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The proliferation of the nanotechnologies with the production of engineered nanoparticles presents a dilemma to regulators regarding hazard identification mostly for human health. We investigated the presence of inorganic micro and nanosized contamination in fetal liver and kidney tissues by Field Emission Gun-Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (FEGESEM) innovative observations. An observational study in 16 fetuses, complicated (n=8) or not (n=8) by neural tube defects, whose mothers obtained the authorization for abortion between 21-23 weeks of gestation was carried out. Heavy metals concentrations in maternal blood were undetectable. FEGESEM assessment showed particles of iron, silicon, aluminum and magnesium in different tissues analyzed. The mean size and the number of the foreign bodies detected in kidney and liver tissues were higher in NTD fetuses as well as the number of total particles (P < 0.05, for all). The present study shows first the presence of xenobiotic, nanoscaled contamination, not detectable in maternal blood in fetuses. Data are suggestive and open-up a new clue for further investigations to elucidate the relationship between pollution at nanoscale stage and multiorgan damage.

The Italian Scientific Associations of Cardiologists and Cardiovascular Pathologists have produced this consensus document on the diagnostic role of endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) in terms of techniques, analysis and reporting. The document is intended for clinical cardiologists, hemodynamic experts, electrophysiologists, surgical pathologists, and cardiac surgeons. It has three main aims: a) to collocate EMB in the context of currently available tools for diagnosis of heart diseases; b) to provide recommendations for rational implementation; c) to outline key characteristics (standards) for Italian cardiology and surgical pathology centers that perform and analyze EMB. A general lack of prospective, controlled studies addressing EMB prohibited the use of traditional evidence-based recommendations that rely on classes of available evidence. Thus, it was agreed that three key points should be taken into account: a) the specific pathology to be diagnosed (or excluded); b) the existence of any alternative, non-invasive diagnostic techniques; c) the overall consequences of reaching a definite diagnosis on patients' clinical management. Accordingly, we propose recommendations for EMB based on the following levels of diagnostic value: level 1: no alternative method exists to reach a definite diagnosis that can have obvious consequences for clinical management; level 2a: no alternative method exists to reach a definite diagnosis; however, the implications for clinical management are uncertain; level 2b: no alternative method exists to reach a definite diagnosis; however, the diagnosis would not influence clinical management; level 3: an alternative method exists to reach a definite diagnosis. The second part of the document proposes current protocols for the preparation, analysis and reporting of EMB in the context of each main pathologic entity. Particular attention is given to tissue characterization and implementation of molecular tests.

Abnormal sperm morphology is associated with male infertility. We describe two human cases of globozoospermia (round-headed spermatozoa) together with fine diagnosis and proposed treatment. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) were performed to identify the ultrastructural features. Female partners underwent ovarian hyperstimulation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Fertilized oocytes were transferred 36 h later. One couple had a healthy live-birth. Ultrastructural analysis may help to diagnose sperm morphology and identify those which will respond to treatment.

Background: Blastocyst implantation is a dynamic process requiring a specific cascade of cellular interactions and endometrial changes. The aim of this prospective observational study was to investigate the endometrial expression of alpha(v)beta3 and alpha4beta1 integrins throughout the window of implantation in healthy fertile women., Materials and Methods: Forty fertile women (mean age 29.7 +/- 6.2 years) were recruited for this study. All underwent two endometrial biopsies in a single menstrual cycle. The first biopsy was performed on postovulatory day 6, while the second was taken on postovulatory day 8. Histological dating and immunohistochemical assessments of alpha(v)beta3 and alpha4beta1 integrins were analyzed. Oestradiol and progesterone serum concentrations were also measured at the time of biopsy., Results: Second endometrial biopsy could not be performed in two of the 40 women (5%) because their menses had started in advance. No inflammatory or reactive phenomena were observed after biopsy. All the samples showed an in-phase endometrium. alpha(v)beta3 integrin expression was found in 21 out of the 38 first biopsies and in all 38 second biopsies (55.2% vs. 100%, p < 0.001). alpha4beta1 integrin expression was not significantly different between first and second biopsies (68.4% and 76.3%, NS). Oestradiol and progesterone serum concentrations were similar throughout the implantation window. Twelve of the 38 women (31.6%) conceived within 12 months of completing the study. All these had significantly higher alpha(v)beta3 integrin expressions in mid-luteal phase biopsies compared with those who did not conceive., Conclusions: These immunohistochemical findings demonstrate that both alpha(v)beta3 and alpha4beta1 integrins have a spatial and temporal expression throughout the implantation window in the endometrium of fertile women. Moreover, the shortage of alpha(v)beta3 integrin expression during the mid-luteal phase results in a detrimental effect for blastocyst implantation.