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To obtain insight in translocation of nanoparticles across the placental barrier, translocation was studied for one positively and two negatively charged polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) of similar size in an in vitro model. The model consisted of BeWo b30 cells, derived from a human choriocarcinoma grown on a transwell insert forming a cell layer that separates an apical from a basolateral compartment. PS-NPs were characterized with respect to size, surface charge, morphology and protein corona. Translocation of PS-NPs was not related to PS-NP charge. Two PS-NPs were translocated across the BeWo transwell model to a lower extent than amoxicillin, a model compound known to be translocated over the placental barrier to only a limited extent, whereas one PS-NP showed a slightly higher translocation. Studies on the effect of transporter inhibitors on the translocation of the PS-NPs indicated that their translocation was not mediated by known transporters and mainly dependent on passive diffusion. It is concluded that the BeWo b30 model can be used as an efficient method to get an initial qualitative impression about the capacity of NPs to translocate across the placental barrier and set priorities in further in vivo studies on translocation of NPs to the fetus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Physical activity has been proved as beneficial in multiple sclerosis (MS). • COVID-19 pandemic has affected physical activity of people with MS (PwMS). • Greater interest in online training was observed among PwMS under lockdown conditions. • Innovative systems delivering rehabilitation outside hospital are an urgent need. COVID-19 pandemic has affected people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) on various levels. Pandemic lockdown influenced the access to typical measures of physical activity such as out-door training or gym exercises. We performed a survey assessing physical activity during pandemic lockdown among PwMS treated in our MS center. The questionnaire encompassed questions regarding physical activity before and during lockdown, including the employment of online technologies. The survey was completed by 262 PwMS. Physical activity before lockdown was declared by 74.4% of PwMS, regular exercises were declared by 30.9% of participants. Among physically active PwMS 50.5% limited their physical activity during the COVID-19 lockdown. The decrease in physical activity was reported more frequently by PwMS with higher levels of disability, particularly declaring regular exercises before lockdown. In the opinion of 39,7% of PwMS online training could replace standard exercises, however only 19,9% of PwMS were actively looking for online training during the lockdown. The interest in online exercise was greatest in the group ≤30 years of age and EDSS ≤2. Synchronous exercises were the preferred online training, particularly among PwMS with EDSS≥4. Our findings indicate a need for systematic educational and organizational measures, promoting physical activity among PwMS and acknowledging pandemic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the potential therapeutic effect of vaccination with DNA constructs encoding two encephalitogenic proteins, PLP and MOG, on the outcome of subsequent sensitization of EAE induced in SJL/J and C57/B6 mice. Early sensitization for EAE (4 weeks after DNA vaccination) caused recipient animals to develop enhanced disease with DNA-encoding PLP but not with DNA-encoding MOG. Late sensitization (more than 10 weeks) resulted in an amelioration of EAE in animals vaccinated with both PLP and MOG DNA constructs. These results, confirming the DNA-mediated ameliorating effect on EAE, also indicate significant differences in the kinetics of development of EAE tolerance in response to vaccination with different DNA-encoding myelin antigens. Since PLP and MOG require different MHC presentation and induce different EAE models, the results point to potential differences in immune system requirements for efficient DNA-induced amelioration of the autoimmune response. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this work was to determine the influence of thermal stresses on the functional properties of model polymer-ceramic nanohybrid dental composites. Worldwide-known fillings were selected, Filtek Ultimate (F), G-aenial (G) and Kalore (K). Experiments were conducted under thermal cycle conditions that simulated the temperature changes that naturally occur in the oral cavity, e.g. while eating. Microhardness, frictional tests, and wear measurements were done for a large group of specimens. A comparison was done between various methods of polymerization. According to the results provided, not only do chemical composition and structure have a great impact on the wear resistance of the reference dental composite materials but so do thermal stresses and the polymerization method. Image 1 • The effect of thermocycling on wear behavior of model dental fillings was evaluated. • Three commercial dental composites were tested in thermocycling conditions. • Microhardness was measured, as well as tribological properties were tested. • Thermal cycles were done on a specially developed test stand. • Tribological and non-tribological wear of dental fillings was observed. Differences between the tested materials were seen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clothes and special equipment of firefighters can be a source of indoor air pollution. Nevertheless, it has not been investigated so far what the scale of the release of various compounds from such materials into the indoor air can be. The following study analysed the results of an experiment involving the passive measurement of concentrations of selected compounds, i.a. benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m,p-xylene, o-xylene, styrene, isopropylbenzene and n-propylbenzene (BTEXS) in the air of a room where firefighters' special clothing, which had been previously exposed to emissions from simulated fires, was stored. The study included simulations of fires involving three materials: wood, processed wood (OSB/fibreboard) and a mixture of plastics. After being exposed to the simulated fire environment, special clothing (so-called nomex) was placed in a sealed chamber, where passive collection of BTEXS was carried out using tube-type axial passive samplers and a gas chromatograph. Irrespective of which burned material special clothing was exposed to, the compound emitted into the air most intensively was toluene. Its rate of release from a single nomex ranges from 4.4 to 28.6 μg h−1, while the corresponding rates for the sum of BTEXS are between 9.97 and 44.29 μg h−1. [Display omitted] • The first quantitative assessment of the emissions from PPE. • Emissions to the indoor air at the level of 10–44 μg BTEXS h−1 from 1 pcs PPE. • 36 μg of benzene (1 pcs PPE) is off-gassing to the indoor air during 24-h. • The need for a better selection of PPE storage rooms was identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]