Atlanto-axial rotatory fixation in a girl with Spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome

We report a 15-year-old girl who presented with spinal malsegmentation, associated with other skeletal anomalies. The spinal malsegmentation was subsequently discovered to be part of the spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome. In addition, a distinctive craniocervical malformation was identified, which included atlanto-axial rotatory fixation. The clinical and the radiographic findings are described, and we emphasise the importance of computerised tomography to characterize the craniocervical malformation complex. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first clinical report of a child with spondylocarpotarsal synostosis associated with atlanto-axial rotatory fixation

Biological Barriers: Transdermal, Oral, Mucosal, Blood Brain Barrier, and the Blood Eye Barrier

© Springer Science+Business Media New York 2013. And Gregor Cevc 2013. All rights reserved. Compartmentalisation is a precondition for the development of life, allowing concentration gradients to be maintained, facilitating selective transport of molecules, functional polarisation, protection of cells and tissues. Consequently, organisms have evolved highly sophisticated structures and mechanisms that allow compartmentalisation to be maintained and controlled in a highly regulated fashion. Under normal conditions these compartmentalising structures are essential building blocks of life, their smooth functioning being central to our health. However, the same effectiveness that is a bonus under physiological conditions means the same structures may become considerable barriers to the pharmacotherapy of diseases, as access of drugs to the sites of disease may be severely restricted. This chapter describes the architecture, organisation, and function of key barriers that therapeutic nanoparticles may encounter for the most important routes of drug administration. The epithelial barriers (skin, mucosa of the airways, and gastrointestinal tract) and endothelial barriers share many commonalities as they all share key design elements that have evolved to support compartmentalisation

Safety and Toxicity Counts of Nanocosmetics

The advent of nanotechnology has led to advances in the cosmetic industry and is expected to grow further in the near future. Nanotechnology-driven products cater to the expectations of both consumers and manufactures in terms of better quality and effectiveness along with improved stability and easy scale-up. Several organic and inorganic materials are being utilized for the preparation of nanocosmetics having improved characteristics. At the same time, the safety aspects of nanocosmetics are also being pondered. Physicochemical properties play a significant role in controlling the toxicity of nanomaterials. Several mechanisms have been studied for nanomaterial generated toxicity; out of all, reactive oxygen species, generation is the most important mechanism. This chapter discusses all the relevant aspects which are required for safety and toxicity assessments of nano-ingredients for cosmetic use. Regulatory issues are also discussed because of their relevance in preventing the unforeseen toxicity of nanocosmetics