Development of a fast and simple method for the isolation of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles protein corona from protein-rich matrices.

The adsorption of proteins onto the surface of nanoparticle (NP) leads to the formation of the so-called "protein corona" as consisting both loosely and tightly bound proteins. It is well established that the biological identity of NPs that may be acquired after exposure to a biological matrix is mostly provided by the components of the hard corona as the pristine surface is generally less accessible for binding. For that reason, the isolation and the characterisation of the NP-corona complexes and identification of the associated biomolecules can help in understanding its biological behaviour.

Native Study of the Behaviour of Magnetite Nanoparticles for Hyperthermia Treatment during the Initial Moments of Intravenous Administration.

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) present outstanding properties making them suitable as therapeutic agents for hyperthermia treatments. Since the main safety concerns of MNPs are represented by their inherent instability in a biological medium, strategies to both achieve long-term stability and monitor hazardous MNP degradation are needed. We combined a dynamic approach relying on flow field flow fractionation (FFF)-multidetection with conventional techniques to explore frame-by-frame changes of MNPs injected in simulated biological medium, hypothesize the interaction mechanism they are subject to when surrounded by a saline, protein-rich environment, and understand their behaviour at the most critical point of intravenous administration.

Gene amplification mutations originate prior to selective stress in Acinetobacter baylyi.

The controversial theory of adaptive amplification states gene amplification mutations are induced by selective environments where they are enriched due to the stress caused by growth restriction on unadapted cells. We tested this theory with three independent assays using an Acinetobacter baylyi model system that exclusively selects for cat gene amplification mutants. Our results demonstrate all cat gene amplification mutant colonies arise through a multistep process.

Understanding how the university curriculum impacts student wellbeing: a qualitative study.

There is increasing pressure within universities to address student mental health. From a whole university or settings-based perspective, this could include curriculum-embedded approaches. There is little research about how this should work or what approaches might be most effective.

Clinical relevance of circulating angiogenic cells in patients with ischemic stroke.

Background: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are circulating angiogenic cells with endothelial features associated with risk for stroke. We aimed to delve into their functional characteristics. EPCs were isolated and cultured from Ischemic Stroke (IS) patients and predictors of their variance evaluated.

Smart Magnetic Nanocarriers for Multi-Stimuli On-Demand Drug Delivery.

In this study, we report the realization of drug-loaded smart magnetic nanocarriers constituted by superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles encapsulated in a dual pH- and temperature-responsive poly (N-vinylcaprolactam-co-acrylic acid) copolymer to achieve highly controlled drug release and localized magnetic hyperthermia. The magnetic core was constituted by flower-like magnetite nanoparticles with a size of 16.4 nm prepared by the polyol approach, with good saturation magnetization and a high specific absorption rate.

T Cell Delivery of Nanoparticles-Bound Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody: Successful B Cell Depletion in the Spinal Cord during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis.

We developed a nanotechnology based-cell mediated drug delivery system by loading myelin antigen-specific T cells with nanoparticles bound to anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody. Anti-CD20 antibody is a current treatment (ocrelizumab) for multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic, inflammatory and autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). CD20-depletion has been associated with efficacy in active relapsing and progressive MS, but may not efficiently target inflammatory cells compartmentalized in the CNS.

Spectroscopic and photoacoustic characterization of encapsulated iron oxide super-paramagnetic nanoparticles as a new multiplatform contrast agent.

Recently, a number of photoacoustic (PA) agents with increased tissue penetration and fine spatial resolution have been developed for molecular imaging and mapping of pathophysiological features at the molecular level. Here, we present bio-conjugated near-infrared light-absorbing magnetic nanoparticles as a new agent for PA imaging. These nanoparticles exhibit suitable absorption in the near-infrared region, with good photoacoustic signal generation efficiency and high photo-stability.

Myelin-specific T cells carry and release magnetite PGLA-PEG COOH nanoparticles in the mouse central nervous system.

Progress in nanotechnology has determined new strategies concerning drug delivery into the central nervous system for the treatment of degenerative and inflammatory diseases. To date, brain targeting through systemic drug administration, even in a nano-composition, is often unsuccessful. Therefore, we investigated the possibility of loading T lymphocytes with PGLA-PEG COOH magnetite nanoparticles (30 nm), which can be built up to easily bind drugs and monoclonal antibodies, and to exploit the ability of activated T cells to cross the blood-brain barrier and infiltrate the brain parenchyma.

Colorimetric Coupled Enzyme Assay for Cystathionine β-Synthase.

A colorimetric coupled enzyme assay for the determination of cystathionine β-synthase activity is described. The method exploits cystathionine γ-lyase as an ancillary enzyme capable of transforming cystathionine, produced by cystathionine β-synthase, into cysteine. The cysteine is then spectrophotometrically detected at 560 nm, after its specific complexation with ninhydrin.

Paraoxonase 1 and 2 gene variants and the ischemic stroke risk in Gran Canaria population: an association study and meta-analysis.

Purpose Of The Study: The present study aims to evaluate the relationship between rs662 (Gln(Q)192Arg(R)) and rs854560 (L55M) and the rs7493 (S311C) in the paraoxonase genes and ischemic stroke (IS) in the population of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands). The association with stroke was also evaluated using systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: A total of 129 IS patients and 176 age and gender matched controls were enrolled.

Safety and efficacy of fingolimod in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (FREEDOMS II): a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial.

Background: Fingolimod has shown reductions in clinical and MRI disease activity in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. We further assessed the efficacy and safety of fingolimod in such patients.

Methods: We did this placebo-controlled, double-blind phase 3 study predominantly in the USA (101 of 117 centres).

Unilateral hemiplegia: a unique complication of septoplasty.

Background: Septoplasty is one of the most common otolaryngological operations. It is often dismissed as a simple procedure, despite the wide range of potential complications. We describe the first reported case of unilateral hemiplegia as a complication of septoplasty.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the temporomandibular joint.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis is a benign lesion of unclear etiology involving the synovial membranes of joints, bursae, and tendon sheaths. Its occurrence in the temporomandibular joint is particularly rare. Despite its benign nature, pigmented villonodular synovitis is described as being locally destructive to the surrounding structures.

Cochlear implant in Cogan syndrome.

Conclusions: Despite the need for special fitting strategies, improvements in speech discrimination tests support the use of cochlear implantation (CI) for patients with Cogan syndrome. Adequate preimplant counselling is mandatory, to prevent high expectations and to stress the necessity for bilateral implantation.

Objective: In 60% of patients with Cogan syndrome, CI remains the only treatment option.

Impairment of 8-iso-PGF(2ALPHA) isoprostane metabolism by dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).

8-iso-PGF(2alpha) isoprostane (IP) is one of the most-used markers of lipid peroxidation in experimental models and humans. After its formation, it is promptly metabolized to 2,3 dinor (DIN) in peroxisomes. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is preferentially beta-oxidized in peroxisomes which may compete with IP, and thereby may affect its metabolism.

Pitted keratolysis. The role of Micrococcus sedentarius.

Though pitted keratolysis of the foot is generally viewed to be caused by bacteria, there is confusion regarding the identity of the causative organism. Species of Corynebacterium, Actinomyces, Dermatophilus, and Micrococcus have been proposed by various investigators. We have studied eight cases of pitted keratolysis and have cultured an organism identified as Micrococcus sedentarius on the basis of colonial morphology, micromorphology, biochemical reactions, and chemical analysis of whole-cell components.

Relationships between inmates' past drug practices and current drug knowledge and attitudes.

A questionnaire used in the measurement of past drug practices and current drug knowledge and attitudes was completed by 200 inmates. Data analysis provided an examination of relationships between the variables. Significant positive correlations were recorded between drug knowledge and drug practices, and between drug knowledge and drug attitude scores.

The relationship between breed and litter size in sheep and maternal serum concentrations of placental lactogen, estradiol and progesterone.

Milk production in sheep is known to be affected by breed and litter size. To investigate a possible hormonal basis for such effects, we measured maternal serum concentrations of placental lactogen, estradiol and progesterone during late gestation in sheep of several breeds and ages. Circulating concentrations of placental lactogen were directly related to litter size in all breeds, with the greatest concentrations being observed in Finnish Landrace ewes bearing three lambs.