Digital Transformation in Toxicology: Improving Communication and Efficiency in Risk Assessment

Toxicology is undergoing a digital revolution, with mobile apps, sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning enabling better record-keeping, data analysis, and risk assessment. Additionally, computational toxicology and digital risk assessment have led to more accurate predictions of chemical hazards, reducing the burden of laboratory studies. Blockchain technology is emerging as a promising approach to increase transparency, particularly in the management and processing of genomic data related with food safety. Robotics, smart agriculture, and smart food and feedstock offer new opportunities for collecting, analyzing, and evaluating data, while wearable devices can predict toxicity and monitor health-related issues. The review article focuses on the potential of digital technologies to improve risk assessment and public health in the field of toxicology. By examining key topics such as blockchain technology, smoking toxicology, wearable sensors, and food security, this article provides an overview of how digitalization is influencing toxicology. As well as highlighting future directions for research, this article demonstrates how emerging technologies can enhance risk assessment communication and efficiency. The integration of digital technologies has revolutionized toxicology and has great potential for improving risk assessment and promoting public health.

Interfacial Water in the SARS Spike Protein: Investigating the Interaction with Human ACE2 Receptor and In Vitro Uptake in A549 Cells

The severity of global pandemic due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has engaged the researchers and clinicians to find the key features triggering the viral infection to lung cells. By utilizing such crucial information, researchers and scientists try to combat the spread of the virus. Here, in this work, we performed in silico analysis of the protein-protein interactions between the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the viral spike protein and the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor to highlight the key alteration that happened from SARS-CoV to SARS-CoV-2. We analyzed and compared the molecular differences between spike proteins of the two viruses using various computational approaches such as binding affinity calculations, computational alanine, and molecular dynamics simulations. The binding affinity calculations showed that SARS-CoV-2 binds a little more firmly to the hACE2 receptor than SARS-CoV. The major finding obtained from molecular dynamics simulations was that the RBD-ACE2 interface is populated with water molecules and interacts strongly with both RBD and ACE2 interfacial residues during the simulation periods. The water-mediated hydrogen bond by the bridge water molecules is crucial for stabilizing the RBD and ACE2 domains. Near-ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) confirmed the presence of vapor and molecular water phases in the protein-protein interfacial domain, further validating the computationally predicted interfacial water molecules. In addition, we examined the role of interfacial water molecules in virus uptake by lung cell A549 by binding and maintaining the RBD/hACE2 complex at varying temperatures using nanourchins coated with spike proteins as pseudoviruses and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) as a quantitative approach. The structural and dynamical features presented here may serve as a guide for developing new drug molecules, vaccines, or antibodies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emerging cold plasma treatment and machine learning prospects for seed priming: a step towards sustainable food production

Seeds are vulnerable to physical and biological stresses during the germination process. Seed priming strategies can alleviate such stresses. Seed priming is a technique of treating and drying seeds prior to germination in order to accelerate the metabolic process of germination. Multiple benefits are offered by seed priming techniques, such as reducing fertilizer use, accelerating seed germination, and inducing systemic resistance in plants, which are both cost-effective and eco-friendly. For seed priming, cold plasma (CP)-mediated priming could be an innovative alternative to synthetic chemical treatments. CP priming is an eco-friendly, safe and economical, yet relatively less explored technique towards the development of seed priming. In this review, we discussed in detail the application of CP technology for seed priming to enhance germination, the quality of seeds, and the production of crops in a sustainable manner. Additionally, the combination treatment of CP with nanoparticle (NP) priming is also discussed. The large numbers of parameters need to be monitored and optimized during CP treatment to achieve the desired priming results. Here, we discussed a new perspective of machine learning for modeling plasma treatment parameters in agriculture for the development of synergistic protocols for different types of seed priming.

Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards interlaboratory study on intensity calibration for x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy instruments using low-density polyethylene

We report the results of a Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards interlaboratory study on the intensity scale calibration of x-ray photoelectron spectrometers using low-density polyethylene (LDPE) as an alternative material to gold, silver, and copper. An improved set of LDPE reference spectra, corrected for different instrument geometries using a quartz-monochromated Al Kα x-ray source, was developed using data provided by participants in this study. Using these new reference spectra, a transmission function was calculated for each dataset that participants provided. When compared to a similar calibration procedure using the NPL reference spectra for gold, the LDPE intensity calibration method achieves an absolute offset of ∼3.0% and a systematic deviation of ±6.5% on average across all participants. For spectra recorded at high pass energies (≥90 eV), values of absolute offset and systematic deviation are ∼5.8% and ±5.7%, respectively, whereas for spectra collected at lower pass energies (<90 eV), values of absolute offset and systematic deviation are ∼4.9% and ±8.8%, respectively; low pass energy spectra perform worse than the global average, in terms of systematic deviations, due to diminished count rates and signal-to-noise ratio. Differences in absolute offset are attributed to the surface roughness of the LDPE induced by sample preparation. We further assess the usability of LDPE as a secondary reference material and comment on its performance in the presence of issues such as variable dark noise, x-ray warm up times, inaccuracy at low count rates, and underlying spectrometer problems. In response to participant feedback and the results of the study, we provide an updated LDPE intensity calibration protocol to address the issues highlighted in the interlaboratory study. We also comment on the lack of implementation of a consistent and traceable intensity calibration method across the community of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) users and, therefore, propose a route to achieving this with the assistance of instrument manufacturers, metrology laboratories, and experts leading to an international standard for XPS intensity scale calibration.

Detection of suspended nanoparticles with near-ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Two systems of suspended nanoparticles have been studied with near-ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy: silver nanoparticles in water and strontium fluoride-calcium fluoride core-shell nanoparticles in ethylene glycol. The corresponding dry samples were measured under ultra high vacuum for comparison. The results obtained under near-ambient pressure were overall comparable to those obtained under ultra high vacuum, although measuring silver nanoparticles in water requires a high pass energy and a long acquisition time. A shift towards higher binding energies was found for the silver nanoparticles in aqueous suspension compared to the corresponding dry sample, which can be assigned to a change of surface potential at the water-nanoparticle interface. The shell-thickness of the core-shell nanoparticles was estimated based on simulated spectra from the National Institute of Standards and Technology database for simulation of electron spectra for surface analysis. With the instrumental set-up presented in this paper, nanoparticle suspensions in a suitable container can be directly inserted into the analysis chamber and measured without prior sample preparation.

The role of salvage extended lymph node dissection in patients with rising PSA and PET/CT scan detected nodal recurrence of prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Non-prostatic bed recurrence of prostate cancer (PCa) is usually treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). We analyzed the impact of salvage extended lymph node dissection (sLND) on cancer control in patients with rising PSA and lymph node (LN) metastases.

METHODS

Between 2009 and 2016 we performed sLND in 87 patients with biochemical recurrence (BCR) and positive LNs on ¹⁸FEC and ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA positron emission tomography/X-ray computer tomography (PET/CT) after primary treatment (PT) of PCa. Intra- and postoperative complications according to Clavien-Dindo were assessed and the rates of biochemical response (BR), BCR-free and clinical recurrence (CR)-free survival, as well as time to initiation of systemic treatment were evaluated.

RESULTS

Mean age of patients and mean PSA at sLND was 66.7 years (46-80 years) and 2.63 ng ml^-1 (1.27-3.75 ng ml^-1), respectively. With 87.4% radical prostatectomy (RP) was the most common PT. In all, 57.9% of patients additionally underwent adjuvant/salvage radiation therapy (RT) and 18.4% received ADT before sLND. Complete BR (cBR) was diagnosed in 27.5% of patients and incomplete BR in 40.6%. In total, 62.2% of patients remained without ADT at follow-up. With a median follow-up of 21 months (1-75 months), the cancer-specific mortality rate was 3.7%. The 3-year BCR-free, systemic therapy-free and CR-free survival rates for patients with cBR were 69.3%, 77.0% and 75%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

sLND can be performed without significant complications and achieves an immediate BR, thus allowing a significant postponement of systemic therapy in selected patients with BCR and nodal recurrence of PCa. Therefore, sLND following ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA PET/CT should be considered as part of a multimodal diagnostic and treatment concept for selective patients.

Understanding the origin of band gap formation in graphene on metals: graphene on Cu/Ir(111)

Understanding the nature of the interaction at the graphene/metal interfaces is the basis for graphene-based electron- and spin-transport devices. Here we investigate the hybridization between graphene- and metal-derived electronic states by studying the changes induced through intercalation of a pseudomorphic monolayer of Cu in between graphene and Ir(111), using scanning tunnelling microscopy and photoelectron spectroscopy in combination with density functional theory calculations. We observe the modifications in the band structure by the intercalation process and its concomitant changes in the charge distribution at the interface. Through a state-selective analysis of band hybridization, we are able to determine their contributions to the valence band of graphene giving rise to the gap opening. Our methodology reveals the mechanisms that are responsible for the modification of the electronic structure of graphene at the Dirac point, and permits to predict the electronic structure of other graphene-metal interfaces.

Electronic structure and imaging contrast of graphene moiré on metals

Realization of graphene moiré superstructures on the surface of 4d and 5d transition metals offers templates with periodically modulated electron density, which is responsible for a number of fascinating effects, including the formation of quantum dots and the site selective adsorption of organic molecules or metal clusters on graphene. Here, applying the combination of scanning probe microscopy/spectroscopy and the density functional theory calculations, we gain a profound insight into the electronic and topographic contributions to the imaging contrast of the epitaxial graphene/Ir(111) system. We show directly that in STM imaging the electronic contribution is prevailing compared to the topographic one. In the force microscopy and spectroscopy experiments we observe a variation of the interaction strength between the tip and high-symmetry places within the graphene moiré supercell, which determine the adsorption sites for molecules or metal clusters on graphene/Ir(111).

Interface Engineering of Chalcogenide Semiconductors in Thin Film Solar Cells: CdTe as an Example

In this paper the electronic properties of the different interfaces of CdTe thin film solar cells will be analysed by using a surface science approach. Experimental basis for the experiments is an integrated UHV systems which allows to prepare and analyse real solar cells as well as appropriate model interfaces. Recently obtained data on the ITO surface, the ITO/SnO2/CdS front contact, the CdS/CdTe heterojunction and the CdTe/Te back contact will be presented. In addition, bulk properties as doping and lateral inhomogeneities will be addressed. For all these interfaces experimentally determined band energy diagrams will be given and discussed in relation to solar cell performance. Finally, the sum of the results will be used to propose a modified band energy diagram of the complete CdTe thin film solar cell and its implication for further cell improvement will be presented.

[Oral galantamine versus rivastigmine transdermal patch: a descriptive study at a memory clinic in The Netherlands]

OBJECTIVES

Since January 2008 in The Netherlands, two cholinesterase inhibitors, oral galantamine and rivastigmine transdermal patch, are registered as a one-day symptomatic treatment for Alzheimer's disease. As no head to head study was performed yet, the objective of this study was to describe the daily practice of oral galantamine and rivastigmine transdermal patch in a real life population of a memory clinic of a suburban teaching hospital in The Netherlands.

METHODS

A randomized open label study in 84 ambulant Alzheimer's patients with at least 6 months follow-up and treated either with oral galantamine (group G) or rivastigmine transdermal patch (group R). Data collection included patients' demographic and disease variables. Adverse events were collected and, in case of interruption of the primary treatment, the alternative treatment was registered.

RESULTS

Serious adverse events did not occur. In group G respectively group R adverse events occurred in 20 patients (50%) and 18 patients (41%). No difference occurred in the frequency of nausea or vomiting. In group R more patients noted dermatological adverse events. In group G respectively group R medication was stopped in 12 patients (30%) and 14 patients (32%). However, compared to group G after stopping the treatment in group R more patients received a new anti-dementia medication (respectively 11 patients (79%) and 4 patients (33%)) (chi2(1) = 5.418, p = .026).

CONCLUSION

Despite different forms, the use of oral galantamine and rivastigmine transdermal patch showed neither difference in the frequency of adverse events neither in the frequency of stopping primary treatment. However, compared to oral galantamine use, rivastigmine transdermal patch resulted in more dermatological adverse events and after stopping rivastigmine transdermal patch, new anti-dementia medication or form was more often started. More research is urgently needed.

Changes in the crystal and electronic structure of LiCoO(2) and LiNiO(2) upon Li intercalation and de-intercalation

Li(x)CoO(2) and Li(x)NiO(2) (0.5 < x < 1) are used as prototype cathode materials in lithium ion batteries. Both systems show degradation and fatigue when used as cathode material during electrochemical cycling. In order to analyze the change of the structure and the electronic structure of Li(x)CoO(2) and Li(x)NiO(2) as a function of Li content x in detail, we have performed X-ray diffraction studies, photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) investigations and band structure calculations for a series of compounds Li(x)(Co,Ni)O(2) (0 < x < or = 1). The calculated density of states (DOS) are weighted by theoretical photoionization cross sections and compared with the DOS gained from the PES experiments. Consistently, the experimental and calculated DOS show a broadening of the Co/Ni 3d states upon lithium de-intercalation. The change of the shape of the experimental PES curves with decreasing lithium concentration can be interpreted from the calculated partial DOS as an increasing energetic overlap of the Co/Ni 3d and O 2p states and a change in the orbital overlap of Co/Ni and O wave functions.

Theoretical and experimental determination of the electronic structure of V2O5, reduced V2O5−xand sodium intercalated NaV2O5

In this work the electronic structure of V(2)O(5), reduced V(2)O(5-x) (V(16)O(39)) and sodium intercalated NaV(2)O(5) has been studied by both theoretical and experimental methods. Theoretical band structure calculations have been performed using density functional methods (DFT). We have investigated the electron density distribution of the valence states, the total density of states (total DOS) and the partial valence band density of states (PVBDOS). Experimentally, amorphous V(2)O(5) thin films have been prepared by physical vapour deposition (PVD) on freshly cleaved highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) substrates at room temperature with an initial oxygen understoichiometry of about 4%, resulting in a net stoichiometry of V(2)O(4.8). These films have been intercalated by sodium using vacuum deposition with subsequent spontaneous intercalation (NaV(2)O(5)) at room temperature. Resonant V3p-V3d photoelectron spectroscopy (ResPES) experiments have been performed to determine the PVBDOS focusing on the calculation of occupation numbers and the determination of effective oxidation state, reflecting ionicity and covalency of the V-O bonds. Using X-ray absorption near edge spectra (XANES) an attempt is made to visualize the changes in the unoccupied DOS due to sodium intercalation. For comparison measurements on nearly stoichiometric V(2)O(5) single crystals have been performed. The experimental data for the freshly cleaved and only marginally reduced V(2)O(5) single crystals and the NaV(2)O(5) results are in good agreement with the calculated values. The ResPES results for V(2)O(4.8) agree in principle with the calculations, but the trends in the change of the ionicity differ between experiment and theory. Experimentally we find partly occupied V 3d states above the oxygen 2p-like states and a band gap between these and the unoccupied states. In theory one finds this occupation scheme assuming oxygen vacancies in V(2)O(5) and by performing a spin-polarized calculation of an antiferromagnetic ordered NaV(2)O(5.).