Dendronized Anionic Gold Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Antiviral Activity

Anionic carbosilane dendrons decorated with sulfonate functions and with a thiol moiety at the focal point have been used to synthesize water soluble gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) by direct reaction of dendrons, gold precursor and reducing agent in water and also by place-exchange reaction. These nanoparticles have been characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV, elemental analysis, and Z potential. Also, the interacting ability of the anionic sulfonate functions was investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) using copper(II) as a probe. It was found that the different structures and conformations of the AuNPs modulate the availability of sulfonate and thiol groups to be complexed by copper(II). Toxicity assays of AuNPs showed that those produced by direct reaction were less toxic than those obtained by ligand exchange. Inhibition of HIV-1 infection was higher for dendronized AuNPs than for dendrons.Ministerio de Economía y EmpresaComunidad de MadridUniversidad de Alcal

The role of molecular genetics in diagnosing familial hematuria(s)

Familial microscopic hematuria (MH) of glomerular origin represents a heterogeneous group of monogenic conditions involving several genes, some of which remain unknown. Recent advances have increased our understanding and our ability to use molecular genetics for diagnosing such patients, enabling us to study their clinical characteristics over time. Three collagen IV genes, COL4A3, COL4A4, and COL4A5 explain the autosomal and X-linked forms of Alport syndrome (AS), and a subset of thin basement membrane nephropathy (TBMN). A number of X-linked AS patients follow a milder course reminiscent of that of patients with heterozygous COL4A3/COL4A4 mutations and TBMN, while at the same time a significant subset of patients with TBMN and familial MH progress to chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). A mutation in CFHR5, a member of the complement factor H family of genes that regulate complement activation, was recently shown to cause isolated C3 glomerulopathy, presenting with MH in childhood and demonstrating a significant risk for CKD/ESKD after 40 years old. Through these results molecular genetics emerges as a powerful tool for a definite diagnosis when all the above conditions enter the differential diagnosis, while in many at-risk related family members, a molecular diagnosis may obviate the need for another renal biopsy

Kluyveromyces fragilis RNA extract supplementation promotes growth, modulates stress and inflammatory response in zebrafish

Due to the undesirable consequences associated with antibiotics use, researchers and food producers have studied alternative feeding, for the control of fish diseases and animal welfare improvement. However, the beneficial properties of RNA yeasts extract in aquaculture have been barely considered. The present study investigated the beneficial properties of RNA yeast extract from Kluyveromyces fragilis on survival rate, weight and length as well as on molecular pathways involved in growth, immuno-system and oxidative stress using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an experimental model. The yeast extract has been administrated to zebrafish at three different concentrations (60–180–300 ppm) via zooplankton (Artemia salina) for 21 days. Results highlighted yeast extract RNA capability to enhance growth and to improve larvae survival rate in a dose-dependent manner. In fact, gene expression data showed the ability of the RNA yeast extract to up-regulate genes involved in growth and to restore stress-related condition due to the early larval development coupled with the RNA yeast extract administration. In addition, gene expression showed that RNA yeast extract acts as inflammatory-reducer, but did not enhance the immune response. Histological analysis showed that all three treated groups displayed a thicker gut epithelium, higher intestinal crypts coupled with higher enterocytes lengths compared to control group. In conclusion, these findings provide a large gene network through which yeast RNA extract acts and, by inducing transcriptional changes, modulate the physiological control of growth and inflammatory response coupled with the increase in length and dry weight, together with a higher survival ratio and an intestinal architecture amelioration

Valorization of seashell waste in polypropylene composites: An accessible solution to overcome marine landfilling

Waste mussel (Mytilus galloprovencis) and clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) shells can be used as a bio-filler in polymeric composites. In this work, powdered shell wastes were incorporated into a polypropylene (PP) matrix. The powdered shell wastes were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS). DSC analysis of the PP composites indicates that both fillers did not act as nucleating agents but partially interfere with the formation of the crystalline phase of the polymer matrix. Moreover, by increasing the filler content, the elastic modulus of PP enhanced from ∼450 to ∼510 MPa. Finally, it was evidenced that mussels and clams shell powders enhanced the solar reflectance features of PP

Effect of Spacer Length and Solvent on the Concentration-Driven Aggregation of Cationic Hydrogen-Bonding Donor Polythiophenes

Aggregation of cationic isothiouronium polythiophenes with alkoxy-spacers of different lengths at the 3-position of the thiophene ring was studied in solvents of different polarities. Hydrogen-bonding capacity was assessed by steady-state absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, whereas the aggregation in aqueous solutions was studied by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, using paramagnetic probes of different polarities. The two polymers displayed similar features in respect to conformation, effect of cosolvents on aggregation, unstructured absorption–fluorescence spectra, Stokes shifts when aggregated, solvatochromic effect, and self-quenching concentration. However, these polymers also showed different specific interactions with water, Stokes shifts in water, effect of the solvent on the extent of dominant state of the S1 level, and also different inner cavities and hydrophobic–hydrophilic surface area in aqueous solution aggregates. Water maximized the difference between the polymers concerning the effect of specific increases in concentration, whereas the presence of 1,4-dioxane generated almost identical effects on both polymers