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Clinical trials to address the COVID-19 public health emergency have broadly excluded pregnant people from participation, illustrating a long-standing trend of clinical trial exclusion that has led to a clear knowledge gap and unmet need in the treatment and prevention of medical conditions experienced during pregnancy and of pregnancy-related conditions. Drugs (includes products such as drugs, biologics, biosimilars and vaccines) approved for a certain medical condition in adults are also approved for use in pregnant adults with the same medical condition, unless contraindicated for use in pregnancy. However, there are limited pregnancy-specific data on risks and benefits of drugs in pregnant people, despite their approval for all adults. The United States Food and Drug Administration-approved medical products are used widely by pregnant people, 90% of whom take at least 1 medication during the course of their pregnancy despite there being sparse data from clinical trials on these products in pregnancy. This overall lack of clinical data precludes informed decision-making, causing clinicians and pregnant patients to have to decide whether to pursue treatment without an adequate understanding of potential effects. Although some United States Food and Drug Administration initiatives and other federal efforts have helped to promote the inclusion of pregnant people in clinical research, broader collaboration and reforms are needed to address challenges related to the design and conduct of trials that enroll pregnant people, and to forge a culture of widespread inclusion of pregnant people in clinical research. This article summarizes the scientific, ethical, and legal considerations governing research conducted during pregnancy, as discussed during a recent subject matter expert convening held by the Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy and the United States Food and Drug Administration on this topic. This article also recommends strategies for overcoming impediments to inclusion and trial conduct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Although a body of research has focused on violence, disruption, and harassment targeting abortion clinics and clinic staff, little research has explored Canadian abortion patients' experiences with protesters. Through this national qualitative study we aimed to address this gap.Methods: Between 2012 and 2016, we conducted in-depth interviews with 305 Canadian women who had an abortion in the previous five years. Thirty participants reported encountering protesters when seeking abortion care. We focused on this sub-set of interviews and analyzed these data for content and themes using inductive and deductive techniques.Results: Across the country, participants reported encountering protesters holding signs, chanting slogans, and shouting insults. These interactions were concentrated at clinics in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Ontario. Although no participants reported that these encounters made them reconsider their decision, they did report that seeing and interacting with protesters was at times unsettling, stigmatizing, and frustrating. Participants who struggled with the decision to have an abortion and those who made the decision in the context of health issues or violence found these encounters especially upsetting. Participants discussed how their interactions with protesters and the additional security measures put in place by clinics contrasted with their experiences accessing other kinds of health care and they wished that the protesters had not been there.Conclusions: For some Canadian abortion patients, encountering protesters is upsetting and stigmatizing. Exploring ways to minimize interactions between protesters and those seeking abortion care, such as enacting and enforcing safe access zone legislation, appears warranted.Implications: Although several Canadian provinces have enacted safe access zone laws, these do not currently exist across all jurisdictions. In addition to protecting clinics and clinic staff, implementation of these buffer zones have the potential to improve some patients' experiences obtaining a medically necessary and essential service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some patients with diseases that involve increased bladder pressure or low-capacity bladders may need bladder enlargement surgery. In current techniques for bladder enlargement, autologous tissue such as small intestine or colon tissue is used to perform cystoplasties, which is far from ideal for these patients. In search of biomaterials with appropriate regeneration and safety profiles, tissue engineering has resulted in preclinical studies with acellular matrices in animal models that have yielded positive preliminary results with respect to the urothelial cell and smooth muscle repopulation; these studies have primarily been performed with matrices originating from the bladder or intestinal submucosa. The aim of the study was to assess an extracellular matrix device derived from the porcine esophagus for augmentation cystoplasty in an animal model. Seven male Wistar rats weighing 357–390 g were subjected to augmentation cystoplasty with a circular segment of the acellular matrix from the porcine esophagus. Daily postoperative follow-up was performed with evaluation of changes in body weight, behavior, and wound status. During follow-up, there were no complications associated with the process. Three specimens were sacrificed at day 30, and three, at day 60. Necropsy was performed, with a description of the macroscopic findings and a morphological study. Epithelialization was observed, with different stages of mucosal development in all specimens analyzed. Repopulation of smooth muscle cells, mixed inflammatory infiltrate, and vascular neoformation were identified in the matrices. The urothelium and fibers of the smooth muscle were observed inside the implanted matrix. Additional investigations in larger animal models that allow urodynamic evaluation of the bladder with the matrix implanted are needed. However, to compare the results of this study model with those reported in the literature, a matrix derived from an organ different from the bladder was used because it could prevent the use of an intestinal segment in augmentation cystoplasty. The acellular porcine esophagus matrix offers positive results regarding the repopulation of the urothelium and smooth muscle when used in augmentation cystoplasty in a murine model. Summary Fig. (A) Methylene blue test to evaluate bladder continence and cystoplasty. (B) Trichrome staining of the bladder 60 days after implantation. The neoformed urothelial layer (arrow) and sites of the suture (asterisk) are shown. Summary Figure [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen was tracked though an algae-based landfill leachate remediation system. This system was designed to remove nutrients from the liquid waste via nitrogen assimilation into new algae biomass. While the nitrogen removal pathway of bio-assimilation was present, it was not the only nitrogen removal pathway in the treatment system. Weekly measurements of the dissolved inorganic nitrogen (ammonia- N , nitrate- N , and nitrite- N ) and the nitrogen content of the biomass were used to track nitrogen transformation pathways during this yearlong study. During a major part of the study (83.4% of the observed weeks), all nitrogen could not be accounted for in the dissolved inorganic nitrogen or biomass portions of the system. It is hypothesized that some of the unaccounted-for nitrogen was lost due to volatilization of gaseous nitrogen species. Based upon characteristic distribution of measured dissolved inorganic nitrogen and the nitrogen content of the biomass for each week and prior metagenomic analysis of the microbial community in the treatment system, we have postulated potential scenarios of the fate of nitrogen in this algae-based wastewater treatment system. Further research is needed to identify all pathways of nitrogen conversion in algae-based wastewater remediation systems and verify our proposed scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction There is little empirical evidence on children's subjective experiences of discomfort during clinical research procedures. Therefore, Institutional Review Boards have limited empirical information to guide their decision-making on discomforts for children in clinical research. To get more insight into what children's discomforts are during clinical research procedures, we interviewed a group of children on this topic and also asked for suggestions to reduce possible discomforts. Materials and methods Forty-six children (aged 6–18) participating in clinical research studies (including needle-related procedures, food provocation tests, MRI scans, pulmonary function tests, questionnaires) were interviewed about their experiences during the research procedures. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interviews. Results The discomforts of the interviewed children could be divided into two main groups: physical and mental discomforts. The majority experienced physical discomforts during the research procedures: pain, shortness of breath, nausea, itchiness, and feeling hungry, which were often caused by needle procedures, some pulmonary procedures, and food provocation tests. Mental discomforts included anxiousness because of anticipated pain and not knowing what to expect from a research procedure, boredom and tiredness during lengthy research procedures and waiting, and embarrassment during Tanner staging. Children's suggestions to reduce the discomforts of the research procedures were providing distraction (e.g. watching a movie or listening to music), providing age-appropriate information and shortening the duration of lengthy procedures. Discussion Our study shows that children can experience various discomforts during research procedures, and it provides information about how these discomforts can be reduced according to them. Further research is needed with larger samples to study the number of children that experience these mentioned discomforts during research procedures in a quantitative way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports the synthesis, spectral characterization, self-assembly properties, and preliminary in vitro study of antioxidant capacity of two triple covalent hybrids consisting of fullerene C 60 , peptide, and steroidal moiety. Previously synthesized fulleropyrrolidinic acid and pregnenolone were connected by peptide linker using a multistep DCC/DMAP and/or EDC/HOBT esterification/amidation procedure. The hybrids were characterized by comparative analysis of spectroscopic data obtained from FTIR, UV–vis, HRMS, and extensive NMR experiments ( 1 H, 13 C, COSY, HSQC, and HMBC). The self-assembling properties and morphology of triads samples prepared by drop-drying method were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Preliminary in vitro antioxidant activity was studied by Ferrous ion Oxidation-Xylenol orange (FOX) method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present study is concerned with the oxidative behaviour of unsaturated and epoxy 5-oxo-5,10-secosteroids in the presence of m-CPBA or TFAA-UHP as oxidants in order to investigate potential parameters controlling the chemoselectivity and regioselectivity. In the study we discovered a striking difference in the chemical behaviour of stereoisomeric compounds, (Z)- and (E)-3β-acetoxy-5,10-secocholest-1(10)-en-5-ones, as well as 1S,10R- and 1R,10R-epoxides. The secoketones were oxidized with exclusively C-6 migration and Baeyer–Villiger rearrangement product formation, whereas their stereoisomers provided the ring-contracted products, without lactone formation. The preferred conformation of expanded and contracted rings was established by NOESY correlations. The structures of two obtained lactones were also confirmed by X-ray analysis. The mechanistic and stereochemical aspects of these transformations are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The reactions of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone with Lawesson’s reagent (LR) in toluene, CH2Cl2 and/or CCl4 gave, depending on the duration of the reaction, two diastereoisomeric androst-4-en-17-spiro-1,3,2-oxathiaphospholane-2-sulfide pairs 2a,b and 3a,b in approximately 7:3 ratio, differing in configuration at the phosphorus atom. A parallel analysis of heteronuclear 2D 1H–13C spectra (HSQC and HMBC) and homonuclear 2D spectra (NOESY) enabled complete 1H and 13C assignments of each isomer. Also, analysis of NOESY correlations provided evidence for the preferred conformation. X-ray analysis of 3a confirmed the structure and absolute configuration on phosphorus. A pathway for the formation of 1,3,2-oxathiaphospholane ring was proposed. Cytotoxic activity in vitro was tested against three tumor cell lines (human cervix carcinoma HeLa cells and two human breast carcinoma MDA-MB-361 and MDA-MB-453 cells). Compound 3a and mixture 3a,b showed a moderate activity against HeLa and MDA-MB-453 cell lines while against MDA-MB-361 cell line all tested compounds exerted very weak cytotoxic effect. Antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and fungal cells, toxicity to brine shrimp Artemia salina, were evaluated. All tested compounds showed strong antifungal activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The use of pentenyl and thiophenyl glycosides of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) as glycosyl donors for the direct preparation of O-glycosides of GlcNAc promoted by N-iodosuccinimide (NIS) and metal triflates in dichloromethane has been investigated. Both glycosyl acceptors 1-octanol and (−)-menthol resulted in good glycosylation yields for both types of donors with pentenyl glycosides being somewhat superior in terms of yield. Carbohydrate-based acceptors were reacted with a benzylated GlcNAc-pentenyl donor but only provided disaccharides in poor to moderate yields. The results show that a variety of metal triflates are capable of acting as an activator for both NIS and the intermediate oxazoline. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: During infection, viruses cause global disruption to nuclear architecture in their attempt to take over the cell. In turn, the host responds with various defenses, which include chromatin-mediated silencing of the viral genome and activation of DNA damage signaling pathways. Dynamic exchanges at chromatin, and specific post-translational modifications on histones have recently emerged as master controllers of DNA damage signaling and repair. Studying viral control of chromatin modifications is identifying histones as important players in the battle between host and virus for control of cell cycle and gene expression. These studies are revealing new complexities of the virus–host interaction, uncovering the potential of chromatin as an anti-viral defense mechanism, and also providing unique insights into the role of chromatin in DNA repair. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper a synthetic pathway to the modified 5,10:13,14-bisfragmentation cholestane derivatives 8–14 is described. The synthesis involves introduction of the 5α- and 14α-hydroxyl groups in the cholestane molecule and subsequent cleavage of the C(5)–C(10) bond in 5α,14α-dihydroxycholestan-3β-yl acetate (4) with the HgO/I2 reagent and the C(13)–C(14) bond in the stereoisomeric 14α-hydroxy-5,10-secosteroids 5 and 6 with the Pb(OAc)4/I2 reagent. Complete and unambiguous 1H and 13C NMR resonance assignments of the obtained secosteroids, as well as the solution conformations of their 10- and 9-membered rings were determined by extensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectral data. The structures and the solid-state conformations of 5,10-secosteroids 5–7 were confirmed by X-ray analysis. All diseco-compounds have a novel 5,10:13,14-disecocholestane skeleton. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recognition and repair of DNA damage is critical for maintaining genomic integrity and suppressing tumorigenesis. In eukaryotic cells, the sensing and repair of DNA damage are coordinated with cell cycle progression and checkpoints, in order to prevent the propagation of damaged DNA. The carefully maintained cellular response to DNA damage is challenged by viruses, which produce a large amount of exogenous DNA during infection. Viruses also express proteins that perturb cellular DNA repair and cell cycle pathways, promoting tumorigenesis in their quest for cellular domination. This review presents an overview of strategies employed by viruses to manipulate DNA damage responses and cell cycle checkpoints as they commandeer the cell to maximize their own viral replication. Studies of viruses have identified key cellular regulators and revealed insights into molecular mechanisms governing DNA repair, cell cycle checkpoints, and transformation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is the holy month of fasting for adolescent and adult Muslims. Observance of Ramadan is considered obligatory for every healthy adult Muslim. During this time, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and administering oral or parenteral medications from sunrise to sunset daily for 28 to 30 days. Case summary: We evaluated the need for changes in basal insulin regimen in 5 patients (4 males and 1 female; age range, 15-19 years) with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who fasted during Ramadan. The patients were receiving insulin pump therapy with regular human insulin and maintained weekly visits with their endocrinologist at The Chronic Care Center (Beirut, Lebanon). They were instructed to break the fast after any episode of hypoglycemia (finger stick glucose <70 mg/dL) or severe hyperglycemia (finger stick glucose ≥300 mg/dL or any hyperglycemia associated with presence of urine ketone bodies on urinary dipstick). Blood glucose concentrations did not change significantly with fasting. Finger stick blood glucose taken at 4-hour intervals decreased in the afternoon (at 4 pm) and increased in the evening and morning (10 pm and 8 am, respectively) during this month in 4 of 5 patients, while no significant change in circadian rhythm of finger stick blood glucose was observed in 1 patient. Based on the investigators'' findings, the basal insulin requirement decreased by 5.5% to 25.0% (4 patients) or did not change (1 patient) during the fast. Changes in regimens, based on collaboration between the endocrinologist and diabetes educational nurse, were determined by blood glucose self-monitoring done at 4-hour intervals during the fasting period, pre-Suhur (predawn breakfast), and ≥2 hours after Iftar (evening fast-breaking meal). No cases of keto-acidosis or severe hypoglycemia were reported. Conclusion: These 5 adolescent and adult patients with T1DM who were using an insulin pump were able to fast during Ramadan without incidences of severe hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis by using close blood glucose self-monitoring and weekly follow-up with their endocrine team, which consisted of an endocrinologist, a registered nutritionist, and a diabetes educational nurse. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives:This paper reviews available information on insulin regimens that may enable patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus to fast during the month of Ramadan with minimal complications. It also provides guidance for health care professionals in managing patients who wish to observe the fast. Methods:Relevant English-language articles were identified through searches of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Index Medicus Eastern Mediterranean Region databases (all, 1980-2008) conducted in February 2008 using the terms Ramadan, fasting, type 1 diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemia, and hypotension. Only original research and review articles related to adult patients with type 1 diabetes were considered for review, excluding pregnant women and patients with poorly controlled disease. Results:The literature review identified 5 clinical trials relevant to type 1 diabetes and fasting. Two main meals are eaten during Ramadan, one before dawn (Suhur) and the other at sunset (Iftar). Suggested adjustments to the insulin regimen during fasting include using 70% of the pre-Ramadan dose, divided as follows: 60% as insulin glargine given in the evening and 40% as an ultra-short-acting insulin (insulin aspart or lispro) given in 2 doses, 1 at Suhur and 1 at Iftar. Alternatively, 85% of the pre-Ramadan dose may be divided as 70% Ultralente and 30% regular insulin, both given in 2 doses, 1 at Suhur and 1 at Iftar. Another option is to give 100% of the pre-Ramadan morning dose of 70/330 premixed insulin at Iftar and 50% of the usual evening dose at Suhur. Patients who observe the fast should be advised to monitor their blood glucose regularly,avoid skipping meals or overeating,and maintain contact with their physician throughout the fast. The fast should be broken immediately if blood glucose drops below 60 mg/dL (3.3 mmol/L).Breaking the fast should be considered when blood glucose drops below 80 mg/dL (4.4 mmol/L), and the fast should be interrupted if blood glucose rises above 300 mg/dL (16.7 mmol/L) to avoid diabetic ketoacidosis. Fasting is contraindicated in patients with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes,including those with a history of severe hypoglycemia and/ or diabetic ketoacidosis at least 3 months before Ramadan; those with comorbid conditions (eg, unstable angina, uncontrolled hypertension, advanced macrovascular complications, infections, renal insufficiency);; those who are noncompliant with diet and medication; those who engage in intense physical activity; pregnant women; and the elderly. Conclusion:Patients with type 1 diabetes who wish to fast during Ramadan should follow specific recommendations and be closely monitored by their physician. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report herein the synthesis of a novel modified steroid with two rigidly positioned amino acids in C- and N-protected forms (Gly–O t Bu and N-Fmoc–l-Phe) at the angular positions (C-18 methylamino group and C-19 carboxylic function) of the steroid nucleus via amide bonds, starting from 18-cyanopregnenolone acetate over 10 steps. In an attempt to gain more insight into the structural and conformational features of this novel 18-Phe,19-Gly-containing steroidal compound, we describe the detailed 2D NMR spectral analysis. Despite the large size and the conformational flexibility of the amino acid units in this molecule, conformational analysis by NOESY connectivities showed the existence of mainly one conformation (∼95%) in CDCl3 solution with approximately parallel orientation of the phenylalanine and glycine moieties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Four new fullero-steroids were synthesized starting from γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-incorporated fulleropyrrolidine and corresponding sterols. The synthesis, characterization, preliminary study on in vitro antioxidant activity as well as the steady state photophysical properties are presented. All synthesized compounds showed antioxidant activity 2–3-fold higher than the parent fullerene. The most active compound appeared to be as potent as standard antioxidant BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol). Also, all of them fluoresce 6–8-fold stronger than C60, thus representing potential irradiation assisted pro-oxidants. With significantly increased lipophilicity, it could be expected that attached steroidal subunit enables better penetration of C60 to living cell membranes, thus facilitating its antioxidant activity. Based on all obtained results, newly synthesized covalent fullero-steroidal conjugates represent good candidates for potential antioxidants as well as pro-oxidants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The antiproliferative activity of previously synthesized (Z)-cholest-4-en-6-one oxime (1), (E)-cholest-4-en-6-one oxime (2), 7-aza-B-homocholest-4-en-6-one (3) and 6-aza-B-homocholest-4-en-7-one (4) and newly synthesized 6-thioxo-7-aza-B-homocholest-4-ene (5) and 6-aza-7-thioxo-B-homocholest-4-ene (6) was tested for their possible effects against two human tumor cell lines, cervical carcinoma (HeLa) and chronic myelogenous leukemia (K-562). Compounds 1–6, exerted a dose-dependent antiproliferative effect toward cell lines used in experimental design, showing high selectivity in their action for tumor cells in comparison to normal immunocompetent cells (non-stimulated PBMC and PHA-stimulated PBMC). Compounds 2, 3 and 4 exhibited a very high but selective antitumor activity, by inducing apoptosis in sensitive, for that purpose targeted tumor cell line (HeLa cells). Low toxic effect upon both non-stimulated, and PHA stimulated PBMCs from control, healthy volunteers, has been detected for compounds 1, 2, 3 and 4. The possible reasons for profound differences in the effects of this spectrum of steroidal compounds between tumor cell lines and normal stimulated and non-stimulated PBMCs are discussed. The molecular mechanisms for apoptotic events in HeLa cell line are suggested. The guidelines for further research are underlined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Four macrocyclic bis(pyrrolidino)fullerene regioisomers with e -edge, e -face, trans -4 and cis -2 addition patterns were synthesized from the corresponding monoadduct by Prato's cycloaddition in a yield of 50%, and fully characterized by spectroscopic techniques. Bisadduct regioisomers were isolated easily in a pure form using dry-flash column chromatography. The relative ratio of the isolated regioisomers e -edge/ e -face/ trans -4/ cis -2 was 1.0:1.9:1.5:4.9. Morphology of self-assembled structures of the four bisadduct regioisomers in solution was characterized using scanning electron microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objects of the present study are improved fullerene C 60 drug carrier properties trough encapsulation by microbial polysaccharides, levan (LEV), pullulan (PUL), and their hydrophobized cholesterol-derivatives (CHL and CHP), that show better interaction with cancer cells. The zeta potential, polydispersity index, and the diameter of particles were determined, and their cytotoxicity against three cancer cell lines were tested. Biochemical changes in HeLa cells are analyzed by synchrotron radiation (SR) FTIR spectro-microscopy combined with the principal component analysis (PCA). The most significant changes occur in HeLa cells treated with LEV-C 60 and correspond to the changes in the protein region, i.e. Amide I band, and the changes in the structure of lipid bodies and membrane fluidity are evident. The highest cytotoxicity was also induced by LEV-C 60. In HeLa cells, cytotoxicity could not be strictly associated with biochemical changes in lipids, proteins and nucleic acids, but these findings are significant contribution to the study of the mechanism of interaction of C 60 -based nanoparticles with cellular biomolecules. In conclusion, LEV, PUL, CHL, and CHP enhanced fullerene C 60 potential to be used as target drug delivery system with the ability to induce specific intracellular changes in HeLa cancer cells. • LEV, PUL, CHL, and CHP C 60 hybrids induce biochemical changes in HeLa cells. • LEV-C 60 has the highest cytotoxicity. • LEV-C 60 induce changes in Amide I band in the SR-FTIR spectra. • LEV, PUL, CHL, and CHP C 60 induce changes in the protein and lipid composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The increased number of donors from other countries leads to language, cultural, and communication barriers during the donation interview. Understanding how people have acquired their attitudes and beliefs will help create better intervention strategies. We studied the interviews performed during the last 7 years with the families of 90 donors who came from various countries. Our objectives to improve this situation were: first, to overcome language barriers with translators; second, we sought to bridge the cultural barrier by gaining knowledge of the cultures and religions via cultural mediators; and third, we prepared the professionals on methods to properly conduct the interview. We studied the impact of the introduction of cultural and linguistic mediators: health professionals with knowledge of various languages, which in some groups were of the same nationality as the family and had been trained in the donation interview. We also translated the information to be given to the family. Among 90 donors, 52% came from the European Union (65% British); 29% Latin America; 13%, Eastern European countries; and 5%, Northern Africa, totaling 26 nationalities. The average donor age was 54.16 ± 20.1 years (range, 1–69 years); 42% were females and 58% males. Since the introduction of the cultural and linguistic mediators, family refusal of donation decreased from 40% to 7.1%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Polysaccharides (PS) levan and pullulan were hydrophobized by cholesterol. • New C 60 -PS non-covalent hybrid NPs were synthesized and studied by DLS and SEM. • The size of C 60 -PS NPs in water was reduced compared to starting PS NPs. • DPPH radical scavenging and β-carotene bleaching abilities of NPs were studied. • The antioxidant potency increases with the growing hydrophobicity. An efficient encapsulation of the fullerene into two hydrophobized and one native polysaccharide provided water soluble supramolecular hybrids. After covalent modification of polysaccharides by cholesterol, noncovalent hybrids were prepared by a three-step procedure, including mixing of individual aqueous solutions of hydrophobized, as well as native sugar with solution of the fullerene in pyridine, dialysis and lyophilization. Although the degree of the fullerene incorporation into hydrophobized substrates, cholesterol-levan and cholesterol-pullulan, was lower in comparison to the native polysaccharide levan, hydrophobization provided nanoparticles with improved properties. The particle size distribution, studied by dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy revealed formation of moderately polydisperse aggregates, with the diameter contraction in comparison to the corresponding free polysaccharide, especially in the case of hydrophobized substrates. The morphological examination, done by scanning electron microscopy indicated the self-organization of the fullerene-native polysaccharide to round individual structures, while fullerene-hydrophobized polysaccharide hybrids tend to form networks. The antioxidant activity of the synthesized polysaccharide-C 60 noncovalent hybrids versus starting polysaccharides was investigated by the DPPH radical scavenging and the β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching methods. In all three complexes, the radical scavenging ability of the fullerene remained preserved, and a positive effect of levan hydrophobization was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]