A Bronze Age lip-paint from southeastern Iran.

A small chlorite vial, discovered among numerous artifacts looted and recovered in the Jiroft region of Kerman province, southeastern Iran, contains a deep red cosmetic preparation that is likely a lip-coloring paint or paste. Through analytical research involving XRD (X-ray diffraction), SEM-EDS (scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive spectroscopy), and HPLC-MS (high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) analyses, the mineral components of the reddish substance were identified as hematite, darkened with manganite and braunite, and traces of galena and anglesite, mixed with vegetal waxes and other organic substances. The mixture, thus observed, bears a striking resemblance to the recipes of contemporary lipsticks.

Human proximal tubular cells can form calcium phosphate deposits in osteogenic culture: role of cell death and osteoblast-like transdifferentiation.

Nephrocalcinosis is a clinicopathological entity characterized by microscopic calcium crystals in the renal parenchyma, within the tubular lumen or in the interstitium. Crystal binding to tubular cells may be the cause underlying nephrocalcinosis and nephrolithiasis. Pathological circumstances, such as acute cortical necrosis, may induce healthy cells to acquire a crystal-binding phenotype.

Caspase-independent programmed cell death triggers CaPO deposition in an model of nephrocalcinosis.

Nephrocalcinosis involves the deposition of microscopic crystals in the tubular lumen or interstitium. While the clinical, biochemical, and genetic aspects of the diseases causing nephrocalcinosis have been elucidated, little is known about the cellular events in this calcification process. We previously reported a phenomenon involving the spontaneous formation of CaPO nodules in primary papillary renal cells from a patient with medullary nephrocalcinosis harboring a rare glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor () gene variant.

New nanocomposite hybrid inorganic-organic proton-conducting membranes based on functionalized silica and PTFE.

Two types of new nanocomposite proton-exchange membranes, consisting of functionalized and pristine nanoparticles of silica and silicone rubber (SR) embedded in a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) matrix, were prepared. The membrane precursor was obtained from a mechanical rolling process, and the SiO₂ nanoparticles were functionalized by soaking the membranes in a solution of 2-(4-chlorosulfonylphenyl)ethyl trichlorosilane (CSPhEtCS). The membranes exhibit a highly compact morphology and a lack of fibrous PTFE.

Composition and significance of splenic Gamna-Gandy bodies in sickle cell anemia.

Children with sickle cell anemia may undergo acute splenic sequestration. Splenectomy is performed in an attempt to reduce further events. Histologic studies of spleens have revealed the presence of granuloma-like nodules, known as Gamna-Gandy bodies with amorphous inclusions; however, their significance is unknown.

Detection of silica particles in lung tissue by environmental scanning electron microscopy.

For pathologists, pneumologists, and occupational and environmental physicians it is relevant to know silica levels in lung tissue to better define limits of exposure. Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM) has been employed to detect silica particles and to compare silica levels in subjects with and without Lung Cancer (LC). We investigated 25 paraffin-embedded tissue samples of patients with LC adenocarcinoma, and 20 fresh samples of subjects without LC deceased for extra-pulmonary diseases.

Effects of hyperbaric oxygen on proliferative and apoptotic activities and reactive oxygen species generation in mouse fibroblast 3T3/J2 cell line.

Background: Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is widely used to treat problem wounds associated with pathologic conditions compromising blood supply and tissue oxygenation because increased tissue oxygen levels enhance collagen synthesis, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis. However, little is known about the dose of hyperoxia needed to achieve optimal therapeutic effects. Moreover, HBO, by enhancing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), may also exert cytotoxic effects.