Morphological and Chemical Mechanisms of Elongated Mineral Particle Toxicities

Much of our understanding regarding the mechanisms for induction of disease following inhalation of respirable elongated mineral particles (REMP) is based on studies involving the biological effects of asbestos fibers. The factors governing the disease potential of an exposure include duration and frequency of exposures; tissue-specific dose over time; impacts on dose persistence from in vivo REMP dissolution, comminution, and clearance; individual susceptibility; and the mineral type and surface characteristics. The mechanisms associated with asbestos particle toxicity involve two facets for each particle's contribution: (1) the physical features of the inhaled REMP, which include width, length, aspect ratio, and effective surface area available for cell contact; and (2) the surface chemical composition and reactivity of the individual fiber/elongated particle. Studies in cell-free systems and with cultured cells suggest an important way in which REMP from asbestos damage cellular molecules or influence cellular processes. This may involve an unfortunate combination of the ability of REMP to chemically generate potentially damaging reactive oxygen species, through surface iron, and the interaction of the unique surfaces with cell membranes to trigger membrane receptor activation. Together these events appear to lead to a cascade of cellular events, including the production of damaging reactive nitrogen species, which may contribute to the disease process. Thus, there is a need to be more cognizant of the potential impact that the total surface area of REMP contributes to the generation of events resulting in pathological changes in biological systems. The information presented has applicability to inhaled dusts, in general, and specifically to respirable elongated mineral particles

Modern Concept Of The Structure Of The Skeletal Muscle Cell

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From education to job opportunities. Defining professional profiles for geographers with high competences in GIS environment

In this paper, the importance is underlined of promoting higher education and training courses and opportunities, focused on a close connection between GIS and geography to cover topics of remarkable and daily social interest. In the first part of the contribution, some educational key points are defined in order to fuel a virtuous circle which can provide considerable methodological and applied skills in the use of GIS applications. It is considered fundamental to broaden one’s mind, to provide practice to the theories, to give enthusiasm and security in one’s own skills, to create a community of Geographers able to provide important added value in different research fields and workplaces. Therefore, it seems essential to build a trait d’union between the university and theworkplace. Particular attention is attributed to well-structured university modules founded on GIS applications, to intensive courses for postgraduates and to the geocartographic laboratories. In the second part of the paper, the focus will be on some examples of professional profiles forGeographers in order to define specific professional categories. In particular, ten application fields for Geographers with high competences and abilities in GIS environment are identified and explained with relative examples. In all these cases, a rigorous approach founded on geographical contents and a wide, updated and concrete use of GIS functionalities and extensions is required