Effects of different Bombyx mori silkworm varieties on the structural characteristics and properties of silk.

Silk has attracted the attention of biomedical researchers because of its good biocompatibility. Although various characteristics of silk are needed for its successful application in biomedical fields, the performance of silk material is limited. Although there are many varieties of Bombyx mori silkworm, the effect of different silkworm varieties on regenerated silk has not been considered in detail.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of an albumin-binding prodrug of doxorubicin that is cleaved by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in a PSA-positive orthotopic prostate carcinoma model (LNCaP).

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a serine protease that is over-expressed in prostate carcinoma and represents a molecular target for selectively releasing an anticancer agent from a prodrug formulation. We have recently investigated a macromolecular prodrug strategy for improved cancer chemotherapy based on 2 features: (i) rapid and selective binding of thiol-reactive prodrugs to the cysteine-34 position of endogenous albumin after intravenous administration, and (ii) enzymatic release of the albumin-bound drug at the tumor site (Mansour et al., Cancer Res 2003, 63, 4062-4066).

Albumin-binding prodrugs of camptothecin and doxorubicin with an Ala-Leu-Ala-Leu-linker that are cleaved by cathepsin B: synthesis and antitumor efficacy.

We have recently validated a macromolecular prodrug strategy for improved cancer chemotherapy based on two features: (a) rapid and selective binding of thiol-reactive prodrugs to the cysteine-34 position of endogenous albumin and (b) acid-sensitive promoted or enzymatic release of the drug at the tumor site [Kratz, F., Warnecke, A., Scheuemann, K.

Development of a novel albumin-binding prodrug that is cleaved by urokinase-type-plasminogen activator (uPA).

A water-soluble albumin-binding prodrug of doxorubicin [EMC-Gly-Gly-Gly-Arg-Arg-DOXO (EMC, 6-maleimidocaproic acid)] was developed that is cleaved specifically by the tumor-associated protease urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA).

Early- and late-onset complications of the ketogenic diet for intractable epilepsy.

Purpose: This study was undertaken to evaluate the exact limitations of the ketogenic diet (KD) and to collect data on the prevention and management of its risks.

Methods: Patients (129) who were on the KD from July 1995 to October 2001 at our epilepsy center were assessed in the study. Early-onset (within 4 weeks of the commencement of the KD until stabilization) and late-onset complications (occurring after 4 weeks) were reviewed.