Embodied learning in multiple sclerosis using melodic, sound, and visual feedback: a potential rehabilitation approach.

Given the prevalence of motor and cognitive functions in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), we proposed that the theoretical framework of embodiment could provide a rehabilitation avenue to train these functions as one functional unit. PwMS (n = 31) and age- and gender-matched healthy controls (n = 30) underwent an embodied learning protocol. This involved learning a cognitive sequence while performing it through bodily stepping movement under three feedback conditions (melody, sound, and visual).

Assay conditions can influence the outcome of cytotoxicity tests of nanomaterials: better assay characterization is needed to compare studies.

Background: Reliable in vitro studies that generate consistent toxicity data on nanomaterials on a high-throughput scale will be of invaluable significance in the next few years.

Aim: In this study, we checked the influence of several steps of the experimental design on the outcome: we investigated the role of cell density, viability assay and particle dispersion method, including the influence of serum and effect of a surfactant (Tween 80).

Methods: The dose-response curve was assessed for ground multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT) and the silica benchmark Min-U-Sil, on lung epithelial cells (A549 cells) and macrophages (stimulated THP-1 cells).

In vitro translocation of quantum dots and influence of oxidative stress.

In vivo, translocation of inhaled nanoparticles to the circulation has been demonstrated. However, the interaction of nanoparticles with the lung epithelium is not understood. In this study, we investigated, in vitro, the translocation of nano-sized quantum dots (QDs; 25 pmol/ml) through a tight monolayer of primary isolated rat alveolar epithelial cells.

Do nanomedicines require novel safety assessments to ensure their safety for long-term human use?

Nanomaterials have different chemical, physical and biological characteristics than larger materials of the same chemical composition. These differences give nanotechnology a double identity: their use implies novel and interesting medical and/or industrial applications but also potential danger for human and environmental health. Here, we briefly review the most important types of nanomaterials, the difficulties in assessing safety or toxicity, and describe existing test protocols used in nanomaterial safety evaluation.

Comparative toxicity of 24 manufactured nanoparticles in human alveolar epithelial and macrophage cell lines.

Background: A critical issue with nanomaterials is the clear understanding of their potential toxicity. We evaluated the toxic effect of 24 nanoparticles of similar equivalent spherical diameter and various elemental compositions on 2 human pulmonary cell lines: A549 and THP-1. A secondary aim was to elaborate a generic experimental set-up that would allow the rapid screening of cytotoxic effect of nanoparticles.

Acute toxicity and prothrombotic effects of quantum dots: impact of surface charge.

Background: Quantum dots (QDs) have numerous possible applications for in vivo imaging. However, toxicity data are scarce.

Objectives: To determine the acute in vivo toxicity of QDs with carboxyl surface coating (carboxyl-QDs) and QDs with amine surface coating (amine-QDs), we investigated the inflammatory properties, tissue distribution, and prothrombotic effects after intravenous injection.

Optimisation of culture conditions to develop an in vitro pulmonary permeability model.

An in vitro model to study pulmonary translocation was created, using the human cell line Calu-3 and primary rat type II pneumocytes. Cells were seeded on permeable membranes with a 0.4 microm or 3 microm pore size, utilizing different culture conditions such as medium formulation and cell density.

Immunization with the binding domain of FimH, the adhesin of type 1 fimbriae, does not protect chickens against avian pathogenic Escherichia coli.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether vaccination with the sugar-binding domain of FimH (FimH156) was able to protect chickens against avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). FimH156 was expressed and purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. Binding of FimH156 to mannosylated bovine serum albumin demonstrated that the protein retained its biological activity.

In vitro study of the pulmonary translocation of nanoparticles: a preliminary study.

Recent studies indicate that inhaled ultrafine particles can pass into the circulation. To study this translocation in an in vitro model three types of pulmonary epithelial cells were examined. The integrity of the cell monolayer was verified by measuring the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and passage of sodium fluorescein.