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To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2009.10.003 Byline: Jose Barranquero Tolosa (a), Jose E. Labra Gayo (a), Ana B. Martinez Prieto (a), Sheila Mendez NuA[+ or -]ez (a), Patricia OrdoA[+ or -]ez de Pablos (b) Keywords: Collaborative; Extensible; Interactive; Web environment; Diagram design; Groupware usability; User tracking; Graph visualization; Semantic web Abstract: Nowadays there is a growing need of ubiquity for learning, research and development tools, due to the portability and availability problems concerning traditional desktop applications. In this paper, we suggest an approach to avoid any further download or installation. The main goal is to offer a collaborative and extensible web environment which will cover a series of domains highly demanded by different kinds of working groups, in which it is crucial to have tools which facilitate the exchange of information and the collaboration among their members. The result of those interactions would be the development of one or several diagrams accessible from any geographical location, independently of the device employed. The environment can be adapted through personalized components, depending on the type of diagram that the user wants to interact with and the users can also create new elements or search and share components with other users of the community. By means of this environment, it will be possible to do research on the usability of collaborative tools for design diagrams, as well as research on the psychology of group interactions, assessing the results coming from the employment of known methodologies, techniques, paradigms or patterns, both at an individual and at a collaborative group level. Author Affiliation: (a) Department of Computer Science, University of Oviedo, Asturias, Spain (b) Department of Business Administration, University of Oviedo, 33071 Asturias, Spain

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a dietary isothiocyanate, derived from glucoraphanin, present in cruciferous vegetables belonging to the Brassica genus. It is a biologically active phytochemical that acts as a nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) inducer. Thus, it has been reported to have multiple protective functions including anticancer responses and protection against a toxic agent's action. The present work systematically reviewed and synthesised the protective properties of sulforaphane against a toxic agent. This review reveals the mechanism of the action of SFN in each organ or system. The PRISMA guideline was followed in this sequence: researched literature, organised retrieved documents, abstracted relevant information, assessed study quality and bias, synthesised data, and prepared a comprehensive report. Searches were conducted on Science Direct and PubMed using the keywords "Sulforaphane" AND ("protective effects" OR "protection against"). Reports showed that liver and the nervous system are the target organs on which attention was focused, and this might be due to the key role of oxidative stress in liver and neurodegenerative diseases. However, protective activities have also been demonstrated in the lungs, heart, immune system, kidneys, and endocrine system. SFN exerts its protective effects by activating the Nrf2 pathway, which enhances antioxidant defenses and reduces oxidative stress. It also suppresses inflammation by decreasing interleukin production. Moreover, SFN inhibits apoptosis by preventing caspase 3 cleavage and increasing Bcl2 levels. Overall, SFN demonstrates multifaceted mechanisms to counteract the adverse effects of toxic agents. SFN has potential clinical applications as a chemoprotective agent. Nevertheless, more studies are necessary to set the safe doses of SFN in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The occurrence of cyanobacterial toxins is being increasingly reported. This is a reason for concern as they can induce toxic effects both in humans and in the environment. Among them, microcystins (MCs) are the best described and most diverse group of cyanobacterial toxins, and MC-LR and MC-RR are the congeners most widely investigated. However, the number of MC variants has also increased in recent years. Some of these minority variants have been shown to have a different toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic profile, but research focused on them is still limited. Moreover, in some water bodies these minority variants can be the predominant toxins. Nonetheless, MC-LR is the only one used for risk evaluation purposes at present. In order to contribute to more realistic risk assessments in the future, the aim of this review was to compile the available information in the scientific literature regarding the occurrence and concentration of minority MCs in water and food samples, and their toxic effects. The data retrieved demonstrate the congener-specific toxicity of MCs, as well as many data gaps in relation to analytical or mechanistic aspects, among others. Therefore, further research is needed to improve the toxicological characterization of these toxins and the exposure scenarios. Highlights • The occurrence of MCs different to MC-LR and RR is increasing worldwide. • The potential toxicological impact of the minority MCs is emphasized. • Minority MC congeners can show different toxicokinetic and toxikodynamic profiles. • There are many data gaps with regard to their toxicological profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The synthesis of phenylnaphthalic anhydrides, including substitution patterns typically found in the Haemodoraceae and Pontederiacea family of plants, was explored using Suzuki and Ullmann-type aromatic substitutions on acenaphthene. Synthetic challenges were surmounted by tactical changes to determine the order of events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Processing and mechanical behaviour of fine grained (diameter ≈0.5–3 µm) and pure β-TCP materials with different levels of porosity (up to 19%) is described. Pores with diameters, d 50 ≈13–14 µm were formed fromcorn starch during sintering. Comprehensive mechanical characterisation –Young´s modulus, strength and toughness– has been done paying special attention to toughness determined in stable fracture tests. The dependence of Young´s modulus and strength with porosity was well fitted to the minimum solid area models while toughness values did not. The competitive processes occurring during fracture impede the degradation of toughness associated to the decrease in Young´s modulus as porosity increases. Materials present similar values of the critical energy release rate G IC , which describes crack initiation. A maximum of the specific fracture energy, G F , which averages crack propagation, has been obtained for the material with the highest porosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propyl-propane-thiosulfonate (PTSO) is one of the main organosulfur compounds present in Allium essential oils with a widely documented biological activity. For this reason, it could be used as a food and feed additive in the agri-food industry. A genotoxicity evaluation of substances and their metabolites present in food is necessary to guarantee the consumer's health following the recommendations of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). To evaluate the toxicological profile of derivatives of PTSO, the cytotoxicity, an Ames test, a micronucleus test and the comet assay were performed. Results showed that non-cytotoxic effects were observed in Caco-2 exposed to s-propyl mercaptocysteine (CSSP) and s-propyl mercaptoglutathione (GSSP) (0–450 μM). The mutagenicity index remained in the range of 0.6–1.4 for both compounds, showing no mutagenic effects for the concentrations of 5000–312.5 μg GSSP/plate and 250–15.63 μg CSSP/plate. Moreover, the % binucleated cells with micronuclei were 1.3–2.2 and 1.6–2.7 for GSSP and GSSP, respectively. For comet assays there was no DNA-genotoxic or oxidative damage in a concentration range of 112.5–450 μM. Therefore, we can conclude that these compounds are not genotoxic at the conditions tested. These results support that the presence of CSSP and GSSP in the food/feed is not of concern, although further studies are needed to complete their safety profile. [Display omitted] • CSSP and GSSP showed non-cytotoxic effects on Caco-2 cells exposed to 0–450 μM for 24 and 48 h. • CSSP and GSSP are not mutagenic by Ames test. • These compounds are not genotoxic by in vitro MN assay and comet assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern food packaging has made great advances as result of global trends and consumer preferences, which are oriented to obtain improved food quality and safety. In this regard, clay minerals, and mainly Montmorillonite (Mt) are attracting considerable interest in food packaging because of the improvements developed in mechanical and barrier properties. Hence, the present work aim to assess the toxicity of four Montmorillonite-based clay minerals, an unmodified clay, Cloisite®Na+ (CNa+), and three modified Mt clays: Cloisite®30B (C30B), a commercial clay, and Clay1 and Clay2, two novel modified organoclays developed by the Packaging, Transport, & Logistics Research Institute (ITENE). First, the cytotoxic effects were studied in the Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC). In addition, the potential mutagenicity of the clays was evaluated by the Ames test. Clay1 did not induce any cytotoxic effects in HUVEC, although it exhibited potential mutagenicity in TA98 Salmonella typhimurium strain. In contrast, Clay2 produced cytotoxicity in endothelial cells but no mutagenicity was recorded. However, CNa+ was not cytotoxic neither mutagenic. And finally, C30B showed positive results in both assays. Therefore, results showed that clay minerals have a different toxicity profile and a case by case toxicity evaluation is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basic relationships between the microstructure and the texture of refractories and their toughness have been established. A series of commercial materials has been chosen in order to highlight the influence of microstructural characteristics on fracture behaviour and associated toughness. Silica, silica–alumina and silica–alumina–zirconia based shaped refractories and a calcium aluminate cement bonded concrete have been analysed. Extensive microstructural characterisation has been performed using a combination of techniques, including chemical analysis by X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, reflected light optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with analysis by dispersive energies. Fracture has been characterised using stable fracture tests of SENB tested in 3 point bending. Stability was reached in displacement and crack mouth opening displacement controlled tests. Size effect has been analysed by using two different specimen sizes and relative notch lengths. For the range of microstructures studied, the obtained results have allowed to characterise toughness and establish the relationships toughness-microstructure and texture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Pyrolytic techniques are a potential tool for CYN analysis from cyanobacterial blooms. [•] Specific molecular fragments can be used as CYN markers in environmental samples. [•] A diagnostic ion (m/z 194) could be used for CYN detection by conventional Py-GC/MS. [•] The characteristic peak (m/z 336) could have diagnostic value to detect CYN by TCh-GC/MS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A lab-scale, gas-lift anaerobic membrane bioreactor (Gl-AnMBR) was developed and evaluated for its ability to treat and recover resources from sewage. Gl-AnMBR is a hybrid treatment technology that combines anaerobic biological process with low-pressure membrane filtration. A synthetic sewage, mimicking household wastewater, was used as feed to the 10L suspended-growth bioreactor, which is coupled to a tubular PVDF ultrafiltration membrane (with biogas as sparge gas) for sludge/water separation. A series of rapid filterability assessments of flocculant anaerobic sludge was performed and a flux of 18L/m2 h (LMH) could be obtained under the tested conditions. Under continuous operation (100d), the flux gradually settled to a stable range of 10–15LMH when weekly manual fouling control was applied. When frequent backwash (for 5min every 4h) was applied, an average flux of 50LMH was sustained. Gl-AnMBR showed excellent removal efficiencies of sewage organic matter (up to 98% and 95% in chemical oxygen demand and organic carbon removal, respectively), while producing methane as biogas (4.5L/d), which can be used for membrane scrubbing and energy recovery. The high-clarity permeate contained soluble nutrients derived from sewage organic matter (95.5% and 93.4% cumulative recovery for nitrogen and phosphorous, respectively, after 100d), which may potentially be used for combined fertilization/irrigation (fertigation). The study demonstrates that Gl-AnMBR is a promising technology for wastewater reuse and resource recovery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Understanding the factors that contribute to the risk from fish consumption is a relevant public health concern due to potential adverse effects of cyanobacterial toxins. The aim of this work was to study the influence of two usual cooking practices, microwave oven and boiling, on the microcystin (MCs) concentration in fish muscle (Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus) spiked with a stock solution (500μL) containing a mixture of three toxins (MC-LR, MC-RR, and MC-YR) (1.5μg/mL of each toxin). Two different variables were investigated: time of cooking in the microwaves treatment (1 or 5min), and way of boiling, “boiled muscle” or “continuously heated muscle”. All samples were then lyophilized and MCs were extracted and purified (Oasis HLB cartridge) and quantified by HPLC-MS. Furthermore, the waters in which the samples boiled were also analyzed after their purification. The results suggest a reduction on MC-LR (36%) and MC-YR (24.6%) in samples cooked in the microwave for 5min. Major changes were found when the fish was cooked by the continuous boiling, with a decrease of 45.0% (MC-RR), 56.4% (MC-YR) and 59.3% (MC-LR). More studies are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms involved when aquatic food is submitted to usual cooking practices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: We sought to magnetically tag endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) with a clinical agent and target them to a site of arterial injury using a magnetic device positioned outside the body. Background: Circulating EPCs are involved in physiological processes such as vascular re-endothelialization and post-ischemic neovascularization. However, the success of cell therapies depends on the ability to deliver the cells to the site of injury. Methods: Human EPCs were labeled with iron oxide superparamagnetic nanoparticles. Cell viability and differentiation were tested using flow cytometry. Following finite element modeling computer simulations and flow testing in vitro, angioplasty was performed on rat common carotid arteries to denude the endothelium and EPCs were administered with and without the presence of an external magnetic device for 12 min. Results: Computer simulations indicated successful external magnetic cell targeting from a vessel with flow rate similar to a rat common carotid artery; correspondingly there was a 6-fold increase in cell capture in an in vitro flow system. Targeting enhanced cell retention at the site of injury by 5-fold at 24 h after implantation in vivo. Conclusions: Using an externally applied magnetic device, we have been able to enhance EPC localization at a site of common carotid artery injury. This technology could be more widely adapted to localize cells in other organs and may provide a useful tool for the systemic injection of cell therapies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The pharmacokinetic properties of drugs are closely related to their pharmacological efficacy. The kinetics of ivermectin are characterised, in general terms, by a slow absorption process, a broad distribution in the organism, low metabolism, and slow excretion. The kinetics vary according to the route of administration, formulation, animal species, body condition, age, and physiological status, all of which contribute to differences in drug efficacy. Characterisation of ivermectin kinetics can be used to predict and optimise the value of the parasiticide effects and to design programmes for parasite control. This article reviews the pharmacokinetics of ivermectin in several domestic animal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In many recent works, several authors have demonstrated the usefulness of fractional-calculus operators in many different directions. The main object of this work is to present a number of key results for the generalized Lommel–Wright and related functions involving the Riemann–Liouville, the Weyl, and such other fractional-calculus operators as those based upon the Cauchy–Goursat Integral Formula. Various particular cases and consequences of our main fractional-calculus results are also considered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The consumption of fish contaminated with cyanotoxins is an important public health issue due to their potential adverse effects. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of refrigeration (4 °C) and freezing (−20 °C) on the concentration of Cylindrospermopsin (CYN), Microcystins (MCs) and their combination in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and tench (Tinca tinca). Fish muscle were spiked with a stock solution of each toxin to reach 750 μg/g dry weight (d.w.). Three different periods of time were investigated for each treatment: 24 h, 48 h and 7 days for refrigeration, and 24 h, 7 days and 1 month for freezing. Samples were extracted and quantified by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography - Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The results showed that freezing for 1 month produced highest decreases of these toxins in both species in comparison to refrigeration, being CYN the most stable cyanotoxin. Moreover, MCs are more stable to storage processes in the mixtures than alone, and fish species is a factor to take into account in their stability. These findings highlight the need to assess the influence of food storage processes on the presence of cyanotoxins in fish species for a more realistic human health risk assessment. • Food storage can decrease cyanotoxins concentration in tilapia and tench. • Freezing is more effective than refrigeration in reduce cyanotoxins concentrations. • MCs are more stable to storage process in the mixtures than alone. • Refrigeration process did not change CYN concentration at 24 h, 48 h and 7 days. • After storage process cyanotoxins are more stable in tench than in tilapia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biologically produced hydrogen is a valuable energy carrier generated from renewable sources such as wastewater. This review focuses on modeling a submerged membrane bioreactor, namely the whole-cell biocatalytic membrane reactor (BMR), for simultaneous cell immobilization and gas recovery in fermentative hydrogen production. This technology is presented as an alternative for improved gas separation, and its fundamentals are comprehensively overviewed. We discuss models and modeling strategies that can partially represent the phenomenology involved in the BMR of interest. Empirical or semiempirical models are a well-established tool for fermentative bioreactors. Although these might not be suitable for BMRs due to spatial heterogeneity and process complexity, we compare different kinetic expressions for hydrogen formation, focusing on reaction and mass transfer limiting steps. Moreover, models of BMRs or similar for wastewater treatment are analyzed by classifying the phenomena, variables, and gaps that they have not covered to describe the internal design appropriately. [Display omitted] • Models for biocatalytic membrane reactor (BMR) or similar are reviewed. • Present models focus on water treatment rather than hydrogen production. • Models are limited to steady state and uniform substrate concentration. • Diffusion, reaction, heterogeneity, and dynamics should be coupled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propyl-propane-thiosulfonate (PTSO) is one of the main organosulfur compounds present in Allium essentials oil. Different applications in the food sector have been proposed for PTSO, such as food and feed additive and as active packaging. However, the authorization of its use depends on its toxicity profile. Thus, as a part of its safety assessment, in this work a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study has been conducted for the first time in rats following the OECD guideline 408. PTSO was administered to groups of 10 male and 10 female rats at dose levels of 0, 14, 28, and 55 mg/kg/day. No clinical signs or mortality and no changes in body weight, food consumption and feed conversion efficiency were detected through the study. Moreover, no treatment-related changes in hematological and biochemical parameters were observed, for either sex or dose groups. The histopathology study performed revealed no differences in organ weights, and no morphological and histopathological changes were observed. Based on these results, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of PTSO was judged to be ≥ 55 mg/kg/day for both sexes. • A 90 days oral toxicity study was conducted with propyl-propane-thiosulfonate. • PTSO did not induce toxic effects at the highest dose assayed (55 mg/kg/day). • NOAEL for PTSO was estimated to be ≥ 55 mg/kg/day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of the toxin cylindrospermopsin is increasingly frequent in samples from different ecosystems and it is a serious problem both at environmental level and for animal and human health. To be able to prevent CYN exposure risk, it is important to have suitable analytical methods, but also quick and economical ones. Analytical pyrolysis coupled to GC/MS (Py-GC/MS) represents an important alternative for the rapid detection, characterization or "fingerprinting" of different materials. However, it has been less studied with cyanotoxins up to date. The present work aims to investigate: 1) the suitability of Py-GC/MS for detection of CYN and its decomposition products in raw and cooked fish samples before consumption and 2) the influence of the different cooking methods on the presence of different CYN degradation products detected by Py-GC/MS. For first time, these results present that Py-GC/MS could be a rapid and economical alternative for the detection and monitoring of CYN and its degradation products (DP. m/z 290.1, 169.1 and 336.2) in raw or cooked fish. Moreover, the changes induced in CYN and DP by cooking could be amenable and detected by Py-GC/MS. • Analytical pyrolysis has potential for CYN detection in fish samples. • CYN decomposition products (m/z 290.1, 169.1 and 336.2) can be detected. • Cooking modified the abundance of CYN and its degradation products in fish. • Boiling decreased the relative abundance of CYN in fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Chlorophyll content has an impact on virgin olive oil photo-oxidation at 6000 lx. • Mesh cell-FTIR was used to evaluate the protection of light filtering materials. • Filtering material effect on photo-oxidation depends on chlorophyll content. • Light filtering material significantly delayed the hydroperoxide formation rate. The present work aimed at examining the combined effect of chlorophyll content and light filtering packaging material on the photo-stability of virgin olive oil (VOO) via mesh cell-FTIR spectroscopy monitoring. Four different VOOs of Koroneiki cultivar differing in total chlorophyll content (∼12–46 mg/kg) were exposed in parallel to direct visible light (6000 lx, 24 °C, 344 h) and FTIR spectra were recorded periodically with or without applying light protection by an industrial filter used for packaging. Findings suggested that the protective role of light filtering material was more evident in the VOO with the lowest total chlorophyll content. Real time monitoring of VOO by mesh cell-FTIR was found to be a useful tool to follow the combined effect of pro-oxidant chlorophylls and the protective light filtering materials on the photo-oxidation process of VOO employing a minute sample amount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the possible economic consequences, poorer countries have more challenges in delivering their Nationally Determined Contributions. As a developing country, Chile has pledged to attain carbon neutrality by 2050. While Chile has implemented several mitigation measures, it still relies heavily on carbon sequestration, intending to sequester around 65 MtCO 2 e by 2050. However, heavy reliance on sequestration poses several risks as the literature shows that natural sinks, particularly forest and land, are exposed to severe impacts from global warming and climate change. Fortunately, Chile has significant renewable energy potential, which, if fully utilized, may move the country towards a net negative emissions context. To assess if such a net-negative system is feasible in the context of Chile, a new regional version of the Global Change Analysis Model for Chile is developed. The model is used to investigate the effects and required levels of investment in renewable energy and decarbonization of end-use sectors to achieve economy-wide net negative emissions scenarios. The design of net negative pathways follows a statistical approach based on the expected sequestration capacity in 2050 and its corresponding confidence interval. The results are compared to scenarios that are aligned with the objective of carbon neutrality by 2050. The findings show that obtaining net-zero emissions by 2050 is possible, however achieving net negative systems will be dependent on existing sequestration capacity and the application of economic incentives to boost green energy deployment in Chile as well as to push such green energy, in the form of electricity or e-fuels, into hard to decarbonize final demand sectors, such as transport, mining, and industry demand sectors. The results also indicate that after significantly reducing CO 2 emissions from the energy sector (primarily the power sector), the agricultural sector and other urban and industrial sectors still contribute to non-significant levels of CH 4 and N 2 O emissions. • A new version of the GCAM-Chile Integrated Assessment model. • GCAM-Chile used to assess pathways towards net negative economy wide systems in 2050. • Pathways with reduced reliance on natural sources of carbon dioxide sequestration. • High levels of CH 4 and N 2 O emissions from agriculture, industrial and urban processes. • Significant increase in carbon prices are needed to reduced reliance on CO 2 sequestration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) and Microcystins (MCs) in vegetables is considered as a significant worldwide toxicological risk. Thus, this work aims to assess for the first time the impact of refrigeration (4 °C) and freezing (−20 °C) on the levels of CYN, MCs and their mixtures (CYN + MCs) in lettuce and spinach. Samples were spiked with 750 μg cyanotoxins/g dry weight (d.w.). Several storage conditions were studied: refrigeration after 24, 48 h and 7 days, and freezing for 7 days, 1 and 3 months. Cyanotoxin concentrations were determined by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). For CYN, refrigeration at 48 h and 7 days was effective to decrease its concentrations up to 26% and 32%, respectively, in spinach. For MCs, refrigeration was only effective in lettuce compared to spinach, showing an important decrease of 80.3% MC-LR and 85.1% MC-YR. In spinach, CYN was stable after 3 months freezing, whereas MC contents were still reduced up to 44%. Overall, cyanotoxins were less stable in the mixture compared to individual toxins for both processes, and the effect of these storage techniques were toxin and food-specific. Further studies of cyanotoxins in foods are required for evaluating the risk for humans. • A decrease on CYN concentration was observed after a48 h and 7 days refrigeration in spinach. • Freezing did not modify CYN concentration in spinach (up to 3 months). • Refrigeration was the most effective process to reduce MCs levels in lettuce. • Freezing was shown to be more effective in reducing the concentration of toxins in the mixture. • Cyanotoxin mixtures are less stable to storage processes than individual toxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Evaluate potential technologies for conversion of waste water sludge to energy. [•] Thermal systems analysis of air-blown and steam gasification of waste water sludge. [•] Techno-economic analysis of electricity generation from sludge at small-scale plants. [•] Air-blown gasification converts sludge to electricity with an efficiency greater than 17%. [•] Favorable economics for energy recovery from sludge using air-blown gasification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Validation of a method for MCs determination in fish and crayfish by LC–MS. [•] MCs levels in three tench ponds in Spain higher than the WHO provisional upper limit for drinking water. [•] Detection of MCs in edible part of crayfish. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It has been shown in previous studies that gene delivery can be enhanced by a variety of minimally-invasive techniques including: (1) exposure of cells to ultrasound in the presence of DNA and gas microbubbles and (2) exposure of cells to a magnetic field in the presence of DNA conjugated to magnetic nanoparticles. The aim of this work was to investigate whether it was possible to combine the advantages of both these techniques. It was found that transfection of Chinese hamster ovary cells by naked plasmid DNA was enhanced by combined exposure of the cells to ultrasound (10 s at 1 kHz pulse repetition frequency with 40 cycle 1 MHz sinusoidal pulses, 1 MPa peak to peak pressure) and a magnetic field (provided by five square cross-section N52 grade NdFeB magnets 25 × 10 × 10 mm with transversal magnetisation Br = 1.50 T arranged in a Halbach array), in the presence of one of two different microbubble/nanoparticle preparations. The first preparation consisted of phospholipid coated microbubbles mixed with micelles containing magnetic nanoparticles. The second consisted of microbubbles which were themselves magnetically active. These preparations were found to be more effective than either magnetic micelles or phospholipid coated microbubbles alone by a factor of 2.8 (total flux ∼4 versus 1.4 × 106 photon/s) and the results were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.01). Two mechanisms are proposed to explain these observations: firstly, that the magnetic field facilitates close proximity between the cells and the microbubbles and hence increases the likelihood of transfection; second, that there is sensitisation of the cells, as a result of exposure to the magnetic field in the presence of the micelles, which increases their ability to be transfected upon exposure to ultrasound. Further work is in progress to determine which of these mechanisms is the most significant and the potential for other therapeutic applications. (E-mail: e_stride@meng.ucl.ac.uk) [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

While conventional in vitro culture systems and animal models have been used to study the pathogenesis of viral infections and to facilitate development of vaccines and therapeutics for viral diseases, models that can accurately recapitulate human responses to infection are still lacking. Human organ-on-a-chip (Organ Chip) microfluidic culture devices that recapitulate tissue–tissue interfaces, fluid flows, mechanical cues, and organ-level physiology have been developed to narrow the gap between in vitro experimental models and human pathophysiology. Here, we describe how recent developments in Organ Chips have enabled re-creation of complex pathophysiological features of human viral infections in vitro. Microfluidic Organ Chip culture devices are emerging alternatives to conventional in vitro and animal models due to their ability to replicate many structural and functional features of human physiology and disease states. Recent innovations demonstrate that Organ Chip technology is a promising strategy for virology studies where there have been successes in reproducing various viral disease phenotypes. Organ Chips have enabled investigation of many aspects of viral infection, including virus–host interactions, viral therapy-resistance evolution, and development of new antiviral therapeutics, as well as underlying pathogenesis. As Organ Chip-based assays provide accessibility to study virus-induced diseases in real time and at high resolution, they can open new avenues to uncover viral pathogenesis in a human-relevant environment and may eventually enable development of novel therapeutics and vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to climate change and anthropogenic activities, the levels of pollution of aquatic and terrestrial environments have increased in the last decades. In this sense, the rise of cyanobacterial blooms, which release secondary metabolites with toxic properties, and the global use of pesticides for agricultural purposes have a negative impact on ecosystems. Thus, it would be interesting to study the concomitance of both types of toxicants in the same sample, since it is possible that they appear together. The aim of the present work was to state the effects of the interaction between the cyanotoxin cylindrospermopsin and the pesticide chlorpyrifos in differentiated SH-SY5Y neuronal cells to assess how they could affect the nervous system. To this end, cytotoxicity, morphological, and acetylcholinesterase activity studies were performed during 24 and 48 h. The results revealed a concentration-dependent decrease in viability and interaction between both toxicants, together with clear signs of apoptosis and necrosis induction. In this sense, different stages on the differentiation process would lead to differences in the toxicity exerted by the compounds both isolated as in combination, which it is not observed in non-differentiated cells. Additionally, the acetylcholinesterase activity appeared not to be affected, which is a clear difference compared to non-differentiated cells. These results show the importance of studying not only the toxicants themselves, but also in combination, to assess their possible effects in a more realistic scenario. [Display omitted] • CFP and CPF + CYN induced a time- and concentration-dependent cell death. • Antagonism and synergism of CPF + CYN are observed in SH-SY5Y cells. • Morphologically, a concentration-dependent increase in cell death is observed. • CPF + CYN combination is more toxic than the compounds tested alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garlic ( Allium sativum) and onion ( Allium cepa) are being used in the food industry as flavoring but also for their antimicrobial activities. These activities are mainly derived from the organosulfur compounds (OSCs). Propyl propane thiosulfinate (PTS) is an OSC with potential use in the active packaging, but its safety should be guaranteed before being commercialized. The aim of this work was to investigate for the first time the cytotoxicity of PTS as well as its in vitro mutagenic/genotoxic potential using the following battery of genotoxicity tests:(1)the bacterial reverse-mutation assay in S. typhimurium (Ames test, OECD 471, 1997); (2) the micronucleus test (MN, OECD 487, 2016); (3) the mouse lymphoma thymidine-kinase assay (MLA, OECD 476, 2015), and (4) the comet assay (standard and modified with restriction enzymes). The results revealed that PTS was not mutagenic neither in the Ames test nor in MLA. However, genotoxic effects were recorded in the MN test on mammalian cells (L5178YTk +/− cells) after PTS exposure at the highest concentration tested (17.25 μM) without S9, and also its metabolites (+S9, from 20 μM). Moreover, in the comet assay, PTS induced DNA breaks damage in Caco-2 cells at the highest concentration tested (280 μM) but it did not induce oxidative DNA damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genotoxic data of substances which could be incorporated into food packaging are required by the European Food Safety Authority. Due to its antioxidant and antibacterial properties carvacrol is one of these compounds. This work aims to study for the first time the in vivo genotoxic effects produced in rats orally exposed to 81, 256 or 810 mg cavacrol/kg body weight (bw) at 0, 24 and 45 h. A combination of the micronucleus assay (OECD 474) in bone marrow and the standard (OECD 489) and enzyme-modified comet assay was used to determine the genotoxicity on cells isolated from stomach and liver of exposed animals. In addition, a histopathological study was performed on the assayed tissues, and also in the lungs due to the volatility of carvacrol. Direct analytical pyrolysis was used to search for carvacrol in viscera and to ensure that the compound reaches stomach and liver cells. Results from MN-comet assay revealed that carvacrol (81–810 mg/kg bw) did not induce in vivo genotoxicity or oxidative DNA damage in any of the tissues investigated. Moreover, no histopathological changes were observed. Altogether, these results suggest lack of genotoxicity of carvacrol and therefore its good profile for its potential application as food preservative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils (EOs) and their main constituent compounds have been extensively investigated due to their application in the food industry for improving the shelf life of perishable products. Although they are still not available for use in food packaging in the market in Europe, considerable research in this field has been carried out recently. The safety of these EOs should be guaranteed before being commercialized. The aim of this work was to review the scientific publications, with a primary focus on the last 10 years, with respect to different in vitro toxicological aspects, mainly focussed on mutagenicity/genotoxicity. In general, fewer genotoxic studies have been reported on EOs in comparison to their main components, and most of them did not show mutagenic activity. However, more studies are needed in this field since the guidelines of the European Food Safety Authority have not always been followed accurately. The mutagenic/genotoxic activities of these substances have been related to metabolic activation. Therefore, in vivo tests are required to confirm the absence of genotoxic effects. Considering the great variability of the EOs and their main compounds, a case-by-case evaluation is needed to assure their safe use in food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible members of the Allium family are widely used since they exhibit antioxidant and antibacterial related to the organosulphur compounds. One the most promising use of Allium species, hence, onion essential oil, could be in the packaging food industry. The present work aims to assess the safety of two organosulphur compounds present in onion essential oil; dipropyl disulphide, dipropyl sulphide and their mixture. For this purpose, cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species and glutathione contents, and ultrastructural cellular damages were studied in the human intestinal cells, Caco-2, exposed to these organosulphur compounds. Moreover, their potential mutagenicity was also assessed. The results revealed no significant adverse effects. Additionally, reactive oxygen species scavenger activity was observed for both compounds. Therefore, they could be a good natural alternative to other synthetic antioxidant and antibacterial substances used in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]