Measurement and characterization of engineered titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the environment

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) are common components used in sunscreens, cosmetics, industrial applications, and many other products. Concerning their high production and widespread applications, characterization and quantification of TiO2-NPs in various matrixes is a topic of great interest for researchers studying their potential environmental and health impacts. Validated and easily applicable analytical tools are required to develop and implement regulatory frameworks and an appropriate risk assessment for engineered nanoparticles (ENPs). Herein, we provide a critical review of the current knowledge available on world-wide production and measured environmental concentrations as well as on available techniques to measure and characterize these ENPs in the environment

Rectally administered indomethacin to prevent post-ESWL-pancreatitis (RIPEP): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Pancreatic extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (P-ESWL) is the first-line therapy for large pancreatic duct stones. Although it is a highly effective and safe procedure for the fragmentation of pancreatic stones, it is still not complication-free. Just like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), pancreatitis is the most common complication. To date, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have proven to be the only effective prophylactic medication for post-ERCP pancreatitis and the European, American and Japanese Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines have recommended prophylactic rectally administered indomethacin for all patients undergoing ERCP. Given the little research about effective prevention for post P-ESWL pancreatitis, we aim to determine whether rectally administered indomethacin can reduce post-ESWL-pancreatitis. Methods/design The RIPEP study is a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. One thousand three hundred and seventy patients with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic stones (>5 mm in diameter) treated with P-ESWL at Changhai Hospital will be randomly allocated to rectally administered indomethacin or placebo therapy before the procedure. The primary endpoint is the incidence of post-ESWL pancreatitis. Secondary endpoints include the severity of pancreatitis, occurrence rate of asymptomatic hyperamylasemia and other complications. Discussion The RIPEP trial is designed to show that rectally administered indomethacin reduces the development and severity of post-ESWL pancreatitis and benefits patients treated with P-ESWL. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02797067 . Registered on 17 November 2016

Additional file 1: of Rectally administered indomethacin to prevent post-ESWL-pancreatitis (RIPEP): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

SPIRIT 2013 Checklist: recommended items to address in a clinical trial protocol and related documents*. (DOC 126 kb