Showing papers by "National Nuclear Energy Commission published in 2015"

Immediate Placement of Implants into Infected Sites: A Systematic Review

Abstract: Background Traditionally, before placing dental implants, the compromised teeth are removed and the extraction sockets are left to heal for several months. To preserve the alveolar bone level from the collapse caused by healing and to reduce treatment time in situations in which tooth extraction precedes implant placement, some clinicians began to install the implant immediately into the postextraction socket without waiting for the site to heal. Purpose The purpose of this study was to review the literature regarding treatment outcomes of immediate implant placement into sites exhibiting pathology after clinical procedures to perform the decontamination of the implant's site. The following questions were raised: Does the presence of periodontal or endodontic infection affect immediate implant placement success? What is suggested to address the infection in the socket prior to immediate placement? Materials and Methods An electronic search in PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA) was undertaken in March 2013. The titles and abstracts from these results were read to identify studies within the selection criteria. Eligibility criteria included both animal and human studies, and excluded any review and case reports articles. The publication's intervention had to have been implant placement into a site classified as having an infection (periapical, endodontic, perioendodontic, and periodontal). Results The search strategy initially yielded 706 references. Thirty-two studies were identified within the selection criteria, from which nine were case reports and review articles and were excluded. Additional hand-searching of the reference lists of selected studies yielded five additional papers. Conclusions The high survival rate obtained in several studies supports the hypothesis that implants may be successfully osseointegrated when placed immediately after extraction of teeth presenting endodontic and periodontal lesions, provided that appropriate clinical procedures are performed before the implant surgical procedure such as meticulous cleaning, socket curettage/debridement, and chlorhexidine 0.12% rinse. However, more randomized controlled clinical trials with a longer follow-up are required to confirm this procedure as a safe treatment. Moreover, the outcome measures were not related to the type of infection; the classification of infection was often vague and varied among the studies. The benefits of antibiotic solution irrigation and systemic antibiotic administration in such conditions are not yet proved and remain unclear.

Oxidation of ammonia using PtRh/C electrocatalysts: Fuel cell and electrochemical evaluation

Abstract: This study reports on the use of PtRh/C electrocatalysts prepared by the borohydride reduction method with different Pt:Rh atomic ratios: (90:10, 70:30 and 50:50) which was investigated toward the ammonia electro-oxidation considering electrochemical and also direct ammonia fuel cell (DAFC) experiments. The DAFC experiments were conducted using different proportions of NH4OH and KOH as fuels. X-ray diffraction showed the formation of PtRh alloy while transmission electron micrographs showed the particles sizes between 4.1 and 4.5 nm. Among the different NH4OH and KOH concentrations the combination of 3 mol L−1 NH4OH and 3 mol L−1 KOH was the most favorable due to the higher KOH concentration, which increased the electrolyte conductivity, thus, improving the ammonia oxidation. Moreover, among the PtRh/C electrocatalysts the Pt:Rh ratio of 90:10 showed to be the best suited one since it showed a power density almost 60% higher than Pt. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results revealed for this catalyst that the nanoparticles contain a high proportion of metallic Pt and Rh phases, supporting the alloy formation between Pt and Rh. The improved fuel cell efficiency can be related to the combination of different effects: the alloy formation between Pt and Rh (electronic effect), suppressing the adsorption strength of poisonous intermediates, and a synergic effect between Pt and Rh at this composition.

PtAu/C electrocatalysts as anodes for direct ammonia fuel cell

Abstract: PtAu/C electrocatalysts prepared by borohydride reduction method with different Pt:Au atomic ratios (50:50 and 70:30) were tested as work electrodes/anodes in electrochemical experiments and also using a direct ammonia fuel cell (DAFC). X-ray diffraction patterns showed the formation of PtAu alloy while transmission electron micrographs showed the particles sizes between 5.8 and 6.4 nm. PtAu/C 70:30 presented the best results showing a current density about 20% higher when compared to Pt/C in voltammetry experiments and a power density about 60% higher than Pt/C using DAFC, while Au/C showed practically no activity in both experiments. The best results obtained with PtAu/C (70:30) could be explained by the electronic effect (PtAu alloy) associated with adsorbed hydroxyl species (AuOHads) and also the lower Au-N energy adsorption.

Porphyry to Epithermal Transition in the Altar Cu-(Au-Mo) Deposit, Argentina, Studied by Cathodoluminescence, LA-ICP-MS, and Fluid Inclusion Analysis

Abstract: The middle to late Miocene Altar porphyry Cu-(Au-Mo) deposit, located in the Andean Main Cordillera of San Juan Province (Argentina), is characterized by the superposition of multiple vein generations consisting of both porphyry-type and high sulfidation epithermal-style alteration and mineralization. We constrain the physical and chemical evolution of the hydrothermal fluids that formed this deposit based on description and distribution of vein types, scanning electron microscopy, cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging, trace elements in quartz veins, and fluid inclusion microthermometry. Quartz CL textures and trace elements (chiefly Li, Al, Ti, and Ge) differentiate among quartz generations precipitated during different mineralization and alteration events. Early quartz ± chalcopyrite ± pyrite veins and quartz ± molybdenite veins (A and B veins) show considerable complexity and were commonly reopened, and some underwent quartz dissolution. Early quartz ± chalcopyrite ± pyrite veins (A veins) are dominated by equigranular bright CL quartz with homogeneous texture. Most of these veins contain higher Ti concentrations than any other vein type (average: 100 ppm) and have low to intermediate Al concentrations (65–448 ppm). Quartz ± molybdenite (B veins) and chlorite + rutile ± hematite (C veins) veins contain quartz of intermediate CL intensity that commonly shows growth zones with oscillatory CL intensity. Quartz from these veins has intermediate Ti concentrations (~20 ppm) and Al concentrations similar to those of A veins. Quartz from later quartz + pyrite veins with quartz + muscovite ± tourmaline halos (D veins) has significantly lower CL intensity, low Ti (<15 ppm) and elevated Al concentrations (up to 1,000 ppm), and typically contains euhedral growth zones. Late veins rich in sulfides and sulfosalts show CL textures typical of epithermal deposits (dark CL quartz, crustiform banding, and euhedral growth zones). Quartz from these veins typically contains less than 5 ppm Ti, and Al, Li, and Ge concentrations are elevated relative to other vein types. Based on experimentally established relationships between Ti concentration in quartz and temperature, the decrease in Ti content in successively later quartz generations indicates that the temperature of the hydrothermal fluids decreased through time during the evolution of the system. Vein formation at Altar occurred at progressively lower pressure, shallower paleodepth, and lower temperature. Under lithostatic pressures, the magma supplied low-salinity aqueous fluids at depths of ~6 to 6.8 km (pressures of 1.6–1.8 kbar) and temperatures of 670° to 730°C (first quartz generation of early quartz ± chalcopyrite ± pyrite veins). This parental fluid episodically depressurized and cooled at temperatures and pressures below the brine-vapor solvus. Quartz ± molybdenite veins precipitated from fluids at temperatures of 510° to 540°C and pressures of 800 to 1,000 bars, corresponding to depths of 3 to 3.7 km under lithostatic pressures. Further cooling of hydrothermal fluids to temperatures between 425° and 370°C under hydrostatic pressures of 200 to 350 bars produced pyrite-quartz veins and pervasive quartz + muscovite ± tourmaline and illite alteration that overprinted the early hydrothermal assemblages. Late veins rich in sulfides and sulfosalts that overlapped the deep and intermediate high-temperature veins formed from fluids at temperatures of 250° to 280°C and pressures of 20 to 150 bars. The epithermal siliceous ledges formed from low-temperature fluids (<230°C) at hydrostatic pressures of <100 bars corresponding to depths of <<1 km.

Urea enhances the photodynamic efficiency of methylene blue

Abstract: Methylene blue (MB) is a well-known photosensitizer used mostly for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) MB tends to aggregate, interfering negatively with its singlet oxygen generation, because MB aggregates lean towards electron transfer reactions, instead of energy transfer with oxygen In order to avoid MB aggregation we tested the effect of urea, which destabilizes solute-solute interactions The antimicrobial efficiency of MB (30 μM) either in water or in 2M aqueous urea solution was tested against a fungus (Candida albicans) Samples were kept in the dark and irradiation was performed with a light emitting diode (λ = 645 nm) Without urea, 9 min of irradiation was needed to achieve complete microbial eradication In urea solution, complete eradication was obtained with 6 min illumination (light energy of 144 J) The higher efficiency of MB/urea solution was correlated with a smaller concentration of dimers, even in the presence of the microorganisms Monomer to dimer concentration ratios were extracted from the absorption spectra of MB solutions measured as a function of MB concentration at different temperatures and at different concentrations of sodium chloride and urea Dimerization equilibrium decreased by 3 and 6 times in 1 and 2M urea, respectively, and increased by a factor of 6 in 1M sodium chloride The destabilization of aggregates by urea seems to be applied to other photosensitizers, since urea also destabilized aggregation of Meso-tetra(4-n-methyl-pyridyl)porphyrin, which is a positively charged porphyrin We showed that urea destabilizes MB aggregates mainly by causing a decrease in the enthalpic gain of dimerization, which was exactly the opposite of the effect of sodium chloride In order to understand this phenomenon at the molecular level, we computed the free energy for the dimer association process (ΔG(dimer)) in aqueous solution as well as its enthalpic component in aqueous and in aqueous/urea solutions by molecular dynamics simulations In 2M-urea solution the atomistic picture revealed a preferential solvation of MB by urea compared with MB dimers while changes in ΔH(dimer) values demonstrated a clear shift favoring MB monomers Therefore, MB monomers are more stable in urea solutions, which have significantly better photophysics and higher antimicrobial activity This information can be of use for dental and medical professionals that are using MB based APDT protocols

CdTe quantum dots conjugated to concanavalin A as potential fluorescent molecular probes for saccharides detection in Candida albicans.

Abstract: Semiconductor colloidal quantum dots (QDs) have been applied in biological analysis due to their unique optical properties and their versatility to be conjugated to biomolecules, such as lectins and antibodies, acquiring specificity to label a variety of targets. Concanavalin A (Con A) lectin binds specifically to α-d-mannose and α-d-glucose regions of saccharides that are usually expressed on membranes of mammalian cells and on cell walls of microbials. Candida albicans is the most common fungal opportunistic pathogen present in humans. Therefore, in this work, this fungus was chosen as a model for understanding cells and biofilm-forming organisms. Here, we report an efficient bioconjugation process to bind CdTe (Cadmium Telluride) QDs to Con A, and applied the bioconjugates to label saccharide structures on the cellular surface of C. albicans suspensions and biofilms. By accomplishing hemagglutination experiments and circular dichroism, we observed that the Con A structure and biochemical properties were preserved after the bioconjugation. Fluorescence microscopy images of yeasts and hyphae cells, as well as biofilms, incubated with QDs-(Con A) showed a bright orange fluorescence profile, indicating that the cell walls were specifically labeled. Furthermore, flow cytometry measurements confirmed that over 93% of the yeast cells were successfully labeled by QD-(Con A) complex. In contrast, non-conjugated QDs or QDs-(inhibited Con A) do not label any kind of biological system tested, indicating that the bioconjugation was specific and efficient. The staining pattern of the cells and biofilms demonstrate that QDs were effectively bioconjugated to Con A with specific labeling of saccharide-rich structures on C. albicans. Consequently, this work opens new possibilities to monitor glucose and mannose molecules through fluorescence techniques, which can help to optimize phototherapy protocols for this kind of fungus.

ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy for the Assessment of Biochemical Changes in Skin Due to Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract: Nonmelanoma skin cancers represent 95% of cutaneous neoplasms. Among them, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the more aggressive form and shows a pattern of possible metastatic profile. In this work, we used Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy to assess the biochemical changes in normal skin caused by squamous cell carcinoma induced by multi-stage chemical carcinogenesis in mice. Changes in the absorption intensities and shifts were observed in the vibrational modes associated to proteins, indicating changes in secondary conformation in the neoplastic tissue. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to evaluate the potential of the technique to differentiate the spectra of neoplastic and normal skin tissue, so that the accuracy obtained for this classification was 86.4%. In this sense, attenuated total reflection (ATR)-FTIR spectroscopy provides a useful tool to complement histopathological analysis in the clinical routine for the diagnosis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

A critical comparison of different approaches to sediment-quality assessments in the Santos estuarine system in Brazil

Abstract: This study focuses on the discussion of different lines of evidence (LoEs) applied to a sediment-quality assessment that considered the following: chemical concentrations of metals; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in estuarine waters, sediments, and oysters (native and caged Crassostrea brasiliana); PAHs in semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs); simultaneously extracted metals-acid volatile sulfides (SEM-AVS); benthic community assessment (the exploratory benthic index and the relative benthic index); chronic toxicity tests with the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus; and bioaccumulation models. Significantly contaminated sediments from the Santos Estuarine System and the consequent toxicity of tested organisms were measured. Caged oysters presented bioaccumulation rates ≤2,500% of total PAH content and 200% of metal content when compared with control organisms from an uncontaminated area. SPMD results presented the same bioaccumulation pattern as caged oysters but at lower concentrations. Benthic communities presented some alterations, and there was a predominance of tolerant species in the inner part of the estuary. According to the SEM-AVS approach, metals should be assumed to be nonbioavailable, but experiments with transplanted C. brasiliana showed metal bioaccumulation, particularly in the cases of chromium, copper, mercury, and zinc. The weight-of-evidence approach was applied to compare and harmonize LoEs commonly used in sediment-quality assessments and to then classify estuary environments according to both their potential for having adverse effects on the biota and their possible ecological risks. All of the results of these approaches (except for SEM-AVS) were found to complement each other.

Real-time evaluation of two light delivery systems for photodynamic disinfection of Candida albicans biofilm in curved root canals.

Abstract: Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) combined with endodontic treatment has been recognized as an alternative approach to complement conventional root canal disinfection methods on bacterial biofilms. We developed an in vitro model of bioluminescent Candida albicans biofilm inside curved dental root canals and investigated the microbial reduction produced when different light delivery methods are employed. Each light delivery method was evaluated in respect to the light distribution provided inside curved root canals. After conventional endodontic preparation, teeth were sterilized before canals were contaminated by a bioluminescent strain of C. albicans (CEC789). Methylene blue (90 μM) was introduced into the canals and then irradiated (λ = 660 nm, P = 100 mW, beam diameter = 2 mm) with laser tip either in contact with pulp chamber or within the canal using an optical diffuser fiber. Light distribution was evaluated by CCD camera, and microbial reduction was monitored through bioluminescence imaging. Our findings demonstrated that the bioluminescent C. albicans biofilm model had good reproducibility and uniformity. Light distribution in dental tissue was markedly dependent on the light delivery system, and this strategy was directly related to microbial destruction. Both light delivery systems performed significant fungal inactivation. However, when irradiation was performed with optical diffuser fiber, microbial burden reduction was nearly 100 times more effective. Bioluminescence is an interesting real-time analysis to endodontic C. albicans biofilm inactivation. APDT showed to be an effective way to inactivate C. albicans biofilms. Diffuser fibers provided optimized light distribution inside curved root canals and significantly increased APDT efficiency.

Comparative Study on the Efficiency of the Photodynamic Inactivation of Candida albicans Using CdTe Quantum Dots, Zn(II) Porphyrin and Their Conjugates as Photosensitizers.

Abstract: The application of fluorescent II-VI semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) as active photosensitizers in photodymanic inactivation (PDI) is still being evaluated. In the present study, we prepared 3 nm size CdTe QDs coated with mercaptosuccinic acid and conjugated them electrostatically with Zn(II) meso-tetrakis (N-ethyl-2-pyridinium-2-yl) porphyrin (ZnTE-2-PyP or ZnP), thus producing QDs-ZnP conjugates. We evaluated the capability of the systems, bare QDs and conjugates, to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and applied them in photodynamic inactivation in cultures of Candida albicans by irradiating the QDs and testing the hypothesis of a possible combined contribution of the PDI action. Tests of in vitro cytotoxicity and phototoxicity in fibroblasts were also performed in the presence and absence of light irradiation. The overall results showed an efficient ROS production for all tested systems and a low cytotoxicity (cell viability >90%) in the absence of radiation. Fibroblasts incubated with the QDs-ZnP and subjected to irradiation showed a higher cytotoxicity (cell viability <90%) depending on QD concentration compared to the bare groups. The PDI effects of bare CdTe QD on Candida albicans demonstrated a lower reduction of the cell viability (~1 log10) compared to bare ZnP which showed a high microbicidal activity (~3 log10) when photoactivated. The QD-ZnP conjugates also showed reduced photodynamic activity against C. albicans compared to bare ZnP and we suggest that the conjugation with QDs prevents the transmembrane cellular uptake of the ZnP molecules, reducing their photoactivity.

Irradiation as a novel approach to improve quality of Tropaeolum majus L. flowers: Benefits in phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity

Abstract: Edible flowers are increasingly used in food preparations, requiring new approaches to improve their conservation and safety. Food irradiation, particularly electron beam and gamma irradiation, is legally recognized to extend shelf life, improve hygienic quality and disinfest foods. Garden nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.) flowers are widely used in food preparations, being also known for their antioxidant properties and high content of phenolics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dose–response effects of gamma and electron beam irradiation (unirradiated and doses of 0.5, 0.8 and 1 kGy) on its antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds. Kaempferol-O-hexoside-O-hexoside was the most abundant compound, while pelargonidin-3-O-sophoroside was the major anthocyanin. The flowers showed high antioxidant activity, in particular as reducing agents. The interaction among the effects of irradiation dose and irradiation technology was a significant source of variation for all parameters. In general, irradiated samples gave higher antioxidant activity, maybe due to their higher amounts of phenolic compounds. Anthocyanins were the sole compounds negatively affected by irradiation. These differences were reflected in the linear discriminant analysis, which allowed the perfect separation of the applied doses, as also both irradiation technologies. Accordingly, irradiation represents a feasible technology to preserve the quality of edible flowers. Industrial relevance The increasing application of edible plants in several food commodities demands new technological approaches to improve their distribution and marketing as fresh products. Prolonging post-harvest storage, while preserving the whole quality of plants, these facts will benefit their industrial development, as well as the consumers' health. This study applied irradiation technologies, using electron-beam and gamma-irradiation in different doses, to a widespread and highly appreciated edible flower species, T. majus, and demonstrated that these technologies/doses did not compromise the phenolic compounds composition and antioxidant activity.

Electrochemical and in situ ATR-FTIR studies of ethanol electro-oxidation in alkaline medium using PtRh/C electrocatalysts

Abstract: Pt/C, Rh/C and PtRh/C electrocatalysts with different Pt:Rh atomic ratios supported on Vulcan XC 72 carbon were prepared using borohydride as reducing agent and tested for ethanol electro-oxidation in alkaline medium. X-ray diffraction patterns showed the formation of PtRh alloy. Transmission electron micrographs showed the nanoparticles with particle sizes between 3 and 6 nm for all materials. Electrochemical experiments showed PtRh/C (50:50) the most promising material for ethanol electro-oxidation; however, in situ ATR-FTIR experiments was observed that the ethanol oxidation is incomplete due to the formation of acetate and carbonate.

PdAu/C Electrocatalysts as Anodes for Direct Formate Fuel Cell

Abstract: PdAu/C electrocatalysts in different atomic ratios (90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 50:50) supported on Vulcan XC72 carbon were evaluated toward formate oxidation in alkaline media. The materials were prepared by the borohydride process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of PdAu materials showed peak characteristic of Pd and Au face-centered-cubic (fcc) structures while transmission electron micrographs (TEM) showed the nanoparticles with particle size between 4 and 10 nm for all electrocatalysts. Experiments considering single cell suggested the PdAu/C (90:10) and PdAu/C (80:20) as promisors for formate oxidation. The best result obtained was attributed to the presence of Au in small quantities that contributes to the formate adsorption.

Large area resonant feedback random lasers based on dye-doped biopolymer films

Abstract: We report resonant feedback random lasing from dye-doped biopolymer films, consisting of a deoxyribonucleic acid-cetyltrimethylammonium (DNA-CTMA) complex doped with DCM dye. In the proposed devices, the optical feedback for random lasing is given by scattering centers randomly positioned along the edges of the active area. Scattering elements are either titanium dioxide nanoparticles or random defects at the interface between active polymer and air. Different emission spectra are observed, depending on the geometry of the excited area. A single random resonator with dimensions of 2.6 mm x 0.65 mm is fabricated and random emission with resonant feedback is obtained by uniformly pumping the full device.

Neodymium as a magnesium tetraborate matrix dopant and its applicability in dosimetry and as a temperature sensor

Abstract: MgB4O7 doped with lanthanides such as Dy3+ and Tm3+ are phosphors with very well established use in routine personal dosimetry. Certain characteristics, for example linearity in a broad dose range, low energy dependence, Z(eff)=8.5, high sensitivity and a relatively simple thermoluminescent (TL) emission curve make MgB4O7 a good material for thermoluminescent dosimetry. With the aim of analyzing other doping possibilitis, this paper presents some preliminary results on the use of Nd3+ as a dopant in the MgB4O7 matrix. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of using two different lanthanides, Nd and Dy, in the host matrix. In the present work, the phosphors were produced through solid state synthesis and X-ray diffraction confirmed the success of the technique. The TL behavior of MgB4O7:Nd was assessed when irradiated with gamma (Co-60) and beta radiation, to determine the effect of the dopant concentration and the dose-response over a broad dose range. We also evaluated the dose-response of MgB4O7:Nd,Dy when irradiated with Co-60. The TL responses of the phosphors were compared with that of MgB4O7:Dy. These preliminary studies show that for the absorbed dose range studied, the sensitivity of MgB4O7:Nd,Dy was 3.8 and 28 times higher than that of MgB4O7:Dy and MgB4O7:Nd. The materials also presented linearity from 5 to 40 Gy. Above this value, the dose response curve exhibited sublinear behavior. These preliminary results will assist in developing a new temperature sensor based on a MgB4O7 dosimeter. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fluid-inclusion microthermometry and the Zr-in-rutile thermometer for hydrothermal rutile

Abstract: The Zr-in-rutile thermometer is well established for the determination of metamorphic temperatures, particularly in high-grade metamorphic terrains, and for sedimentary provenance studies. The robustness of the rutile thermometry has not been tested on hydrothermal systems. Unlike quartz, a common hydrothermal mineral with abundant fluid inclusions, it is difficult to find fluid inclusions in rutile that are suitable for fluid-inclusion microthermometry. Here, we report fluid-inclusion microthermometric measurements in rutile from the auriferous quartz–kaolinite–hematite vein that typifies the gold deposit of Mil Oitavas in the southern Serra do Espinhaco, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Primary fluid inclusions in the rutile record moderately saline (10–12 wt% NaCl equivalent), aqueous–carbonic fluids with a total homogenization temperature of ~250 °C, which were likely trapped at about 300 °C and 2.0 kbar. This temperature is approximately 200 °C lower than that predicted by the Zr-in-rutile thermometer. For hydrothermal conditions of relatively low temperature, direct measurements of homogenization temperatures in rutile-hosted fluid inclusions should be preferred to the Zr-in-rutile thermometer.

Evaluation of the effects of boron nitride nanotubes functionalized with gum arabic on the differentiation of rat mesenchymal stem cells

Abstract: The use of nanostructured materials in biomedical applications has been widely investigated, in particular with the aim of using these materials to selectively carry drugs or molecules of interest to a target tissue or organ. Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) functionalized with specific moieties have been demonstrated to be useful candidates for the targeted delivery of proteins, drugs and nucleic acids. We evaluated the influence of BNNTs functionalized with gum arabic on the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. The nanotubes were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, Raman spectrometry and dynamic light scattering. In vitro assays were performed on mesenchymal stem cells to evaluate the cytocompatibility of the functionalized BNNTs in terms of cell viability and metabolic activity. The interactions of the cells with the nanoparticles were further investigated by analyzing the conformation of the cytoskeleton. The differentiation of the mesenchymal stem cells into adipocytes and osteocytes after treatments with safe doses of BNNTs was assessed at both the gene and phenotype levels.