Cytotoxicity and physicochemical properties of hafnium oxide nanoparticles.

Nano-sized hafnium oxide (HfO(2)) particles are being considered for applications within the semiconductor industry. However, little is known about their cytotoxicity. The objective of this work was to assess several HfO(2) nanoparticles (NPs) samples for their acute cytotoxicity.

Intestinal barrier failure during experimental necrotizing enterocolitis: protective effect of EGF treatment.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common intestinal disease of premature infants. Although increased mucosal permeability and altered epithelial structure have been associated with many intestinal disorders, the role of intestinal barrier function in NEC pathogenesis is currently unknown. We investigated the structural and functional changes of the intestinal barrier in a rat model of NEC.