The role of the European Chemicals Bureau in promoting the regulatory use of (Q)SAR methods†

Under the proposed REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of CHemicals) legislation, (Q)SAR models and grouping methods (chemical categories and read across approaches) are expected to play a significant role in prioritising industrial chemicals for further assessment, and for filling information gaps for the purposes of classification and labelling, risk assessment and the assessment of persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) chemicals. The European Chemicals Bureau (ECB), which is part of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC), has a well-established role in providing independent scientific and technical advice to European policy makers. The ECB also promotes consensus and capacity building on scientific and technical matters among stakeholders in the Member State authorities and industry. To promote the availability and use of (Q)SARs and related estimation methods, the ECB is carrying out a range of activities, including applied research in computational toxicology, the assessment of (Q)SAR models and methods, the development of technical guidance documents and computational tools, and the organisation of training courses. This article provides an overview of ECB activities on computational toxicology, which are intended to promote the development, validation, acceptance and use of (Q)SARs and related estimation methods, both at the European and international levels.     

Quantification of cow’s milk percentage in dairy products – a myth?

The substitution of ewe's and goat's milk for cheaper cow's milk is still a fraudulent practice in the dairy industry. Moreover, soy-based products (e.g., soy milk, yoghurt) have to be checked for cow's milk as they are an alternative for people suffering from an allergy against bovine milk proteins. This work reports the evaluation of different protein-based electrophoretic methods and DNA-based techniques for the qualitative detection as well as the quantitative determination of cow's milk percentage in dairy and soy milk products. Isoelectric focusing (IEF) of γ-caseins using an optimized pH gradient was appropriate not only for the detection of cow's milk, but also for an estimation of cow's milk percentage in mixed-milk cheese varieties. Urea-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) proved the method of choice to detect cow's milk in soy milk products, whereas IEF and SDS-PAGE of proteins were not applicable due to false-positive results. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was used to confirm the results of protein-based electrophoretic methods. Problems inherent in quantitative analysis of cow's milk percentage using protein-based techniques and even more using DNA-based methods were emphasized. Applicability of quantitative real-time PCR for the determination of cow's milk percentage in mixed-milk cheese was shown to be hampered by several factors (e.g., somatic cell count of milk; technological parameters influencing the final DNA concentration in ripened commercial cheese samples). The implementation of certified reference standards (of major relevant cheese groups) containing 50% cow's milk was urgently recommended to enable at least a yes/no decision in commercial mixed-milk cheese samples.     

Synthesis of a secretoglobin 3A2 type C (98–139) fragment by Dawson’s native chemical ligation

A secretoglobin 3A2 type C (98–139) peptide was synthesized by native chemical ligation between ¹¹⁵Ile and ¹¹⁶Cys residues using Dawson’s linker. The peptide-N-acyl-benzimidazolinone-glycine amide, a C-terminal thioesters precursor, was provided from 3-amino-4-(methylamino)benzoic acid. In addition, an N-terminal cysteine fragment, the (116–139) peptide, was prepared by ordinary Fmoc-solid phase peptide synthesis. Native chemical ligation of the (98–115) fragment with the Dawson’s linker and the (116–139) peptide smoothly proceeded to give SCGB3A2 type C (98–139) peptide.     

Vibrational dephasing under fractional (“stretched”) exponential modulation in a liquid crystal system

The amplitude correlation and memory functions associated with the inhomogeneous broadening of the Raman CN oscillator profile of 4-n-nonyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl (9-CB) were determined for the polycrystalline, smectic, nematic, and liquid phases and simulated using a fractional (“extended”) exponential modulation function, exp[-(t/T)^α]. Shape parameter α (<1) is considered an overall variable that quantifies the tendency of the system to persue sequential, correlated dynamical events; T (ps) is a characteristic time. For mesophases and liquid, modulation of the oscillator phase depends on a sequence of relaxation steps with a scale-invariant distribution of relaxation time (“fractal time”). An effective modulation event is envisaged to occur if a favorable [CH₂]_n configuration arises from fast group motions in the alkyl chain that induces a transition between trans/gauche forms at the CN oscillator site. For the more ordered polycrystal, memory is essentially pure-exponential, leading to damped-harmonic vibrational amplitude dephasing. The data corroborate the presence of cybotactic groups in the liquid.     

Observation of unusual Griffith’s phase behavior in quadruple perovskite oxide CaCu3Mn4O12 (CCMO) synthesized through chemical route

The CaCu₃Mn₄O₁₂ (CCMO) ceramic was successfully synthesized through the chemical route. The phase formation was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction pattern. Thermogravimetric (TGA), FT-IR, SEM, TEM, EDX, and XPS analysis were performed for investigation of the thermal behavior, phase identification, microstructural analysis, elemental analysis and oxidation state of the CCMO ceramic respectively. FT-IR spectra confirmed the existence of MnO₆ octahedral in body-centered cubic (BCC) complex perovskite oxide that resembles the CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂ structure. The average particle size was observed by TEM in the range between 100 and 200 nm. AFM shows the average roughness of the surface was found to be in the range of 30 ± 5 nm. XPS and EDX studies confirmed the purity and oxidation state of the CCMO ceramic. The synthesized material shows very interesting unique Griffith’s phase (T_G) results that arise disorder in magnetic susceptibility in which ferromagnetic transition was to be observed in the paramagnetic region.     

Immobilization of Invertase in a Novel Proton Conducting Poly(vinylphosphonic acid) – poly(1-vinylimidazole) Network

A novel proton conducting polymer blend was prepared by mixing poly(vinylphosphonic acid) (PVPA) with poly(1-vinylimidazole) (PVI) at various stoichiometric ratios via changing molar ratio of monomer repeating unit to achieve the highest protonation. The polymer network having the most suitable stoichiometric ratio for substantial proton conductivity was prepared and characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy and proton conductivity measurements. The network was used for immobilization of invertase and some important kinetic parameters such as the maximum reaction rate (V_max) and Michaelis-Menten constant (K_m) were investigated for the immobilized invertase. Additionally, optimum temperature and pH were determined to acquire the best conditions for the highest enzyme activity. Operational stability of the entrapped enzyme was also examined. The results reveal that the most stable and highly proton conducting polymer network may play a pioneer role in the biosensors applications as given by FT-IR, elemental analysis, impedance spectroscopy and storage stability experiments.     

Change in Young’s modulus of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) gels by volume phase transition

Mechanical properties of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) gels were examined both in swollen and collapsed state. Stress–strain curve of the gel in the swollen state was linear and the collapsed gel also showed almost linear stress–strain behavior. The initial Young’s modulus (E₀) in the collapsed state was much higher than that in the swollen state. The number of cross-links increased largely by the introduction of the physical cross-links due to collapse of the gels.     

Copper(II)-selective membrane electrode based on a recently synthesized naphthol-derivative Schiff’s base

A PVC membrane electrode for copper(II) ions based on a recently synthesized naphthol-derivative Schiff’s base as membrane carrier was prepared. The sensor exhibits a Nernstian response for Cu²⁺ ions over a wide concentration range (5.0 × 10^–6–5.0 × 10^–2 mol/L) with a detection limit of 3.1 × 10^–6 mol/L (0.2 μg/mL). It has a very short response time of about 5 s and can be used for ¶3 months without any divergence in potential. The proposed electrode revealed good selectivities over a wide variety of other cations including alkali, alkaline earth, transition and heavy metal ions and could be used in a pH range of 4.0–7.0. It was successfully applied to the direct determination and potentiometric titration of copper ion.     

Bis(4-benzhydryl-benzoxazol-2-yl)methane – from a Bulky NacNac Alternative to a Trianion in Alkali Metal Complexes

A novel sterically demanding bis(4-benzhydryl-benzoxazol-2-yl)methane ligand 6 (^4−BzhH2BoxCH₂) was gained in a straightforward six-step synthesis. Starting from this ligand monomeric [M(^4-BzhH2BoxCH)] (M=Na ( 7 ), K ( 8₁ )) and dimeric [{M(^4-BzhH2BoxCH)}₂] (M=K ( 8₂ ), Rb ( 9 ), Cs ( 10 )) alkali metal complexes were synthesised by deprotonation. Abstraction of the potassium ion of 8 by reaction with 18-crown-6 resulted in the solvent separated ion pair [{(THF)₂K@(18-crown-6)}{bis(4-benzhydryl-benzoxazol-2-yl)methanide}] ( 11 ), including the energetically favoured monoanionic (E,E)-(^4-BzhH2BoxCH) ligand. Further reaction of ^4−BzhH2BoxCH₂ with three equivalents KH and two equivalents 18-crown-6 yielded polymeric [{(THF)₂K@(18-crown-6)}{K@(18-crown-6)K(^4-BzhBoxCH)}]_n (n→∞) ( 12 ) containing a trianionic ligand. The neutral ligand and herein reported alkali complexes were characterised by single X-ray analyses identifying the latter as a promising precursor for low-valent main group complexes.     

Baker’s yeast catalyzed preparation of a new enantiomerically pure synthon of (S)-pramipexole and its enantiomer (dexpramipexole)

A biocatalyzed reduction of a prochiral bicyclic ketone afforded enantiomerically pure (R)-2-acetylamino-6-hydroxy-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzothiazole, a synthon of the anti-Parkinson (S)-pramipexole and its (R)-isomer, which is currently under investigation for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).     

Synthesis and evaluation of a phenylbenzothiazole-based 99mTc(CO)3-radiotracer for possible application in imaging of β-amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s disease

The 2-phenyl benzothiazole pharmacophore is known to have high affinity for amyloid beta (Aβ) and is therefore derivatized, to [N-(4′-benzothiazol-pyridin-2-yl-methyl-amino)-acetic acid (BTPAA)] for radiolabeling with [^99mTc(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺ precursor. The radiotracer, ^99mTc(CO)₃–BTPAA is evaluated in vitro and in vivo to determine its binding with the Aβ and ability to cross the blood brain barrier. The radiotracer prepared in >95 % radiochemical yield, showed ~25 % inhibition in presence of thioflavin-T, indicating its specificity towards aggregated Aβ protein. The radiotracer also showed brain uptake of 0.25 ± 0.04 % injected dose/g at 2 min post injection, indicating its ability to cross the blood brain barrier.     

Polar space group and complex magnetism in Ni11□(HPO3)8(OH)6: towards a new multiferroic material?

The Ni₁₁□(HPO₃)₈(OH)₆ phosphite was prepared using a hydrothermal method. Depending on the pressure used during the synthesis, different hierarchical superstructures were encountered, including a new original cross-shaped star. The as-obtained products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and magnetization. In agreement with the presence of transition metal dimers in the structure, a complex magnetic behavior is observed at low temperature. This magnetic ground-state, combined with the non-centrosymmetry of the space group, creates new opportunities for applications in this class of open framework inorganic materials.     

Synthesis and structure of iron(III) complexes with a new ligands based on Girard’s reagent

Condensation of 5-bromosalicylaldehyde with Girard’s reagent T yields a new ligand in the form of a salt, 5-bromosalicylaldehyde (carboxymethyl)trimethylammonium chloride hydrazone (5-BrH₂SalGT)Cl (I). Ligand I is readily soluble in water and reacts with iron chloride to give the complex [Fe(5-BrSalGT)Cl₂] (II). Treatment of II with KCNS leads to the compound [Fe(5-BrSalGT)(NCS)₂(H₂O)] (III). At any ratio of the initial reagents, only complexes with the ratio metal: ligand = 1: 1 are isolated. Comparison of the structural data for compounds I–III shows that ligand I is deprotonated in the course of complex formation and is coordinated in the anionic form. Its conformational rearrangement is minimal and involves only a change in the orientation of the terminal group N(CH₃)₃. In complexes II and III, ligand I is coordinated to the metal ion through the ONO donor atoms. The structures of the complexes with different acido ligands are significantly different. Although the complexes contain each two inorganic anions, their coordination polyhedra differ from each other. In II, the iron atom is at the center of a trigonal bipyramid, whereas in III the iron atom has a tetragonal-bipyramidal environment due to the extra coordination of a water molecule. In both complexes, the iron atom is in the high-spin state: at room temperature, μ_eff is 5.86 and 5.81 μ_B for II and III, respectively. Complexes II and III are ordinary paramagnets down to 2 K.     

Seasonal variability of optical properties in a highly turbid lake (Laguna Chascomús, Argentina)

We study the underwater light field seasonality in a turbid lake, Laguna Chascomús (Buenos Aires, Argentina). We report (1) relationships between optical properties (OPs) and optically active substances (OASs); (2) relationships between inherent (IOPs) and apparent (AOPs) optical properties; and (3) the seasonal variability in OASs and OPs. Light absorption was dominated by the particulate fraction. The contributions of phytoplankton pigments and unpigmented components were similar. The best predictors of total particulate absorption, unpigmented particulate absorption, turbidity and vertical attenuation coefficient were total suspended solids or their ash content. Many OASs and OPs varied seasonally. The concentrations of OASs were higher during spring and summer, resulting in lower transparency and higher turbidity. However, mass-specific absorption coefficients displayed lower values during spring and summer. Thus, the higher light attenuation observed during spring and summer resulted from higher concentrations of relatively less absorptive OASs. Collectively, these results suggest that: (1) light extinction is enhanced during spring and summer; (2) the enhanced light extinction is due to changes in the particulate fraction; (3) the enhanced light extinction is mostly due to an increase in the amount of particulate material; and (4) the increase of particulate matter also enhanced light extinction through increased scattering.     

Double molecular imprinting – a new sensor concept for improving selectivity in the detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water

It is now well recognised that the quality control (QC) of all types of analyses, including environmental analyses depends on the appropriate use of reference materials. One of the ways to check the accuracy of methods is based on the use of Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), whereas other types of (not certified) Reference Materials (RMs) are used for routine quality control (establishment of control charts) and interlaboratory testing (e.g. proficiency testing). The perception of these materials, in particular with respect to their production and use, differs widely according to various perspectives (e.g. RM producers, routine laboratories, researchers). This review discusses some critical aspects of RM use and production for the QC of environmental analyses and describes the new approach followed by the Measurements & Testing Generic Activity (European Commission) to tackle new research and production needs.     

Schiff’s base derived from the pharmaceutical drug Dapsone (DS) as a new and effective corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in hydrochloric acid

The inhibition ability of Dapsone’s Schiff’s base with salicylaldehyde (1:2) for mild steel corrosion in 1 M HCl solution at 308 K was studied by means of potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques, and gravimetric analysis. Results showed that Dapsone salicylaldehyde performed well as a good inhibitor for mild steel in 1 M HCl solution with maximum inhibition efficiency of 95 % at 500 ppm. The adsorption isotherm of the inhibitor followed the Langmuir adsorption. The value of free energy of adsorption showed that it is a spontaneous process and followed typical physical adsorption.