Modulation of osteosarcoma cell growth and differentiation by silane-modified surfaces.

The effects of growing the Saos-2 human osteosarcoma cell line onto surfaces containing -CH(3), -OH, -COOH, -NH(2), and C6H5 groups obtained by silane modification were examined. These cells were used because of the great importance of bone cells in many aspects of biomaterials research. Silane-modified surfaces were characterized by contact angle measurements and, subsequently, surface energies were calculated.

Selenium content of some foodstuffs and other environmental samples in a mineralized area of Italy.

No data are available on Selenium concentration in the Italian environment in spite of its importance as an essential and toxic element. In order to get some information about the concentration and distribution of this element in the environment and in the food-chain, a survey has been made in the Monte Amiata area (Toscana, Italy). Such an area was selected for this study owing to its large mineralization due to many elements (e.