Potential Toxicity Research Articles

Nanoparticle innovations in targeted cancer therapy: advancements in antibody-drug conjugates.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have emerged as a promising strategy in targeted cancer therapy, enabling the precise delivery of cytotoxic agents to tumor sites while minimizing systemic toxicity. However, traditional ADCs face significant limitations, including restricted drug loading capacity, where an optimal drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) is crucial; low DARs may lead to insufficient potency, while high DARs can cause rapid clearance and increased toxicity. Additionally, ADCs often suffer from instability in circulation due to the potential for premature release of cytotoxic agents, resulting in off-target effects and reduced therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, their large size can impede adequate penetration into solid tumors, particularly in heterogeneous environments with varying antigen expressions. This review explores the innovative use of nanoparticles as carriers for ADCs, which offers a multifaceted approach to enhance therapeutic efficacy. By leveraging the unique properties of nanoparticles, such as their small size and ability to exploit the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, researchers can improve drug stability, prolong circulation time, and achieve more effective tumor targeting. Recent studies demonstrate that nanoparticle-encapsulated ADCs can significantly enhance treatment outcomes while reducing off-target effects, as evidenced by improved targeting capabilities and reduced toxicity in preclinical models. Despite the promising advancements, challenges remain, including potential nanoparticle toxicity and manufacturing complexities. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current research on nanoparticle-encapsulated ADCs. It highlights their potential to transform cancer treatment and offers insights into future directions for optimizing these advanced therapeutic strategies.

Dolutegravir metabolism: impact of genetic variations on uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase subfamilies

1. Dolutegravir (DTG) is a key drug used to treat human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infections. Adverse events (AEs) of DTG treatment, including headache, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and abnormal dreams, are influenced by sex, body weight, age, and serum bilirubin levels. DTG is mainly metabolized by members of the uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A subfamilies (UGT1As), especially UGT1A1. 2. Some studies suggest a relationship between UGT1A1 variants and AEs. The aim of this study was to identify UGT1A isoforms that exhibit DTG glucuronidation activity and determine the relationship between UGT1A variants and DTG glucuronidation in vitro. 3. UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A9, and UGT1A10 exhibited DTG glucuronidation activity, of which UGT1A1 was the most active. Furthermore, variants of these isoforms showed decreased DTG glucuronidation activity. The different variants of UGT1As, such as UGT1A1.6, UGT1A1.7, UGT1A1.35, UGT1A1.63, UGT1A3.5, UGT1A9.2, UGT1A10M59I, and UGT1A10T202I, showed reduced glucuronidation activity toward DTG in comparison with the wild type UGT1As. 4. This study elucidates the relationship between UGT1A variants and the levels of glucuronidation associated with each variant. 5. Checking for UGT1As may be helpful in predicting potential toxicities and adverse effects related to DTG treatment.

Water-Soluble Vitamins: Hypo- and Hypervitaminosis in Pediatric Population

Background/Objectives: Water-soluble vitamins, comprising the B-complex vitamins and vitamin C, are essential for normal growth, cellular metabolism, and immune function in pediatric populations. Due to limited storage in the body, these vitamins require consistent intake to prevent deficiencies. Pediatric populations, particularly infants and young children, face a heightened risk of both deficiency and, in rare cases, toxicity due to varying dietary intake and increased developmental needs. This review explores the clinical importance of water-soluble vitamins, focusing on hypo- and hypervitaminosis in children. Methods: A narrative review of the recent literature on the sources, recommended intakes, deficiency symptoms, and potential toxicities associated with each water-soluble vitamin was conducted. Results: Deficiencies in water-soluble vitamins can lead to diverse clinical outcomes, such as neurological, hematological, and immune-related symptoms, depending on the specific vitamin involved. Pediatric populations with increased nutritional needs, such as those experiencing rapid growth or with malabsorption conditions, are particularly vulnerable to vitamin insufficiencies. Conversely, although uncommon, excessive intake of certain water-soluble vitamins may cause mild toxicity, primarily gastrointestinal or neurological. Conclusions: Monitoring water-soluble vitamin levels and providing tailored nutritional support are critical to prevent the adverse effects of hypo- and hypervitaminosis in children. Further research is needed to refine pediatric nutritional guidelines and address the specific needs of young patients, supporting optimal health outcomes.

Effect of surface-engineered AuNPs on gene expression, bacterial interaction, protein denaturation, and toxicology assay: an in vitro and in vivo model.

We investigated the in vitro and in vivo uses of pamoic acid functionalized gold nanoparticles (PA@AuNPs), with a focus on determining their safety and potential toxicity in living beings. To test this theory, the bacterial interaction of PA@AuNPs was studied using Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa cultures, as well as the inhibition of the bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein. The real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is used to measure the expression of target genes. PA@AuNPs caused dose-dependent cell death in MDA-MB-231, a triple-negative breast cancer (BC) cell line, with an LC50 of -42.23 μL mL-1. It also caused apoptosis in BC cells. The results indicated that in the early weeks, inflammatory cells (mostly neutrophils and macrophages) penetrated the connective tissue, but in the latter weeks, a substantial number of fibroblasts and fibrocytes were identified. Changes in vascular channels, extravasated red blood cells (RBCs), and necrosis are all indicators of growing tissue pathology. These data could point to a dynamic process including an anti-inflammatory response followed by tissue remodeling or repair. These findings show that PA@AuNPs were not hazardous to the tested Sprague Dawley rats, are highly biocompatible, and can be used in a variety of biological applications.

Polysaccharides: New Frontiers for Nasal Administration of Medicines

The nasal cavity has become a focal point for drug delivery research. Beyond its use in treating local diseases, the nasal route is appealing due its ability to deliver systemically potent drugs with low oral bioavailability. Recent interest in nasal vaccination has driven significant pre-clinical and clinical advancements. Further R&D holds promise for expanding nasal medications, offering innovative healthcare solutions. This review explores strategies using polysaccharides to enhance nasal delivery of hydrophilic drugs, peptides, proteins, genes, and other active compounds that typically struggle to permeate the nasal epithelium. Polysaccharides are attractive excipients due to their potential to enhance nasal absorption, regulate drug release, and extend residence time in the nasal cavity through bioadhesive properties. Studies on their mechanisms affecting drug absorption, potential toxicities, and applications will also be reviewed considering the particularities of nasal epithelium anatomy and physiology. Most products with these excipients are in pre-clinical and clinical evaluation, but PecFent, a pectin-based formulation, is approved for nasal administration of opioids for breakthrough cancer pain, offering faster pain relief and a better benefit–risk ratio due to pectin. Other polysaccharides like chitosan, cyclodextrins, hyaluronic acid, and alginate have shown potential in enhancing nasal drug absorption. This approach also holds promise for enhancing drug transport from the nasal cavity to the CNS (nose-to-brain), potentially advancing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

Toxicological problems of tattoo removal: characterization of femtosecond laser-induced fragments of Pigment Green 7 and Green Concentrate tattoo ink.

Femtosecond lasers represent a novel tool for tattoo removal as sources that can be operated at high power, potentially leading to different removal pathways and products. Consequently, the potential toxicity of its application also needs to be evaluated. In this framework, we present a comparative study of Ti:Sapphire femtosecond laser irradiation, as a function of laser power and exposure time, on water dispersions of Pigment Green 7 (PG7) and the green tattoo ink Green Concentrate (GC), which contains PG7 as its coloring agent. The treated samples were subsequently analyzed via UV‒Vis spectroscopy, gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry (GC‒MS), SEM imaging and associated statistical analysis. We found that, on average, the discoloration efficacy of femtosecond laser treatment was comparable to that of nanosecond lasers as were the decomposition products. In fact, two primary types of fragments are produced, both of which are potentially harmful, resulting either from the decomposition of chlorinated phthalocyanine (i.e., PG7) or from the active chlorination of naphthalene impurities. However, the outcomes for the PG7 and GC treatments differed significantly from each other from several points of view. The spectral intensity patterns of GC and PG7 were distinct, depending on the treatment conditions, and showed linearity with power only in the case of GC. Additionally, the relative ratios of the fragment products differed significantly, with the production rate showing a linear dependence on power only in the case of GC and no discernible trend for PG7. Shape and size distribution of the generated particles were highly dependent on the type of sample. Femtosecond laser irradiation of GCs primarily produces nanoparticles with a homogeneous size distribution, which are typically considered nontoxic. Large aggregates also formed, exhibiting a regular shape. In contrast, PG7 yielded rods and needles with aspect ratios similar to those of toxic fibers.

Novel Strategies for the Treatment of Lung Cancer: An In-depth Analysis of the Use of Immunotherapy, Precision Medicine, and Artificial Intelligence to Improve Prognoses.

Therapeutic hurdles persist in the fight against lung cancer, although it is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Results are still not up to par, even with the best efforts of conventional medicine, thus new avenues of investigation are required. Examining how immunotherapy, precision medicine, and AI are being used to manage lung cancer, this review shows how these tools can change the game for patients and increase their chances of survival. In the fight against cancer, immunotherapy has demonstrated encouraging results, especially in cases of small cell lung cancer [SCLC] and non-small cell lung cancer [NSCLC]. A key component in improving T cell responses against tumours is the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, which include PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 blockers. Cancer vaccines and CAR T-cell therapy are two examples of adoptive cell therapies that might be used to boost the immune system's ability to eliminate tumours. In order to improve surgical results and decrease recurrence, neoadjuvant immunotherapy is being investigated for its ability to preoperatively reduce tumours. Precision medicine tailors treatment based on individual genetic profiles and tumour features, boosting therapeutic efficacy and avoiding unwanted effects. For certain types of non-small cell lung cancer [NSCLC], targeted treatments based on mutations in genes including EGFR, ALK, and ROS1 have shown excellent results. When it comes to optimizing treatment regimens, biomarker-driven approaches guarantee that the patients most likely to benefit from particular medicines are selected. Artificial intelligence [AI] is revolutionizing lung cancer care through increased diagnostic accuracy, prognostic assessments, and therapy planning. Machine learning algorithms examine enormous information to detect trends and forecast outcomes, permitting individualized treatment techniques. AI-driven imaging tools enable early diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression, while predictive models assist in evaluating therapy responses and potential toxicity. The convergence of these advanced technologies holds promise for overcoming the constraints of conventional therapy. Combining immunotherapy with targeted treatments and utilizing AI for precision medicine delivers a multimodal approach that tackles the heterogeneous and dynamic nature of lung cancer. The incorporation of these new tactics into clinical practice demands cross-disciplinary collaboration and continuing study to develop and confirm their effectiveness. The synergistic application of immunotherapy, precision medicine, and AI constitutes a paradigm shift in lung cancer management. These discoveries provide a robust basis for individualized and adaptable therapy, potentially altering the prognosis for lung cancer patients. Ongoing research and clinical studies are vital to unlocking the full potential of these technologies, paving the way for enhanced therapeutic outcomes and improved quality of life for people battling this tough disease.

Bioeffects of Nanoplastics: DNA Damage and Mechanism.

Nanoplastics, as emerging contaminants, have been causing great panic, potentially affecting human health in recent years. Some in vitro studies have indicated that nanoplastics may induce severe toxicity. However, the mechanisms underlying this potential toxicity are insufficiently understood. In this study, we have found PS-NH2 nanoplastics had the obvious DNA cleavage activities, while PS-COOH nanoplastics were not observed to have the DNA cleavage abilities. Both microsized PS-NH2 and PS-COOH microplastics lacked DNA cleavage activities, indicating the importance of size and surface ligand in nanoplastics' DNA cleavage. The DNA cleavage system by nanoplastics remains stable under varying pH and temperature. From the mechanism exploration, the interaction energy is much higher between PS-NH2 nanoplastics than PS-COOH nanoplastics, further illuminating that PS-NH2 nanoplastics have stronger binding interaction with DNA to induce DNA cleavage activities. This study offers insights into the potential environmental risks and toxicity of nanoplastics in the aquatic ecosystems.

Exploring Innovative Approaches for the Analysis of Micro- and Nanoplastics: Breakthroughs in (Bio)Sensing Techniques

Plastic pollution, particularly from microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), has become a critical environmental and health concern due to their widespread distribution, persistence, and potential toxicity. MPs and NPs originate from primary sources, such as cosmetic microspheres or synthetic fibers, and secondary fragmentation of larger plastics through environmental degradation. These particles, typically less than 5 mm, are found globally, from deep seabeds to human tissues, and are known to adsorb and release harmful pollutants, exacerbating ecological and health risks. Effective detection and quantification of MPs and NPs are essential for understanding and mitigating their impacts. Current analytical methods include physical and chemical techniques. Physical methods, such as optical and electron microscopy, provide morphological details but often lack specificity and are time-intensive. Chemical analyses, such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, offer molecular specificity but face challenges with smaller particle sizes and complex matrices. Thermal analytical methods, including pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), provide compositional insights but are destructive and limited in morphological analysis. Emerging (bio)sensing technologies show promise in addressing these challenges. Electrochemical biosensors offer cost-effective, portable, and sensitive platforms, leveraging principles such as voltammetry and impedance to detect MPs and their adsorbed pollutants. Plasmonic techniques, including surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), provide high sensitivity and specificity through nanostructure-enhanced detection. Fluorescent biosensors utilizing microbial or enzymatic elements enable the real-time monitoring of plastic degradation products, such as terephthalic acid from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Advancements in these innovative approaches pave the way for more accurate, scalable, and environmentally compatible detection solutions, contributing to improved monitoring and remediation strategies. This review highlights the potential of biosensors as advanced analytical methods, including a section on prospects that address the challenges that could lead to significant advancements in environmental monitoring, highlighting the necessity of testing the new sensing developments under real conditions (composition/matrix of the samples), which are often overlooked, as well as the study of peptides as a novel recognition element in microplastic sensing.

The application of nanomaterials in drug delivery system

Drug delivery system (DDS) is a key technology platform for optimizing the distribution of drugs in the body. It improves the the efficiency of drug treatment and reduces side effects by regulating the dose, time and target location. This review focuses on the application progress of nanomaterials in DDS. Liposomes, albumin nanoparticles and magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are widely used due to their good biocompatibility, targeted drug release ability and imaging application potential. However, these materials also have certain limitations. Liposomes have low drug loading capacity, and their product Doxil shows low tolerance and certain adverse reactions. New nanomaterials are being developed and tried to be used in DDS. Innovative materials such as nano gels and metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have the capacity of reprinting a large number of drugs and low toxicity and application potential. These materials are in the research stage and are expected to play a significant role in future clinical applications.

Application of Nanotechnology in Agriculture: Opportunities and Challenges in the Context of Environmental Sustainability

Nanotechnology is an emerging field with immense potential to revolutionize agriculture by enhancing productivity, resource efficiency, and sustainability. Its applications span diverse areas, including nano-fertilizers for improved nutrient uptake, nano-pesticides for targeted pest control, and nanosensors for real-time monitoring of soil and crop health. These advancements address critical agricultural challenges, such as nutrient inefficiency, pest resistance, and environmental degradation. Nano-enabled smart delivery systems optimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides, reducing environmental contamination and improving yield. Nanotechnology also facilitates soil remediation, enhances microbial health, and provides innovative water purification techniques, making it instrumental in mitigating resource scarcity and pollution. Its role in precision agriculture, through IoT-integrated nanosensors, enables data-driven farming practices that improve decision-making and resource allocation. Despite its promise, the adoption of nanotechnology faces barriers, including potential toxicity of nanomaterials, long-term environmental risks, and concerns over food safety and human health. High production costs, limited scalability, and a lack of regulatory frameworks hinder widespread implementation, particularly in developing countries. Future research must focus on eco-friendly and biodegradable nanomaterials, scalable manufacturing methods, and the development of cost-effective technologies accessible to smallholder farmers. Robust policy frameworks, standardized safety guidelines, and public-private collaborations are essential to ensure the safe and ethical integration of nanotechnology in agriculture. Equally important are educational initiatives to enhance farmer awareness and build public trust in these innovations. By addressing these challenges, nanotechnology can play a transformative role in creating a sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural system capable of meeting the demands of a growing global population while protecting environmental and human health.

Preliminary insight into the intracellular behaviour of rare earths and other technology-critical elements (TCEs) in northern pike liver: study of TCE-binding biomolecules via size-exclusion HPLC-ICP-MS.

Technology-critical elements (TCEs) refer to the elements that play an important role in many emerging technologies and the production of advanced materials, and these include lanthanides, tungsten and vanadium. Actinides, Tl, and Pb, which also belong to TCEs, are abundantly used in power generation, industrial applications, and modern agricultural practices. The information on the influence of these elements on the aquatic environment and biota is still rather scarce. Thus, the distributions of the above-mentioned metals among cytosolic biomolecules of different molecular masses in the liver of the northern pike (Esox lucius) from the Mrežnica River (Croatia) were studied to obtain an insight into their intracellular behaviour and potential for toxicity. The applied method was a hyphenated system of size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In the samples with lower cytosolic concentrations, the obtained distributions of several TCEs (lanthanides, W, Th, and U) and Pb, among biomolecules of a wide range of molecular masses, which covered the entire column separation range (<10 to >600 kDa), indicated their nonspecific binding to various intracellular components. In the sample with the highest cytosolic concentration, a shift towards the highest molecular masse (>600 kDa) was observed for lanthanides and actinides, which is a sign of their possible binding to protein aggregates. In contrast, W and Pb showed a preference for medium molecular mass biomolecules (30-100 kDa). Moreover, it was hypothesized that prominent elution of U and Pb observed in the low molecular mass region (<10 kDa) possibly indicated their partial detoxification. Potential Pb associations with metallothionein-like proteins were also recorded (∼6-7 kDa). The remaining two elements, V and Tl, exhibited more specific intracellular binding, as they were eluted within one/two narrow peaks in the high molecular mass region (575 kDa/100-400 kDa). The tendency of the studied TCEs and other potentially toxic elements to bind to medium and high molecular mass intracellular proteins necessitates further research of their specific targets.

Organic ligands in whale excrement support iron availability and reduce copper toxicity to the surface ocean

Nutrient recycling by marine megafauna is a key ecosystem service that has been disturbed by anthropogenic activity. While some hypotheses attribute Southern Ocean ecosystem restructuring to disruptions in micronutrient cycling after the elimination of two million great whales, there is little knowledge of trace metal lability in whale excrement. Here we measured high concentrations of dissolved iron and copper in five baleen whale fecal samples and characterized micromolar levels of organic metal-binding ligands as a proxy for their availability. The iron-ligand pool consisted of weakly-binding ligands and intermediate-binding ligands which enhanced iron stability and potential bioavailability. In comparison, 47 novel strongly-binding metallophores dominated copper-binding, curtailing its potential toxicity. These results illustrate how marine megafauna transform prey biomass into highly-labile micronutrients that they inject directly into the surface ocean, a mechanism whaling reduced by over 90%. Thus, the rapid restructuring of pelagic ecosystems through overharvesting may cause large biogeochemical feedbacks, altering primary productivity and carbon sequestration processes in the ocean.

Ultrasound-Triggered Oxygen Release System for Accelerating Wound Healing of Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a common complication of chronic diabetes mellitus. Oxygen plays a critical role in the healing process of DFU wounds by promoting cell migration and neovascularization. However, clinical hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy predominantly uses systemic oxygen administration, posing challenges in inadequate DFU local oxygen penetration and potential ectopic organs oxygen toxicity. To address these challenges, a strategy to encapsulate oxygen with lipid microbubbles (OMBs) and incorporate them into a body temperature-sensitive heparin-pluronic copolymer hydrogel (HP/OMBs) have been developed. HP/OMBs showed high biocompatibility both in vitro and in vivo. After in situ administration, oxygen can be released from HP/OMBs to the local deep site of the DFU wounds under ultrasound (US) triggering. Thus, given its biocompatibility and practicality, the combined action of HP/OMBs and the US has important translational value in accelerating diabetic chronic wound healing.

Environmental applications of metal-organic framework-based three-dimensional macrostructures: a review.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) hold considerable promise for environmental remediation owing to their exceptional performance and distinctive structure. Nonetheless, the practical implementation of MOFs encounters persistent technical hurdles, notably susceptibility to loss, challenging recovery, and potential environmental toxicity arising from the fragility, insolubility, and poor processability of MOFs. MOF-based three-dimensional macrostructures (3DMs) inherit the advantageous attributes of the original MOFs, such as ultra-high specific surface area, tunable pore size, and customizable structure, while also incorporating the intriguing characteristics of bulk materials, including hierarchical structure, facile manipulation, and structural flexibility. Consequently, they exhibit rapid mass transfer and exceptional practicality, offering extensive potential applications in environmental remediation. This review presents a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in utilizing MOF-based 3DMs for environmental remediation, encompassing their fascinating characteristics, preparation strategies, and characterization methods, and highlighting their exceptional performance in pollutant adsorption, catalysis, and detection. Furthermore, existing challenges and prospects are presented to advance the utilization of MOF-based materials across various domains, particularly in environmental remediation.

Uptake and Transpiration of Solid and Hollow SiO2 Nanoparticles by Terrestrial Plant (Apium Graveolens var. secalinum).

Recent studies have raised concerns about the potential toxicity of amorphous silica (SiO2) nanoparticles (NPs). This investigation explores the uptake, transport, and transpiration of silica NPs in Apium graveolens var. secalinum. The study reveals that SiO2 NPs can infiltrate the plant cell wall, translocate from roots to stems and leaves, leading to elevated silicon levels and posing ingestion exposure risks. Furthermore, the release of these NPs through transpiration droplets (481±205 mg·m-2day-1 for 10 nm SiO2 NPs and 367±22 mg·m-2day-1for 20 nm SiO2 NPs) presents significant health and environmental hazards. Modeling silica-coated NPs with thin-shelled hollow silica (h-SiO2) NPs demonstrate in vitro and in vivo toxicity. Exposure of mice to these NPs (10 mg·Kg-1day-1) over four weeks induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, along with observed tissue damage in the brain, liver, and kidneys. These findings necessitate additional research into the neurobehavioral impacts of nanoparticles on mice.

Comparative Study of Phytolacca Species Through Morphological, Chloroplast Genome, and Phylogenetic Analysis

Phytolacca acinosa Roxb. and P. americana L. are recognized as the primary sources of Phytolaccae Radix, which is traditionally utilized for various medicinal purposes. However, because of their potent toxicity, it is essential to distinguish these species. This study has aimed to clarify the classification of Phytolacca species based on their morphology and genetic differences. The chloroplast genome of P. acinosa was sequenced and comparative analyses were conducted to identify the regions of variation and nucleotide diversity among the species. The results revealed that P. acinosa shares more sequence similarity with other Phytolacca species than with P. americana. Additionally, the dN/dS analysis showed that the ndhH gene of P. americana had a value of 1.0871, indicating positive selection. The phylogenetic tree, supported by strong bootstrap values and posterior probabilities, confirmed that P. acinosa and P. americana formed distinct clusters. Furthermore, the estimated divergence time between P. acinosa and P. americana was approximately 15.07 million years ago, indicating that they diverged earlier than P. insularis, P. polyandra, P. japonica, and P. latbenia. These findings indicated that P. acinosa and P. americana are phylogenetically distinct species, highlighting the need for accurate species identification and taxonomic reassessment to ensure the safe use of these toxic medicinal plants.

Spatial control of doping in conducting polymers enables complementary, conformable, implantable internal ion-gated organic electrochemical transistors

Complementary transistors are critical for circuits with compatible input/output signal dynamic range and polarity. Organic electronics offer biocompatibility and conformability; however, generation of complementary organic transistors requires introduction of separate materials with inadequate stability and potential for tissue toxicity, limiting their use in biomedical applications. Here, we discovered that introduction of source/drain contact asymmetry enables spatial control of de/doping and creation of single-material complementary organic transistors from a variety of conducting polymers of both carrier types. When integrated with the vertical channel design and internal ion reservoirs of internal ion-gated organic electrochemical transistors, we produced matched complementary IGTs (cIGTs) that formed high-performance conformable amplifiers with 200 V/V uniform gain and 2 MHz bandwidth. These amplifiers showed long-term in vivo stability, and their miniaturized biocompatible design allowed implantation in developing rodents to monitor network maturation. cIGTs expand the use of organic electronics in standard circuit designs and enhance their biomedical potential.

Occupational Exposure to Mercury at an Electronics Waste and Lamp Recycling Facility - Ohio, 2023.

Workers in electronics waste and lamp recycling facilities are at risk of exposure to elemental mercury through inhalation of mercury vapor and mercury-containing dust. Employers at an electronics waste and lamp recycling facility in Ohio that crushes mercury-containing lamps expressed concerns about mercury exposure from work processes and requested a health hazard evaluation by CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). In April 2023, NIOSH conducted a multidisciplinary investigation to assess elemental and inorganic mercury exposures, including epidemiologic, environmental, and ventilation assessments. Results indicated that mercury vapor was detected throughout the facility, with six of 14 workers having elevated urine mercury levels. These workers had a median job tenure of 8 months; four did not speak English, and five reported symptoms consistent with mercury toxicity, such as metallic or bitter taste, difficulty thinking, and changes in personality. Recommendations included improving the ventilation system, changing work practices to reduce mercury exposure, and providing training and communication tailored to the worker. As the electronic waste recycling industry continues to grow, it is important for employers to evaluate mercury exposure and safeguard employees using a hierarchy of controls. Health departments should consider monitoring occupational mercury exposure in recycling facilities, and clinicians should be aware of the potential for mercury toxicity among workers in these settings.

Doxycycline Versus Vancomycin for the Treatment of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus-Associated Acute Pulmonary Exacerbations in People With Cystic Fibrosis.

Among people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-associated acute pulmonary exacerbations (APEs) have been increasing in prevalence and can cause rapid declines in lung function and increased mortality. Fortunately, since 2019, incidence has started to decline. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if doxycycline has comparable efficacy to vancomycin for the treatment of APEs in PwCF. Given the potential toxicities and intolerances associated with vancomycin, evaluating alternative therapies such as doxycycline is warranted. A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted in adult and pediatric PwCF who received greater than 48 hours of either vancomycin or doxycycline to treat MRSA-associated APEs between May 1, 2014, and August 31, 2021. The primary outcome was the number of PwCF with a return to ≥90% of baseline forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1). There were 229 PwCF encounters screened, of which 89 met inclusion criteria (n = 26, vancomycin; n = 63, doxycycline). There were no differences between vancomycin and doxycycline for the primary outcome: 18/26 (69.2%) in the vancomycin group vs 51/63 (81.0%) in the doxycycline group (P = 0.23). Secondary outcomes were similar between groups, including no difference in incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), although a significantly higher incidence of adverse events occurred in the vancomycin arm. The findings of this study suggest doxycycline may be a reasonable alternative to vancomycin for MRSA-associated APEs, particularly in PwCF who may not tolerate vancomycin or who require concomitant nephrotoxins such as intravenous (IV) aminoglycosides.