Levofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin Co-Crystals with Flavonoids: Solid-State Investigation for a Multitarget Strategy against Helicobacter pylori

In this paper, we address the problem of antimicrobial resistance in the case of Helicobacter pylori with a crystal engineering approach. Two antibiotics of the fluoroquinolone class, namely, levofloxacin (LEV) and ciprofloxacin (CIP), have been co-crystallized with the flavonoids quercetin (QUE), myricetin (MYR), and hesperetin (HES), resulting in the formation of four co-crystals, namely, LEV∙QUE, LEV∙MYR, LEV2∙HES, and CIP∙QUE. The co-crystals were obtained from solution, slurry, or mechanochemical mixing of the reactants. LEV∙QUE and LEV∙MYR were initially obtained as the ethanol solvates LEV∙QUE∙xEtOH and LEV∙MYR∙xEtOH, respectively, which upon thermal treatment yielded the unsolvated forms. All co-crystals were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and thermal gravimetric analysis. The antibacterial performance of the four co-crystals LEV∙QUE, LEV∙MYR, LEV2∙HES, and CIP∙QUE in comparison with that of the physical mixtures of the separate components was tested via evaluation of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC). The results obtained indicate that the association with the co-formers, whether co-crystallized or forming a physical mixture with the active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), enhances the antimicrobial activity of the fluoroquinolones, allowing them to significantly reduce the amount of API otherwise required to display the same activity against H. pylori.

Crystal engineering: from promise to delivery

Twenty years ago, I wrote a Chem. Commun. feature article entitled "Crystal Engineering: where from? Where to?": an update is in order. In this Highlight I argue that molecular crystal engineering, one of the areas of fast development of the field, has definitely reached the stage of "delivering the goods": new functional materials assembled via non-covalent interactions and/or improved properties of existing materials. As a proof of concept, the crystal engineering approach to tackle two contemporary emergencies, namely, urea fertilizer degradation and development of antimicrobial resistance by pathogens, is discussed and application-driven examples are provided.

Mechanochemical Preparation, Solid-State Characterization, and Antimicrobial Performance of Copper and Silver Nitrate Coordination Polymers with L- and DL-Arginine and Histidine

The antimicrobial activity of the novel coordination polymers obtained by co-crystallizing the amino acids arginine or histidine, as both enantiopure L and racemic DL forms, with the salts Cu(NO3)2 and AgNO3 has been investigated to explore the effect of chirality in the cases of enantiopure and racemic forms. The compounds [Cu·AA·(NO3)2]CPs and [Ag·AA·NO3]CPs (AA = L-Arg, DL-Arg, L-His, DL-His) were prepared by mechanochemical, slurry, and solution methods and characterized by X-ray single-crystal and powder diffraction in the cases of the copper coordination polymers, and by powder diffraction and by solid-state NMR spectroscopy in the cases of the silver compounds. The two pairs of coordination polymers, [Cu·L-Arg·(NO3)2·H2O]CP and [Cu·DL-Arg·(NO3)2·H2O]CP, and [Cu·L-Hys·(NO3)2·H2O]CP and [Cu·DL-His·(NO3)2·H2O]CP, have been shown to be isostructural in spite of the different chirality of the amino acid ligands. A similar structural analogy could be established for the silver complexes on the basis of SSNMR. The activity against the bacterial pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus was assessed by carrying out disk diffusion assays on lysogeny agar media showing that, while there is no significant effect arising from the use of enantiopure or chiral amino acids, the coordination polymers exert an appreciable antimicrobial activity comparable, when not superior, to that of the metal salts alone.

Searching for Suitable Kojic Acid Coformers: From Cocrystals and Salt to Eutectics

The possibility of obtaining cocrystals of kojic acid with organic coformers has been investigated by both computational and experimental approaches. Cocrystallization attempts have been carried out with about 50 coformers, in different stoichiometric ratios, by solution, slurry, and mechanochemical methods. Cocrystals were obtained with 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, imidazole, 4-pyridone, DABCO, and urotropine, while piperazine yielded a salt with the kojiate anion; cocrystallization with theophylline and 4-aminopyridine resulted in stoichiometric crystalline complexes that could not be described with certainty as cocrystals or salts. In the cases of panthenol, nicotinamide, urea, and salicylic acid the eutectic systems with kojic acid were investigated via differential scanning calorimetry. In all other preparations the resulting materials were constituted of a mixture of the reactants. All compounds were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction; the five cocrystals and the salt were fully characterized via single crystal X-ray diffraction. The stability of the cocrystals and the intermolecular interactions in all characterized compounds have been investigated by computational methods based on the electronic structure and pairwise energy calculations, respectively.

Comparison of Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity of Proflavine Co-crystallized with Silver, Copper, Zinc, and Gallium Salts

Here, we exploit our mechanochemical synthesis for co-crystallization of an organic antiseptic, proflavine, with metal-based antimicrobials (silver, copper, zinc, and gallium). Our previous studies have looked for general antimicrobial activity for the co-crystals: proflavine·AgNO3, proflavine·CuCl, ZnCl3[Proflavinium], [Proflavinium]2[ZnCl4]·H2O, and [Proflavinium]3[Ga(oxalate)3]·4H2O. Here, we explore and compare more precisely the bacteriostatic (minimal inhibitory concentrations) and antibiofilm (prevention of cell attachment and propagation) activities of the co-crystals. For this, we choose three prominent "ESKAPE" bacterial pathogens of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. The antimicrobial behavior of the co-crystals was compared to that of the separate components of the polycrystalline samples to ascertain whether the proflavine-metal complex association in the solid state provided effective antimicrobial performance. We were particularly interested to see if the co-crystals were effective in preventing bacteria from initiating and propagating the biofilm mode of growth, as this growth form provides high antimicrobial resistance properties. We found that for the planktonic lifestyle of growth of the three bacterial strains, different co-crystal formulations gave selectivity for best performance. For the biofilm state of growth, we see that the silver proflavine co-crystal has the best overall antibiofilm activity against all three organisms. However, other proflavine-metal co-crystals also show practical antimicrobial efficacy against E. coli and S. aureus. While not all proflavine-metal co-crystals demonstrated enhanced antimicrobial efficacy over their constituents alone, all possessed acceptable antimicrobial properties while trapped in the co-crystal form. We also demonstrate that the metal-proflavine crystals retain antimicrobial activity in storage. This work defines that co-crystallization of metal compounds and organic antimicrobials has a potential role in the quest for antimicrobials/antiseptics in the defense against bacteria in our antimicrobial resistance era.

Scintillation light detection in the 6-m drift-length ProtoDUNE Dual Phase liquid argon TPC

DUNE is a dual-site experiment for long-baseline neutrino oscillation studies, neutrino astrophysics and nucleon decay searches. ProtoDUNE Dual Phase (DP) is a 6  ×  6  ×  6 m 3 liquid argon time-projection-chamber (LArTPC) that recorded cosmic-muon data at the CERN Neutrino Platform in 2019-2020 as a prototype of the DUNE Far Detector. Charged particles propagating through the LArTPC produce ionization and scintillation light. The scintillation light signal in these detectors can provide the trigger for non-beam events. In addition, it adds precise timing capabilities and improves the calorimetry measurements. In ProtoDUNE-DP, scintillation and electroluminescence light produced by cosmic muons in the LArTPC is collected by photomultiplier tubes placed up to 7 m away from the ionizing track. In this paper, the ProtoDUNE-DP photon detection system performance is evaluated with a particular focus on the different wavelength shifters, such as PEN and TPB, and the use of Xe-doped LAr, considering its future use in giant LArTPCs. The scintillation light production and propagation processes are analyzed and a comparison of simulation to data is performed, improving understanding of the liquid argon properties.

O-208 Use of epididymal spermatozoa in in vitro fertilization cycles impacts the morphokinetics of embryos cultured in a time-lapse imaging incubator system

Study question

Does sperm origin impact embryo morphokinetics (the moments at which an embryo reaches a developmental milestone) and clinical outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles?

Summary answer

The use of epididymal sperm correlates with late cell cleavages, and higher multinucleation and abnormal cleavage rates compared to those from men without infertility factor.

What is known already

ICSI with sperm surgically retrieved from the epididymis (PESA) dramatically altered the pregnancy prognosis in couples with severe male factor infertility, including obstructive azoospermia. The integration of time-lapse imaging (TLI) into the in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory allowed for an in-depth analysis of embryonic development. However, the impact of the use of epididymal sperm on embryonic morphokinetics has been poorly studied. We hypothesized that factors related to sperm origin may interfere with the speed and pattern of cell divisions.

Study design, size, duration

Women undergoing ICSI with epididymal sperm between Jan/2019 and Dec/2020 in a private university-affiliated IVF center were included (PESA group, n = 32 cycles/276 embryos). A matching was performed to form two groups of women undergoing ICSI using ejaculated sperm from partners with idiopathic male factor infertility (IMF group, n = 32 cycles/284 embryos) or without male factor infertility (Control group, n = 32 cycles/246 embryos). Generalized linear models followed by Bonferroni post hoc were used to compare morphokinetics between groups.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Embryos were cultured in the EmbryoScope incubator, which recorded the following kinetic markers: timing to pronuclei appearance and fading (tPNa and tPNf), two (t2), three (t3), four (t4), five (t5), six (t6), seven (t7), and eight cells (t8), morulae (tM), start of blastulation (tSB) and blastulation (tB). Durations of second and third cell cycles (cc2 and cc3) and timing to complete synchronous divisions s1, s2, and s3 were calculated. The KIDScore ranking was recorded.

Main results and the role of chance

Embryos derived from epididymal sperm showed significantly slower divisions compared to those from ejaculated sperm (Table 1).  The KIDScore rank was significantly lower for embryos deriving from epididymal sperm (3,1 ± 0.2) compared to those deriving from ejaculated sperm from IMF and control groups (5.4 ± 0.1 and 5.6 ± 0.2, p < 0.001, respectively). The incidence of multinucleation was significantly higher in embryos deriving from epididymal sperm (23.2%) compared to those deriving from ejaculated sperm from IMF and control groups (2.8% and 3.7%, p < 0.001, respectively). The incidence of abnormal cleavage patterns (direct or reverse) was significantly higher in embryos deriving from epididymal sperm (11.1%) compared to those deriving from ejaculated sperm from control group (4.3%, p = 0.001). Similar clinical outcomes were observed between the groups.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Retrospective nature of this study and the small sample size may be a reason for caution.

Wider implications of the findings

The use of epididymal sperm for ICSI correlates with delayed cell cleavage, and increased incidences of multinucleation and abnormal cleavage patterns. This finding highlights the importance of TLI for the identification and de-selection of slow-growing embryos for transfer, in ICSI cycles with surgical sperm retrieval.

Trial registration number

not applicable

P-182 The impact of ethnic differences on embryo morphokinetics and clinical outcomes: the importance of racial admixture

Study question

Can ethnic differences affect embryo morphokinetics and clinical outcomes in a time-lapse imaging (TLI) embryo culture system?

Summary answer

Embryos from Mestizos develop faster and have a higher implantation rate than those from Caucasian and Asian patients.

What is known already

Over the past decades, the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has made pregnancy possible for many infertile couples. However, certain infertile couples exhaust all forms of ART, without achieving success. Differences in treatment success have been described as varying by race and ethnicity. In fact, it has been reported that ethnicity is a major determinant of ART outcome as indicated by significantly lower live birth rates in some ethnic minority groups, however the precise reason for this fact remains unknown. TLI may allow the identification of morphokinetics events potentially affected by ethnicity, which may impact embryo development and implantation.

Study design, size, duration

This historical cohort study enrolled 3,304 embryos from 466 patients undergoing ICSI cycles from Feb/2019 to Ago/2021. Female patients were split into groups according to the patient’s ethnicity: (i) Caucasian (356 patients and 2556 embryos), Mestizo (82 patients and 592 embryos), and Asian (156 patients and 28 embryos). Embryos were cultured in a TLI incubation system and morphokinetics factors and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups using generalized linear models followed by Bonferroni post-hoc.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Recorded kinetic markers were timing to pronuclei appearance and fading (tPNa and tPNf), timing to two (t2), three (t3), four (t4), five (t5), six (t6), seven (t7), and eight cells (t8), and timing to morulae (tM), start of blastulation (tSB) and blastulation (tB). Durations of second and third cell cycles (cc2 and cc3) and timing to complete synchronous divisions s1, s2, and s3 were calculated. Additionally, the known implantation data score (KIDScore) day-5 was recorded.

Main results and the role of chance

Embryos derived from Mestizo patients completed several key-point stages faster, followed by Caucasians, while Asiatic embryos were the slower ones. Mestizo presented shorter t6 (54.8 ± 0.92, 52.6 ± 0.20, 51.0 ± 0.42, for Asians, Caucasians, and Mestizos respectively, p < 0.001), t7 (58.4 ± 1.05, 55.4 ± 0.22, 54.1 ± 0.45, for Asians, Caucasians, and Mestizos respectively, p < 0.001), t8 (59.3 ± 1.2, 58.7 ± 0.24, 57.3 ± 0.49, for Asians, Caucasians, and Mestizos respectively, p = 0.019), tM (99.3 ± 2.1, 90.8 ± 0.37, 87.5 ± 0.79, for Asians, Caucasians, and Mestizos respectively, p < 0.001), tsB (106.4 ± 1.9, 101.4.0 ± 0.54, 98.0 ± 1.4, for Asians, Caucasians, and Mestizos respectively, p < 0.001), and tB (109.1 ± 0.31,116.2 ± 2.0, 106.0 ± 0.64, for Asians, Caucasians, and Mestizos respectively, p < 0.001). In addition, the KIDScore-D5 ranked significantly higher for Mestizos, followed by Caucasians, while Asian patients presented the lower KIDScore-D5 (2.9 ± 0.27, 5.3 ± 0.1, 6.3 ± 0.4, p < 0.001). Pregnancy (25.0 ± 4.9, 33.0 ± 13.2, 58.0 ± 11.5, p = 0.038) and implantation rates (30.0 ± 1.2, 16.3 ± 0.4, 50.0 ±1.5, p < 0.001) were also highest among Mestizos, followed by Caucasians, whereas the Asian patients had the lowest rates.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The retrospective nature of the study and the small sample size may have biased the results.

Wider implications of the findings

Despite the increasing number of studies investigating the effect of ethnicity on ART outcomes, most of the literature has focused on White, Black and Asians. However, racial admixture has markedly increased, making attempts at strict racial categorisation confusing and out-dated. Apparently, miscegenation benefits embryonic development, which may impact clinical outcomes.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

O-260 Improved implantation and pregnancy rates in frozen-thawed embryo transfer using a modified-natural ovulatory regimen

Study question

Are the outcomes of pregnancy significant different between modified-natural (mN) cycle frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) and hormone terapy (HT) cycle FET?

Summary answer

Implantation and pregnancy rates are significantly higher in mN cycle FET as compared to HT cycle FET.

What is known already

The use of FET has dramatically increased the cumulative pregnancy rate and reduced the cost and time to pregnancy in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Three different regimens can be used to perform FET, the spontaneous ovulatory (natural) cycle; the one in which the endometrium is artificially prepared with HT; and cycles in which ovulation is induced. In our center, for the past three years, we have performed HT cycle FET as well as a modified-natural regimen, which includes the administration of 250 µg recombinant hCG (r-hCG) upon the visualization of one follicle measuring ≥ 18 mm in diameter.

Study design, size, duration

Women undergoing FET post intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), between Jan/2019 and August/2021 in a private university-affiliated IVF center were included (mN cycle FET group, n = 142 and HT cycle FET group, n = 1180). Generalized linear models adjusted for potential confounders, followed by Bonferroni post hoc were used to compare clinical outcomes between groups.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

In mN cycle FET group, after menses, the endometrial development was monitored, and patients received 250µg r-hCG upon the visualization of one follicle ≥ 18mm in diameter, and 600mg daily of micronized progesterone for five days, until embryo transfer. In HT cycle FET group, after menses the patients received 200µg of transdermal 17 β-estradiol every three days. When endometrium showed proliferative morphology and thickness of at least 7.5mm, 600mg of progesterone was daily administered.

Main results and the role of chance

Mean female age was similar between the groups (36.0 years ± 0.5 for mN cycle FET and 35.6 years ± 0.2 for HT cycle FET groups, respectively). The implantation rate was significantly higher in mN cycle FET group compared to HT cycle FET group (45.3% ± 0.76 vs. 38.6% ± 0.22, p < 0.001, respectively). The pregnancy rate was also significantly higher in mN cycle FET group compared to HT cycle FET group (66.0% vs. 52.4%, p = 0.017, respectively). No significant differences were observed between the groups in miscarriage rate (10.7% for mN cycle FET and 15.7% for HT cycle FET groups, respectively, p = 0.279).

Limitations, reasons for caution

Retrospective nature of this study and the small sample size may be a reason for caution.

Wider implications of the findings

Our study suggests use of an hCG trigger may improve outcomes in natural cycle FET. In patients undergoing FET, triggering ovulation can significantly reduce the number of visits necessary for scheduling embryo transfer without an adverse effect on outcomes. Ovulation triggering can increase both patient convenience and cycle cost effectiveness.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

P-528 Time-lapse monitoring: an adjunct tool to select embryos for preimplantation genetic testing

Study question

Does embryo aneuploidy have any impact on embryo morphokinetic events in a time-lapse imaging (TLI) culture system?

Summary answer

Aneuploidy had a significant impact on early and late embryo morphokinetic events. Mosaic and aneuploid embryos behaved similarly in terms of morphokinetics.

What is known already

The preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) emerged as an approach to analyse embryos’ DNA for determining genetic abnormalities, distinguishing chromosomally normal embryos, considered to have high developmental potential, from their aneuploid siblings. Although shown to be efficient and clinically relevant, the invasive nature of the technique limits its success. Given the challenges associated with invasive embryo biopsy, ongoing studies are now seeking for non-invasive assessments of the embryo DNA. Timelapse imaging (TLI) may allow the identification of morphokinetics events affected by aneuploidy, which could be a powerful tool for improving embryo selection for transfer, without the detrimental effects of embryo biopsy.

Study design, size, duration

This case-control study was performed in a private university–affiliated IVF center, between 2019 March and 2020 December. Kinetic data were analyzed in 957 embryos, derived from 316 patients undergoing ICSI cycle with PGT-A. Kinetic markers from the point of insemination were recorded. Generalized linear models followed by Bonferroni post hoc were used to compare timing of specific events in euploid (n = 352), aneuploid (n = 583) and mosaic embryos (n = 22). The post hoc achieved power was > 80%.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Embryos were cultured in the EmbryoScope incubator, which recorded the following kinetic markers: timing to pronuclei appearance and fading (tPNa and tPNf), two (t2), three (t3), four (t4), five (t5), six (t6), seven (t7), and eight cells (t8), morulae (tM), start of blastulation (tSB) and blastulation (tB). Durations of second and third cell cycles (cc2 and cc3) and timing to complete synchronous divisions s1, s2, and s3 were calculated. The KIDScore ranking was recorded.

Main results and the role of chance

Aneuploid embryos showed significantly longer tPNf, t2, t3, t4, t6, t7, t8, tM, tSB, tB, s2 and s3 compared to euploid embryos. The KIDScore day 5 also rank was significantly lower in aneuploid embryos compared to euploid ones. As for mosaic embryos no significant differences were observed in the comparisons of means of morphokinetic events and KIDScore rank, but regression analyses showed an increased chance of mosaicism among embryos with longer tPNf, t2, t3, t6, t7, tM, tB, as well as a inverse association with KIDScore rank, when compared with euploid embryos. Embryos were hierarchically distributed into quartiles according to the KIDScore rank: Q1 ≤3.9, Q2 4-5.6, Q3 5.7-7.5, and Q4 ≥7.6. Euploidy incidence was significantly different among the KIDScore quartiles, in which the percentage of euploidy increased directly proportional to the kidscore rank. For patients >35 years old, the logistic regression analysis demonstrated that comparing with embryos in the Q4, embryos in the Q1, Q2, and Q3 have a decreased chance of being euploid. For patients ≤35 years old, comparing with embryos in the Q4, embryos with KIDScore D5 in the Q1 and Q2, but not in Q3, have a decreased chance of being euploid.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Our study is limited by its retrospective nature and small casuistic, despite adequate power has been achieved. The reason for the lack of consistency with some previous findings can be explained by variations in culture systems, studied population, embryo stage for biopsy and wide range of tests used for PGT.

Wider implications of the findings

Our evidence suggests that TLI monitoring may be an adjunct approach to select embryos for PGT, however, cautious investigation is still needed. The mechanism by which embryo aneuploidy may alter the cleavage timing of embryos is undefined, but disruptions of mitosis, cell-cell interactions and blastocyst differentiation are possible candidates.

Trial registration number

not applicable

P-503 The role of the duration of infertility on the of quality of life and psychological health in infertile couples

Study question

Is the quality of life (QoL) and psychological health affected by the duration of infertility in infertile women?

Summary answer

The duration of infertility negatively impacts infertile women's QoL and psychological health.

What is known already

Infertility is a deeply distressing experience. The process, from suspicion to received diagnosis and treatments often endures over a long period of time and usually involves repeated oscillations between hope and delusion, perception of loss of control, loss of self-esteem, inability to plan future, changes in identity and worldviews and difficulties in social interactions. Therefore, being infertile and undergoing fertility treatments is a condition which affects all infertile couple’s QoL. Whether QoL of these individuals is affected by the duration of infertility should be the focus of further investigation, to define psychological care interventions with patients dealing with infertility.

Study design, size, duration

This transversal study enrolled 442 female infertile patients that completed a modified non-validated Fertility Quality of Life Questionnaire (FertiQoL) between August and November 2021, containing multiple choice questions, which were evaluated in an ordinal manner (from one to five, being five the reference category associated with best QoL parameter).

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The FertiQoL questionnaire was conducted through an online-platform and consisted of 24 items derived from four subscales (mind-body, emotional, social, and relational), 10 treatment-related items, and two overall life and physical wellness items. Additionally demographic infertility-related characteristics were answered by the participants. Generalized Linear Models were performed to assess the association between FertiQoL scores and duration of infertility. Results are described by B coefficient and the p value.

Main results and the role of chance

A negative association between duration of infertility and FertiQoL scores were observed. With one unit increase in duration of infertility, the log of odds of having a positive perception about: (i) one’s own health decreases by -2.07 to -5.49, p < 0.001, (ii) one’s satisfaction with the quality of life decreases by -0.981 to -3.90, p < 0.001, (iii) ability to handle other life plans and goals while dealing with infertility decreases by -0.59 to -2.77, (iv) ability to deal with one's fertility issues decreases by-1.38 to -4.00, p < 0.001, (v) experience of envy feelings increases by 0.10 to 2.71, p < 0.001, (vi) experience oscillations of hope and hopelessness feelings increases by 0.25 to 0.97, p < 0.001, (vii) experience of social isolation due to infertility increases by 0.92 to 3.12, p < 0.001, (viii) loving to one's partner despite fertility problems decreased by -0.54 to -5.99 p < 0.001, (ix) feeling discomfort in social situations increases by 0.80 to 2.73, p < 0.001, (x) feeling of inferiority in relation to people who have children increases from 0.48 to 1.29, p < 0.001, (xi) feeling of anger due to infertility increases from -0.20 to -1.56, p < 0.001, and (xii) unpleasant effects of infertility treatment increases from 0.217 to 1.97, p < 0.001.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Lack of adequate opportunities to conduct face to face interview and lack of knowledge of the real state of the participants, concerning infertility or when involved in an assisted reproduction treatment (ART), knowledge of which treatment.

Wider implications of the findings

Long infertility duration is a significant risk factor affecting women's QoL and psychological health. It can be hypothesized that, besides the duration of infertility itself, repeated ART treatments related to longer infertility may compromise QoL, highlighting the importance of the psychological counseling for infertile patients, especially those with longer infertility.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

Steps towards a nature inspired inorganic crystal engineering

This Perspective outlines the results obtained at the University of Bologna by applying crystal engineering strategies to develop nature inspired organic-inorganic materials to tackle challenges in the health and environment sectors. It is shown by means of a number of examples that co-crystallization of inorganic salts, such as alkali and transition metal halides, with organic compounds, such as amino acids, urea, thiourea and quaternary ammonium salts, can be successfully used for (i) chiral resolution and conglomerate formation from racemic compounds, (ii) inhibition of soil enzyme activity in order to reduce urea decomposition and environmental pollution, and (iii) preparation of novel agents to tackle antimicrobial resistance. All materials described in this Perspective have been obtained by mechanochemical solvent-free or slurry methods and characterized by solid state techniques. The fundamental idea is that a crystal engineering approach based on the choice of intermolecular interactions (coordination and hydrogen bonds) between organic and inorganic compounds allows obtaining materials with collective properties that are different, and often very much superior to those of the separate components. It is also demonstrated that the success of this strategy depends crucially on cross-disciplinary synergistic exchange with expert scientists in the areas of bioinorganics, microbiology, and chirality application-oriented developments of these novel materials.

Too much water? Not enough? In situ monitoring of the mechanochemical reaction of copper salts with dicyandiamide

In situ monitoring, via X-ray and Raman spectroscopy, of mechanochemical reactions between dicyandiamide and copper(ii) salts shows that the amount of added water and the milling frequency strongly impact on the products of the solid state synthesis.

P–143 Improved embryonic development and utilization rates with EmbryoScope: A within-subject comparison versus a benchtop incubator

Study question

In consecutive intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles, is embryonic development in EmbryoScope better than the previous one obtained in a benchtop (G–185) incubator?

Summary answer

Embryonic development, and oocyte and embryo utilization rates (OUR and EUR) are significantly improved in the EmbryoScope, as compared to G–185.

What is known already

The time-lapse imaging (TLI) system, which allows a non-invasive continuous assessment of embryo morphokinetics parameters in a closed culture system has been developed, promising improved embryo development by reducing oscillations in pH, humidity and temperature. To investigate this hypothesis, one study has already compared embryonic development in a TLI versus a benchtop incubator. However, It has never been investigated whether embryonic development can be improved within-subject, by changing from benchtop incubator in the first intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle to the EmbryoScope, a TLI incubator, in the following ICSI cycle, and that was the objective of the present study.

Study design, size, duration

This study had a retrospective within-subject design, in which each cycle served as its own control. Data were obtained via chart review of patients undergoing ICSI in a private university–affiliated IVF center that fulfilled the following criteria: second ICSI attempt in which embryos had been cultured in a TLI incubator system (TLI group, n = 71), preceded by a first ICSI attempt in which embryos had been cultured in a conventional incubator (Control group, n = 71).

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Embryonic development up to the fifth day of development, OUR (transferred embryos plus frozen embryos per retrieved oocytes) and EUR (transferred embryos plus frozen embryos per fertilized oocytes) were compared between the groups using generalized linear models followed by Bonferroni post hoc. The post hoc achieved power was 82.6%, considering the sample size, the effect size obtained for blastocyst development rate and 5% significance level.

Main results and the role of chance

There were significant differences in fertilization rate (76.0% ± 1.3 vs. 80.0% ± 1.4, p = 0.044, OR: 1.051, CI: 1.001 – 1.103), non-fertilization rate (14.8% ± 0.6 vs. 6.3% ± 0.4, p < 0.001, OR: 0.424, CI: 0.370 – 0.486), day–2 non-cleavage rate (3.8% ± 0.2 vs. 1.1% ± 0.1, p < 0.001, OR: 0.285, CI: 0.234 – 0.347), blastocyst development rate (40.9% ± 1.1 vs. 55.6% ± 1.3, p < 0.001, OR: 1.358, CI: 1.267 – 1.456), frozen blastocyst rate (31.8% ± 0.8 vs. 37.0% ± 0.9, p < 0.001, OR: 1.163, CI: 1. 085 – 1.248), OUR (40.7% ± 1.0 vs. 50.2% ± 1.1, p < 0.001, OR: 1.232, CI: 1.155 – 1.314), and EUR (52.4% ± 1.1 vs. 66.6% ± 1.2, p < 0.001, OR: 1.269, CI: 1.202 - 1.341), all in favor of TLI group. Pregnancy rate (30.2% vs. 30.8%, p = 0.940), implantation rate (24.6% ± 40.0 vs. 26.1% ± 41.6, p = 0.830), and miscarriage rate (21.1% vs. 15.0%, p = 0.622) were similar between Control and TLI groups, respectively.

Limitations, reasons for caution

(i) Different culture dishes were used in each system; (ii) it is not possible to confirm how much of the embryonic improvement was due to the culture conditions; (iii) the study design is not ideal for the comparison of clinical outcomes and, also, underpowered to do so.

Wider implications of the findings: Even though the clinical outcomes were similar between the groups, the results may also lead to higher cumulative pregnancy outcomes following embryo thawing and transfer.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

O-209 The impact of sperm DNA fragmentation on pregnancy outcomes depends on oocyte dimorphisms

Study question

Does the impact of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) on Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes depend on the presence of oocyte dimorphisms?

Summary answer

There is a significant influence of oocyte quality on the impact of SDF on pregnancy outcomes.

What is known already

Sperm DNA fragmentation has been associated with ICSI outcomes. DNA damage is commonly encountered in human spermatozoa and it has been widely accepted that the oocyte assumes responsibility for the repair and remodelling of both the maternal and paternal genomes during the oocyte-embryo transition. Indeed, spermatozoa with DNA damage can fertilise oocytes and still lead to embryo development due to the oocyte DNA repair capacity. Considering the vital role played by the oocyte in the developmental process, it could be hypostatised that the oocyte quality, translated as oocyte morphology, would influence the machinery responsible for sperm DNA repair after fertilization.

Study design, size, duration

This cohort study included 3,035 oocytes from 525 patients undergoing ICSI cycles in a university-affiliated IVF-center, between June/2016 and July/2019. Oocytes were split into groups according to the SDF index of the sample used for ICSI: low-fragmentation (<30% SDF, n = 2,277) and high-fragmentation (≥30% SDF, n = 758). Oocytes were evaluated before sperm injection and the dimorphisms were recorded. The influence of SDF index on ICSI outcomes, depending on the presence of oocytes dimorphisms was evaluated.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Data was evaluated using generalized linear models (GZLM) followed by Bonferroni post hoc. The results are expressed as mean ± standard error for continuous variables or percentages for dichotomous variables, and p-values. The sample size calculation suggested that a sample of at least 504 subjects had 95% power to detect a 20% effect with a significance level of 5% (α). The study was performed in a private university–affiliated in vitro fertilization (IVF) center.

Main results and the role of chance

The association of both factors: the presence of oocyte dimorphisms (dark cytoplasm, vacuoles in the ooplasm, and resistant membrane) and high SDF index resulted in the lowest fertilization rate among groups, while oocytes free of these dimorphisms injected with samples with <30% SDF had the highest fertilization rate (p = 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.01 for dark cytoplasm, vacuoles in the ooplasm and resistant membrane respectively). The impact of SDF index on high quality embryos rate on cleavage stage was also influence by the presence smooth endoplasmic reticulum clusters and resistant membrane oocytes (p = 0.013 and p = 0.018). As for the clinical outcomes, the impact of SDF index on the implantation rate was influenced by the presence of vacuoles in the ooplasm (p < 0.01), smooth endoplasmic reticulum clusters (p < 0.01), large perivitelline space (p < 0.01), resistant membrane (p < 0.01), and non-resistant membrane (p < 0.01), while the influence of SDF index on the pregnancy rate was influenced by the presence large perivitelline space (p < 0.01), resistant membrane (p = 0.018) and non-resistant membrane (p < 0.01). The effect of SDF on the miscarriage rate was also increased in the presence of large perivitelline space (p = 0.045), non-resistant membrane (0.037) and centrally located cytoplasmic granular area (p = 0.025).

Limitations, reasons for caution

The retrospective nature is a limitation. It could be argued that using samples with high SDF index does not necessarily mean that a sperm cell with a fragmented DNA was injected, however, the higher the SDF index, the higher the chance of selecting one with fragmented DNA.

Wider implications of the findings

The findings presented here highlight the crucial role of male and female factors when facing assisted reproduction. The association of low oocyte quality and high SDF index may lead to impaired results. As the oocyte defect cannot be modified, in vivo upgrading of spermatozoa before the treatment should be encouraged.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

O-224 Paternal ageing impacts blastulation and pregnancy outcomes at different levels of maternal age: a clustering analysis of 21,960 injected oocytes and 3837 ICSI cycles

Study question

Are the morphological parameters and development of in vitro cultured embryos, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes influenced by maternal and paternal ageing?

Summary answer

The slopes of maternal age on blastulation, blastocyst quality, and implantation, pregnancy and miscarriage rates significantly changed (worsened) for every year increase in paternal age.

What is known already

Due to the vast literature demonstrating that female age interferes with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes, there is an imposition, in numerous countries, regarding maternal age limit for assisted reproduction. Despite several studies have underscored the negative impact of paternal age and lifestyle factors on reproductive health, the influence of paternal age on ICSI outcomes is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to investigate if the effect of paternal age on embryo development differs at different values of maternal age, thus creating a rationale for the data to reach physicians, patients, and public health recommendations.

Study design, size, duration

This historical cohort study included 3837 couples undergoing their first ICSI cycle from January/2014 to October/2020. A total of 21960 oocytes were injected and embryos were evaluated until day 5 of development. The main effects of maternal and paternal ages, as well as the effect of their product (interaction term) on embryo growth and development, and on pregnancy outcomes were investigated taking into account clustering of data (multiple embryos per cycle), using generalized mixed models.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The study was performed in a private university-affiliated in vitro fertilization center. Zygotes were morphologically evaluated 17h post ICSI. For days 2 and 3 of development, the number of blastomeres, blastomere symmetry, percentage of fragmentation and presence of multinucleation were recorded. On day 5 of development, successful blastulation, and inner cell mass and trophectoderm qualities were recorded. Pregnancy was calculated per transfer, and miscarriage was defined as pregnancy loss before 20 weeks gestation.

Main results and the role of chance

The coefficients for the interaction term were statistically significant for blastocyst development (B: - 0.005, OR: 0.995, CI: 0.994 – 0.996, p < 0.001), top-quality blastocyst (B: - 0.003, OR: 0.997, CI: 0.996 – 0.999, p < 0.001), implantation rate (B: - 0.041, OR: 0.960, CI: 0.947 – 0.973, p < 0.001), pregnancy rate (B: - 0.004, OR: 0.996, CI: 0.995 – 0.997, p < 0.001), and miscarriage rate (B: 0.011, OR: 1.012, CI: 1.005 – 1.018, p = 0.001). These values describe the changes in slopes such that, the slope of one independent variable (e.g. maternal age) on the dependent variable (e.g. implantation rate) changes by the value of B (- 0.041) for every unit change on the other independent variable (e.g. paternal age). No significant results were observed for the influence of the interaction term on embryo morphological features on days 1, 2 and 3 of development. Two post hoc power analyses were calculated, given α of 5%, sample size of 21960 zygotes and 3315 ICSI cycles with embryo transfer and effect sizes for blastulation and pregnancy outcomes, respectively. The achieved power was superior to 99% in both analyses.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The retrospective and monocentric nature of the study are its major limitations.

Wider implications of the findings

Our results underscore the importance of both maternal and paternal ages for blastulation and successful pregnancy. Main effects of paternal and maternal ages should no longer be interpreted as the relationship between each independent variable and a given outcome, but rather be conditional on the values of the interaction term.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

O-208 High sperm DNA fragmentation index negatively impacts embryo morphokinetics, but not embryo morphology and development rates: the importance of time-lapse imaging system

Study question

Can time-lapse imaging (TLI) identify morphokinetic events impacted by high sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), irrespective of conventional morphological embryo assessment and development rate?

Summary answer

Embryo morphokinetic parameters are negatively impacted by high DFI, whereas conventional morphological embryo assessment and blastocyst development rate are not related to DNA integrity.

What is known already

Paternal genome activation occurs late in the embryo, and therefore, the negative impact of sperm factors on embryo development is more often observed in the outcomes of pregnancy, such as embryonic implantation and pregnancy loss, than in the potential for embryonic development itself, such as successful development to the blastocyst stage. With the development of TLI technology, and the possibility of assessing complete embryonic development, we hypothesized that sperm factors related to DNA fragmentation may interfere with the speed and pattern of cell divisions, leading to slower embryos; something that would not be detected by conventional morphological embryo assessment.

Study design, size, duration

The study included 978 zygotes cultured until day five in a TLS incubator between March/2019 and August/2020, derived from 118 patients undergoing ICSI in a private university-affiliated IVF center. Kinetic markers from the point of insemination were recorded. Generalized linear models adjusted for potential confounders, followed by Bonferroni post hoc were used to compare timing of specific events in patients with low (<30%) of high (≥30%) DFI. The post hoc achieved power was > 90%.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Recorded kinetic markers were: timing to pronuclei appearance and fading (tPNa and tPNf), timing to two (t2), three (t3), four (t4), five (t5), six (t6), seven (t7), and eight cells (t8), and timing to morulae (tM), start of blastulation (tSB) and blastulation (tB). Durations of second and third cell cycles (cc2 and cc3) and timing to complete synchronous divisions s1, s2, and s3 were calculated. The KIDScore ranking was also recorded.

Main results and the role of chance

Blastocyst development (53.1% ± 1.3 vs. 55.1% ± 1.5, p = 0.380) and high-quality rates (87.9% ± 2.9 vs. 86.2% ± 3.6, p = 0.749) were similar between embryos derived from sperm samples with <30% DFI (n = 592) and ≥30% DFI (n = 386), respectively. Embryos derived from sperm samples with ≥30% DFI showed significantly slower divisions compared to those from <30% DFI: tPNa (6.1h ± 0.2 vs. 6.8h ± 0.2, p = 0.030), tPNf (23.0h ± 0.3 vs. 24.2h ± 0.3, p = 0.009), t2 (25.4h ± 0.3 vs. 26.9h ± 0.3, p = 0.002), t3 (34.8h ± 0.3 vs. 37.3h ± 0.4, p > 0.001), t4 (37.5h ± 0.4 vs. 39.3h ± 0.4, p = 0.003), t5 (46.2h ± 0.5 vs. 49.5h ± 0.6, p < 0.001), t6 (49.7h ± 0.5 vs. 52.8h ± 0.6, p = 0.001), t7 (52.4h ± 0.6 vs. 55.6h ± 0.7, p = 0.001), t8 (56.2h ± 0.7 vs. 58.9h ± 0.8, p = 0.017), tSB (97.5h ± 1.5 vs. 105.9h ± 1.7, p = 0.002), tB (108.6h ± 0.8 vs. 112.4h ± 1.2, p = 0.016). The KIDScore ranked significantly different between embryos derived from samples with <30% or ≥ 30% DFI (4.5 ± 0.1 vs. 3.9 ± 0.2, p = 0.033, respectively). A significant difference was observed in implantation rate (<30% DFI: 51.5% ± 2.2 vs. ≥30% DFI: 30.5% ± 1.3, p < 0.001).

Limitations, reasons for caution

Retrospective nature of this study and the small sample size may be a reason for caution, despite adequate power has been achieved.

Wider implications of the findings

Increasing DFI correlates with delayed cell cleavage and blastulation, leading to reduced implantation rates, without compromising blastulation rate and quality. This finding highlights the importance of TLI for the identification and de-selection of slow-growing embryos for transfer, in cycles with high DFI.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

P–477 The child’s right to know vs. the parents’ right not to tell: the attitudes of couples undergoing fertility treatments towards identity-release gamete donation

Study question

Do couples undergoing assisted reproduction treatments (ART) have a different perception of anonymous vs identity-release gamete donation than a population interested in the subject?

Summary answer

Compared with a population interested in the subject, more couples undergoing ART believed the child shouldn’t be given information that would identify the gamete-donor.

What is known already

Recent research has investigated the psychological well-being of parents and children born through gamete donation, focusing on the possibility of having the donor’s identity revealed. Gamete donors have traditionally been anonymous to recipients and offspring; however, there is a global trend towards programs using donors that are identifiable to the resulting offspring at maturity. While some countries only allow the use of identity-release egg donation, others only allow anonymous-donation, and in some countries both types of donation are practiced. However, the attitudes concerning anonymous vs identity-release gamete donation, in a country where only anonymous donation is allowed, are still unknown.

Study design, size, duration

This cross-sectional study was performed from 01/Sep/2020 to 15/Dec/2020. For that, surveys through online-platforms were conducted, including either patients undergoing ART, (ART-group, n = 358) or those interested in the subject, who accessed the website of a university-affiliated IVF-center (interested-group, n = 122). Participants in the ART-group were invited via e-mail, with a cover-letter outlining the survey and a link to access it and participants in the interested-group accessed the questionnaire via website.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The survey collected information on demographic characteristics and the participant’s attitudes towards anonymity of gamete donors. The questions were: (i) In the case of children conceived through ART, do you believe that revealing the method of conception may affect the relationship between children and their parents? (ii) Once the method of conception is revealed, do you believe that the child has the right to know the gamete donor? (iii) If yes, when?

Main results and the role of chance

Most of the participants answered that the relationship between children and parents wouldn’t be affected by the child’s knowledge of the origin of their conception, regardless of the group (83.6% vs 82.7%, for ART-group and interested-group, respectively, p = 0.868). Most participants in the ART-group answered that the sperm donor identity shouldn’t be revealed to the child, while only half of the interested-group stated the same (65.4% vs 50.8%, p = 0.044). The same result was observed when participants were asked if the oocyte donor should be identifiable (64.8% vs 50.8%, p = 0.050). When asked when the donor’s identity should be revealed to the child, no significant differences were noted in the responses among the groups (p = 0.868). Most of the participants who believe that the child has the right of learning the donor’s identity, stated that “the donor’s identity should be revealed if the child questions its biological origin” (67.2% vs 67.5%, for ART-group and interested-group, respectively). “Since birth” was the second most common response, (21.0% vs 19.7%, for ART-group and interested-group, respectively), while “when the child turns 18 years-old” (9.2% vs 11.2%, for ART-group and interested-group, respectively), and “sometime during teenage years” (2.5% vs 2.4%, for ART-group and interested-group, respectively) were less common answers.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Lack of adequate opportunities to conduct face to face interview and lack of knowledge of the real state of the website participants, concerning infertility or being involved in ART. The retrospective nature of the study and the small sample size may also be reasons for caution,

Wider implications of the findings: It has been discussed that, whether or not children or parents are harmed by knowing their biological origins, donor offspring have the right to know. However, when facing the situation, couples undergoing ART would argue that in case of gamete donation, there are reasons for not telling the child.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

P–594 Ovarian stimulation with luteinizing hormone supplementation: the impact of timing on ovarian response and ICSI outcomes

Study question

Is there an impact of recombinant luteinizing-hormone (rLH) administration timing during controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) on ovarian response and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles outcomes?

Summary answer

rLH supplementation in patients with poor ovarian response (POR) improves laboratorial and clinical outcomes when started in the mid-follicular phase, in GnRH antagonist ICSI cycles.

What is known already

Meta-analyses demonstrated that the use of rLH combined with rFSH for COS may lead to more ongoing pregnancies than rFSH alone. However, there is limited evidence that the timing of rLH addition to rFSH may impact the ovarian response or the outcomes of ICSI, based on a limited casuistic, which demonstrated improved ovarian response, embryo quality and pregnancy rate with LH supplementation from GnRH antagonist administration day, in estimated POR patients. The objective of the present study was to further investigate this hypothesis in a larger population, and in subpopulations of patients stratified by age and response to COS.

Study design, size, duration

This historical cohort study included data obtained via chart review of 1278 ICSI cycles performed in 1278 patients between 2015 and 2018, in a private university-affiliated in vitro fertilization center. Post hoc power analysis was calculated, given α of 5%, sample size of 1278, and effect size for implantation rate. The achieved power was superior to 99%.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Two groups were formed according to timing of LH administration: Group LH-start (n = 323), in which LH was started on day–1; and Group LH-mid (n = 955), in which LH was started with GnRH antagonist. Then, data were stratified according to female age (<35 years-old, n = 283, and ≥35 years-old, n = 995) and response to COS (poor response (POR): ≤4 retrieved oocytes, n = 423, and normal response: >5 retrieved oocytes, n = 855). Ovarian response and ICSI outcomes were compared among the groups.

Main results and the role of chance

In POR patients, significantly higher fertilization rate (68.3% ± 2.5 vs. 78.6% ± 3.7, p = 0.023), blastocyst development rate (22.5% ± 7.2 vs. 44.7% ± 6.2, p = 0.022) and implantation rate (17.6% ± 59.1 vs. 20.2% ± 43.2, p < 0.001) were observed in Group LH-mid, even though the amount of LH used in these patients was not significant different from that used in Group LH-mid from patients with normal response to COS (1062.35 IU ± 54.33 vs. 925.81 IU ± 414.41, p: 0.431, respectively). For the general group and in patients aged ≥ 35 years, higher blastocyst development rates were observed in Group LH-mid compared to Group LH-start (33.0% ± 31.9 vs. 40.8% ± 32.6, p = 0.012, and 28.8% ± 30.4 vs 38.5% ± 32.3, p = 0.006, respectively). In patients aged < 35 years and in those with normal response to COS, similar outcomes were obtained irrespective of timing of LH administration.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The limitations included the retrospective design and limited sample size in subpopulations. In addition, the reduced clinical outcomes related to POR patients may hamper the true estimation of the differences between the stimulation groups in terms of pregnancy and miscarriage rates.

Wider implications of the findings: In POR patients, mid-follicular phase LH supplementation starting with 150 IU daily doses, may rescue the ongoing cycle by compensating an initial slow response, and balancing the deprivation of endogenous LH in GnRH antagonist cycles, with no need of expending more gonadotropin compared to patients with normal response to COS.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

Prospects for beyond the Standard Model physics searches at the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment: DUNE Collaboration

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will be a powerful tool for a variety of physics topics. The high-intensity proton beams provide a large neutrino flux, sampled by a near detector system consisting of a combination of capable precision detectors, and by the massive far detector system located deep underground. This configuration sets up DUNE as a machine for discovery, as it enables opportunities not only to perform precision neutrino measurements that may uncover deviations from the present three-flavor mixing paradigm, but also to discover new particles and unveil new interactions and symmetries beyond those predicted in the Standard Model (SM). Of the many potential beyond the Standard Model (BSM) topics DUNE will probe, this paper presents a selection of studies quantifying DUNE's sensitivities to sterile neutrino mixing, heavy neutral leptons, non-standard interactions, CPT symmetry violation, Lorentz invariance violation, neutrino trident production, dark matter from both beam induced and cosmogenic sources, baryon number violation, and other new physics topics that complement those at high-energy colliders and significantly extend the present reach.

Proflavine and zinc chloride “team chemistry”: combining antibacterial agents via solid-state interaction

Mechanochemical and solution reaction of ZnCl₂ with proflavine yields the antimicrobials [HPF]₂[ZnCl₄]·H₂O and ZnCl₃(HPF), more active, with respect to the separate components and the AgNO₃ standard, towards P. aeruginosa, E. coli and S. aureus.

Solid-State Dynamics and High-Pressure Studies of a Supramolecular Spiral Gear

The structures and solid-state dynamics of the supramolecular salts of the general formula [(12-crown-4)₂ ⋅DABCOH₂ ](X)₂ (where DABCO=1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, X=BF₄ , ClO₄ ) have been investigated as a function of temperature (from 100 to 360 K) and pressure (up to 3.4 GPa), through the combination of variable-temperature and variable-pressure XRD techniques and variable-temperature solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The two salts are isomorphous and crystallize in the enantiomeric space groups P3₂ 2₁ and P3₁ 2₁ . All building blocks composing the supramolecular complex display dynamic processes at ambient temperature and pressure. It has been demonstrated that the motion of the crown ethers is maintained on lowering the temperature (down to 100 K) or on increasing the pressure (up to 1.5 GPa) thanks to the correlation between neighboring molecules, which mesh and rotate in a concerted manner similar to spiral gears. Above 1.55 GPa, a collapse-type transition to a lower-symmetry ordered structure, not attainable at a temperature of 100 K, takes place, proving, thus, that the pressure acts as the means to couple and decouple the gears. The relationship between temperature and pressure effects on molecular motion in the solid state has also been discussed.

Co-crystallization of racemic amino acids with ZnCl2: an investigation of chiral selectivity upon coordination to the metal centre

A preference for racemic vs. meso-crystal formation has been observed upon the cocrystallization of dl-amino acids with ZnCl₂, as a result of homo vs. heterochiral competition.

Co-crystallization of antibacterials with inorganic salts: paving the way to activity enhancement

Co-crystallization of the antibacterial agents proflavine and methyl viologen with the inorganic salts CuCl, CuCl₂ and AgNO₃ results in enhanced antimicrobial activity with respect to the separate components.

Mechanochemical preparation of molecular and ionic co-crystals of the hormone melatonin

Molecular and ionic co-crystals of melatonin with piperazine, DABCO and CaCl₂ were obtained via kneading with ethanol: the solubility of melatonin in H₂O increases by an order of magnitude when combined with CaCl₂.

Improving solubility and storage stability of rifaximin via solid-state solvation with Transcutol®

Crystallization of rifaximin from Transcutol® affords the new anhydrous τ-form, which combines a high dissolution rate with a high storage stability, as it is not affected by exposure to humidity.

Supramolecular zwitterions based on a novel boronic acid–squarate dianion synthon

We report a novel heterodimeric charge-assisted hydrogen bonding synthon and prove its robustness by preparation of a three-component co-crystal.

Precessional Motion in Crystalline Solid Solutions of Ionic Rotors

The order-disorder phase transition associated with the uprise of reorientational motion in (DABCOH2)²⁺ , in the supramolecular salts of general formula [1⋅(DABCOH₂ )]X₂ (where 1=12-crown-4, DABCO=1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, and X=Cl^- or Br^- ), has been investigated by variable temperature X-ray diffraction on single crystals and powder samples, as well as by DSC and solid-state NMR spectroscopy (SSNMR). The two compounds undergo a reversible phase change at 292 and 290 K, respectively. The two crystalline materials form solid solutions [1⋅(DABCOH₂ )]Cl_2x Br_2(1-x) in the whole composition range (0 < x<1), with a decrease in the temperature of transition to a minimum of ca 280 K, corresponding to x=0.5. Activation energy values for the dynamic processes, evaluated by variable-temperature ¹³ C magic-angle spinning (MAS) SSNMR and line-shape analysis are ca. 50 kJ mol^-1 in all cases. Combined diffraction and spectroscopic evidence has allowed the detection of a novel dynamic process for the (DABCOH₂ )²⁺ dications, based on a room temperature precessional motion that is frozen out below the disorder-order transition; to the best of the authors' knowledge this phenomenon has never been observed before.

Ionic Co-Crystal Formation as a Path Towards Chiral Resolution in the Solid State

The preparation and characterization of a whole family of hydrated ionic co-crystals formed by both enantiopure l-proline and racemic dl-proline with LiX (X=Cl, Br, I) are reported. The chiral preference of the lithium cation for homochiral coordination, both in the formation of crystalline conglomerates (with Cl and Br) and racemates (with Cl and I), in which molecules of opposite chirality are confined to distinct crystal layers, is discussed. Dehydration processes for all hydrated crystals have also been investigated.

Alloying barbituric and thiobarbituric acids: from solid solutions to a highly stable keto co-crystal form

Alloying isomorphous crystals of barbituric acid (BA) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) yields solid solutions of general formula BA_xTBA_1-x (x < 0.8); for x = 0.5 the stable co-crystal BA_0.5TBA_0.5, isomorphous with the parent keto forms, is observed, which melts at 265 °C, i.e. ca. 10 and 20 °C higher than the melting points of BA and TBA, respectively. While the BA_xTBA_1-x solid solutions with x > 0.5 are stable, those with x < 0.5 convert, with time or temperature, to the BA_0.5TBA_0.5 co-crystal.

Solid-state chiral resolution mediated by stoichiometry: crystallizing etiracetam with ZnCl2

Co-crystallization of racemic etiracetam with ZnCl₂ results in a racemic compound or a conglomerate, depending on the amount of ZnCl₂; the unprecedented behaviour was investigated through a racetam/ZnCl₂/solvent phase diagram.

Organic–inorganic ionic co-crystals: a new class of multipurpose compounds

Reacting molecular organic solids with inorganic salts gives access to novel properties via ionic co-crystal formation.

Smart urea ionic co-crystals with enhanced urease inhibition activity for improved nitrogen cycle management

A smart ionic co-crystal of urea with KCl and ZnCl₂, obtainedviamechanochemical and solution methods has been proven to be a very efficient urease inhibitor and to provide soil nutrients to complement N supply.

Preliminary profiling of blood transcriptome in a rat model of hemorrhagic shock

Hemorrhagic shock is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Significant blood loss may lead to decreased blood pressure and inadequate tissue perfusion with resultant organ failure and death, even after replacement of lost blood volume. One reason for this high acuity is that the fundamental mechanisms of shock are poorly understood. Proteomic and metabolomic approaches have been used to investigate the molecular events occurring in hemorrhagic shock but, to our knowledge, a systematic analysis of the transcriptomic profile is missing. Therefore, a pilot analysis using paired-end RNA sequencing was used to identify changes that occur in the blood transcriptome of rats subjected to hemorrhagic shock after blood reinfusion. Hemorrhagic shock was induced using a Wigger's shock model. The transcriptome of whole blood from shocked animals shows modulation of genes related to inflammation and immune response (Tlr13, Il1b, Ccl6, Lgals3), antioxidant functions (Mt2A, Mt1), tissue injury and repair pathways (Gpnmb, Trim72) and lipid mediators (Alox5ap, Ltb4r, Ptger2) compared with control animals. These findings are congruent with results obtained in hemorrhagic shock analysis by other authors using metabolomics and proteomics. The analysis of blood transcriptome may be a valuable tool to understand the biological changes occurring in hemorrhagic shock and a promising approach for the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Impact statement This study provides the first pilot analysis of the changes occurring in transcriptome expression of whole blood in hemorrhagic shock (HS) rats. We showed that the analysis of blood transcriptome is a useful approach to investigate pathways and functional alterations in this disease condition. This pilot study encourages the possible application of transcriptome analysis in the clinical setting, for the molecular profiling of whole blood in HS patients.

Making crystals with a purpose; a journey in crystal engineering at the University of Bologna

The conceptual relationship between crystal reactivity, stability and meta-stability, solubility and morphology on the one hand and shape, charge distribution, chirality and distribution of functional groups over the molecular surfaces on the other hand is discussed, via a number of examples coming from three decades of research in the field of crystal engineering at the University of Bologna. The bottom-up preparation of mixed crystals, co-crystals and photoreactive materials starting from molecular building blocks across the borders of organic, organometallic and metalorganic chemistry is recounted.

Ionic co-crystals of enantiopure and racemic histidine with calcium halides

Ionic co-crystals (ICCs) of l- and dl-histidine with CaCl₂, CaBr₂ and CaI₂ were prepared by mechanochemical and solution methods and were structurally characterized by either single crystal or powder X-ray diffraction methods.

White luminescence achieved by a multiple thermochromic emission in a hybrid organic-inorganic compound based on 3-picolylamine and copper(i) iodide

Three copper(i) complexes have been obtained by the reaction of CuI with 3-picolylamine in acetonitrile solution and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, both from synchrotron and laboratory radiation. Photophysical investigations in the solid state revealed highly efficient thermally-activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) with photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) up to 18%. Notably, the complex [Cu₂I₂(3pica)]_∞ displays a strong luminescence thermochromism due to the presence of both ^1,3(X + M)LCT excited states and a lower-lying cluster-centered (³CC) one, leading to multiple emission at room temperature; as a result, a white luminescence is achieved with a PLQY of 4.5%.

Single crystal to single crystal [2+2] photoreactions in chloride and sulphate salts of 4-amino-cinnamic acid via solid-solution formation: a structural and kinetic study

SCSC [2+2] photodimerizationviathe formation of solid state solution is achieved in chloride and sulfate salts of 4-amino-cinnamic acid, and structural and kinetic analyses have been performed.