Cell line-based models of normal and chronic bronchitis-like airway mucosa to study the toxic potential of aerosolized palladium nanoparticles.

Background: Physiologically relevant cell line-based models of human airway mucosa are needed to assess nanoparticle-mediated pulmonary toxicity for any xenbiotics expsoure study. Palladium nanoparticles (Pd-NP) originating from catalytic converters in vehicles pose health risks. We aimed to develop airway models to assess the toxic potential of Pd-NP in normal (Non-CB) and chronic bronchitis-like (CB-like) mucosa models.

Insights into emulsion synthesis of self-assembled suprastructures formed by Janus silica particles with -NH/-SH surface groups.

Spherical particles with tunable anisotropic structures enabled by multiple surface functionalities have garnered interest for their potential applications in adsorption technologies. The presence of diverse functional groups in the surface layer, exhibiting varying acidity and hydrophilicity, can lead to unique characteristics in terms of surface structure and behaviour. In this study, the particles were synthesised using a two-step approach involving surface functionalisation of previously synthesised SiO Stöber particles.

Efficacy and Safety of Direct Oral Anticoagulants for Acute Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism in Older Adults: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.

Objective: This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in adults aged 75 and over undergoing acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) treatment.

Methods: PubMed, Embase and the CENTRAL were searched up to 25 December 2023. The incidence of VTE recurrence and bleeding events was assessed.

Biphasic water-oil systems for functional augmentation of probiotic nanoencapsulated in luteolin-Fe shells.

Single-cell nanoencapsulation (SCNE) has great potential in the enhancement of therapeutic effects of probiotic microbes. However, the material scope has been limited to water-soluble compounds to avoid non-biocompatible organic solvents that are harmful to living cells. In this work, the SCNE of probiotic with water-insoluble luteolin and Fe ions is achieved by the vortex-assisted, biphasic water-oil system.

Synthesis, characterisation and reactivity of a zinc triazenide for potential use in vapour deposition.

In this study, we synthesised and characterised a new zinc(II) triazenide for potential use in vapour deposition of zinc sulphide thin films. The compound is volatile and quantitatively sublimes at 80 °C under vacuum (0.5 mbar).

Functional Nanostructures from Sol-Gel Synthesis Using Keggin Polyoxometallate Phosphotungstic Acid as a Precursor.

Subjecting phosphotungstic acid solutions to low pH in combination with introduction of polyvalent cations led to the formation of nanostructured microspheres of approximately 2 μm in size, as shown by scanning electron microscopy, which were almost insoluble and resistant to degradation at neutral and high pH. These microspheres were composed of secondary nanospheres with diameters around 20 nm as revealed by transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Investigations of the crystal structure of a potential intermediate of this process, namely, acidic lanthanum phosphotungstate, [La(HO)](HO)[PWO](HO), showed a tight network of hydrogen bonding, permitting closer packing of phosphotungstic acid anions, thereby confirming the mechanism of the observed self-assembly process.

Exploiting Mass Spectrometry to Unlock the Mechanism of Nanoparticle-Induced Inflammasome Activation.

Nanoparticles (NPs) elicit sterile inflammation, but the underlying signaling pathways are poorly understood. Here, we report that human monocytes are particularly vulnerable to amorphous silica NPs, as evidenced by single-cell-based analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells using cytometry by time-of-flight (CyToF), while silane modification of the NPs mitigated their toxicity. Using human THP-1 cells as a model, we observed cellular internalization of silica NPs by nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (nanoSIMS) and this was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy.

Synthesis, Structure, and Thermal Properties of Volatile Group 11 Triazenides as Potential Precursors for Vapor Deposition.

Group 11 thin films are desirable as interconnects in microelectronics. Although many M-N-bonded Cu precursors have been explored for vapor deposition, there is currently a lack of suitable Ag and Au derivatives. Herein, we present monovalent Cu, Ag, and Au 1,3-di--butyltriazenides that have potential for use in vapor deposition.

Tailoring a bio-based adsorbent for sequestration of late transition and rare earth elements.

The demand for new renewable energy sources, improved energy storage and exhaust-free transportation requires the use of large quantities of rare earth (REE) and late transition (LTM, group 8-12) elements. In order to achieve sustainability in their use, an efficient green recycling technology is required. Here, an approach, a synthetic route and an evaluation of the designed bio-based material are reported.

Site-specific recognition of SARS-CoV-2 nsp1 protein with a tailored titanium dioxide nanoparticle - elucidation of the complex structure using NMR data and theoretical calculation.

The ongoing world-wide Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic shows the need for new potential sensing and therapeutic means against the CoV viruses. The SARS-CoV-2 nsp1 protein is important, both for replication and pathogenesis, making it an attractive target for intervention. In this study we investigated the interaction of this protein with two types of titania nanoparticles by NMR and discovered that while lactate capped particles essentially did not interact with the protein chain, the aminoalcohol-capped ones showed strong complexation with a distinct part of an ordered α-helix fragment.

In situ Functionalized Mesoporous Silicas for Sustainable Remediation Strategies in Removal of Inorganic Pollutants from Contaminated Environmental Water.

Low-cost mesoporous silicas of the SBA-15 family were prepared, aimed for removal of a broad spectrum of both cationic and anionic forms of hazardous metal pollutants (Cr(III, VI), Mn(II, VII), Pb(II), Cd(II), and Cu(II)) from environmental water. Series of mono- and bifunctional materials with immobilized ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (EDTA), primary amine (NH), and quaternary ammonium (QAS) groups were prepared in a cost-efficient one-step synthesis using two silica sources, low-cost sodium metasilicate (NaSiO 9HO) and the conventional source-tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS). The functionalized SBA-15 samples obtained from both silica sources were highly ordered, as evidenced by TEM and SAXS data.

Self-assembly of ferria - nanocellulose composite fibres.

An environmentally benign synthesis of a magnetically responsive carboxymethylated cellulose nanofibril-based material is reported. Applied experimental conditions lead to the in-situ formation of magnetite nanoparticles with primary particle sizes of 2.0-4.

Factors influencing stoichiometry and stability of polyoxometalate - peptide complexes.

In the pursuit of understanding the factors guiding interactions between polyoxometalates (POMs) and biomolecules, several complexes between Keggin phosphomolybdate and diglycine have been produced at different acidity and salinity conditions, leading to difference in stoichiometry and in crystal structure. Principal factors determining how the POM and dipeptide interact appear to be pH, ionic strength of the medium, and the molar ratio of POM to peptide. An important effect turned out to be even the structure-directing role of the sodium cations coordinating carbonyl functions of the peptide bond.

Association of Lipoproteins with Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Patients with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are DNA-protein structures released by neutrophils in response to various stimuli, including oxidized, low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Accumulating evidence suggests a role for NETs in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). In this study, we investigated the potential association of lipoprotein particles and NETs in AAA in comparison to non-AAA control groups.

Bismuth(III) Forms Exceptionally Strong Complexes with Natural Organic Matter.

The use of bismuth in the society has steadily increased during the last decades, both as a substitute for lead in hunting ammunition and various metallurgical applications, as well as in a range of consumer products. At the same time, the environmental behavior of bismuth is largely unknown. Here, the binding of bismuth(III) to organic soil material was investigated using extended X-ray absorption spectroscopy (EXAFS) and batch experiments.

AAA Revisited: A Comprehensive Review of Risk Factors, Management, and Hallmarks of Pathogenesis.

Despite declining incidence and mortality rates in many countries, the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) continues to represent a life-threatening cardiovascular condition with an overall prevalence of about 2-3% in the industrialized world. While the risk of AAA development is considerably higher for men of advanced age with a history of smoking, screening programs serve to detect the often asymptomatic condition and prevent aortic rupture with an associated death rate of up to 80%. This review summarizes the current knowledge on identified risk factors, the multifactorial process of pathogenesis, as well as the latest advances in medical treatment and surgical repair to provide a perspective for AAA management.

Modulating Surface Properties of the Spider Web by Solvent Treatment.

(Mello-Leitão) () spider web, a potentially attractive tissue engineering material, was investigated using quantitative peak force measurement atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy both in its natural state and after treatment with solvents of different protein affinities, namely, water, ethanol, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Native silk threads are densely covered by globular objects, which constitute their inseparable parts. Depending on the solvent, treating modifies its appearance.

Rare-Earth-Modified Titania Nanoparticles: Molecular Insight into Synthesis and Photochemical Properties.

A molecular precursor approach to titania (anatase) nanopowders modified with different amounts of rare-earth elements (REEs: Eu, Sm, and Y) was developed using the interaction of REE nitrates with titanium alkoxides by a two-step solvothermal-combustion method. The nature of an emerging intermetallic intermediate was revealed unexpectedly for the applied conditions via a single-crystal study of the isolated bimetallic isopropoxide nitrate complex [TiY(PrO)(NO)], a nonoxo-substituted compound. Powders of the final reaction products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL).

Synthesis, Characterization, and Thermal Study of Divalent Germanium, Tin, and Lead Triazenides as Potential Vapor Deposition Precursors.

Only a few M-N bonded divalent group 14 precursors are available for vapor deposition, in particular for Ge and Pb. A majority of the reported precursors are dicoordinated with the Sn(II) amidinates, the only tetracoordinated examples. No Ge(II) and Pb(II) amidinates suitable for vapor deposition have been demonstrated.

Site-specific recognition of SARS-CoV-2 nsp1 protein with a tailored titanium dioxide nanoparticle.

The ongoing world-wide Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic shows the need for new sensing and therapeutic means against the CoV viruses. The SARS-CoV-2 nsp1 protein is important, both for replication and pathogenesis, making it an attractive target for intervention. In recent years nanoparticles have been shown to interact with peptides, ranging in size from single amino acids up to proteins.

Hemocompatibility of Nanotitania-Nanocellulose Hybrid Materials.

In order to develop a new type of improved wound dressing, we combined the wound healing properties of nanotitania with the advantageous dressing properties of nanocellulose to create three different hybrid materials. The hemocompatibility of the synthesized hybrid materials was evaluated in an in vitro human whole blood model. To our knowledge, this is the first study of the molecular interaction between hybrid nanotitania and blood proteins.

FABry Disease Patient-Reported Outcome-GastroIntestinal (FABPRO-GI): A new Fabry disease-specific gastrointestinal outcomes instrument.

Purpose: Fabry disease is a rare multisystemic disorder caused by functional deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A. Gastrointestinal (GI) signs and symptoms are among the earliest clinical manifestations in patients with Fabry disease but are often nonspecific, misdiagnosed, and untreated. No instruments have been developed specifically to assess GI signs and symptoms in Fabry disease.

Synthesis and Thermal Study of Hexacoordinated Aluminum(III) Triazenides for Use in Atomic Layer Deposition.

Amidinate and guanidinate ligands have been used extensively to produce volatile and thermally stable precursors for atomic layer deposition. The triazenide ligand is relatively unexplored as an alternative ligand system. Herein, we present six new Al(III) complexes bearing three sets of a 1,3-dialkyltriazenide ligand.

Protein Nanofibrils and Their Hydrogel Formation with Metal Ions.

Protein nanofibrils (PNFs) have been prepared by whey protein fibrillation at low pH and in the presence of different metal ions. The effect of the metal ions was systematically studied both in terms of PNF suspension gelation behavior and fibrillation kinetics. A high valence state and a small ionic radius (.