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Nanotechnology involves the engineering of functional systems at nanoscale, thus being attractive for disciplines ranging from materials science to biomedicine. One of the most active research areas of the nanotechnology is nanomedicine, which applies nanotechnology to highly specific medical interventions for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, including cancer disease. Over the past two decades, the rapid developments in nanotechnology have allowed the incorporation of multiple therapeutic, sensing, and targeting agents into nanoparticles, for detection, prevention, and treatment of cancer diseases. Nanoparticles offer many advantages as drug carrier systems since they can improve the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs, modify pharmacokinetics, increase drug half-life by reducing immunogenicity, improve bioavailability, and diminish drug metabolism. They can also enable a tunable release of therapeutic compounds and the simultaneous delivery of two or more drugs for combination therapy. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in the use of different types of nanoparticles for systemic and topical drug delivery in the treatment of skin cancer. In particular, the progress in the treatment with nanocarriers of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma has been reported.

Dermal exposure to Aluminium nanoparticles (AlNPs) can occur in occupationally- and non occupationally exposed- population, due to the use of Al salts-based antiperspirants. No AlNPs transdermal permeation data exists. Our study investigated in vitro the permeation of 30–60 nm Al2O3NPs dispersed in synthetic sweat (20 g/L) using excised human skin on Franz cells. Experiments were performed using intact (experiment 1) and needle-abraded skin (experiment 2). After 24 h traces of Al were detectable in receiving solution of exposed cells (35.0 ± 6.0 ng/cm2 for intact and 88.5 ± 34.2 ng/cm2 for damaged skin, mean and SD) and in blank cells (36.3 ± 7.0 ng/cm2), without statistical significance (p = 0.08, Mann-Whitney test). The average amount of Al into intact and damaged skin samples was 3.96 ± 0.20 μg/cm2 for intact and 4.36 ± 0.47 μg/cm2 for damaged skin (p = 0.08). Al content was similar in epidermal and dermal layers of intact and damaged skin (1.95 ± 0.13 μg/cm2 and 2.31 ± 0.12 μg/cm2 epidermal, 2.01 ± 0.25 μg/cm2 and 2.05 ± 0.35 μg/cm2 dermal). Al is a trace element in human body and the amount found in receiving solutions could be due as background impurity. This data suggest a reassuring transdermal permeation profile for Al2O3NPs.

MnFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) are commonly produced in some occupational settings and may reach high concentration in activities such as arc-welding or ferroalloy metallurgy. Manganese is an essential cofactor in enzyme activities but it has been demonstrated that long-term exposure to excessive levels can lead to “manganism”, a neurodegenerative disease resembling Parkinson features. Inhaled NPs deposit partially in pharynx and nasopharynx and may reach the central nervous system through the olfactory nerve, which is completely enveloped by the meningeal membranes throughout its course from the nasal cavity to the olfactory bulb or through the trigeminal nerves. This study investigated in vitro the transmeningeal absorption of 50 nm MnFe2O4NPs, using excised porcine meninges mounted on Franz diffusion cells. We tested two donor solutions: the first containing MnFe2O4NPs (2.0 g/L) and the second obtained by the ultrafiltration of the first one, in order to test only the NPs water soluble fraction. Each experiment was carried separately for 4 h. Results showed that no Mn flux permeation through the meninges occurred, since only trace of the metal was found in receivers solutions of cells exposed to MnFeNPs (5.5 ± 2.2 ng/cm2), ultrafiltered solution (3.5 ± 1.5 ng/cm2) and blank cells. (2.1 ± 0.6 ng/cm2) (mean and SE). Differences did not reach the statistical significance. Our study shows – for the first time - that MnFe2O4NPs penetrate the meningeal membrane in a negligible amount, thus making unlikely the hypothesis of a transcellular and paracellular absorption through the olfactory nerve but not excluding the hypothesis of an active intraneuronal absorption.

Introduction: The surface area of exposed metal in a trabecular-titanium acetabular component is wider compared to traditional-titanium implants. The purpose of this study is to establish if this increase in surface area can lead to a significant increase in systemic metal levels. Methods: 19 patients with conventional acetabular component and 19 with trabecular-titanium cup were compared. Aluminum, Vanadium and Titanium in blood and urine were assessed before surgery and at intervals for 2 years. The samples were analysed using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: Patients with trabecular-titanium did not have significantly higher metal ion levels compared to patients with conventional cups up to 2 years. A trend over time was statistically significant in both blood and urine for aluminum and titanium concentrations. Conclusions: The three-dimensionality and the wide surface of the trabecular-titanium acetabular component did not affect metal ion release compared to traditional implants after 2 years.

Antibacterial functionality of cellulosic fibers has become an integral requirement for various applications. Silver is widely studied to functionalize textiles with antimicrobial properties and it can be applied via different routes, classified in wet and dry processes. Wet treatments can potentially influence the bulk properties of the textiles negatively and cause environmental concerns and high water and energy consumption. Dry routes including sputtering are considered ecofriendly processes and offer the advantage of modifying only the textile surface. In this study, antimicrobial silver nanoclusters/silica composite coatings of different thicknesses were deposited by radio frequency co-sputtering on cotton fabric. The samples were characterized in terms of morphology, composition, silver contents, silver leaching behaviour in water, antimicrobial properties, in vitro silver permeation through human skin, water contact angle, moisture management properties and air permeability. FESEM, EDX and XPS analysis confirmed the successful deposition of the coating composed of silver nanoclusters uniformly distributed and embedded in the silica matrix. Silver leaching test showed a gradual release of ionic silver in water. The composite coating exhibited antimicrobial activity against the tested microbial strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans in disk diffusion test. The total amount of silver permeated through the human skin was found to be 3.21 ± 0.63 ngcm−2 during 24 h in vitro skin diffusion test. The water wettability of the fabric increased whereas air permeability was found to be unchanged after coating deposition.

In this work, three commercial PMMA-based bone cements (high, medium and low viscosities) were enriched with a bioactive and Ag-containing glass to contemporaneously impart bioactive and antibacterial properties. For each formulation, the glass distribution in the polymeric matrix, the bioactivity in simulated body fluid, the silver release, the antibacterial effect and cytotoxicity were evaluated. Morphological and compositional characterizations, by means of scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectrometry, evidenced good glass dispersion in the polymeric matrix and its appreciable exposition on material surface for all composite cements. The different formulations did not entail the composite ability to induce hydroxyapatite precipitation on their surface (bioactivity) and to release silver ions. The silver release profile was comparable with the rate of infection development; moreover, antibacterial test (inhibition halo evaluation and count of colonies forming units) revealed a significant antibacterial effect towards S. aureus strain. Finally, cytotoxicity test, performed using continuous mouse fibroblast L-929, showed none cytotoxic effect of the multifunctional composite cements for all the polymeric matrix formulations.

Objective To evaluate the relationships between excisional treatment for high-grade cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN2+) and obstetric outcomes in terms of preterm delivery risk, premature rupture of membrane (PROM) and type of delivery, and between pre-term delivery and the type of excisional technique (radio frequency excision, laser conization). Methods This was a retrospective study of the obstetric outcomes of 2316 women aged 25–45 years who underwent excisional treatment for CIN2+ at the Obstetric and Gynecological Clinic of Ospedale Maggiore della Carita in Novara and at the Obstetric and Gynecological Department of Ospedale Sant’Anna in Torino in the period 2005–2014 and were evaluated until April 2016, and 57,937 untreated women of the same age, from the same centers. Results After treatment, 320 women had at least one pregnancy leading to delivery after a mean of 3.35 years. Treatment significantly increased the risk of preterm delivery. Compared with no treatment, the risk of preterm birth was higher in women who had undergone treatment (33.13% vs. 6.60%). Techniques removing or ablating more tissue, such as large loop excision of the transformation zone, were associated with worse outcomes (OR 2.96, 95% IC 1.72–5.10). Smoking habits significantly increase the risk of preterm delivery in the treated women (OR 2.82, 95% IC 1.61–4.9). The risk of premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) (40% vs. 23.22%), the risk of preterm PROM (pPROM) (13.13% vs. 2.71%) and dystocic births (18.75% vs 4.48%) were also significantly increased after treatment. Caesarean sections were less frequent among the treated women (15.94% vs. 32.41%). Conclusions Our findings reveal a relationship between cervical excisional treatment and pre-term delivery, PROM, and the method of delivery. In order to minimise risk and guarantee the best obstetric outcome, patient treatment and follow-up should be personalised.

Excellent mechanical, thermal and chemical properties make Vectran™ fibres an attractive material to be used in high end applications. Its aerospace applications, as in inflatable light weight habitat module, require functional coating to provide antibacterial protection to ensure safe environment for the astronauts. In this study, woven Vectran™ fabric was coated with an antibacterial silver nanoclusters/silica composite coating by means of radio frequency co-sputtering technique. The successful deposition of the silver nanoclusters embedded in the silica matrix of the composite coating was confirmed by morphological, compositional and structural analysis. The coating sustained 10 washing cycles with partial dissolution of the coating during washing. Silver leaching test verified the gradual and progressive release of ionic silver in aqueous media in the range 0.03 ppm–0.43 ppm within 72 h of immersion in water. Antibacterial properties of the coated Vectran™ fabric were confirmed in inhibition halo test against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli on as deposited as well as aged samples. An inhibition halo of up to 2 mm was observed for as deposited samples while after UV exposure, the samples formed inhibition halo of 4 mm. The percutaneous absorption test demonstrated a very low release of silver into epidermis and dermis. The effect of the coating on mechanical properties of the as deposited Vectran fabric was assessed through mechanical characterizations including tensile, tear and abrasion test.

Objective: Cervical cancer prevention shows a variability across Italian Regions unjustified by available evidence, increasing the health, economic and organizational burden. Evidence-based recommendations on topics not covered by international guidelines are needed to tackle existing inequalities. This article describes the rationale, methods, and process for development of the Multisociety Italian Guidelines for cervical cancer prevention. Methods: The Italian legislative framework requires guidelines to be consistent with methodological standards set by the National System for Guidelines (SNLG) of the National Institute of Health. Results: The nine scientific societies involved in cervical cancer prevention participated to the project, including clinicians, policy makers, methodologists, and researchers. Patients were involved as full voting panel members. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach was adopted to assess the certainty of evidence collected by systematic reviews. The GRADE Evidenceto- Decision framework (EtD) was used to structure the appraisal of evidence and to formulate final recommendations. The EtD and a conflict-of-interests management policy were adopted to minimize the influence of competing interests. Discussion: Full transparency guided the reporting of each step of the process, to support the implementation of recommendations in each context and the future updating process. Considerations for subgroups, monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of recommendations and research priorities were also provided. A two-step review process by external experts and SNLG reviewers, prior to online publication, ensured the methodological robustness underlying final recommendations. Finally, to increase publication timeliness, guidelines are organised in chapters that group sets of related recommendations to be published independently.

Dermal exposure to Aluminium nanoparticles (AlNPs) can occur in occupationally- and non occupationally exposed- population, due to the use of Al salts-based antiperspirants. No AlNPs transdermal permeation data exists. Our study investigated in vitro the permeation of 30-60 nm Al

The use of palladium (Pd) has grown in the last decades, commonly used in automotive catalytic converters, jewellery and dental restorations sectors. Both general and working population can be exposed to this metal, which may act as skin sensitizer. This study investigated in vitro palladium powders permeation through excised intact and damaged human skin using the Franz diffusion cell method and the effect of rapid skin decontamination using sodium laureth-sulphate. 1 mL of a 10 min sonicated suspension made of 2.5 g of Pd powder in 50 mL synthetic sweat at pH 4.5 and room temperature was applied to the outer surface of the skin membranes for 24 h. Pd permeation, assessed by ICP-MS, was higher when damaged skin was used (p = 0.03). Final flux permeation values and lag times were 0.02 ± 0.01 μg cm−2 h−1 and 6.00 ± 3.95 h for intact, and 0.10 ± 0.02 μg cm−2 h−1 and 2.05 ± 1.49 h for damaged skin samples, respectively. Damaged skin protocol enhances Pd skin penetration inside dermal layer (p = 0.04), thus making the metal available for systemic uptake. Pd penetration (p = 0.02) and permeation (p = 0.012) through intact skin decreased significantly when a cleaning procedure was applied. This study demonstrates that after skin exposure to Pd powders a small permeation of the metal happen both through intact and damaged skin and that an early decontamination with a common cleanser can significantly decrease the final amount of metal available forsystemic uptake.

Welding operations originate micro and nanoparticles represented by metal oxides, unoxidized metals and compounds, such as fluorides and chlorides. Welding fumes exposure is associated to lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, asthma and early Parkinson disease. Ultrafine (nanosized) particles in welding fumes are considered a risk factor in terms of occupational exposure: when inhaled, they are efficiently deposited in all regions of the respiratory tract and can translocate to other target organs as brain and systemic circulation. The study of nanoparticles emissions during welding can help to understand effects related also to new-engineered nanoparticles exposure. In our study two real sources of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) fume particles, collected in an automotive plant, were characterized by means of a transmission electron microscope coupled with an energy-dispersive X-ray analytical system (TEM-EDS) and compared to a zone of the plant far from the two sources used as a reference background. The particles sampled during the automatic GTAW process were mainly constituted by iron/manganese oxide with a mean diameter of 47 nm, followed by smaller iron oxide nanoparticles (21 nm). During the manual welding process mostly aggregates with larger diameters that showed an X-ray spectrum characteristic of different kinds of silicates were found. Iron and cobalt oxides nanoparticles were present only inside bigger aggregates mainly composed of aluminum and titanium oxides. This study confirms that welders are exposed to nano- and submicron particles and that iron/manganese oxide nanoparticles are the most representative in automatic process, despite the low concentration of manganese in welding wires (1–2%). Our results help to understand hazard related to welding fumes exposure and possible effects of nanoparticles on lung, brain and systemic circulation.

MnFe

Growing warnings on health effects related to electronic cigarettes have met inconclusive findings at present. This study analyzed the in vitro percutaneous absorption of nicotine resulting by skin contamination with two e-liquids (refill 1 and 2) containing nicotine at 1.8%. Donor chambers of 6 Franz cells for each refill liquid were filled with 1 mL of nicotine e-liquid for 24 h; at selected intervals, 1.5 mL of the receptor solutions were collected for nicotine concentration analysis by mean gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (LOD: 0.01 μg/mL). The experiment was repeated removing the nicotine donor solution after 10 min from the application and rinsing the skin surface three times with 3.0 mL of milliQ water. A total of 12 cells with 24 h exposure and 12 cells washed were studied. The mean concentration of nicotine in the receiving phase at the end of the experiment was 54.9 ± 29.5 and 30.2 ± 18.4 μg/cm2 for refill 1 and 2 respectively and significantly lower in washed cells (4.7 ± 2.4 and 3.5 ± 1.3 μg/cm2). The skin absorption of nicotine can lead to minor health illness in vapers, while caution must be paid to dermal contamination by e liquids in children. The skin cleaning significantly reduced the transdermal absorption kinetic and intradermal deposition of nicotine.

High performance textiles such as Kevlar® find large use in many applications including aerospace field, thus require antimicrobial characteristics to avoid the risk of microbial contamination on board of spacecraft and orbital station during prolonged space exploration missions. In this study, Kevlar® fabric has been coated with antibacterial silver nanocluster/silica composite layer with different thicknesses, by means of radio frequency co-sputtering technique. The fibers morphology and composition has been analyzed by means of field emission scanning election microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersion spectrometry (EDS), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Thermal properties have been evaluated through thermogravimetric experiments (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The fibers result homogenously coated with the antibacterial layer composed of silica matrix embedding silver nanoclusters. A controlled and gradual release of silver was observed in silver leaching tests in water and artificial sweat. The antimicrobial behavior is verified through inhibition halo and broth dilution tests against different bacterial and fungal species. The in vitro skin penetration test shows that the Ag amount absorbed through the skin is mainly stored in epidermis. Tensile and tear properties were maintained and not degraded by the coating deposition. The reduction of perforation resistance after coating deposition could be considered negligible whereas abrasion test demonstrated an increased resistance of coated sample.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are increasingly applied to a wide range of materials for biomedical use. These enable a close contact with human skin, thanks to the large release of silver ions that is responsible for a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Silver can permeate the skin; however, there are no data available on silver permeation through skin grafts commonly used in burns recovery. The aim of our study was to evaluate silver penetration using fresh, cryopreserved, and glycerolized human skin grafts after exposure to a suspension of AgNPs in synthetic sweat using a Franz diffusion cell apparatus for 24 h. Silver permeation profiles revealed a significantly higher permeation through glycerolized skin compared with both fresh and cryopreserved skin: 24-h silver flux penetration was 0.2 ng cm(-2) h(-1) (lag time: 8.2 h) for fresh skin, 0.3 ng cm(-2) h(-1) (lag time: 10.9 h) for cryopreserved skin, and 3.8 ng cm(-2) h(-1) (lag time: 6.3 h) for glycerolized skin. Permeation through glycerolized skin is significantly higher compared to both fresh and cryopreserved skin. This result can generate relevant clinical implications for burns treatment with products containing AgNPs.

A glass belonging to the system SiO2-P2O5-CaO-MgO-Na2O-K2O was modified by introducing two different amounts of manganese oxide (MnO). Mn-doped glasses were prepared by melt and quenching technique and characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation and energy dispersion spectrometry (EDS) analysis. In vitro bioactivity test in simulated body fluid (SBF) showed a slight decrease in the reactivity kinetics of Mn-doped glasses compared to the glass used as control; however the glasses maintained a good degree of bioactivity. Mn-leaching test in SBF and minimum essential medium (MEM) revealed fluctuating trends probably due to a re-precipitation of Mn compounds during the bioactivity process. Cellular tests showed that all the Mn-doped glasses, up to a concentration of 50 μg/cm(2) (μg of glass powders/cm(2) of cell monolayer), did not produce cytotoxic effects on human MG-63 osteoblasts cultured for up to 5 days. Finally, biocompatibility tests demonstrated a good osteoblast proliferation and spreading on Mn-doped glasses and most of all that the Mn-doping can promote the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and some bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs).

Nanotechnology involves the engineering of functional systems at nanoscale, thus being attractive for disciplines ranging from materials science to biomedicine. One of the most active research areas of the nanotechnology is nanomedicine, which applies nanotechnology to highly specific medical interventions for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, including cancer disease. Over the past two decades, the rapid developments in nanotechnology have allowed the incorporation of multiple therapeutic, sensing, and targeting agents into nanoparticles, for detection, prevention, and treatment of cancer diseases. Nanoparticles offer many advantages as drug carrier systems since they can improve the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs, modify pharmacokinetics, increase drug half-life by reducing immunogenicity, improve bioavailability, and diminish drug metabolism. They can also enable a tunable release of therapeutic compounds and the simultaneous delivery of two or more drugs for combination therapy. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in the use of different types of nanoparticles for systemic and topical drug delivery in the treatment of skin cancer. In particular, the progress in the treatment with nanocarriers of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma has been reported.

Beekeepers are at particular risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders, but many of the studies lack detailed exposure assessment. To evaluate the biomechanical overload exposure in a specific farming activity, a multitasking model has been developed through the characterization of 37 basic operational tasks typical of the beekeeping activity. The Occupational Repetitive Actions (OCRA) Checklist and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Lifting Index methodologies have been applied to these elementary tasks to evaluate the exposure, and the resulting risk indices have been time-weighted averaged. Finally, an easy access, computer-assisted toolkit has been developed to help the beekeepers in the biomechanical risk assessment process. The risk of biomechanical overload for the upper limbs ranges from acceptable (maintenance and recovery of woody material and honey packaging with dosing machine tasks) to high (distribution of the top supers) risk level. The risk for back injury is always borderline in women and increases with exposure time, whereas it ranges from acceptable to borderline in men. The definition of the biomechanical risk levels allows for planning of corrective actions aimed at preventing and reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders through engineering, administrative, and behavioral interventions. The methodology can be used for risk assessment in other mainly manual agricultural activities.

The concentrated nicotine in e-cigarette refill liquids can be toxic if inadvertently ingested or absorbed through the skin. Reports of poisonings due to accidental ingestion of nicotine on refill liquids are rapidly increasing, while the evaluation of nicotine dermally absorbed still lacks. For that reason we studied transdermal nicotine absorption after the skin contamination with e-liquid. Donor chambers of eight Franz diffusion cells were filled with 1 mL of 0.8 mg/mL nicotine e-liquid for 24 h. The concentration of nicotine in the receiving phase was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (LOD:0.1 μg/mL). Nicotine was detectable in receiving solution 2 h after the start of exposure and increased progressively. The medium flux calculated was 4.82 ± 1.05 μg/cm(2)/h with a lag time of 3.9 ± 0.1 h. After 24 h, the nicotine concentration in the receiving compartment was 101.02 ± 22.35 μg/cm(2) corresponding to 3.04 mg of absorbed nicotine after contamination of a skin surface of 100 cm(2). Skin contamination with e-liquid can cause nicotine skin absorption: caution must be paid when handling refill e-liquids.

Since the 1990s several nanoparticles (NPs) have been developed for applications as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Diagnostic NPs aim to visualize the disease site. Therapeutic NPs aim to improve the accumulation and release of drugs at the pathological site. The simultaneous combination of these two abilities has been named theranostics. Theranostic NPs applied to cancer detection and therapy can more efficiently monitor the biodistribution and target site accumulation, imaging and quantifying drug release. Skin cancer is the most common form of malignancy principally in the white population and comprises nonmelanocytic skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and melanoma. In this chapter, we report the main NPs used for imaging and therapy of skin cancers, the latest data about nanoparticle-based theranostics of these diseases, and the use of nanovehicles for the drug transdermal delivery.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are produced for many applications but there is a lack of available data on their skin absorption. Experiments were performed using the Franz diffusion cell method with intact and damaged human skin. A physiological solution was used as receiving phase and 0.5 mL (1st exp) and 1.5 mL (2nd exp) of a solution containing 100 mg L⁻¹ of AuNPs (15 and 45 μg cm⁻², respectively) was applied as donor phase to the outer surface of the skin for 24 h. Skin absorption was dose dependent. Mean gold content of 214.0 ± 43.7 ng cm⁻² and 187.7 ± 50.2 ng cm⁻² were found in the receiving solutions of cells where the AuNPs solution was applied in higher concentration on intact skin (8 Franz cells) and on damaged skin (8 Franz cells), respectively. Twenty-four hours gold flux permeation was 7.8 ± 2.0 ng cm⁻² h⁻¹ and 7.1 ± 2.5 ng cm⁻² h⁻¹ in intact and damaged skin, respectively, with a lag time less than 1 hour. Transmission Electron Microscope analysis on skin samples and chemical analysis using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry demonstrated the presence of AuNPs into epidermis and dermis. This study showed that AuNPs are able to penetrate the human skin in an in vitro diffusion cell system.

A ferrimagnetic glass-ceramic, belonging to the system SiO 2 -Na 2 O-CaO-P 2 O 5 -FeO-Fe 2 O 3 , has been studied as potential carrier for antineoplastic agents, in order to exploit the combination of hyperthermia and chemotherapy. Different material pre-treatments, such as ultrasonic washing, water, or simulated body fluid dipping, were evaluated to promote the surface activation of the glass-ceramic, i.e., the hydroxyl groups formation on it. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersion spectrometry, and wettability measurements were performed to observe the samples surface modification. The best results in terms of free hydroxyl groups exposition were obtained by dipping the samples in distilled water for 7 days at 37 °C. Two different anticancer drugs were selected in order to test the reactivity of the activated surface: cisplatinum and doxorubicin. The uptake and release of doxorubicin and cisplatinum were evaluated on glass-ceramic powders, by using UV-Visible spectrometry and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy, respectively. After 1 day of uptake at 37°C, the quantity of doxorubicin incorporated into the glass-ceramic is 77 ± 7 wt%, while only 42 ± 9.6 wt% of cisplatinum is grafted onto the material surface. For both antitumoral agents, the maximum drug release after soaking in aqueous solutions at 37 °C was obtained in few hours, with a randomly distributed kinetics trend.

Silver nanocluster - silica composite coatings have been deposited by radio frequency (RF) cosputtering on silica substrates. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction spectra of the as deposited and heated samples (150°C - 600°C) revealed the presence of metal silver nanoclusters,their size depending on the heating treatment. The antibacterial activity of the as deposited and heated samples has been measured in accordance to National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards, (NCCLS) and it has been demonstrated on samples heated up to 450°C in contact mode and for samples heated at 600°C in a liquid environment. Their antibacterial activity was still present after gamma ray and ethylene oxide gas (EtO) sterilization of the samples. Silver leaching tests on the as deposited and heated samples has been measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer (GF-AAS), revealing an amount ranging from 0,1 to 0,9 μg/mm2, over 28 days. Tape resistance (ASTM D3359-97) and scratch resistance tests have been done on each sample revealing a good adhesion of the coatings on silica

A glass belonging to the system SiO(2)-Al(2)O(3)-CaO-Na(2)O has been subjected to a patented ion-exchange treatment to induce surface antibacterial activity by doping with silver ions. Doped samples have been characterized by means of X-Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation, energy dispersion spectrometry (EDS) analysis, in vitro bioactivity test, Ag(+) leaching test by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS) analyses, cytotoxicity tests by fibroblasts adhesion and proliferation, adsorption of IgA and IgG on to the material to evaluate its inflammatory property and antibacterial tests (cultures with Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli). In vitro tests results demonstrated that the modified glass maintains the same biocompatibility of the untreated one and, moreover, it acquires an antimicrobial action against tested bacteria. This method can be selected to realize glass or glass-ceramic bone substitutes as well as coatings on bio-inert devices, providing safety against bacterial colonization thus reducing the risks of infections nearby the implant site. The present work is the carrying on of a previous research activity, concerning the application of an ion-exchange treatment on glasses belonging to the ternary system SiO(2)-CaO-Na(2)O. On the basis of previous results the glass composition was refined and the ion-exchange process was adapted to it, in order to tune the final material properties. The addition of Al(2)O(3) to the original glass system and the optimization of the ion-exchange conditions allowed a better control of the treatment, leading to an antibacterial material, without affecting both bioactivity and biocompatibility.

A glass–ceramic composition has been studied to realise a highly bioactive material, suitable for stimulate the bone regeneration, which has been subjected to a patented ion exchange process with silver ions, to impart antibacterial properties. The obtained material has been characterised by SEM, EDS and XRD analyses, before and after the introduction of Ag+ ions, and has been subjected to mechanical tests. Ag+ release was verified by GF-AAS analysis. The influence of silver on material wettability and bioactivity was evaluated through contact angle measurements and in vitro test on SBF solution. Finally, biocompatibility with osteoblast like cells and antibacterial test on Staphylococcus Aureus, have been realised to demonstrate the effective antimicrobial behaviour and the safety of silver doped glass–ceramic. On the basis of this study, it was evinced that ion exchange technique, optimised on glasses in previous research works, allows the controlled introduction of Ag+ ions and can be transferr...

Plasma spray bioactive glass ceramic coatings on metallic substrates have been characterised and modified by a patented ion exchange process in order to introduce silver ions onto their surface and confer antibacterial properties. Both treated and untreated materials have been analysed by means of SEM, EDS and XRD in order to verify the amount of introduced silver, and also after immersion in simulated body fluid in order to investigate bioactivity. The amount of silver released in simulated body fluid has been quantified by means of graphite furnace atomic adsorption spectrophotometry analysis. Finally cellular and microbiological test have been performed in order to verify material biocompatibility and antibacterial behaviour.

It is well known that contact with metals can be responsible for allergic contact dermatitis; also, there is experimental evidence that nickel ions are readily available on the surface of used coins containing nickel and copper. The aim of this study was to prove that metal powders of nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) dispersed in synthetic sweat are oxidised into respective ions that can permeate the skin. Suspensions of 5 g of metal powder (Ni, Co and Cr) in 100 mL of synthetic sweat at pH 6.5 were prepared and shaken with a stirring plate at room temperature for 30 min. Human skin membranes were set up in Franz-diffusion cells and 2 mL of the freshly made suspension were applied to the outer surface of the skin for 24 h. The appearance of metal ions in the aqueous receptor phase (NaCl 0.9%) was quantified by Electro Thermal Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (ETAAS). Also, metals ions were analysed using Differential Pulse Polarography (DDP), Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) techniques both in the receiving phase and in the donor solution to evaluate the presence of different ionic metallic species. DPP and DPV measurements of cobalt and nickel suspensions confirmed the presence of Co 2+ and Ni 2+ ions in concentration, respectively of 33.3 ± 3.2 and 27.1 ± 3.2 mg L −1 . Chromium ions concentration below 0.1 mg L −1 were found in chromium suspensions bearing evidence of synthetic sweat inefficacy of oxidising chromium metal powder. Cobalt and nickel skin permeation was demonstrated in in vitro experiments using the Franz cell system giving a permeation flux of 0.0123 ± 0.0054 μg cm −2 h −1 for cobalt and of 0.0165 ± 0.00036 μg cm −2 h −1 for nickel and a lag time of 1.55 ± 0.71 h for cobalt and of 14.56 ± 0.56 for nickel. Chromium below 0.1 μg L −1 was found in the receiving solutions. Our experiments demonstrated that metallic nickel and cobalt can be oxidised when suspended in synthetic sweat, while chromium would probably need stronger oxidising conditions. Metallic ions can permeate the skin and the Franz cell system showed that it is possible to measure a flux of ions through the skin for cobalt and nickel but not for chromium.

Compared to spontaneous screening, an organized screening programme is characterized by the presence of protocols and recommendations for all stages including follow-up. Despite the availability of well-functioning screening programmes throughout the country, the follow-up protocol after an abnormal Pap test and negative colposcopy is not clearly defined in Italy, and there is no uniformity of indications. HPV testing for oncogenic human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) has a high negative predictive value (NPV) and high positive predictive value (PPV) for CIN2+ and its employment can reduce follow-up assessments. In order to provide indications about the management of women with ASC-US+ and the follow-up of women with cytological abnormalities and negative colposcopy, a literature analysis was carried out, taking into consideration European and American guidelines and good practice recommendations from the most important scientific associations and regulatory agencies. GISCi (Italian Group for Cervical Screening) drafted recommendations for the management of women with ASC-US, L-SIL, ASC-H, AGC, and H-SIL until their return to the routine screening interval. This protocol can be applied not only in the management of abnormal Pap smears in cytology-based programmes, but also in the management of abnormal Pap test triage after HPV positive test when HPV is the primary screening test. The protocols approved within the screening programmes must have an extensive consensus among all involved professionals, including any that women might meet outside the programme.

Carlotta Bianco,1 Sanja Kezic,2 Matteo Crosera,1 Vesna Svetličić,3 Suzana Šegota,3 Giovanni Maina,4 Canzio Romano,5 Francesca Larese,6,7 Gianpiero Adami11Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy; 2Academic Medical Center, Coronel Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; 3Laboratory for Bioelectrochemistry and Surface Imaging, Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruder Boškovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia; 4Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University ofTurin, Turin, Italy; 5Department ofPublic and Pediatric Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; 6Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy; 7Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, ItalyAbstract: The objective of this study was to determine the in vitro percutaneous penetration of silver and characterize the silver species released from textiles in different layers of full thickness human skin. For this purpose, two different wound dressings and a garment soaked in artificial sweat were placed in the donor compartments of Franz cells for 24 hours. The concentration of silver in the donor phase and in the skin was determined by an electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer (ET-AAS) and by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Thecharacterization of silver species in the textiles and in the skin layers was made by scanning electron microscopy with integrated energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Additionally, the size distribution of silver nanoparticles in the textiles was performed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). On the surface of all investigated materials, silver nanoparticles of different size and morphology were found. Released silver concentrations in the soaking solutions (ie, exposure concentration) ranged from 0.7 to 4.7 µg/mL (0.6–4.0 µg/cm2), fitting the bactericidal range. Silver and silver chloride aggregates at sizes of up to 1 µm were identified both in the epidermis and dermis. The large size of these particles suggests that the aggregation occurred in the skin. The formation of these aggregates likely slowed down the systemic absorption of silver. Conversely, these aggregates may form a reservoir enabling prolonged release of silver ions, which might lead to local effects.Keywords: silver textile, silver release, skin

Povidone iodine is a water-soluble complex used to disinfect the skin surface and it exerts prolonged germicidal action against a broad spectrum of germs. Indeed, it is often applied on burned skin, large wounds, deep tissues or mucosa. Notably some surgical hand-scrub solutions, which are considered safe antiseptics, contain large amounts of iodine that can be absorbed by skin. The aim of present study was to study the skin absorption of iodine after the application on the skin of povidone-iodine solution, used by health care workers during surgical procedure. We use Franz diffusion static cells with human skin. After 24 h from the beginning of our measurement the iodine concentration in the receiving compartment was 11.59 ± 6.3 μg/cm 2 . The medium flux calculated was 0.73 ± 0.33 μg/cm 2 /h with a lag time of 8.9 ± 1.5 h. These in vitro results confirmed that povidone iodine could pass through the skin in a relevant amount that can explain the clinical findings in burned or surgically treated patients. In professional use the repetitive contact with povidone iodine, also as soap, can cause iodine skin permeation that must be considered when the washing procedures are repeated more than 20 times a day.

In this work, composite bone cements, based on a commercial polymethylmethacrylate matrix (Palamed®) loaded with ferrimagnetic bioactive glass-ceramic particles (SC45), were produced and characterized in vitro. The ferrimagnetic bioactive glass-ceramic belongs to the system SiO 2 –Na 2 O–CaO–P 2 O 5 –FeO–Fe 2 O 3 and contains magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) crystals into a residual amorphous bioactive phase. Three different formulations (containing 10, 15 and 20 wt.% of glass-ceramic particles respectively) have been investigated. These materials are intended to be applied as bone fillers for the hyperthermic treatment of bone tumors. The morphological, compositional, calorimetric and mechanical properties of each formulation have been already discussed in a previous paper. The in vitro properties of the composite bone cements described in the present paper are related to iron ion leaching test (by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer), bioactivity (i.e. the ability to stimulate the formation of a hydroxyapatite – HAp – layer on their surface after soaking in simulated body fluid SBF) and cytocompatibility toward human osteosarcoma cells (ATCC CRL-1427, Mg63). Morphological and chemical characterizations by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersion spectrometry have been performed on the composite samples after each test. The iron release was negligible and all the tested samples showed the growth of HAp on their surface after 28 days of immersion in a simulated body fluid (SBF). Cells showed good viability, morphology, adhesion, density and the ability to develop bridge-like structures on all investigated samples. A synergistic effect between bioactivity and cell mineralization was also evidenced.

The aim of this study was to investigate the percutaneous penetration of lead oxide (PbO) powder and the effect of rapid skin decontamination with two different detergents.Franz cells were used to study in vitro PbO skin penetration through human skin during a 24-hour period. The tests were performed without or with decontamination using either Ivory Liquid soap or a new experimental cleanser 30 minutes after the start of exposure.We confirm that PbO can pass through the skin with a median penetration of 2.9 ng/cm (25-75th percentiles 0.35-6). The cleaning procedure using Ivory Liquid soap significantly increased skin penetration with a median value of 23.6 ng/cm (25-75th percentiles 12-47.1; Mann-Whitney U test, P = 0.0002), whereas the new experimental cleanser only marginally increased penetration (7.1 ng/cm).Our results indicate that it is necessary to prevent skin contamination from occurring because a short contact can increase skin content and penetration even if quickly followed by washing. This study demonstrated that PbO powder can pass through the skin and that skin decontamination done after 30 minutes of exposure did not decrease skin absorption occurring over 24 hours and stresses the need to prevent skin contamination when using toxic substances.

Total hip prostheses are implanted to younger and more active patients, so the open problem is to create implants which will enhance the implant survivorship and will offer greater longevity. From this point of view, metal-on-metal arthroprostheses are well performing. The volume of periprosthetic inflammatory tissues appears to be less than with metal-on-UHMPWE, however osteolysis often occurs and it is known that the levels of metal ions in the blood and urine are elevated in patients with metal-on-metal bearing. The aim of this research activity was the synthesis and characterization of surface modified cobalt alloys, in order to obtain a biocompatible material presenting at the same time good wear performances, low metal ion release and low toxicity. The surface chemical composition of an implant cobalt alloy (Biodur) was modified, producing relevant tantalum enrichment. Tantalum was chosen because of its low toxicity and high corrosion resistance. The chemical composition, morphology, roughness, crystallographic structure and wettability of the surface, as well as the interface of the modified layer with the substrate, were characterized. The mechanical behavior of the modified materials was investigated by scratch and pin-on-disc wear tests. The metal ion release of the modified surfaces was measured by in vitro experiments after wear tests. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The shortage of cobalt (Co) on the metal market forced the industry to add nickel (Ni) to Co as a binding agent for the sintering of hard metal. This change enabled us to study (1) the exposure to Ni powder and (2) the effect of Ni on Co uptake (and vice versa).Equal amounts of Co and Ni were used in the mixture in a plant employing 50 workers. Both personal ambient-air samples and single-void urine samples were taken twice in the same week, i.e., on Monday and Thursday. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used for analyses.The airborne availability of Ni (mean value 41.65 +/- 6.29 micrograms/m3) was 2-fold that of Co (mean value 21.85 +/- 24.25 micrograms/m3), although the two series of data (n = 20) were significantly correlated. Even if the Co and Ni urinary concentration values (n = 45) recorded on Monday morning and Thursday evening were significantly correlated, at the end of the week there was a 3-fold increase, specifically, from 7.3 to 22.28 micrograms/l, in Co elimination (a significant difference) and a 30% increase in Ni elimination from 11.98 to 15.83 micrograms/l. Moreover, on Monday morning, 90% of Ni urinary concentration values were higher than those of Co as opposed to only 33% on Thursday evening. In the six cases in which both airborne and urine determinations were performed on the 2 days, no significant relationship was found between external exposure and biological monitoring data.Although Ni uptake was variable, it was generally low, whereas Co uptake was substantial, as had previously been observed in the same plant when Co was the only binder under use. It was therefore possible to rule out any influence of Ni exposure on Co uptake and to suggest the contrary, as has been demonstrated in bacterial species and in rats using everted intestinal sacs.

Two bone cements (Palacos R® and Palacos LV®) based on polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), clinically used in several cemented prosthetic devices, have been enriched with silver containing bioactive glass powders and compared with the plain commercial ones. The obtained composite cements have been subjected to a preliminary characterization by means of morphological and compositional analyses, compression mechanical tests, bioactivity test (by soaking into simulated body fluids), leaching tests and in vitro antibacterial test (count of colonies forming units, McFarland index evaluation, inhibition zone evaluation). The glass powders appeared uniformly dispersed inside the PMMA matrix and good mechanical properties (in compression) have been reached. The composite cements showed a bioactive behavior (since they developed hydroxyapatite on their surface after soaking in simulated body fluid) and a good antibacterial performance. The release of silver ions, which is the principal reason of antibacterial properties, is mainly reached after the first hours of contact with the leaching solution, as it is expected for a reasonable prevention of bacterial colonization during in vivo applications.

Cement is a fine powder used to bind sand and stones into a matrix of concrete, making up the world's most frequently used building material in the construction industry. First described by Ramazzini in his book "De Morbis Artificia Diatriba" in 1700, the effect of cement on the skin was presumed to be due to contact dermatitis. The first cement burns case was published by Rowe and Williams in 1963. Cement handling has been found to be responsible for many cases of occupational burns (generally full-thickness) usually affecting a limited TBSA, rarely greater than 5%, with localization especially in the lower limbs. We describe an unusual case of a self-inflicted cement burn involving 75% TBSA. A 28-yr-old building worker attempted suicide by jumping into a cement mixer in a truck. Upon arrival at our burn centre, clinical examination revealed extensive burn (75% TBSA - 40% full-thickness) involving face, back, abdomen, upper limbs and circumferentially lower limbs, sparing the hands and feet. The patient was sedated, mechanically ventilated, and subjected to escharotomy of the lower limbs in the emergency room. The following day, the deep burns in the lower limbs were excised down to the fascia and covered with meshed allografts. Owing to probable intestinal and skin absorption of cement, metal toxicity was suspected and dialysis and forced diuresis were therefore initiated on day 3. The patient's clinical conditions gradually worsened and he died on day 13 from the multi-organ failure syndrome.Le ciment est une poudre fine utilisée pour lier le sable et les pierres dans une matrice de béton qui constitue le matériau de construction le plus utilisé au monde dans l’industrie de la construction. Décrit pour la première fois par Ramazzini dans son livre “De Morbis Artificia Diatriba” en 1700, l’effet du ciment sur la peau était attribué à une dermatite de contact. La première description d’un cas de brûlure due au ciment a été publiée par Rowe et Williams en 1963. La maniement du ciment a été jugé responsable de nombreux cas de brûlures professionnelles (généralement de toute épaisseur) qui intéressent en général une surface corporelle totale (SCT) limitée, rarement plus de 5%, avec une localisation surtout dans les membres inférieurs. Les Auteurs décrivent un cas peu commun de brûlure auto-infligée par ciment dans 75% de la SCT. Un ouvrier de 28 ans a tenté de se suicider en sautant dans la bétonnière d’un camion. À l’arrivée au centre des brûlés, l’examen clinique a révélé des brûlures dans 75% de la SCT (40% de toute épaisseur) qui intéressaient le visage, le dos, l’abdomen, et les membres supérieurs et inférieurs en circonférence, avec exclusion des mains et des pieds. Le patient a été mis sous sédation et ventilation mécanique et soumis à escarrotomie des membres inférieurs dans la salle d’urgence. Le lendemain, les brûlures profondes des membres inférieurs ont été excisées jusqu’au fascia et couvertes d’allogreffes en filet. L’absorption intestinale et cutanée du ciment a suggéré une toxicité métallique et pour cette raison la dialyse et la diurèse forcée ont été effectuées au troisième jour. Les conditions cliniques du patient se sont aggravées progressivement et il est mort le jour 13 à cause du syndrome de défaillance multi-organique.

Cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs) are produced for many applications but there is a lack of data on human absorption. The aim of our study was to evaluate the CoNPs skin absorption. Experiments were performed using Franz cells with human skin. Physiological solution was used as receiving phase and 1.0 mg cm-2 of CoNPs was applied as donor phase for 24 h. Mean Co content of 8.3 ± 1.5 ng cm-2 and 1.87 ± 0.86 ug cm-2 were found in the receiving solutions of cells where the CoNPs suspension was applied on intact skin and on damaged skin respectively. Twenty-four hours Co flux permeation was 76 ± 49 ng cm-2 h-1 in damaged skin with a lag time of 2.8 ± 2.1 hours. Transmission Electron Microscope analysis on skin samples and spectroscopic analysis demonstrated the presence of CoNPs into epidermis. This study showed that CoNPs are able to penetrate the human skin in an in-vitro diffusion cell system., JRC.I.4-Nanobiosciences

Salivary cortisol offers a novel approach to understand the relationship between psychosocial environment and health. This study examines the intra-individual relationships among indicators of the cortisol circadian rhythm and investigates the influence of determinants affecting the day-to-day variability of the cortisol measures. Over three weekdays, 87 healthy subjects (63 females and 24 males) collected saliva samples at seven time points to assess the cortisol awakening response (CAR), and to evaluate the post morning cortisol profile. The generalized estimating equations method was used to explore the relations between repeated cortisol measures and potential determinants (sociodemographic, health, and sampling factors) influencing salivary cortisol levels. Younger age, being smoker, and sampling on a working day were associated with higher at awakening and total cortisol excretion in the morning period. Higher overall cortisol excretion and cortisol increase in the first hour of the day were found for adherents to sampling procedure. Higher educational level was found associated with greater total cortisol excretion in the morning and post morning period, while a flatter diurnal slope was found in smokers. Results are consistent with the knowledge that the circadian cortisol rhythm is differentially determined by situational factors and that results obtained in the early morning hour are of crucial importance corroborating the evidence that the CAR is a highly state-dependent phenomenon. These data indicate that many confounding factors need to be controlled when using salivary cortisol as biomarker of the mind-health interrelationship.

Titanium and its alloys represent the gold standard for orthopaedic and dental prosthetic devices, because of their good mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Recent research has been focused on surface treatments designed to promote their rapid osteointegration also in case of poor bone quality. A new surface treatment has been investigated in this research work, in order to improve tissue integration of titanium based implants. The surface treatment is able to induce a bioactive behaviour, without the introduction of a coating, and preserving mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V substrates (fatigue resistance). The application of the proposed technique results in a complex surface topography, characterized by the combination of a micro-roughness and a nanotexture, which can be coupled with the conventional macro-roughness induced by blasting. Modified metallic surfaces are rich in hydroxyls groups: this feature is extremely important for inorganic bioactivity (in vitro and in vivo apatite precipitation) and also for further functionalization procedures (grafting of biomolecules). Modified Ti6Al4V induced hydroxyapatite precipitation after 15 days soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF). The process was optimised in order to not induce cracks or damages on the surface. The surface oxide layer presents high scratch resistance.

A 3D-glass-ceramic scaffold for bone tissue engineering with an interconnected macroporous network of pores was doped with silver ions in order to confer antibacterial properties. For this purpose, silver ions were selectively added to the scaffold surfaces through ion-exchange using an aqueous silver nitrate solution. The silver-doped scaffolds were characterized by means of leaching, in vitro antibacterial, and citotoxicity tests. In particular, the silver effect was examined through a broth dilution test in order to evaluate the proliferation of bacteria by counting the colonies forming units. Moreover, cytotoxicity tests were carried out to understand the effect of silver-containing scaffolds on cell adhesion, proliferation, and vitality. For all tests a comparison between silver-doped scaffold and silver-doped scaffold dry sterilized was performed.

Phosphate-based glasses with different amounts of titanium dioxide (TiO2), having the following molar composition 50P(2)O(5)-30CaO-9Na(2)O-3SiO(2)-3MgO-(5-x) K2O-xTiO(2), (where x = 0, 2.5, 5 mol %), were synthesised and characterized in terms of solubility (according to ISO 10993-14), and in vitro biocompatibility using human MG-63 osteoblast cells. Dissolution tests were carried out in Tris-HCl (pH 7.4) to simulate the physiological pH and in citric acid (pH 3.0) to simulate an acidic environment. The weight loss decreased with increasing TiO2 content, a process further enhanced in acidic medium. TiO2 reduced the pH changes usually caused by the dissolution products released. Cellular tests showed that all the glasses studied (0-5 mol % TiO2) and TiCl4, used to investigate the biocompatibility of titanium ions, did not produce cytotoxic effects on human MG-63 osteoblasts for up to 5 days in culture. On the basis of these results, we suggest that TiO2-containing phosphate glasses could be promising substrates for bone tissue engineering applications. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 99A: 295-306, 2011.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between two job stress models-the job strain (JDC) and the effort-reward imbalance (ERI) model-and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in call handler operators. METHODS: Participants included 74 women (age, 34.9 ± 9.9 years) and 26 men (age 36.0 ± 10.8 years) who were monitored on 2 workdays for ambulatory blood pressure. Measures of both job stress models were related to blood pressure by the generalized estimating equations (GEE) method while adjusting for potential confounders (gender, age, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, educational level, marital status, time of day, and work schedule). RESULTS: Workshifts were associated with an increase of 3-4 and 14 mmHg in mean arterial pressure (MAP) compared with diurnal activities out of work and sleeping period, respectively (P < 0.001). Ambulatory blood pressure was also significantly related with work schedule preference: unpleasant work schedule was associated with an increase of 2 mmHg in MAP compared with pleasant work schedule (P = 0.013). In the ERI model, subjects scoring high in work stress have higher ambulatory blood pressure at work, at home, and during sleep. Work stress by time interaction was not longer significant when controlling for potential confounders: generalized estimating equations revealed that MAP was influenced by BMI (>25 vs.

There is a growing interest on nanoparticle safety for topical use. The benefits of nanoparticles have been shown in several scientific fields, but little is known about their potential to penetrate the skin. This study aims at evaluating in vitro skin penetration of silver nanoparticles. Experiments were performed using the Franz diffusion cell method with intact and damaged human skin. Physiological solution was used as receiving phase and 70 microg/cm2 of silver nanoparticles coated with polyvinylpirrolidone dispersed in synthetic sweat were applied as donor phase to the outer surface of the skin for 24h. The receptor fluid measurements were performed by electro thermal atomic absorption spectroscopy (ETAAS). Human skin penetration was also determined by using transmission electron microscope (TEM) to verify the location of silver nanoparticles in exposed membranes. Median silver concentrations of 0.46 ng cm(-2) (rangeLOD-2.23) and 2.32 ng cm(-2) (range 0.43-11.6) were found in the receiving solutions of cells where the nanoparticles solution was applied on intact skin (eight cells) and on damaged skin (eight cells), respectively. Twenty-four hours silver flux permeation in damaged skin was 0.62+/-0.2 ng cm(-2) with a lag time1h. Our experimental data showed that silver nanoparticles absorption through intact and damaged skin was very low but detectable, and that in case of damaged skin it was possible an increasing permeation of silver applied as nanoparticles. Moreover, silver nanoparticles could be detected in the stratum corneum and the outermost surface of the epidermis by electron microscopy. We demonstrated for the first time that silver applied as nanoparticles coated with polyvinylpirrolidone is able to permeate the damaged skin in an in vitro diffusion cell system.

A 57% SiO(2), 3% Al(2)O(3), 34% CaO and 6% Na(2)O glass (SCNA) has been produced in form of powders and deposited by plasma spray on titanium alloy and stainless steel substrates. The obtained coatings have been subjected to a patented ion-exchange treatment to introduce silver ions in the surface inducing an antibacterial behavior. Silver surface-enriched samples have been characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, SEM observation, EDS analysis, in vitro bioactivity tests, leaching tests by GFAAS (graphite furnace atomic adsorption spectroscopy) analyses, cells adhesion and proliferation, and antibacterial tests using Staphylococcus Aureus strain. In vitro tests results showed that the modified samples acquired an antimicrobial action against tested bacteria maintaining unaffected the biocompatibility of the glass. Furthermore the ion-exchange treatment can be successfully applied to glass-coated samples without affecting the properties of the coatings; the simplicity and reproducibility of the method make it suitable for glass or glass-ceramic coatings of different composition in order to produce coated devices for bone healing and/or prostheses, able to reduce bacterial colonization and infections risks.