Morphologically different hydroxyapatite nanoparticles exert differential genotoxic effects in Drosophila

Altres ajuts: acords transformatius de la UABHydroxyapatite (HAP) occurs naturally in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and constitutes the hard structures in many organisms. Since synthetic nano-sized HAP (HAP-NPs) are used in orthopedic applications and for heavy metal remediation in aquatic and terrestrial media, both environment and humans are exposed to them. Due to the concerns about their potential hazards, the genotoxic effects that round/rod forms of HAP-NPs were investigated in Drosophila using the wing-spot and the comet assays. Furthermore, caspase activities were evaluated to examine the activation of cell death pathways. As a novelty, the expression of 36 genes involved in DNA repair was investigated, as a tool to indirectly determine DNA damage induction. Obtained sizes were 35-60 nm (roundHAP-NPs) and 45-90 nm (rodHAP-NPs) with a low Zeta-potential (-1.65 and 0.37 mV, respectively). Genotoxicity was detected in the wing-spot (round form), and in the comet assay (round and rod-like HA-NPs). In addition, increased expression of Caspases 3/7, 8, and 9 activities were observed. For both HAP forms, increased changes in the expression were observed for mismatch repair genes, while decreased expression was observed for genes involved in ATM, ATR, and cell cycle pathways. The observed changes in the repair pathways would reinforce the view that HAP-NPs have genotoxic potential, although more markedly in the round form. Thus, the environmental presence of engineered nanoparticles, including HAPs, raises concerns about potential effects on human health. It is essential that the effects of their use are carefully assessed and monitored to ensure safety and to mitigate any potential adverse effects

Modification of hexagonal boron nitride nanoparticles with fluorosilane

Surfaces of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanoparticles were modified with perfluorooctyl-triethoxysllane (FTS). Experiments were performed for 40-120 min in 70-150 degrees C range with FTS/hBN weight ratio in the range of 0.5-1.5. The products were analyzed by FT-IR, TGA, FESEM, HRTEM and EDX. Results of FT-IR analyses indicated that modification takes place in 80 min at 150 degrees C under reflux with a FTS/hBN ratio of 1.5. Presence of FTS on hBN nanoparticles was confirmed by the weight losses in TGA, and by TEM, TEM-EDX analyses. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved

Nanocomposite glass coatings containing hexagonal boron nitride nanoparticles

Glass coatings composed of SiO2-K2O-Li2O, containing non-modified and fluorosilane modified hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanoparticles, were prepared on stainless steel plates through sol-gel spin coating method. Coatings were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). 1.3-2.5 mu m thick uniform coatings were obtained after curing at 500 degrees C for 1 h. The coatings adhered well to the steel substrates. It was determined by salt spray tests that the coatings enhance corrosion resistance. The aim of hydrophobic fluorosilane modification of hBN nano particles was to enrich hBN quantity on the top surface of the coatings. Coatings containing fluorosilane modified hBN nanoparticles presented slightly lower friction coefficient values than the other coatings. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved

Alcohol-free synthesis, biological assessment, in vivo toxicological evaluation, and in silico analysis of novel silane quaternary ammonium compounds differing in structure and chain length as promising disinfectants

Altres ajuts: acords transformatius de la UABQuaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are commonly used as disinfectants for industrial, medical, and residential applications. However, adverse health outcomes have been reported. Therefore, biocompatible disinfectants must be developed to reduce these adverse effects. In this context, QACs with various alkyl chain lengths (C12-C18) were synthesized by reacting QACs with the counterion silane. The antimicrobial activities of the novel compounds against four strains of microorganisms were assessed. Several in vivo assays were conducted on Drosophila melanogaster to determine the toxicological outcomes of Si-QACs, followed by computational analyses (molecular docking, simulation, and prediction of skin sensitization). The in vivo results were combined using a cheminformatics approach to understand the descriptors responsible for the safety of Si-QAC. Si-QAC-2 was active against all tested bacteria, with minimal inhibitory concentrations ranging from 13.65 to 436.74 ppm. Drosophila exposed to Si-QAC-2 have moderate-to-low toxicological outcomes. The molecular weight, hydrophobicity/lipophilicity, and electron diffraction properties were identified as crucial descriptors for ensuring the safety of the Si-QACs. Furthermore, Si-QAC-2 exhibited good stability and notable antiviral potential with no signs of skin sensitization. Overall, Si-QAC-2 (C14) has the potential to be a novel disinfectant

Disruption of PTPRO Causes Childhood-Onset Nephrotic Syndrome

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) is a genetically heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema. Because it typically results in end-stage kidney disease, the steroid-resistant subtype (SRNS) of INS is especially important when it occurs in children. The present study included 29 affected and 22 normal individuals from 17 SRNS families; genome-wide analysis was performed with Affymetrix 250K SNP arrays followed by homozygosity mapping. A large homozygous stretch on chromosomal region 12p12 was identified in one consanguineous family with two affected siblings. Direct sequencing of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type O (PTPRO; also known as glomerular epithelial protein-1 [GLEPP1]) showed homozygous c.2627+1G>T donor splice-site mutation. This mutation causes skipping of the evolutionarily conserved exon 16 (p.Glu854_Trp876del) at the RNA level. Immunohistochemistry with GLEPP1 antibody showed a similar staining pattern in the podocytes of the diseased and control kidney tissues. We used a highly polymorphic intragenic DNA marker—D12S1303—to search for homozygosity in 120 Turkish and 13 non-Turkish individuals in the PodoNet registry. This analysis yielded 17 candidate families, and a distinct homozygous c.2745+1G>A donor splice-site mutation in PTPRO was further identified via DNA sequencing in a second Turkish family. This mutation causes skipping of exon 19, and this introduces a premature stop codon at the very beginning of exon 20 (p.Asn888Lysfs∗3) and causes degradation of mRNA via nonsense-mediated decay. Immunohistochemical analysis showed complete absence of immunoreactive PTPRO. Ultrastructural alterations, such as diffuse foot process fusion and extensive microvillus transformation of podocytes, were observed via electron microscopy in both families. The present study introduces mutations in PTPRO as another cause of autosomal-recessive nephrotic syndrome