Search Results (21)
Investigating the early molecular events following exposure of lung cells to nanoparticles using advanced optical microscopies
The potential toxicity of nanoparticles in our environment and consumer products is currently determined by costly and timely animal-based testing, which limits the rate of nanoparticle testing, causing a desperate need for alternative testing strategies. A promising alternative – mechanism-based prediction – employs a set of high-throughput cell-based tests that …
Speciation of ruthenium-based candidate drugs for cancer treatment and copper as a potential biomarker for cancer diagnosis in human serum
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer represents the second leading cause of mortality, with almost 10 million deaths in 2020. A broad spectra of cancer treatments are being developed, among them are metal-based drugs. Consistent with the available data, platinum (Pt)-based chemotherapeutics are still widely used to treat …
Speciation of mercury in environmental samples from gold mining communities in Southwestern Ghana
Gold miners (Artisanal and Small-Scale [ASGM]) operating in southwestern Ghana use exclusive mercury-gold amalgamation, cyanidation of gold-rich mercury-contaminated tailings, or a combination of both techniques during gold extraction; exposing water bodies within the catchment to mercury (Hg) and cyanide (CN) from mining discharged effluents. Additionally, sporadic CN spillage/leakage from Large …
Diversity, ecology and sensing of the toxic diatom Pseudo-Nitzschia in the Gulf of Trieste: doctoral disertation
This work focuses on a group of diatoms, belonging to the genus Pseudo-nitzschia, which is a globally important phytoplankton genus. Some species of the genus produce the toxin domoic acid, which is responsible for shellfish intoxication known as the amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP). These diatoms have few morphological features that …
Development of methods for electrostatic immobilization and coupling different microbial cells
Naturally formed microbial communities are present in the form of cellular aggregates that create a set of diverse biochemical pathways through cross-feeding between the members of the microbial community. One of the most important factors so that some biochemical reactions can occur is the appropriate spatial placement of a particular …
In silico approaches to understand and predict the ligand-binding interactions of the human P-glycoprotein (ABCB1) membrane transporter
The P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is responsible for the elimination of a wide variety of substances from the cell, thus it is thought to play an important role in detoxification functions. The P-gp also affects the ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity in pharmacokinetics) properties of drugs. It is involved in …
Development of novel 3D in vitro cell models for genotoxicity assessment
The determination of genotoxicity is an important element in the safety assessment of various substances, with the purpose of preventing a number of chemicals from affecting human health. Genotoxicity testing is required for all classes of chemicals, drugs and biological agents, which can lead to a wide range of diseases, …
Mercury exposure assessment in the Slovenian population
Mercury (Hg) is one of the most toxic metals. Its toxicity depends on the route of exposure, on its chemical form and the dose to which a person is exposed. The most susceptible population are pregnant women and children. Epidemiological studies suggest neuropsychological dysfunctions in children who were prenatally exposed …
Effect of ingested nanofibers and nanoparticles on digestive gland epithelium of a model test organism
Engineered nanofibers and nanoparticles are recognized as capable of inducing cellular perturbations according to the oxidative stress paradigm or by interacting directly with biological membranes. A number of authors in their investigations with the nanofibres and nanoparticles has reported the ability of nanofibers and nanotparticle to cause the different damage …
Selenocompounds in selenium-enriched plants determined by spectrometric methods
Selenium (Se) has been demonstrated to be an essential trace element for maintenance of animal and human health. Se is incorporated into proteins to make selenoproteins, which are important antioxidant enzymes. The antioxidant properties of selenoproteins help to prevent cellular damage caused by radicals. Radicals are natural by-products of oxygen …