Tumor microenvironment-responsive hyperbranched polymers for controlled drug delivery.

Hyperbranched polymers (HBPs) have drawn great interest in the biomedical field on account of their special morphology, low viscosity, self-regulation, and facile preparation methods. Moreover, their large intramolecular cavities, high biocompatibility, biodegradability, and targeting properties render them very suitable for anti-tumor drug delivery. Recently, exploiting the specific characteristics of the tumor microenvironment, a range of multifunctional HBPs responsive to the tumor microenvironment have emerged.

First Measurement: Proactive Immune Cell Sparing in Radiation Therapy.

Purpose: Radiation Therapy (RT) can modulate the immune system and generate anti-tumor T cells. However, this anti-tumor-activity is countered by radiation-induced immunosuppression (RIIS). Clinical advantages of proactively sparing RT dose to immune rich organs have not previously been evaluated.

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and salt sensitivity of blood pressure offer new insights in obesity phenotypes.

Objective: Individuals who have metabolically healthy overweight/obesity (MHOO) do not have cardiometabolic complications despite an elevated BMI. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activation and salt sensitivity of blood pressure (SSBP) are cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks, which are increased in individuals with higher BMI values. Little is known about the differences in RAAS activation and SSBP between MHOO and metabolically unhealthy overweight/obesity (MUOO) phenotypes.

Obesity and clinical, radiographic, and surgical outcomes after minimally invasive single-level transforaminal versus lateral lumbar interbody fusion.

Objective: To determine the effect of obesity on clinical, radiographic, and surgical outcomes after lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) versus minimally invasive surgery (MIS) transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and compare the effectiveness of LLIF versus MIS TLIF in treating obese patients.

Methods: A retrospective comparative analysis of patients who underwent single-level L4-5 LLIF or MIS TLIF over a 7-year period was performed. Spinopelvic parameters were compared based on pre- and postoperative radiographs.

Mechanisms of bla dissemination across diverse carbapenem resistant clinical isolates.

Objective: The IMP-4 carbapenemase is an endemic cause of carbapenem resistance in the Asia-Pacific region. Our aim was to determine the dissemination mechanism of the bla gene.

Methods: Twelve representative Australian IMP-4 clinical isolates from The Alfred Hospital, were characterised using antimicrobial susceptibility testing and genome and plasmid assemblies analysed.