence map (SEM) is defined and contrasted to the function and limitations of systematic review (SR) in the context of risk management decision-making. The potential for SEMs to facilitate evidence-based decision-making are explored using a hypothetical example in risk management priority-setting. The potential role of SEMs in reference to broader risk management workflows is characterised. Results SEMs are databases of systematically gathered research which characterise broad features of the evidence base. Although not intended to substitute for the evidence synthesis element of systematic reviews, SEMs provide a comprehensive, queryable summary of a large body of policy relevant research. They provide an evidence-based approach to characterising the extent of available evidence and support forward looking predictions or trendspotting in the chemical risk sciences. In particular, SEMs facilitate the identification of related bodies of decision critical chemical risk information which could be further analysed using SR methods, and highlight gaps in the evidence which could be addressed with additional primary studies to reduce uncertainties in decision-making. Conclusions SEMs have strong and growing potential as a high value tool in resource efficient use of existing research in chemical risk management. They can be used as a critical precursor to efficient deployment of high quality SR methods for characterising chemical health risks. Furthermore, SEMs have potential, at a large scale, to support the sort of evidence summarisation and surveillance methods which would greatly increase the resource efficiency, transparency and effectiveness of regulatory initiatives such as EU REACH and US TSCA

Estrogen Receptor-α Mediates Diethylstilbestrol-Induced Feminization of the Seminal Vesicle in Male Mice

Background: Studies have shown that perinatal exposure to the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) leads to feminization of the seminal vesicle (SV) in male mice, as illustrated by tissue hyperplasia, ectopic expression of the major estrogen-inducible uterine secretory protein lactoferrin (LF), and reduced expression of SV secretory protein IV (SVS IV)

Abolition of male sexual behaviors in mice lacking estrogen receptors alpha and beta (alpha beta ERKO)

Male mice with a knockout of the estrogen receptor (ER)-α gene, a ligand-activated transcription factor, showed reduced levels of intromissions and no ejaculations whereas simple mounting behavior was not affected. In contrast, all components of sexual behaviors were intact in male mice lacking the novel ER-β gene. Here we measure the extent of phenotype in mice that lack both ER-α and ER-β genes (αβERKO). αβERKO male mice did not show any components of sexual behaviors, including simple mounting behavior. Nor did they show ultrasonic vocalizations during behavioral tests with receptive female mice. On the other hand, reduced aggressive behaviors of αβERKO mice mimicked those of single knockout mice of ER-α gene (αERKO). They showed reduced levels of lunge and bite aggression, but rarely showed offensive attacks. Thus, either one of the ERs is sufficient for the expression of simple mounting in male mice, indicating a redundancy in function. Offensive attacks, on the other hand, depend specifically on the ER-α gene. Different patterns of natural behaviors require different patterns of functions by ER genes

Psychosocial impact of undergoing prostate cancer screening for men with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.

OBJECTIVES: To report the baseline results of a longitudinal psychosocial study that forms part of the IMPACT study, a multi-national investigation of targeted prostate cancer (PCa) screening among men with a known pathogenic germline mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. PARTICPANTS AND METHODS: Men enrolled in the IMPACT study were invited to complete a questionnaire at collaborating sites prior to each annual screening visit. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics and the following measures: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Impact of Event Scale (IES), 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36), Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer, Cancer Worry Scale-Revised, risk perception and knowledge. The results of the baseline questionnaire are presented. RESULTS: A total of 432 men completed questionnaires: 98 and 160 had mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, respectively, and 174 were controls (familial mutation negative). Participants' perception of PCa risk was influenced by genetic status. Knowledge levels were high and unrelated to genetic status. Mean scores for the HADS and SF-36 were within reported general population norms and mean IES scores were within normal range. IES mean intrusion and avoidance scores were significantly higher in BRCA1/BRCA2 carriers than in controls and were higher in men with increased PCa risk perception. At the multivariate level, risk perception contributed more significantly to variance in IES scores than genetic status. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to report the psychosocial profile of men with BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations undergoing PCa screening. No clinically concerning levels of general or cancer-specific distress or poor quality of life were detected in the cohort as a whole. A small subset of participants reported higher levels of distress, suggesting the need for healthcare professionals offering PCa screening to identify these risk factors and offer additional information and support to men seeking PCa screening

Mixtures obtained by reacting trans-(�)-1,2diaminocyclohexane with acetylacetone in the presence of simple cobalt(II) salts.

In the absence of a metal ion, racemic trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (trans-(�)DCH) reacts with acetylacetone (acacH) (1:2.5 mole ratio) to form the bisoxoenamine condensation product, boe (1). CoCl2·6H2O and Co(ClO4)2·6H2O each react with trans-(�)DCH in air to give complexes containing the oxidised Co(III) ion, [Co((�)DCH)3]3+, which does not subsequently react with added acacH to give a Schiff base complex. Mixtures of complexes are obtained from one-pot reactions involving trans-(�)DCH, a simple Co(II) salt and acacH (1:1:2.5 mole ratio). When CoCl2·6H2O is used, the mixed-ligand Co(II) complex [Co((�)DCH)Cl2] (4) precipitates first and, after a period of weeks, the Co(II) complex (diazH)2[CoCl4] (5) (diazH+ is a diazepinium cation), the Co(II) complex [Co(boe)Cl2]n (6) and the Co(III) complex [Co(acac)3] (7), co-crystallise from the mother liquor. Using Co(ClO4)2·6H2O in the reaction with trans-(�)DCH and acacH also gives a mixture of products. Complexes 7, the Co(II) complex [Co2(acac)4(H2O)2][Co(acac)(H2O)4]ClO4·EtOH (8) and the Co(III) complex [Co(acac)2(�)DCH]ClO4 (9) co-crystallise. Complexes 1, 5, 7, 8 and 9 were characterised using X-ray crystallography. The major difference between using CoCl2·6H2O and Co(ClO4)2·6H2O in reactions involving (�)DCH and acacH is that no DCH/acacH condensation products are identified in the product mixtures when the perchlorate salt is employed

Mixtures obtained by reacting trans-(�)-1,2diaminocyclohexane with acetylacetone in the presence of simple cobalt(II) salts.

In the absence of a metal ion, racemic trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (trans-(�)DCH) reacts with acetylacetone (acacH) (1:2.5 mole ratio) to form the bisoxoenamine condensation product, boe (1). CoCl2·6H2O and Co(ClO4)2·6H2O each react with trans-(�)DCH in air to give complexes containing the oxidised Co(III) ion, [Co((�)DCH)3]3+, which does not subsequently react with added acacH to give a Schiff base complex. Mixtures of complexes are obtained from one-pot reactions involving trans-(�)DCH, a simple Co(II) salt and acacH (1:1:2.5 mole ratio). When CoCl2·6H2O is used, the mixed-ligand Co(II) complex [Co((�)DCH)Cl2] (4) precipitates first and, after a period of weeks, the Co(II) complex (diazH)2[CoCl4] (5) (diazH+ is a diazepinium cation), the Co(II) complex [Co(boe)Cl2]n (6) and the Co(III) complex [Co(acac)3] (7), co-crystallise from the mother liquor. Using Co(ClO4)2·6H2O in the reaction with trans-(�)DCH and acacH also gives a mixture of products. Complexes 7, the Co(II) complex [Co2(acac)4(H2O)2][Co(acac)(H2O)4]ClO4·EtOH (8) and the Co(III) complex [Co(acac)2(�)DCH]ClO4 (9) co-crystallise. Complexes 1, 5, 7, 8 and 9 were characterised using X-ray crystallography. The major difference between using CoCl2·6H2O and Co(ClO4)2·6H2O in reactions involving (�)DCH and acacH is that no DCH/acacH condensation products are identified in the product mixtures when the perchlorate salt is employed

Becoming aWARE: The Development of a Web-Based Tool for Autism Research and the Environment

A sharp rise in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence estimates, beginning in the 1990s, suggested factors additional to genetics were at play. This stimulated increased research investment in nongenetic factors, including the study of environmental chemical exposures, diet, nutrition, lifestyle, social factors, and maternal medical conditions. Consequently, both peer- and non-peer-reviewed bodies of evidence investigating environmental contributors to ASD etiology have grown significantly. The heterogeneity in the design and conduct of this research results in an inconclusive and unwieldy ‘virtual stack’ of publications. We propose to develop a Web-based tool for Autism Research and the Environment (aWARE) to comprehensively aggregate and assess these highly variable and often conflicting data. The interactive aWARE tool will use an approach for the development of systematic evidence maps (SEMs) to identify and display all available relevant published evidence, enabling users to explore multiple research questions within the scope of the SEM. Throughout tool development, listening sessions and workshops will be used to seek perspectives from the broader autism community. New evidence will be indexed in the tool annually, which will serve as a living resource to investigate the association between environmental factors and ASD