The carcinogenic action of crystalline silica: a review of the evidence supporting secondary inflammation-driven genotoxicity as a principal mechanism.

In 1987 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified crystalline silica (CS) as a probable carcinogen and in 1997 reclassified it as a Group 1 carcinogen, i.e., that there was sufficient evidence for carcinogenicity in experimental animals and sufficient evidence for carcinogenicity in humans.

A multicenter randomized controlled trial to compare subacute 'treatment as usual' with and without mental practice among persons with stroke in Dutch nursing homes.

Objective: Systematic reviews suggest that mental practice as an additional therapy for people with stroke might be effective and suggest that more trials with better defined interventions are needed. This study investigated whether imagining the skilled movement systematically can contribute to a quicker and/or better recovery of stroke patients in long term care.

Design: A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Toxicology of Nanomaterials: Permanent interactive learning.

Particle and Fibre Toxicology wants to play a decisive role in a time where particle research is challenged and driven by the developments and applications of nanomaterials. This aim is not merely quantitative in publishing a given number of papers on nanomaterials, but also qualitatively since the field of nanotoxicology is rapidly emerging and benchmarks for good science are needed. Since then a number of things have happened that merit further analysis.

Exposure to diesel exhaust induces changes in EEG in human volunteers.

Background: Ambient particulate matter and nanoparticles have been shown to translocate to the brain, and potentially influence the central nervous system. No data are available whether this may lead to functional changes in the brain.

Methods: We exposed 10 human volunteers to dilute diesel exhaust (DE, 300 mug/m3) as a model for ambient PM exposure and filtered air for one hour using a double blind randomized crossover design.

Effects of mental practice embedded in daily therapy compared to therapy as usual in adult stroke patients in Dutch nursing homes: design of a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Mental practice as an additional cognitive therapy is getting increased attention in stroke rehabilitation. A systematic review shows some evidence that several techniques in which movements are rehearsed mentally might be effective but not enough to be certain. This trial investigates whether mental practice can contribute to a quicker and/or better recovery of stroke in two Dutch nursing homes.

Nanoparticles in drug delivery and environmental exposure: same size, same risks?

Engineered nanoparticles are an important tool for future nanomedicines to deliver and target drugs or bring imaging agents to the targets where they are required. Since the original application of liposomes in the 1970s, a wealth of carrier and imaging systems has been developed, including magnetoliposomes, dendrimers, fullerenes and polymer carriers. However, to make use of this potential, toxicological issues must be addressed, in particular because of findings on combustion-derived nanoparticles in environmentally exposed populations, which show effects in those with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.

The potential risks of nanomaterials: a review carried out for ECETOC.

During the last few years, research on toxicologically relevant properties of engineered nanoparticles has increased tremendously. A number of international research projects and additional activities are ongoing in the EU and the US, nourishing the expectation that more relevant technical and toxicological data will be published. Their widespread use allows for potential exposure to engineered nanoparticles during the whole lifecycle of a variety of products.

The effects of mental practice in stroke rehabilitation: a systematic review.

Objective: To assess the effects of a mental practice intervention on recovery in stroke patients.

Data Sources: A systematic literature search of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO, Pedro, Rehadat, and RehabTrials was performed by 2 researchers independently. Eligible studies published through August 2005 were selected.

Research strategies for safety evaluation of nanomaterials, part V: role of dissolution in biological fate and effects of nanoscale particles.

Dissolution, translocation, and disposition have been shown to play a key role in the fate and effects of inhaled particles and fibers. Concepts that have been applied in the micron size range may be usefully applied to the nanoscale range, but new challenges are presented based on the small size and possible change in the dissolution:translocation relationship. The size of the component molecule itself may be on the nanoscale.

Particle and Fibre Toxicology, a new journal to meet a real need.

This Editorial is to announce Particle and Fibre Toxicology, a new Open Access, peer-reviewed, online journal published by BioMed Central. The field of particle and fibre toxicology has a long and famous history stretching from Agricola and Paracelsus in the 15th and 16th century to the challenges of the 21st century-nanoparticles, nanotubes and particulate matter (PM10) to name just three. Throughout this time there has been no single journal dedicated to the toxicology of particles and fibres and this is finally corrected by the launch of Particle and Fibre Toxicology.