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Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Die psychosomatische Sprechstunde im Betrieb (PSIB) ist ein Angebot für psychisch und psychosomatisch belastete Beschäftigte. Kernelemente sind frühzeitige Diagnostik und Kurzpsychotherapie mit dem Ziel der Verbesserung der Versorgung von psychisch belasteten Beschäftigten. Ziel dieses Artikels ist die Charakterisierung der Hilfesuchenden und die Darstellung erster Daten zu den Effekten der Kurzpsychotherapie. Material und Methoden Von 05/2016 bis 12/2019 wurden bei allen sich in der PSIB vorstellenden Beschäftigten Basisdaten erfasst. Mittels Fragebogen wurden zu Beginn sowie im Falle einer Kurzzeit-intervention zum Abschluss soziodemografische Daten, vorausgehende Behandlungen, Selbsteinschätzungen zu Arbeitsfähigkeit, Depressivität (PHQ-9), Angst (GAD-7), somatische Belastung (PHQ-15), Einschätzung der eigenen psychischen Verfassung sowie Einstellungen zu Behandlungsmöglichkeiten erhoben. Ergebnisse 672 Beschäftigte aus 20 Betrieben (49% Männer) wurden vorwiegend über den Betriebsarzt zugewiesen. Anpassungsstörungen und depressive Störungen machten jeweils knapp ein Drittel der Diagnosen aus. Ein Viertel der sich in der Sprechstunde vorstellenden Beschäftigten war aktuell krankgeschrieben. Am häufigsten wurde die Empfehlung einer Kurzintervention im Rahmen der Sprechstunde gegeben, am zweithäufigsten ambulante Psychotherapie. 343 (51%) Beschäftigte füllten den Fragebogen aus, von diesen erhielten 187 (55%) eine Kurztherapie. Die Symptomatik verbesserte sich signifikant über alle Fragebogenskalen hinweg. Die Zufriedenheit mit der PSIB war sehr hoch. Diskussion Die PSIB ist ein innovatives Versorgungskonzept im Arbeitskontext, das in verschiedenen Branchen gut angenommen wird. Wichtig für ein gutes Gelingen ist die enge Kooperation mit betrieblichen Akteuren wie Betriebsärzten.

This study examines, inpatient treatment costs, and typical treatment courses of patients with an eating disorder using secondary data.The data were provided by a German health insurance company (data from 4.2 million members from 2004 to 2010; corresponds to a market share of 6% of all statutorily insured persons in Germany). An age and gender matched control group without an eating disorder diagnosis was assessed for comparisons from the same dataset.Two thousand seven hundred and thirty four cases with an eating disorder diagnosis (anorexia nervosa [AN], bulimia nervosa [BN] or combination [ANBN]) were identified. The inpatient costs of treatment were €5471.15 for BN, €9080.26 for AN, €10,809.16 for ANBN and €339.37 for the control group. Interestingly, there are numerous mild episodes of eating disorders that could be successfully treated solely on an outpatient basis with a short treatment duration.Our findings suggest that course and severity of eating disorders can vary from mild to very severe. Data from health insurance companies depict rather different disease and treatment courses than studies on primary data derived from treatment institutions.

The assessment of human health risks resulting from the presence of metabolites in groundwater and food residues has become an important element in pesticide authorisation. In this context, the evaluation of mutagenicity is of particular interest and a paradigm shift from exposure-triggered testing to in silico-based screening has been recommended in the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Guidance on the establishment of the residue definition for dietary risk assessment. In addition, it is proposed to apply in silico predictions when experimental mutagenicity testing is not possible due to a lack of sufficient quantities of the pesticide metabolite. This, combined with animal welfare and economic considerations, has led to a situation where an increasing number of in silico studies are submitted to regulatory authorities. Whilst there is extensive experience with in silico predictions for mutagenicity in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, their suitability in pesticide regulation is still insufficiently considered. Therefore, we herein discuss critical issues that need to be resolved to successfully implement (Quantitative) Structure-Activity Relationship ((Q)SAR) as an accepted tool in pesticide regulation. For illustration purposes, the results of a pilot study are included. The presented study highlights a need for further improvement regarding the predictivity and applicability domain of (Q)SAR systems for pesticides and their metabolites, but also raises other questions such as model selection, establishment of acceptance criteria, harmonised approaches to the combination of model outputs into overall conclusions, adequate reporting and data sharing. © 2020 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Toxicological risk assessment is essential in the evaluation and authorization of different classes of chemical substances. Genotoxicity and mutagenicity testing are of highest priority and rely on established in vitro systems with bacterial and mammalian cells, sometimes followed by in vivo testing using rodent animal models. Transcriptomic approaches have recently also shown their value to determine transcript signatures specific for genotoxicity. Here, we studied how transcriptomic data, in combination with in vitro tests with human cells, can be used for the identification of genotoxic properties of test compounds. To this end, we used liver samples from a 28-day oral toxicity study in rats with the pesticidal active substances imazalil, thiacloprid, and clothianidin, a neonicotinoid-type insecticide with, amongst others, known hepatotoxic properties. Transcriptomic results were bioinformatically evaluated and pointed towards a genotoxic potential of clothianidin. In vitro Comet and γH2AX assays in human HepaRG hepatoma cells, complemented by in silico analyses of mutagenicity, were conducted as follow-up experiments to check if the genotoxicity alert from the transcriptomic study is in line with results from a battery of guideline genotoxicity studies. Our results illustrate the combined use of toxicogenomics, classic toxicological data and new approach methods in risk assessment. By means of a weight-of-evidence decision, we conclude that clothianidin does most likely not pose genotoxic risks to humans.

Alkenylbenzenes are naturally occurring secondary plant metabolites, primarily present in different herbs and spices, such as basil or fennel seeds. Thus, alkenylbenzenes, such as safrole, methyleugenol, and estragole, can be found in different foods, whenever these herbs and spices (or extracts thereof) are used for food production. In particular, essential oils or other food products derived from the aforementioned herbs and spices, such as basil-containing pesto or plant food supplements, are often characterized by a high content of alkenylbenzenes. While safrole or methyleugenol are known to be genotoxic and carcinogenic, the toxicological relevance of other alkenylbenzenes (e.g., apiol) regarding human health remains widely unclear. In this review, we will briefly summarize and discuss the current knowledge and the uncertainties impeding a conclusive evaluation of adverse effects to human health possibly resulting from consumption of foods containing alkenylbenzenes, especially focusing on the genotoxic compounds, safrole, methyleugenol, and estragole.

Psychosomatic consultation in the workplace (PSIW) is an offer for employees who are under mental and psychosomatic strain. Core elements are early diagnosis and short-term psychotherapy with the aim of improving the care for mentally stressed employees. This article provides a characterization of patients and presents initial data on the effects of short-term psychotherapy.From 05/2016 to 12/2019, basic data were collected from all employees seeking help. Socio-demographic data, previous treatments, work ability, depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), somatic symptoms (PHQ-15), assessment of psychological state and attitudes towards treatment options were collected by self-report before and (if applicable) after a short-term intervention.A total of 672 employees from 20 companies (49% male) were mostly referred to PSIW by the company physician. Adjustment disorders and depressive disorders each accounted for almost one-third of diagnoses. A quarter of the employees presenting at PSIW were on sick leave at the time of referral. The most frequent recommendations were short-term intervention at PSIW, followed by outpatient psychotherapy. A total of 343 (51%) employees completed the questionnaires, of which 187 (55%) of them received short-term psychotherapy. The symptoms improved significantly across all scales. Satisfaction with PSIW was very high.PSIW is an innovative care concept in the work context, which is well accepted and effective in various sectors. Close cooperation with company stakeholders such as occupational health physicians is important for a successful outcome.Die psychosomatische Sprechstunde im Betrieb (PSIB) ist ein Angebot für psychisch und psychosomatisch belastete Beschäftigte. Kernelemente sind frühzeitige Diagnostik und Kurzpsychotherapie mit dem Ziel der Verbesserung der Versorgung von psychisch belasteten Beschäftigten. Ziel dieses Artikels ist die Charakterisierung der Hilfesuchenden und die Darstellung erster Daten zu den Effekten der Kurzpsychotherapie.Von 05/2016 bis 12/2019 wurden bei allen sich in der PSIB vorstellenden Beschäftigten Basisdaten erfasst. Mittels Fragebogen wurden zu Beginn sowie im Falle einer Kurzzeit-intervention zum Abschluss soziodemografische Daten, vorausgehende Behandlungen, Selbsteinschätzungen zu Arbeitsfähigkeit, Depressivität (PHQ-9), Angst (GAD-7), somatische Belastung (PHQ-15), Einschätzung der eigenen psychischen Verfassung sowie Einstellungen zu Behandlungsmöglichkeiten erhoben.672 Beschäftigte aus 20 Betrieben (49% Männer) wurden vorwiegend über den Betriebsarzt zugewiesen. Anpassungsstörungen und depressive Störungen machten jeweils knapp ein Drittel der Diagnosen aus. Ein Viertel der sich in der Sprechstunde vorstellenden Beschäftigten war aktuell krankgeschrieben. Am häufigsten wurde die Empfehlung einer Kurzintervention im Rahmen der Sprechstunde gegeben, am zweithäufigsten ambulante Psychotherapie. 343 (51%) Beschäftigte füllten den Fragebogen aus, von diesen erhielten 187 (55%) eine Kurztherapie. Die Symptomatik verbesserte sich signifikant über alle Fragebogenskalen hinweg. Die Zufriedenheit mit der PSIB war sehr hoch.Die PSIB ist ein innovatives Versorgungskonzept im Arbeitskontext, das in verschiedenen Branchen gut angenommen wird. Wichtig für ein gutes Gelingen ist die enge Kooperation mit betrieblichen Akteuren wie Betriebsärzten.

Der Begriff Aerogel beschreibt im Wesentlichen eine besondere geometrische Struktur der Materie, die materialunabhangig ist und keinem speziellen Syntheseverfahren unterliegt. Grundsatzlich konnen daher Aerogele aus unzahligen Materialien bestehen, wodurch die Anwendungsmoglichkeiten nahezu unbegrenzt sind. Dasselbe trifft auf Nanopartikel zu. Diese werden ebenso durch ihre geometrischen Eigenschaften definiert. In den letzten Jahrzehnten standen daher nanoskalige Materialien im Fokus der Forschung, und es entwickelten sich mogliche Anwendungen in vielen naturwissenschaftlichen Bereichen. Heute ist eine Vielzahl an Metall-, Halbleiter-, Oxid- und anderen Nanopartikeln durch kolloidale Synthesen zuganglich. Dennoch ist es fur eine Anwendung oft notwendig, dass diese Materialien zuvor in makroskopische Strukturen angeordnet werden. Dieser Aufsatz gibt eine ausfuhrliche Ubersicht uber die Entwicklung, die die Welt der kolloidalen Nanopartikel und der Aerogele miteinander vereint. Ermoglicht wurde dies durch die kontrollierte Destabilisierung der vorab gebildeten Nanopartikel, die zu einer Anordnung der Nanopartikel zu einem dreidimensionalen, makroskopischen Netzwerk fuhrt. Dieses revolutionare Konzept verleiht die Moglichkeit, prazise kontrollierte Nanopartikel als Grundbausteine fur makroskopische, porose Strukturen mit einstellbaren Eigenschaften zu nutzen.

Multimetallic aerogels have emerged as promising unsupported and high-surface-area metal materials for different applications in heterogeneous catalysis and electrochemistry, which are fabricated using a gelation process characterized by the controlled aggregation of metallic nanoparticles to form a macroscopic network structure in aqueous solution. However, the achievement of the structural homogeneity of the multimetallic aerogels in terms of the diameter of the nanochains and the chemical composition at the nano- and the macro-scale is still a great challenge. In this paper, we investigated two Pd-Pt aerogels prepared by the two-step gelation method. The structural homogeneity and chemical distribution of both metals inside the aerogels were analyzed by using high-resolution (scanning) transmission microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The Pd-Pt aerogels show the presence of Pd/Pt-rich domains inside the long-range framework. It is evident that the initial monometallic features dominate over alloying during the gelation process. Although the same synthetic approach for Pd-Pt aerogels with different atomic ratios was used, we observed that the sizes of these monometallic domains varied strongly between the Pd-rich and Pt-rich aerogels. The presence of such metal clusters influenced the electrochemical robustness of the Pd-Pt aerogels dramatically. Electrochemical durability investigations revealed that the aerogels with a high content of Pd are less stable because of the gradual dissolution of the less noble metal particularly inside the Pd-rich domains. A chemical and structural homogeneity might improve the lifetime of the Pd-Pt aerogels under electrochemical conditions. In this work, we provide a better understanding of the structure and chemical distribution of the bimetallic aerogel framework prepared by the two-step gelation process.

IntroductionFew studies have examined the course of eating disorders and the respective treatments based on insurance data, even though they provide representative information.ObjectivesTo assess the epidemiology, treatments, duration of illness, costs of treatment in a data set of a public health insurance.MethodsData provided by a German health insurance (data from 4.2 million members from 2005-2010). A matched control group based on age and gender without an eating disorder diagnosis was used for comparisons.Results2.734 cases with the diagnoses of an eating disorder (anorexia nervosa AN, bulimia nervosa BN or combination ANBN) were identified. More than 92% of the patients were female. The relative risk for personality disorders, depressive disorders, alcohol abuse and obsessive-compulsive disorders was highly increased. Most of the patients with BN (53.04%) or AN (41.57%) were treated in out-patient care, and many were only treated for three months, whereas most of the patients with ANBN were treated for a longer time. 3-19% with BN, AN or ANBN were treated only in in-patient care. The in-patient costs of treatment for the year of the diagnosis were 5471.15€ for BN, 9080.26€ for AN, 10809.16€ for ANBN and 339.37€ for the control group.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that patients with ANBN diagnosis have a severe and longer course of treatment. Furthermore, contrary to national guidelines for eating disorders, there is a considerable proportion of patients with BN or AN that are treated only in in-patient care.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Multi-metallic aerogels have recently emerged as a novel and promising class of unsupported electrocatalyst materials due to their high catalytic activity and improved durability for various electrochemical reactions. Aerogels can be prepared by a spontaneous one-step gelation process, where the chemical co-reduction of metal precursors and the prompt formation of nanochain-containing hydrogels, as a preliminary stage for the preparation of aerogels, take place. However, detailed knowledge about the homogeneity and chemical distribution of these three-dimensional Pd-Pt aerogels at the nano-scale as well as at the macro-scale is still unclear. Therefore, we used a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to obtain a better insight into the structure and elemental distribution of the various Pd-rich Pd-Pt aerogels prepared by the spontaneous one-step gelation process. Synchrotron-based extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy and high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) in combination with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were employed in this work to uncover the structural architecture and chemical composition of the various Pd-rich Pd-Pt aerogels over a broad length range. The Pd80Pt20, Pd60Pt40 and Pd50Pt50 aerogels showed heterogeneity in the chemical distribution of the Pt and Pd atoms inside the macroscopic nanochain-network. The features of mono-metallic clusters were not detected by EXAFS or STEM-EDX, indicating alloyed nanoparticles. However, the local chemical composition of the Pd-Pt alloys strongly varied along the nanochains and thus within a single aerogel. To determine the electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) of the Pd-Pt aerogels for application in electrocatalysis, we used the electrochemical CO stripping method. Due to their high porosity and extended network structure, the resulting values of the ECSA for the Pd-Pt aerogels were higher than that for a commercially available unsupported Pt black catalyst. We show that the Pd-Pt aerogels possess a high utilization of catalytically active centers for electrocatalytic applications based on the nanostructured bimetallic framework. Knowledge about the homogeneity and chemical distribution of the bimetallic aerogels can help to further optimize their preparation by the spontaneous one-step gelation process and to tune their electrocatalytic reactivity.

Methyleugenol, present in herbs and spices, has demonstrated carcinogenic activity in the liver and, to a lesser extent, in extrahepatic tissues of rats and mice. It forms DNA adducts after hydroxylation and sulphation. As previously reported, hepatic DNA adduct formation by methyleugenol in mice is strongly affected by their sulphotransferase (SULT) 1A status. Now, we analysed the adduct formation in extrahepatic tissues. The time course of the adduct levels was determined in transgenic (tg) mice, expressing human SULT1A1/2, after oral administration of methyleugenol (50 mg per kg body mass). Nearly maximal adduct levels were observed 6 h after treatment. They followed the order: liver > caecum > kidney > colon > stomach > small intestine > lung > spleen. We then selected liver, caecum, kidney and stomach for the main study, in which four mouse lines [wild-type (wt), Sult1a1-knockout (ko), tg, and humanized (ko-tg)] were treated with methyleugenol at varying dose levels. In the liver, caecum and kidney, adduct formation was nearly completely dependent on the expression of SULT1A enzymes. In the liver, human SULT1A1/2 led to higher adduct levels than mouse Sult1a1, and the effects of both enzymes were approximately additive. In the caecum, human SULT1A1/2 and mouse Sult1a1 were nearly equally effective, again with additive effects in tg mice. In the kidney, only human SULT1A1/2 played a role: no adducts were detected in wt and ko mice even at the highest dose tested and the adduct levels were similar in tg and ko-tg mice. In the stomach, adduct formation was unaffected by the SULT1A status. In conclusion: (i) the SULT1A enzymes only affected adduct formation in those tissues in which they are highly expressed (mouse Sult1a1 in the liver and caecum, but not in the kidney and stomach; human SULT1A1/2 in the liver, caecum and kidney, not in the stomach of tg mice and humans), indicating a dominating role of local bioactivation; (ii) the additivity of the effects of both enzymes in the liver and caecum implies that the enzyme level was limiting in the adduct formation; (iii) SULT1A forms dominated the activation of methyleugenol in several tissues, but non-Sult1a1 forms or SULT-independent mechanisms were involved in its adduct formation in the stomach.

One plausible approach to endow aerogels with specific properties while preserving their other attributes is to fine-tune the building blocks. However, the preparation of metallic aerogels with designated properties, for example catalytically beneficial morphologies and transition-metal doping, still remains a challenge. Here, we report on the first aerogel electrocatalyst composed entirely of alloyed PdNi hollow nanospheres (HNSs) with controllable chemical composition and shell thickness. The combination of transition-metal doping, hollow building blocks, and the three-dimensional network structure make the PdNi HNS aerogels promising electrocatalysts for ethanol oxidation. The mass activity of the Pd83 Ni17 HNS aerogel is 5.6-fold higher than that of the commercial Pd/C catalyst. This work expands the exploitation of the electrocatalysis properties of aerogels through the morphology and composition control of its building blocks.

Eine gezielte Verbesserung der Baueinheiten ist eine naheliegende Herangehensweise, um Aerogele mit herausragenden Eigenschaften zu versehen und gleichzeitig ihre Vorzuge zu erhalten. Bestimmte Eigenschaften, wie die Optimierung der Morphologie fur katalytische Anwendungen oder die Ubergangsmetalldotierung in metallischen Aerogelen, sind jedoch nach wie vor schwer zu realisieren. In diesem Zusammenhang prasentieren wir hier erstmalig elektrokatalytisch aktive Aerogele, welche sich vollstandig aus legierten PdNi-Hohlnanospharen (HNS) aufbauen und deren chemische Zusammensetzung und Schalendicke gezielt eingestellt werden kann. Die Kombination von Ubergangsmetalldotierung mit hohlen Baueinheiten in einem dreidimensionalen Netzwerk machen PdNi-HNS-Aerogele zu vielversprechenden Elektrokatalysatoren fur die Ethanoloxidation. Gegenuber dem kommerziellen Pd/C-Katalysator zeigt das Pd83Ni17-HNS-Aerogel eine 5.6-fach hohere Massenaktivitat. Durch diese Arbeit wird die Nutzbarkeit von metallischen Aerogelen in der Elektrokatalyse erweitert, indem die Morphologie und Zusammensetzung der Baueinheiten gezielt kontrolliert werden.

Mixed aerogels from semiconductor and metal nanoparticles represent an outstanding hybrid material with exceptional properties due to two striking advantages: the creation of a huge quantity of semiconductor-metal interfaces combined with a highly porous three-dimensional nanostructured network. We present a versatile synthetic pathway towards hybrid aerogels built up by joint gelation of CdTe and noble metal nanoparticles (Au, Pd and bimetallic Au/Pd). A straightforward HO treatment inducing gel formation is developed as a more elegant alternative compared to the established photooxidation approach. The use of HO allows a reproducible, simple and mild gel formation which can be easily upscaled. The tremendous influence of the HO concentration on gelation mechanism and gelation kinetics is revealed by photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) determinations. Resulting gels are extensively characterized via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning TEM (STEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) as well as photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and PL lifetime measurements. By varying the composition of the herein presented noble metal nanoparticles in a controlled fashion the range of semiconductor-metal hybrid aerogels is widened, which demonstrates the versatility and consistency of our approach. This synthetic flexibility grants access to a variety of different mixed hybrid aerogels which are of high significance for catalytic, sensing and photonic applications., Parts of TEM investigations have been carried out at the Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V. Access to their TEM facility is gratefully acknowledged. AD thanks the Government of the Russian Federation (Grant 074-U01) through ITMO Post-Doctoral Fellowship.

In this study, we introduce the first membraneless glucose/O2 biofuel cell using Pd-based aerogels as electrode materials. The bioanode was fabricated with a coimmobilized mediator and glucose oxidase for the oxidation of glucose, in which ferrocenecarboxylic acid was integrated into a three-dimensional porous beta-cyclodextrin-modified Pd aerogel to mediate the bioelectrocatalytic reaction. Bilirubin oxidase and Pd-Pt alloy aerogel were confined to an electrode surface, which realized the direct bioelectrocatalytic function for the reduction of O2 to H2 O with a synergetic effect at the biocathode. By employing these two bioelectrodes, the assembled glucose/O2 biofuel cell showed a maximum power output of 20 μW cm(-2) at 0.25 V.

Essentially, the term aerogel describes a special geometric structure of matter. It is neither limited to any material nor to any synthesis procedure. Hence, the possible variety of materials and therefore the multitude of their applications are almost unbounded. In fact, the same applies for nanoparticles. These are also just defined by their geometrical properties. In the past few decades nano-sized materials have been intensively studied and possible applications appeared in nearly all areas of natural sciences. To date a large variety of metal, semiconductor, oxide, and other nanoparticles are available from colloidal synthesis. However, for many applications of these materials an assembly into macroscopic structures is needed. Here we present a comprehensive picture of the developments that enabled the fusion of the colloidal nanoparticle and the aerogel world. This became possible by the controlled destabilization of pre-formed nanoparticles, which leads to their assembly into three-dimensional macroscopic networks. This revolutionary approach makes it possible to use precisely controlled nanoparticles as building blocks for macroscopic porous structures with programmable properties.

Nanostructured, porous metals are of great interest for material scientists since they combine high surface area, gas permeability, electrical conductivity, plasmonic behavior, and size-enhanced catalytic reactivity. Here we present the formation of multimetallic porous three-dimensional networks by a template-free self-assembly process. Nanochains are formed by the controlled coalescence of Au, Ag, Pt, and Pd nanoparticles in aqueous media, and their interconnection and interpenetration leads to the formation of a self-supporting network. The resulting noble-metal-gels are transformed into solid aerogels by the supercritical drying technique. Compared to previously reported results, the technique is facilitated by exclusion of additional destabilizers. Moreover, temperature control is demonstrated as a powerful tool, allowing acceleration of the gelation process as well as improvement of its reproducibility and applicability. Electron microscopy shows the nanostructuring of the network and its high poros...

Methyleugenol--a natural constituent of herbs and spices--is hepatocarcinogenic in rodent models. It can form DNA adducts after side-chain hydroxylation and sulfation. We previously demonstrated that human sulfotransferases (SULTs) 1A1 and 1A2 as well as mouse Sult1a1, expressed in Salmonella target strains, are able to activate 1'-hydroxymethyleugenol (1'-OH-ME) and 3'-hydroxymethylisoeugenol (3'-OH-MIE) to mutagens. Now we investigated the role of these enzymes in the formation of hepatic DNA adducts by methyleugenol in the mouse in vivo. We used FVB/N mice [wild-type (wt)] and genetically modified strains in this background: Sult1a1 knockout (ko), transgenic for human SULT1A1/2 (tg) and the combination of both modifications (ko-tg). Methyleugenol (50mg/kg body mass) formed 23, 735, 3770 and 4500 N (2)-(trans-methylisoeugenol-3'-yl)-2'-deoxyguanosine adducts per 10(8) 2'-deoxyribonucleosides (dN) in ko, wt, ko-tg and tg mice, respectively. The corresponding values for an equimolar dose of 1'-OH-ME were 12, 1490, 12 400 and 13 300 per 10(8) dN. Similar relative levels were observed for the minor adduct, N (6)-(trans-methylisoeugenol-3'-yl)-2'-deoxyadenosine. Thus, the adduct formation by both compounds was nearly completely dependent on the presence of SULT1A enzymes, with human SULT1A1/2 producing stronger effects than mouse Sult1a1. Moreover, a dose of 0.05 mg/kg methyleugenol (one-fourth of the estimated average daily exposure of humans) was sufficient to form detectable adducts in humanized (ko-tg) mice. Although 3'-OH-MIE was equally mutagenic to 1'-OH-ME in Salmonella strains expressing human SULT1A1 or 1A2, it only formed 0.14% of hepatic adducts in ko-tg mice compared with an equimolar dose of 1'-OH-ME, suggesting an important role of detoxifying pathways for this isomer in vivo.

Mixed metal–semiconductor nanocrystal aerogels are fabricated, which are light-emitting and highly porous macroscopic monoliths. Thiol-stabilized CdTe and Au nanoparticles from aqueous synthesis act as building blocks for the hybrid material. The Au colloids undergo a surface-modifi cation to enhance the particle stability and achieve thiol functionalities. A photochemical treatment is applied for the gelation process which is found to be reversible by subsequent addition of thiol molecules. Via supercritical drying aerogels are formed. The variation of the initial CdTe to Au nanoparticle ratio permits a facile tuning of the content and the properties of the resulting aerogels. The obtained structures were characterized by means of optical spectroscopy, electron microscopy, elemental analysis, and nitrogen physisorption.

Gels and aerogels manufactured from a variety of metal nanoparticles available in colloidal solutions have recently proven to provide an opportunity to marry the nanoscale world with that of materials of macro dimensions which can be easily manipulated and processed, whilst maintaining most of the nanoscale properties. The materials carry an enormous potential for applications. This is largely related to their extremely low density and high porosity providing access to the capacious inner surface of the interconnected nanoobjects they consist of. In addition we prove the electrocatalytical activity of freestanding cyclodextrin modified palladium nanoparticle aerogels towards the oxidation of ethanol with extremely high electrocatalytic current density and good durability.

Methyleugenol is a genotoxic carcinogen in mice and rats, the liver being the primary target tissue. Methyleugenol occurs in fennel and many herbs and spices. Furthermore, methyleugenol-containing plant extracts and chemically prepared methyleugenol are used as flavoring agents. We analyzed surgical human liver samples from 30 subjects for the presence of DNA adducts originating from methyleugenol using isotope-dilution ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Twenty-nine samples unambiguously contained the N (2)-(trans-methylisoeugenol-3'-yl)-2'-deoxyguanosine adduct. A second adduct, N (6)-(trans-methylisoeugenol-3'-yl)-2'-deoxyadenosine, was also found in most samples, but at much lower levels, in agreement with the results from experimental models. The maximal and median levels of both adducts combined were 37 and 13 per 10(8) nucleosides (corresponding to 4700 and 1700, respectively, adducts per diploid genome). This is the first demonstration of DNA adducts formed by a xenobiotic in human liver using UPLC-MS/MS, the most reliable method available. It has been estimated for diverse rat and mouse hepatocarcinogens that 50-5500 adducts per 10(8) nucleosides are present after repeated treatment at the TD50 (daily dose that halves the probability to stay tumor-free in long-term studies). We conclude that the exposure to methyleugenol leads to substantial levels of hepatic DNA adducts and, therefore, may pose a significant carcinogenic risk.

A class of 3D PdNi bimetallic nano-materials with porous nanostructures is synthesized using a facile and versatile approach at room temperature. Due to their porous nanostructures, their clean surfaces, as well as the synergistic effect between their compositions, the as-prepared PdNi exhibit greatly enhanced activity and stability towards methanol electrooxidation in an alkaline medium, holding great promise in fuel cells.

The atomic redistribution processes occurring in multiparticle nanostructures are hardly understood. To obtain a more detailed insight, we applied high-resolution microscopic, diffraction and spectroscopic characterization techniques to investigate the fine structure and elemental distribution of various bimetallic aerogels with 1:1 compositions, prepared by self-assembly of single monometallic nanoparticles. The system Au-Ag exhibited a complete alloy formation, whereas Pt-Pd aerogels formed a Pd-based network with embedded Pt particles. The assembly of Au and Pd nanoparticles resulted in a Pd-shell formation around the Au particles. This work confirms that bimetallic aerogels are subject to reorganization processes during their gel formation.

Developing electrocatalysts with low cost, high activity, and good durability is urgently demanded for the wide commercialization of fuel cells. By taking advantage of nanostructure engineering, we fabricated PtAg nanotubular aerogels (NTAGs) with high electrocatalytic activity and good durability via a simple galvanic replacement reaction between the in situ spontaneously gelated Ag hydrogel and the Pt precursor. The PtAg NTAGs have hierarchical porous network features with primary networks and pores from the interconnected nanotubes of the aerogel and secondary networks and pores from the interconnected thin nanowires on the nanotube surface, and they show very high porosities and large specific surface areas. Due to the unique structure, the PtAg NTAGs exhibit greatly enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward formic acid oxidation, reaching 19 times higher metal-based mass current density as compared to the commercial Pt black. Furthermore, the PtAg NTAGs show outstanding structural stability and electrochemical durability during the electrocatalysis. Noble metal-based NTAGs are promising candidates for applications in electrocatalysis not only for fuel cells, but also for other energy-related systems.

Dust was investigated for its ability to retain source attribution profiles (SAPs) after chemical exposure. Three distinct sources of the organophosphate pesticide acephate were investigated as a proof-of-concept model. In addition, attribution profiles were created and tested using compounds related to chemical warfare agents (CWAs), specifically VX and G-series agents: O -ethyl methylphosphonothioate (EMPTA), N , N -diisopropylmethylamine (DIPMA), N , N -diisopropylethylamine (DIEA), diisopropylamine (DIPA), diethyl aniline (DEA), diethyl ethyl phosphonate (DEEP), trimethyl phosphite (TMP), dimethyl hydrogen phosphite (DMHP), diethyl hydrogen phosphite (DEHP), triethyl phosphate (TEP), ethyl methylphosphonate (EMPA), and diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP). Dust was collected from a storage shed, aliquots deposited on carpet and loaded with distinct chemical profiles using an exposure chamber and aerosolizer. After a given period of time (1 h, 24 h, or 72 h), the dust was extracted and its SAP analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and/or liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Principal components analysis (PCA) was used to determine the association of dust exposed to the same and different chemical sources. PCA results demonstrate that dust samples exposed to distinct chemical sources are clearly differentiated from one another across all collection times. Furthermore, dust aliquots exposed to the same source can be clearly associated with one another across all collection times. When the CWA-related compounds were subjected to elevated temperature (90 °C) conditions, it was found that the signature was stable at the 1 h and 24 h collections. At 72 h and elevated temperature, larger deviations from the control were observed for some compounds. Elevated pH (10) affected the profile to a lesser degree than elevated temperature. Overall, dust is found to be an effective media for the in situ collection of source attribution profiles.

A controlled assembly of natural beta-cyclodextrin modified Au NPs mediated by dopamine is demonstrated. Furthermore, a simple and sensitive colorimetric detection for dopamine is established by the concentration-dependent assembly.

Gels and aerogels manufactured from a variety of metal and semiconductor nanoparticles available in colloidal solutions have recently proven to provide an opportunity to marry the nanoscale world with that of materials of macro dimensions that can be easily manipulated and processed while maintaining the nanoscale properties. The aerogel materials may be further processed in order to achieve improvements in their properties relevant to applications in optical sensing, photovoltaics, LEDs, nonlinear optics, thermoelectrics, and catalysis. This Perspective reviews the young field, lines out some of the synthetical challenges, and touches on application-related aspects.

Furfuryl alcohol, formed by acid- and heat-induced dehydration from pentoses, is found in many foodstuffs. It induced renal tubule neoplasms in male B6C3F1 mice and nasal neoplasms in male F344/N rats in a study of the National Toxicology Program (NTP). However, furfuryl alcohol was negative in the standard Ames test and in a battery of in vivo mutagenicity tests. Here, we show that furfuryl alcohol is mutagenic in Salmonella typhimurium TA100 engineered for expression of human sulfotransferase (SULT) 1A1. This finding suggests that furfuryl alcohol is converted by intracellular sulfo conjugation to 2-sulfo-oxymethylfuran, an electrophile reacting with DNA. We detected nucleoside adducts of 2'-deoxyadenosine, 2'-deoxyguanosine and 2'-deoxycytidine in porcine liver DNA incubated with freshly prepared 2-sulfo-oxymethylfuran. The main adducts, N(2)-((furan-2-yl)methyl)-2'-deoxyguanosine (N(2)-MFdG) and N(6)-((furan-2-yl)methyl)-2'-deoxyadenosine (N(6)-MFdA) were synthesized. Their structures were verified by NMR and mass spectrometry. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methods for the quantification of both adducts were devised. N(2)-MFdG and N(6)-MFdA were detected in DNA of furfuryl alcohol-exposed S.typhimurium TA100 expressing SULT1A1 and in DNA of liver, lung and kidney of FVB/N mice that had received ∼390 mg furfuryl alcohol/kg body wt/day via the drinking water for 28 days. In summary, furfuryl alcohol is converted by sulfo conjugation to a mutagen. The detection of N(2)-MFdG and N(6)-MFdA in renal DNA of furfuryl alcohol-treated mice suggests that the neoplasms observed in this tissue in the study of the NTP may have been induced by 2-sulfo-oxymethylfuran.