A Functionalized Heterocubane with Extensive Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonds

A unique three‐dimensional assembly is evident in the crystal structure of the cage compound 1 : each molecule participates in the formation of eight O−H⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bonds with neighboring molecules to form cavities with approximate dimensions of 3×3×8 ų. In contrast, compound 2 , which contains the same framework structure, does not show this behavior in the crystal.     

A Mixed-Valence and Mixed-Spin Molecular Magnetic Material: [MnIIL]6[MoIII(CN)7][MoIV(CN)8]2⋅19.5 H2O

Long-range ferromagnetic ordering at 3 K is observed for the title compound, which may be considered as a fully localized mixed-valence species (Mo³⁺ and Mo⁴⁺) as well as a mixed-spin species (low-spin and high-spin Mn²⁺ ions). Its two-dimensional structure consists of heart-shaped 48-membered rings, and each ring contains 16 metal centers (see picture).     

Cellulose derivative/barium titanate composites with high refractive index,conductivity and energy density

Cellulose - This work deals with hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC)/barium titanate (BT) composites, having small levels of perovskite-like BT loading, i.e. 0.5–2% and being designed for electric...     

Melissa officinalis L. Aqueous Extract Exerts Antioxidant and Antiangiogenic Effects and Improves Physiological Skin Parameters

Melissa officinalis (MO) is a medicinal plant well-known for its multiple pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer and beneficial effects on skin recovery. In this context, the present study was aimed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo safety profile of an MO aqueous extract by assessing cell viability on normal (HaCaT—human keratinocytes) and tumor (A375—human melanoma) cells and its impact on physiological skin parameters by a non-invasive method. In addition, the antioxidant activity and the antiangiogenic potential of the extract were verified. A selective cytotoxic effect was noted in A375 cells, while no toxicity was noticed in healthy cells. The MO aqueous extract safety profile after topical application was investigated on SKH-1 mice, and an enhanced skin hydration and decreased erythema and transepidermal water loss levels were observed. The in ovo CAM assay, performed to investigate the potential modulating effect on the angiogenesis process and the blood vessels impact, indicated that at concentrations of 100 and 500 µg/mL, MO aqueous extract induced a reduction of thin capillaries. No signs of vascular toxicity were recorded at concentrations as high as 1000 μg/mL. The aqueous extract of MO leaves can be considered a promising candidate for skin disorders with impaired physiological skin parameters.