Identification and analysis of microplastics in para-tumor and tumor of human prostate.

BACKGROUND: While microplastics are widely found in various human organs and tissues, the relationship between microplastics and human health, especially prostate health, remains unclear. This study aims to identify and quantify the properties, types, and abundance of microplastics in paired para-tumor and tumor tissues of human prostate. Additionally, the potential correlation between microplastics abundance and prostate cancer are investigated. METHODS: Paired para-tumor and tumor samples of the prostate were collected from 22 patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. A combination of laser direct infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was utilized to analyse the properties, type and abundance of microplastics. Correlations between microplastics abundance, demographic characteristics and clinical features of patients were also examined. FINDINGS: Laser direct infrared analysis revealed the presence of microplastics, including polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyvinyl chloride, in both para-tumor and tumor tissues of human prostate. However, polystyrene was exclusively detected in tumor tissues. The particle size distribution in the prostate tissue mainly ranged from 20 to 100 µm. Approximately 31.58% of para-tumor samples exhibited sizes between 20 and 30 µm, while 35.21% of tumor samples displayed sizes between 50 and 100 µm. The shapes of these microplastics varied considerably with irregular forms being predominant. Additionally, microplastics were detected by pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in 20 paired prostate tissues. The mean abundance of microplastics was found to be 181.0 µg/g and 290.3 µg/g in para-tumor and tumor of human prostate samples, respectively. Among the 11 target types microplastics polymers, only polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyvinyl chloride were detected. Notably, polystyrene, polyethylene, and polyvinyl chloride, except for polypropylene, demonstrated significantly higher abundance in tumor tissues compared to their respective paired para-tumor. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between polystyrene abundance in the tumor samples of human prostate and frequency of take-out food consumption. INTERPRETATION: This research provides both qualitative and quantitative evidence of the microplastics presence as well as their properties, types, and abundance in paired para-tumor and tumor samples of human prostate. Correlations between microplastics abundance, demographics, and clinical characteristics of patients need to be further validated in future studies with a larger sample size. FUNDING: This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFC2702600) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 82071698, No. 82101676, and No. 82271630).

Intercellular Communication Through Microtubular Highways.

Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are open-ended, membrane-encased extensions that connect neighboring cells. They have diameters up to 1 µm but are able to expand to convey large cargos. Lengths vary depending on the distance of the cells but have been reported to be capable of extending beyond 300 µm. They have actin cytoskeletons that are essential for their formation, and may or may not have microtubule networks. It is thought that thin TNTs lack microtubules, while thicker TNTs have microtubular highways that use motor proteins to convey materials, including proteins, mitochondria, and nanoparticles between cells. Specifically, the presence of dynein and myosin support trafficking of cargo in both directions. The purpose of these connections is to enable cells to work as a unit or to extend cell life by diluting cytotoxic agents or acquiring biological material needed to survive.

Assessing Intra-Bundle Impregnation in Partially Impregnated Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene Composites Using a 2D Extended-Field and Multimodal Imaging Approach.

This study evaluates multimodal imaging for characterizing microstructures in partially impregnated thermoplastic matrix composites made of woven glass fiber and polypropylene. The research quantifies the impregnation degree of fiber bundles within composite plates manufactured through a simplified compression resin transfer molding process. For comparison, a reference plate was produced using compression molding of film stacks. An original surface polishing procedure was introduced to minimize surface defects while polishing partially impregnated samples. Extended-field 2D imaging techniques, including polarized light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopies, were used to generate images of the same microstructure at fiber-scale resolutions throughout the plate. Post-processing workflows at the macro-scale involved stitching, rigid registration, and pixel classification of FM and SEM images. Meso-scale workflows focused on 0°-oriented fiber bundles extracted from extended-field images to conduct quantitative analyses of glass fiber and porosity area fractions. A one-way ANOVA analysis confirmed the reliability of the statistical data within the 95% confidence interval. Porosity quantification based on the conducted multimodal approach indicated the sensitivity of the impregnation degree according to the layer distance from the pool of melted polypropylene in the context of simplified-CRTM. The findings underscore the potential of multimodal imaging for quantitative analysis in composite material production.

Evaluation of the effect of self-assembling peptide and fluoride varnish, alone or in combination with laser irradiation, on artificial enamel caries: a SEM/EDS and Micro-CT study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of remineralization agents such as fluoride varnish and P11-4, alone and in combination with Er: YAG laser, on in-vitro hard tissue repair in artificial enamel lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of sixty enamel surfaces of 4 × 5 mm in size were created on both the buccal and lingual sides of thirty extracted wisdom teeth. Remineralization agents were applied to the specimens that were grouped as follows: Group 1, control; Group 2, fluoride varnish (FV); Group 3, P11-4; Group 4, laser; Group 5, laser + FV; and Group 6, laser + P11-4. The fluorescence level was determined with DiagnoDent. The enamel mineral density, area and volume, and caries lesion area and volume were determined with micro-computed tomography (µCT), surface features were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and elemental analysis was performed using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) . RESULTS: For specimens treated only with self-assembling peptide P11-4, the caries lesion area (mm2) values were 38.19 and 21.62, and the caries lesion volume (mm3) values were 6.27 and 2.99, respectively for pre- and post-treatment. In combination usage of self-assembling peptide P11-4 and laser, the caries lesion area (mm2) values were 38.39 and 16.91, and the caries lesion volume (mm3) values were 11.15 and 3.64, respectively for pre- and post-treatment. In the application of the P11-4 alone and in combination with laser, there was a statistically significant decrease in DiagnoDent values, an increase in enamel volume(mm3),enamel area(mm2) and mineral density(g/cm3) values and a decrease in caries lesion volume(mm3) and area(mm2) obtained by µCT, and an increase in %Ca and %F values obtained by SEM/EDS analysis (p < 0.05). It was discovered that the samples treated with P11-4 had a considerably higher rise in the Ca/P ratio than the samples treated with FV (p < 0.05). The calcium content increased significantly more when P11-4 application was combined with laser irradiation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of self-assembling peptide P11-4 and laser accelerated the remineralization process and increased the remineralization capacity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: FV and P11-4, alone or in combination with laser, can be successfully used as remineralization agents in initial enamel caries.

Evaluation of in vitro anthelmintic activity of crude extract and synthesized green silver nanoparticles of the leaves of Mammea americana L.

One of the most severe parasite infections to ever plague animals, paramphistomosis is particularly devastating in tropical and subtropical areas and causes significant economic losses to the world's food industry and poor animal health. In the present study potency of the crude extract and green synthesized silver nanoparticles from fresh and mature Mammea americana L. leaves was evaluated on trematode Paramphistomum cervi, collected from the infected rumen of the cow (Bos indicus) in 0.9% phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The crude extract at five dose levels (1 mL, 2 mL, 3 mL 4 mL, and 5 ml), and silver nanoparticles (AgNps) at the five dose levels (10 mg/mL, 30 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, 70 and 90 mg/mL) were applied. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-VIS spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Characterization studies of AgNPs revealed the synthesis of stable, crystalline AgNPs measuring an average size of 20-50 nm. The efficacy was evaluated based on the spontaneous movement reduction and death of P. cervi. Maximum anthelmintic activity was found at the dose of 5 mL of crude extract and 90 mg/mL of AgNPs of M. americana leaves. The scanning electron micrograph study of treated helminths of crude and AgNps revealed conspicuous distortion on the surface architecture. It also showed shrinkage of the whole body and severe damage on both suckers (anterior and posterior). AgNPs caused more shredded and torn tegumental surfaces with loss of tegumental papillae compared to untreated. Thus, this study confirmed that the M. americana leaves extract and synthesized AgNPs can be a potential alternative herbal drug in traditional folklore medicine against serious helminth infections in our livestock industry.

Morphology, Glycan Pattern, Heat Shock Proteins, and Sex Steroid Receptors Expression in the Tubal Fimbria Epithelium of the Baboon Papio hamadryas during the Menstrual Cycle.

The oviductal fimbria is the first extraovarian anatomical structure that the cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) encounters, and is sensitive to sex hormone changes. The morphology, glycan pattern, expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs), estradiol receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR) were investigated in the oviductal fimbria epithelium of the baboon (Papio hamadryas) during the menstrual cycle. The morphology was investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy; the glycopattern was characterized using conventional and lectin histochemistry; HSPs (60, -70, -90), ER, and PR were localized immunohistochemically. Well-differentiated ciliated and nonciliated cells were present only during the preovulatory phase. The nonciliated cells contained small apical protrusions and thin microvilli. During the preovulatory phase (1) the luminal surface of the fimbria displayed acidic glycans, complex N-glycans containing fucose, and oligolactosamine residues; (2) nonciliated cells expressed HSP60 and HSP90 in the apical blebs, HSP70 in the nucleus and cytoplasm, as well as nuclear ERα and PR; (3) ciliated cells showed HSP70 in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and cilia that also expressed HSP90 and PR. These results are related to the function of the fimbria where the early COC-oviduct crosstalk occurs and may represent a benchmark for translational studies of other primates.

A standardized protocol for sample preparation for scanning electron microscopy to visualize extrachromosomal DNA.

Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) are circular DNA structures associated with cancer and drug resistance. One specific type, double minute (DM) chromosomes, has been studied since the 1960s using imaging techniques like cytogenetics and fluorescence microscopy. Specialized techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) offer micro to nano-scale visualization, but current sample preparation methods may not optimally preserve ecDNA structure. Our study introduces a systematic protocol using SEM for high-resolution ecDNA visualization. We have optimized the end-to-end procedure, providing a standardized approach to explore the circular architecture of ecDNA and address the urgent need for better understanding in cancer research.

Despite advances in extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) detection, current methods struggle to reveal ecDNA's architecture within cells. Specialized techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provide the needed resolution, but existing sample preparation may not preserve ecDNA well. Our study introduces a systematic method using SEM, optimizing procedures for preparing and visualizing metaphase spread samples. This offers a standardized approach to study ecDNA's circular architecture, addressing a pressing need in cancer research.

Surface treatment of artificial implants with hybrid nanolayers: results of antibacterial tests, leachates and scanning electron microscope analysis.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of surface-treated hernia implants modified by a hybrid nanolayer with incorporated Ag, Cu, and Zn cations using the sol-gel method. Methods: The materials (polypropylene, polyester, and polyvinylidene difluoride) were activated by vacuum plasma treatment or UV C radiation, then modified and tested for bacterial strains of Escherichia coli (gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive). The AATCC 100 (2019) method for quantitative and the ISO 20645 agar plate propagation method for qualitative evaluation of microbiological efficacy were used. The gradual release of incorporated ions was monitored over time in simulated body fluids (blood plasma, peritoneal fluid) and physiological saline using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The thickness and the homogeneity of the layers were measured for individual random samples with scanning electron microscope analysis (SEMA) and evaluated with an elemental analysis. Results: Qualitative and quantitative microbiological tests clearly show the great suitability of vacuum plasma and UV C with sol AD30 (dilution 1:1) surface treatment of the implants. The absolute concentration of Ag, Cu, and Zn cations in leachates was very low. SEMA showed a high degree of homogeneity of the layer and only very rare nanocracks by all tested materials appear after mechanical stress. Conclusion: This study confirms that surface treatment of meshes using the sol-gel method significantly increases the antibacterial properties. The nanolayers are sufficiently mechanically resistant and stable and pose no threat to health.

Preparation of Allium Cepa Peel Extract-mediated Silver Nanoparticles: A Hair Dye Formulation.

The burgeoning field of nanotechnology has ushered in innovative Novel drug delivery systems (NDDS) that enhance the efficacy, safety, and patient compliance of pharmaceutical treatments. This study explores the synthesis and application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using green chemistry approaches, specifically leveraging plant extracts as reducing agents. AgNPs, known for their unique physical and chemical properties, including antimicrobial capabilities, offer significant potential in modern drug delivery. This study investigates the potential of using Allium cepa peel waste for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. This study also revealed the resultant formation of silver nanoparticles through microscopy and UV spectroscopy, which were further analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy. This green synthesis method not only aligns with environmentally friendly practices but also provides a cost-effective and scalable approach to nanoparticle production. We formulated a hair dye incorporating these AgNPs and evaluated its physicochemical parameters, demonstrating enhanced performance compared to control formulations without nanoparticles. This work underscores the promise of green-synthesized nanoparticles in developing advanced drug delivery systems, offering insights into future applications in anticancer and antimicrobial treatments. Our findings advocate for the broader adoption of sustainable nanotechnology in pharmaceutical sciences, potentially revolutionizing the treatment landscape with safer and more effective therapeutic options.

[Health risks due to the presence of asbestos in cosmetic talcs. An Italian story]. / Rischi per la salute dovuti alla possibile presenza di amianto nei talchi cosmetici. Riflessioni sull'esperienza italiana.

The presence of asbestos in cosmetic talc has been reported in the United States since the 1970s. The present article first retraces the Italian case, then focuses on technical features as well as the relevant laws, rules, and regulations, ending with a precautionary evidence-based approach. Research was mainly aimed at retrieving official Italian Health Authority papers on the tests carried out several decades ago, to identify the presence of any asbestos in talc of products for sale. Results show that, in Italy, National Institute of Health (the technical agency of the Ministry of Health) and the Italian Pharmacopoeia (1985) used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to ascertain the absence of asbestos fibres, following positive identification in several samples they had analysed. In 2008, Italy adopted the EU Pharmacopoeia according to which light microscopy (LM) was sufficient for analysis. Such a technical downgrading clearly went - and goes - against the standard principle of precaution to prevent harm to users' health.Unfortunately, documents on the above-mentioned SEM research that would have contextualized observations were not recovered from the Italian State Archive. Observations and results indicate that in practice levels of attention on the issue underwent a considerable (negative) decline, so much that effective planning of the necessary controls was not possible, which is unfortunately true to this day. Final comments deal with the principle of precaution and possible practical operational solutions.

Using Mössbauer Spectroscopy to Evaluate the Influence of Heat Treatment on the Surface Characteristics of Additive Manufactured 316L Stainless Steel.

The oxidation behaviour of iron-based 316L stainless steel was investigated in the temperature range of 700 to 1000 °C. The test specimens in the shape of plates were produced by selective laser melting. After fabrication, the samples were sandblasted and then annealed in air for different periods of time (0.5, 2, 8, 32 h). Under the influence of temperature and time, stainless steels tend to form an oxide layer. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive analysis, and X-ray diffraction were employed to analyse the composition of this layer. Notably, a thin oxide layer primarily composed of (Fe-Cr) formed on the surface due to temperature effects. In addition, with increasing temperature (up to 1000 °C), the oxide of the main alloying elements, specifically Mn2(Fe-Cr)O4, appeared alongside the Fe-Cr oxide. Furthermore, the samples were subjected to conversion X-ray (CXMS) and conversion electron (CEMS) Mössbauer spectroscopy. CXMS revealed a singlet with a decreasing Mössbauer effect based on the surface metal oxide thickness. CEMS revealed the presence of Fe3+ in the surface layer (0.3 µm). Moreover, an interesting phenomenon occurred at higher temperature levels due to the inhomogeneously thick surface metal oxide layer and the tangential direction of the Mössbauer radiation towards the electron detector.

Percutaneous coronary intervention leads to microplastics entering the blood: Interventional devices are a major source.

Microplastics (MPs) is an emerging pollutant potentially harmful to health. Medical practices using plastic devices, such as percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), may result in MPs entering into the blood. The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of PCI on microplastic levels in patients' blood. Laser direct infrared (LDIR) was used to detect MPs in the blood of 23 patients before and after PCI. MPs in the water in which devices used in PCI were washed were also examined. The concentration of MPs in the blood was significantly elevated (93.57 ± 35.95 vs. 4.96 ± 3.40 particles/10 mL of blood, P < 0.001) after PCI compared to before, and the increased MPs were polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (PU), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which was consistent with the types of MPs detected in the device washing water. The maximum diameter of MPs in blood before PCI was 50 µm, whereas after PCI it was 213 µm, and even 336 µm in device washing water. These findings indicated that PCI will cause MPs to enter the blood, and devices used during PCI were a major source, a range of medical practices that use plastic devices may be a new route for MPs to enter the human body.

Antiperspirant-related zirconium and aluminum-containing granulomas; histopathology and in situ chemical analysis.

The potential adverse health effects of antiperspirant use are of interest to patients, primary care providers, dermatologists, and pathologists. In rare instances, antiperspirants containing aluminum-zirconium complexes have been associated with granulomatous dermatoses despite being deemed non-sensitizing in experiments. In this case study, we present a detailed examination of an axillary granuloma in a 28-year-old female who had been using an aluminum-zirconium-based antiperspirant for several years and presented with a left axillary nodule that was excised and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (SEM/EDXA). Histopathological examination revealed a foreign body-type reaction with amphophilic granular material within giant cells that corresponded to collocated zirconium and aluminum on SEM/EDXA elemental maps. Our case adds to the limited reports of axillary granulomas related to aluminum-zirconium complexes. It illustrates the histopathological appearance and in situ distribution of the aluminum-zirconium complexes, supporting the formation of foreign body-type granulomas. Additionally, our case study illustrates the potential role of these compounds in such reactions and aims to increase awareness among pathologists and clinicians.

Separation of Damage Mechanisms in Full Forward Rod Extruded Case-Hardening Steel 16MnCrS5 Using 3D Image Segmentation.

In general, formed components are lightweight as well as highly economic and resource efficient. However, forming-induced ductile damage, which particularly affects the formation and growth of pores, has not been considered in the design of components so far. Therefore, an evaluation of forming-induced ductile damage would enable an improved design and take better advantage of the lightweight nature as it affects the static and dynamic mechanical material properties. To quantify the amount, morphology and distribution of the pores, advanced scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods such as scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and electron channeling contrast imaging (ECCI) were used. Image segmentation using a deep learning algorithm was applied to reproducibly separate the pores from inclusions such as manganese sulfide inclusions. This was achieved via layer-by-layer ablation of the case-hardened steel 16MnCrS5 (DIN 1.7139, AISI/SAE 5115) with a focused ion beam (FIB). The resulting images were reconstructed in a 3D model to gain a mechanism-based understanding beyond the previous 2D investigations.

The estimation of pore size distribution of electroporated MCF-7 cell membrane.

The size of the pores created by external electrical pulses is important for molecule delivery into the cell. The size of pores and their distribution on the cell membrane determine the efficiency of molecule transport into the cell. There are very few studies visualizing the presence of electropores. In this study, we aimed to investigate the size distribution of electropores that were created by high intensity and short duration electrical pulses on MCF-7 cell membrane. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to visualize and characterize the membrane pores created by the external electric field. Structural changes on the surface of the electroporated cell membrane was observed by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The size distribution of pore sizes was obtained by measuring the radius of 500 electropores. SEM imaging showed non-uniform patterning. The average radius of the electropores was 12 nm, 51.60% of pores were distributed within the range of 5 to 10 nm, and 81% of pores had radius below 15 nm. These results showed that microsecond (µs) high intensity electrical pulses cause the creation of heterogeneous nanopores on the cell membrane.

Electroporation is a phenomenon in which permeability of the cell membrane to molecules and ions is increased due to externally applied high electric field pulses. The externally applied electric field pulses create pores on the cell membrane, allowing ions and molecules that normally can not pass through the membrane. The transport of molecules into the cell is related to the size and distribution of the pores created on the membrane. Studies visualizing the presence of electropores are very limited. In this study, we aimed to visualize pores and determine the size distribution of pores created due to the application of external electric field pulses on the cell membrane of human breast cancer cells. The membrane pores created by external electric field were visualized and characterized by different imaging techniques. The size distribution of pores was obtained by measuring the radius of 500 pores created on the cell membrane due to the applied electric fields. The surface of the electropermeabilized cells were very rough due to deformation during electroporation. We observed heterogeneous pore populations that were formed due to application of external electrical pulses on the surface of cell membrane. The average radius of the pores was found to be 12 nm.

Comparative Effectiveness of Different Er:YAG Laser-Activated Irrigation Systems on Removing Calcium Hydroxide from Simulated Internal Root Resorption Cavities at Different Root Levels.

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of Er:YAG laser-activated irrigation (LAI) with a short pulse duration for removing calcium hydroxide (CH) from simulated internal root resorption (IRR) cavities at three root levels. Background: Pulse duration is an important parameter during LAI, which ensures the efficiency of irradiation and the corresponding activation process. Short pulses in the range of a few microseconds enable rapid expansion and successive implosion of irrigants, resulting in distinct fluid movement. There have been few reports on CH removal efficacy from IRR cavities of different LAI systems, including those using short pulse duration. Methods: IRR cavities (1.6 mm diameter) were created at the apical, middle, and coronal root levels in 60 mandibular premolars and filled with a radiopaque CH paste. Samples were assigned to the following irrigation groups (n = 12, each): (1) LAI(P)-F, a prototype laser device that operates with short pulse duration (Morita Manufacturing) with a flat tip; (2) LAI(EA)-F, the ErwinAdverl laser device (Morita Manufacturing) with a flat tip; (3) LAI(EA)-T, the ErwinAdverl laser device with a tapered tip; (4) PIPS-T, the Lightwalker laser device (Fotona) with a tapered tip; and (5) SI, the syringe irrigation group. The laser tips were fixed at the canal entrance. The remaining CH volume and surface area were assessed in IRR cavities using micro-computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Data were statistically analyzed utilizing one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test at 5% significance level. Results: The LAI(P)-F and PIPS-T groups exhibited the highest CH removal rates at three different levels (p < 0.05). The LAI(EA)-F group had a significantly better efficacy of CH removal compared with the LAI(EA)-T group at the middle level (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The LAI(P)-F and PIPS-T groups demonstrated superior efficiency in removing CH from simulated IRR cavities.

Biocorrosion and Cytotoxicity Studies on Biodegradable Mg-Based Multicomponent Alloys.

Magnesium-based multicomponent alloys with different compositions, namely Mg60Al20Zn5Cu10Mn5 (Mg60 alloy), Mg70Al15Zn5Cu5Mn5 (Mg70 alloy), and Mg80Al5Cu5Mn5Zn5 (Mg 80) alloys, were prepared using the disintegrated melt deposition technique. The DMD technique is a distinctive method that merges the benefits from gravity die casting and spray forming. This approach facilitates high solidification rates, process yields, and reduced metal wastage, resulting in materials with a fine microstructure and minimal porosity. Their potential as biodegradable materials was assessed through corrosion in different simulated body fluids (SBFs), microstructure, and cytotoxicity tests. It was observed that the Mg60 alloy exhibited low corrosion rates (~× 10-5 mm/year) in all SBF solutions, with a minor amount of corrosive products, and cracks were observed. This can be attributed to the formation of the Mg32(AlZn)49 phase and to its stability due to Mg(OH)2 film, leading to excellent corrosion resistance when compared to the Mg70 and M80 alloys. Conversely, the Mg80 alloy exhibited high corrosion rates, along with more surface degradation and cracks, due to active intermetallic phases, such as Al6Mn, Al2CuMg, and Al2Cu phases. The order of corrosion resistance for the Mg alloy was found to be ASS > HBSS > ABP > PBS. Further, in vitro cytotoxicity studies were carried out using MDA-MB-231 tumor cells. By comparing all three alloys, in terms of proliferation and vitality, the Mg80 alloy emerged as a promising material for implants, with potential antitumor activity.

Unveiling Nanoparticles: Recent Approaches in Studying the Internalization Pattern of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Mono- and Multicellular Biological Structures.

Nanoparticle (NP)-based solutions for oncotherapy promise an improved efficiency of the anticancer response, as well as higher comfort for the patient. The current advancements in cancer treatment based on nanotechnology exploit the ability of these systems to pass biological barriers to target the tumor cell, as well as tumor cell organelles. In particular, iron oxide NPs are being clinically employed in oncological management due to this ability. When designing an efficient anti-cancer therapy based on NPs, it is important to know and to modulate the phenomena which take place during the interaction of the NPs with the tumor cells, as well as the normal tissues. In this regard, our review is focused on highlighting different approaches to studying the internalization patterns of iron oxide NPs in simple and complex 2D and 3D in vitro cell models, as well as in living tissues, in order to investigate the functionality of an NP-based treatment.

Topographic analysis of fiber posts after surface disinfection with different methods

Aims: This study aims to comprehensively examine the surface morphology of fiber posts after undergoing various disinfection methods, utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Materials and Methods: Twenty-one fiber posts were randomly allocated into seven experimental groups, each consisting of three samples. The disinfection methods employed were as follows: GC - no disinfection treatment; GAL - immersion in 70% alcohol, following the manufacturer's recommended protocol; GHP - soaking in 2.5% sodium hypochlorite for a duration of 10 minutes; GCL - soaking in 2% chlorhexidine gluconate for a period of five minutes; GAC - 30-second etching with 35% phosphoric acid; GPH - soaking in 10% hydrogen peroxide for a duration of 20 minutes; and GSL - autoclave sterilization. Following the disinfection procedures, SEM was employed to scrutinize the surface topography of the posts, while EDX was utilized to identify the chemical elements present on the sample surfaces. Subsequently, a descriptive analysis was conducted on the SEM images and EDX data. Results: SEM analysis revealed that all groups exhibited regions with epoxy resin-coated fibers alongside sections with exposed glass fibers. Analysis of the EDX data indicated that there were no significant differences in the predominant chemical elements across the groups. Carbon (C) and oxygen (O) registered the highest peaks, followed by silicon (Si), zirconium (Zr), sodium (Na), aluminum (Al), and calcium (Ca). Conclusions: The disinfection methods under investigation did not induce substantial alterations in the surface morphology of the fiber posts.

Asbestos exposure determined 357 days after death through autopsy: a report of a multidisciplinary approach.

Asbestosis is an interstitial lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers and poses a significant risk to individuals working in construction, shipping, mining, and related industries. In a forensic context, postmortem investigations are crucial for accurate diagnosis, for which the gold standard is the histopathological examination. This case report describes the autopsy and related investigations conducted on an 84-year-old man, nearly one year (357 days) after his death. After a post-mortem CT scan, an autoptic investigation was performed, followed by histopathological, immunohistochemical, and scanning electron microscopy examinations. The integration of the evidence from these examinations with previously available personal and clinical information conclusively confirmed the diagnosis of asbestosis. We demonstrated the efficacy and reliability of our diagnostic protocol in detecting asbestosis and asbestos fibers and excluding mesothelioma even in decomposed tissues. According to our findings autopsy remains the diagnostic gold standard in cases of suspected asbestosis within a forensic context, even 1 year after death, therefore it is always highly recommended, even in cases where the body has decomposed.