Purpose: Silicate ions released from bioactive glasses and ceramics have been reported to stimulate osteogenic cell functions. Here, we evaluated osteoblast-like cell reactions to silicate ions released from two different types of materials, 45S5 bioactive glass (BG) and siloxane-doped vaterite (SiV), to investigate the influence of the ionic structure of silicate ions on osteoblast-like cell properties.Methods: BG and SiV powders were prepared by using melt-quenching and carbonation methods, respectively. Aminopropyltriethoxysilane was used as a siloxane source of SiV. MC3T3-E1 and SaOS-2 cells were cultured in media containing dissolved BG or SiV ions (10-50 ppm of Si). Cell proliferation (metabolic activity), differentiation (alkaline phosphatase activity) and mineralisation (Ca deposition) were examined. Results:29 Si NMR spectra demonstrated that Q 0,1 species and T 0-3 species were released from BG and SiV, respectively. Proliferation and mineralisation of the two types of cells were influenced by silicate ions released from BG and SiV in a concentration-dependent manner. In particular, there were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the degree of proliferation and Ca deposition levels in SaOS-2 cells treated with dissolved BG and SiV ions. Furthermore, Ca deposition in SaOS-2 cells was influenced by both the presence of silicate ions and the duration of exposure of cells to them. Conclusions:The structure of silicate ions influenced the proliferation and mineralisation of SaOS-2 cells incubated for different time periods in culture media containing different Si concentrations. Understanding the effect of Si on bone cell behaviour will enable a design-led approach to further BG optimisation. KeywordsSilicate ions, 45S5-type bioactive glass, Vaterite, Osteoblast-like cells

In our previous study, we investigated the synergetic effects of inorganic ions, such as silicate, Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ ions on the osteoblast-like cell behaviour. Mg 2+ ions play an important role in cell adhesion. In the present study, we designed a new composite that releases a high concentration of Mg 2+ ions during the early stage of the bone-forming process, and silicate and Ca 2+ ions continuously throughout this process. Here, 40SiO 2 –40MgO–20Na 2 O glass (G) with high solubility and vaterite-based calcium carbonate (V) were selected as the source of silicate and Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ ions, respectively. These particles were mixed with poly(lactic- co -glycolic acid) (PLGA) using a kneading method at 110°C to prepare the composite (G-V/PLGA, G/V/PLGA = 4/56/40 (in weight ratio)). Most of the Mg 2+ ions were released within 3 days of immersion at an important stage for cell adhesion, and silicate and Ca 2+ ions were released continuously at rates of 70–80 and 180 ppm d −1 , respectively, throughout the experiment (until day 7). Mouse-derived osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 proliferated more vigorously on G-V/PLGA in comparison with V-containing PLGA without G particles; it is possible to control the ion-release behaviour by incorporating a small amount of glass particles.

We examined factors that increase requests from family caregivers for the involvement of pharmacists in home healthcare. We recruited community pharmacies at a Kanagawa Pharmaceutical Association-sponsored workshop in which 48 pharmacies participated. Respondents completed a questionnaire survey between July and August 2015 regarding 5 to 10 clients aged 50 and older; 201 questionnaires were analyzed. The median number who recognized pharmacists＇ work in home healthcare (16 items) was 10 (interquartile range: 4-12). Meanwhile, 8 items had a recognition rate of under 50％. More than 70％ of all respondents answered in all items that pharmacists' work in home healthcare was important. The percentage of people who answered "always request pharmacist home visits even for a fee" was 19.9％ when multiple medicines were used (Case 1), 20.4％ when there were unused medicines (Case 2), and 39.3％ when narcotic analgesics were used (Case 3). The factors related to requests for pharmacist visits for home-care-patient with a problem related to polypharmacy or leftover prescription drugs were analyzed using association analysis; maintaining drug, checking for side effects, checking for drug interactions, advice for drugs, advice for hygiene control, supply of home medical equipment and hygiene products and supply of nursing care products. Thus, understanding of these seven factors may increase requests for the involvement of pharmacists in home healthcare. Therefore, pharmacists should instruct the public on not only drug treatment but also their role in home healthcare.