Biological monitoring of cobalt in hard metal factory workers.

Purpose: The main aim of this study was to investigate the cobalt (Co) concentrations in urine along 4 months and their relationship with Co concentrations in blood and haemoglobin (adducts) in 34 workers from a hard metal manufacturing plant where metallic Co and Co oxide were used. Furthermore, the excretion kinetics of Co was investigated and the half-lives of Co in blood, plasma and urine were calculated along 18 days of non-exposure in the same workers.

Methods: Co was analysed, in all biological samples, by ICP/MS.

Citrate-stabilized lanthanide-doped nanoparticles: brain penetration and interaction with immune cells and neurons.

Aim: To unravel key aspects of the use of lanthanide-doped nanoparticles (NPs) in biomedicine, the interaction with immune and brain cells.

Materials & Methods: Effects of citrate-stabilized CaF and SrF: Yb, Er NPs (13-15 nm) on human dendritic cells and neurons were assessed in vitro. In vivo distribution was analyzed in mice at tissue and ultrastructural levels, and with glia immunophenotyping.

In vivo study on metal release from fixed orthodontic appliances and DNA damage in oral mucosa cells.

Interest in the amount of metal ion intake from dental alloys has grown. Fixed orthodontic appliances usually include brackets, bands, and archwires made of stainless steel, nickel-titanium, or nickel-cobalt alloys, and these can release metal ions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the biocompatibility in vivo of fixed orthodontic appliances, evaluating the presence of metal ions in oral mucosa cells, their cytotoxicity, and their possible genotoxic effects.

Comparison of breath, blood and urine concentrations in the biomonitoring of environmental exposure to 1,3-butadiene, 2,5-dimethylfuran, and benzene.

Objectives: To investigate and compare alveolar, blood, and urine concentrations of 1,3-butadiene, 2,5 dimethylfuran, and benzene, in non-occupational exposure to these products.

Methods: Benzene, 2,5-dimethylfuran and 1,3-butadiene were measured in the breath, blood, and urine samples of 61 subjects living in small mountain villages. All 61 were regularly employed as forestry workers.