FRET-based mesoporous organosilica nanoplatforms for and anticancer two-photon photodynamic therapy.

We report the synthesis of multifunctional periodic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (PMO NPs) with substantial two-photon absorption properties and targeting capability for two-photon excitation fluorescence (TPEF) and photodynamic therapy (TPE-PDT). Prepared using an adapted sol-gel synthesis, the nanoplatforms integrated two silylated chromophores in their three-dimensional matrix to maximize non-radiative Förster resonance energy transfer from a high two-photon absorption fluorophore donor to a porphyrin derivative acceptor, leading to an enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species. Combinations of biodegradable and non-biodegradable bis(triethoxysilyl)alkoxysilanes were employed for the synthesis of the NPs, and the corresponding photophysical studies revealed high efficiency levels of FRET.

Slaughter of cattle without stunning: Questions related to pain, stress and endorphins.

EEG studies have suggested that cattle perceive pain when bled without stunning. The present study on bleeding without stunning, compared cows that had received a local anaesthetic on the site of the bleeding cut (Lurocaine; Luro cows) one hour before bleeding with a 35 cm knife, with cows that had not (saline: Placebo cows). Various physiological indicators potentially related to pain or stress were evaluated.

Nanoencapsulation of a Far-Red Absorbing Phthalocyanine into Poly(benzylmalate) Biopolymers and Modulation of Their Photodynamic Efficiency.

Two different poly(benzylmalate) biopolymers, a hydrophobic non-PEGylated () and an amphiphilic PEGylated derivative (), have been used to encapsulate a phthalocyanine chosen for its substitution pattern that is highly suitable for photodynamic therapy. Different phthalocyanine/(co)polymers ratios have been used for the nanoprecipitation. A set of six nanoparticles has been obtained.

Novel Antifouling Coatings by Zwitterionic Silica Grafting on Glass Substrates.

Zwitterionic silica coatings for surface functionalization are greatly prominent because of their simple and fast preparation, high availability, and effective antifouling properties. In this work, two zwitterionic sulfobetaine silane coatings, , -SBSi and -SBSi, were deposited on glass surfaces and tested for antifouling of biological material and biofilm using human cancer cell and seawater, respectively. The used zwitterionic precursors -SBSi and -SBSi differ by the number of hydrolyzable silane groups: -SBSi contains one trimethoxysilane group, whereas -SBSi contains three of these functions.

Photosensitivity of Different Nanodiamond-PMO Nanoparticles in Two-Photon-Excited Photodynamic Therapy.

Background: In addition to their great optical properties, nanodiamonds (NDs) have recently proved useful for two-photon-excited photodynamic therapy (TPE-PDT) applications. Indeed, they are able to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) directly upon two-photon excitation but not with one-photon excitation; Methods: Fluorescent NDs (FNDs) with a 100 nm diameter and detonation NDs (DNDs) of 30 nm were compared. In order to use the gems for cancer-cell theranostics, they were encapsulated in a bis(triethoxysilyl)ethylene-based (ENE) periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) shell, and the surface of the formed nanoparticles (NPs) was modified by the direct grafting of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and amino groups using PEG-hexyltriethoxysilane and aminoundecyltriethoxysilane during the sol-gel process.

Carcass Characteristics and Beef Quality of Young Grass-Fed Angus x Salers Bovines.

To characterize carcass and meat attributes, such as beef eating quality in specific farming conditions, 31 young grass-fed crossbred Angus x Salers cattle in two farming systems (a mono-cattle system versus a mixed system with beef cattle and sheep) were used in this study. Three muscle cuts (striploin-; bolar blade-; internal flank plate-) were used for consumer eating quality testing and striploin was used for panelist eating quality assessment, and objective measurements [Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and fatty acid (FA) and antioxidant contents]. Results indicated that the farming system had no impact on carcass characteristics or meat quality, but it tended to affect FA content, which is likely explained by between-system differences in animal maturity (assessed by ossification score).

Modified Indulines: From Dyestuffs to Theranostic Agents.

The efficient, versatile, and straightforward synthesis of the first -alkyl analogues of induline 3B ( and ) is reported. Thanks to the introduction of lipophilic substituents and their attractive photophysical properties (far-red emission and production of singlet oxygen), phenazinium can be used as a theranostic agent and shows, at very low concentrations (100 nM), a remarkable ability to (i) image cells and zebrafish embryos with high quality under both mono- (514 nm) and biphotonic (790 and 810 nm) excitations, (ii) efficiently and quickly penetrate cancer cells rather than healthy fibroblasts, and (iii) induce a total or almost total cancer cell death and after illumination (λ = 540-560 nm). The molecular structure of is based on a triamino-phenazinium core only, with no need for additional components, highlighting the emergence of a minimalistic and versatile class of fluorescent probes for targeted photodynamic cancer therapy.

Porphyrin-based bridged silsesquioxane nanoparticles for targeted two-photon photodynamic therapy of zebrafish xenografted with human tumor.

Background: Bridged silsesquioxane nanoparticles (BSNs) recently described represent a new class of nanoparticles exhibiting versatile applications and particularly a strong potential for nanomedicine.

Aims: In this work, we describe the synthesis of BSNs from an octasilylated functional porphyrin precursor (PORBSNs) efficiently obtained through a click reaction. These innovative and very small-sized nanoparticles were functionalized with PEG and mannose (PORBSNs-mannose) in order to target breast tumors in vivo.

Polythiophenes with Cationic Phosphonium Groups as Vectors for Imaging, siRNA Delivery, and Photodynamic Therapy.

In this work, we exploit the versatile function of cationic phosphonium-conjugated polythiophenes to develop multifunctional platforms for imaging and combined therapy (siRNA delivery and photodynamic therapy). The photophysical properties (absorption, emission and light-induced generation of singlet oxygen) of these cationic polythiophenes were found to be sensitive to molecular weight. Upon light irradiation, low molecular weight cationic polythiophenes were able to light-sensitize surrounding oxygen into reactive oxygen species (ROS) while the highest were not due to its aggregation in aqueous media.

Validation of two laboratory methods for beef intramuscular fat quantification.

Many studies on beef nutritional qualities require the quantification of intramuscular fat. To reduce the sample amount, solvent use and time of analysis, two alternative methods to the Folch et al. (1957) reference method were studied: a miniaturised Folch's method and a near-infrared spectroscopic method.

Dataset of lipids, antioxidative status and color attributes in cows meat from slaughter to storage: Impacts of diet supplementations and pre-slaughter stress.

This data article presents a dataset with 34 values of the fatty acids composition and of indicators of lipid oxidation determined in the and from 71 Normand cull-cows at slaughter, after muscle aging and after meat storage periods under different packaging conditions. Cows were subjected to 3 feeding diets and 2 slaughter protocols relative to pre-slaughter stress. The indicators of lipids, FA composition, antioxidative enzymes activities, antioxidative status and global lipid oxidation of the muscles, and meat at different time points and under different aging and storage conditions, may be used to increase our understanding of the evolution of oxidation and consequences on color development.

Sequential delivery of synergistic drugs by silica nanocarriers for enhanced tumour treatment.

Herein hybrid silica nanoparticles have been engineered to direct the sequential delivery of multiple chemotherapeutic drugs in response to external stimuli such as variations in pH. The nanocarriers consist of conventional MCM-41-type nanoparticles, which have been functionalised with an organic ligand (or stalk) grafted onto the external surface. The stalk is designed to "recognise" a complementary molecule, which serves as a "cap" to block the pores of the nanoparticles.

Lipid oxidation, pre-slaughter animal stress and meat packaging: Can dietary supplementation of vitamin E and plant extracts come to the rescue?

Normand cull-cows received a diet enriched in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), known to enhance nutritional quality, but to decrease beef lipid stability. Half of the cows received a supplementation of vitamin E and plant extracts rich in polyphenols during the finishing period. Half of each feeding group was slaughtered under limited, the others under added stress conditions.

New Approach Studying Interactions Regarding Trade-Off between Beef Performances and Meat Qualities.

The beef cattle industry is facing multiple problems, from the unequal distribution of added value to the poor matching of its product with fast-changing demand. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the interactions between the main variables, evaluating the nutritional and organoleptic properties of meat and cattle performances, including carcass properties, to assess a new method of managing the trade-off between these four performance goals. For this purpose, each variable evaluating the parameters of interest has been statistically modeled and based on data collected on 30 Blonde d'Aquitaine heifers.

Plasma indicators of bovine health: Impacts of diet supplementations and pre-slaughter stress.

This data article reports the values of indicators of bovine health determined in the plasma of Normand cull-cows at different times of the about 100 days lasting finishing period and at slaughter. The data constitute a large dataset based on the quantification of metabolites and the evaluation of enzymes activities allowing the determination of antioxidant capacity, oxidative stress level, energy and lipid metabolisms, activity of the Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Adrenal axis and the hepatic status in cull-cows.

Targeting Colon Luminal Lipid Peroxidation Limits Colon Carcinogenesis Associated with Red Meat Consumption.

Red meat is probably carcinogenic to humans (WHO/IARC class 2A), in part through heme iron-induced lipoperoxidation. Here, we investigated whether red meat promotes carcinogenesis in rodents and modulates associated biomarkers in volunteers, speculating that an antioxidant marinade could suppress these effects via limitation of the heme induced lipid peroxidation. We gave marinated or non-marinated beef with various degrees of cooking to azoxymethane-initiated rats, mice, and human volunteers (crossover study).

Hearing rehabilitation with a binaural cochlear implant in a patient with Erdheim-Chester disease.

Objective And Importance: Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare non-Langerhans form of histiocytosis. This paper reports an exceptional case of bilateral neural involvement, responsible for profound hearing loss. Bilateral cochlear implantation was performed.

Yield of bone marrow examination in diagnosing the source of fever of unknown origin.

Background: Fever of unknown origin (FUO) still remains a diagnostic challenge, while diagnosis may remain obscure for several weeks or months. The role of tissue biopsy is crucial in the diagnostic approach. We report a series of 130 consecutive patients with FUO who had undergone a bone marrow biopsy (BMB).

Is the hepatic metabolism of glucose and linoleic acid influenced by species in overfed ducks?

There are genetic differences in the hepatic glucose and linoleic acid metabolisms between Muscovy and Pekin ducks ad libitum-fed. To understand the effect of overfeeding on the hepatic metabolisms in these two species of ducks, we compared the different pathways of glucose and linoleic acid reaching the liver of Muscovy (Cairina moschata) (n=6) and Pekin (Anas platyrhynchos) (n=6) ducks overfed for 1 week and sacrificed 2-4 h after their last meal by using the ex vivo method of liver slices incubated for 16 h with [U-(14)C]-glucose, [1-(14)C]-linoleic acid and [(35)S]-methionine added to the survival medium. The glucose was the main precursor of triacylglycerol synthesis in the liver of these two species and its hepatic metabolism was similar between species.

The improvement of ibuprofen dissolution rate through microparticles spray drying processed in an aqueous system.

A study to enhance the dissolution rate of ibuprofen, a poorly water-soluble drug, was carried out through combining specific formulations and processes with the addition of a hydrophilic carrier for the preparation of microparticles. Microparticle production was performed by spray drying ibuprofen microsuspensions formulated in an aqueous system with the addition of ethanol containing Aerosil 200 and Tween 80. We were able to consistently produce microparticles as much as 40% of the dry weight of the input microsuspension.

Study of a hydraulic DCPA/CaO-based cement for dental applications.

A CPC was obtained by mixing calcium hydrogenphosphate (DCPA: CaHPO(4)) and calcium oxide with either water or sodium phosphate (NaP) buffers. Physical and mechanical properties such as compressive strength (CS), initial (I) and final (F) setting times, cohesion time (T(C)), dough time (T(D)), swelling time (T(S)), dimensional and thermal behavior, injectability (t(100%)), antimicrobial properties, setting reaction kinetics, and powder stability over time were investigated by varying different parameters such as liquid-to-powder (L/P) ratio (0.35 to 0.

A sugar cane native dextran as an innovative functional excipient for the development of pharmaceutical tablets.

We reported the physical chemical characterization of a new series of native dextran (B110-1-2). The chemical structure of the polymer was characterized by IR, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy and compared with that of a commercial native dextran B512-F obtained from Sigma Company. Molecular weights of the product and different commercial dextran fractions of Leuconostoc mesenteroides from 43000 to 170000 average molecular weight (M(w)) were established by the analysis of intrinsic viscosity in aqueous solutions and compared with those obtained by gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

Adult Kawasaki disease: report of two cases and literature review.

Objectives: To describe 2 cases of adult Kawasaki Disease (KD) and to review the medical literature to better define the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, histopathological, cardiovascular, and therapeutic aspects of adult KD compared with pediatric KD.

Methods: Report of 2 cases, and review of the literature using a Medline search from 1967 to June 2003.

Results: Including our 2 cases, there are 57 reports of adult KD, 74% among patients aged 18 to 30 years.

Brain abscesses caused by Abiotrophia defectiva: complication of immunosuppressive therapy in a patient with connective-tissue disease.

We report the case of a patient who developed brain abscesses caused by Abiotrophia defectiva. The patient was treated with prednisone and cyclophosphamide for connective-tissue disease (lupus-Sjögren's overlap syndrome). A few cases of central nervous system infections due to Abiotrophia species have been previously reported in immunocompetent patients following neurosurgical procedures, suggesting possible introduction of this organism at the time of surgery.