Cellular Traction Force Holds the Potential as a Drug Testing Readout for In Vitro Cancer Metastasis.

Introduction: Metastasis is responsible for 90% of cancer-related deaths worldwide. However, the potential inhibitory effects of metastasis by various anticancer drugs have been left largely unexplored. Existing preclinical models primarily focus on antiproliferative agents on the primary tumor to halt the cancer growth but not in metastasis.

Fetal liver CD34 contain human immune and endothelial progenitors and mediate solid tumor rejection in NOG mice.

Background: Transplantation of CD34 hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) into immunodeficient mice is an established method to generate humanized mice harbouring a human immune system. Different sources and methods for CD34 isolation have been employed by various research groups, resulting in customized models that are difficult to compare. A more detailed characterization of CD34 isolates is needed for a better understanding of engraftable hematopoietic and potentially non-hematopoietic cells.

Novel Gemcitabine-Re(I) Bisquinolinyl Complex Combinations and Formulations With Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles for Pancreatic Cancer Photodynamic Therapy.

With less than 10% of 5-year survival rate, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is known to be one of the most lethal types of cancer. Current literature supports that gemcitabine is the first-line treatment of PDAC. However, poor cellular penetration of gemcitabine along with the acquired and intrinsic chemoresistance of tumor against it often reduced its efficacy and hence necessitates the administration of high gemcitabine dose during chemotherapy.

Natural HSP90 inhibitors as a potential therapeutic intervention in treating cancers: A comprehensive review.

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) has evolved as a cancerous cell growth regulator by stabilising various oncogenic kinases. Upon the Hsp90 inhibition, the expression of its client proteins is downregulated and thus leads to denaturation of cellular proteins and cancer cell death. Hsp90 inhibitors, particularly those naturally derived from plants, fungi and bacteria, have gained substantial interest as a feasible therapeutic approach for cancer treatment due to their diverse pharmacological properties.

Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of Cu(II) Schiff base complexes against methicillin-susceptible and resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Background: Methicillin-resistance S. aureus (MRSA) possesses the ability to resist multiple antibiotics and form biofilm. Currently, vancomycin remains the last drug of choice for treatment of MRSA infection.

Moral Distress and Moral Injury in Nephrology During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Across the world, challenges for clinicians providing health care during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are highly prevalent and have been widely reported. Perspectives of provider groups have conveyed wide-ranging experiences of adversity, distress, and resilience. In understanding and responding to the emotional and psychological implications of the pandemic for renal clinicians, it is vital to recognize that many experiences also have been ethically challenging.

Markers of the Endothelial Glycocalyx Are Improved following Kidney Transplantation.

Introduction: The endothelial glycocalyx on the vascular luminal surface contributes to endothelial health and function. Damage to this layer is indicative of vascular injury, reflected by increased levels of its shed constituents in serum and an increase in the perfused boundary region (PBR) when measured in sublingual capillaries using the GlycoCheck™ device. We aimed to examine the longitudinal effects of kidney transplantation on the glycocalyx by measuring biochemical markers of the glycocalyx and endothelial dysfunction and the PBR.

Endothelial glycocalyx damage in kidney disease correlates with uraemic toxins and endothelial dysfunction.

Background: Damage to the endothelial glycocalyx is an early indicator of vascular damage and a potential marker of endothelial dysfunction. This study aimed to assess the relationship between markers of glycocalyx damage, endothelial dysfunction, and uraemic toxins in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Methods: Healthy controls, CKD patients, dialysis patients, and kidney transplant recipients had biochemical markers of glycocalyx damage (syndecan-1 and hyaluronan), endothelial dysfunction (von Willebrand factor; vWF and vascular cell adhesion molecule; VCAM-1), and uraemic toxins (indoxyl sulphate and p-cresyl sulphate) measured.

Recent Emergence of Rhenium(I) Tricarbonyl Complexes as Photosensitisers for Cancer Therapy.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is emerging as a significant complementary or alternative approach for cancer treatment. PDT drugs act as photosensitisers, which upon using appropriate wavelength light and in the presence of molecular oxygen, can lead to cell death. Herein, we reviewed the general characteristics of the different generation of photosensitisers.

Comparing the Potential for Irritation of a Ceramide-Based Moisturizer with a Urea-Based Moisturizer for Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis.

Introduction: Moisturizers are one of the mainstays of the topical treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). One of the adverse effects of moisturizers is skin irritation, especially on excoriated AD skin. We compared the potential for irritation of two commercially available moisturizer products for the treatment of AD: a ceramide-based moisturizer (Ceradan Cream; Hyphens Pharma Pte Ltd, Singapore) and a urea 5% moisturizer (Aqurea Lite Cream; ICA Pharma Pte Ltd, Singapore).

Healthcare Satisfaction among Older Adults.

Objective: This study seeks to examine how older adults rate and identify the importance of attributes associated with healthcare seeking and utilization (eg, affordability, type of facility, and accessibility) in the United States.

Methods: The empirical work of this cross-sectional study is based on the 2014 Health and Retirement Study. Conjoint analysis and cluster analysis are used to assess the objective.

Endothelial glycocalyx in health and kidney disease: Rising star or false Dawn?

The endothelial glycocalyx is a layer comprised of proteins and carbohydrates on the luminal surface of vascular endothelial cells, thought to have an important role in the health and function of the endothelium. Disrupted by various pathophysiological conditions and linked with clinical outcomes, it is increasingly recognized as an early indicator of endothelial injury and a potential marker of vascular injury. In this review, we discuss current methods of assessment (including novel optical approaches), evidence for its use as a marker of vascular disease and its potential role in relation to microalbuminuria and glomerular endothelial dysfunction.

Comparison of the Simple Patient-Centric Atopic Dermatitis Scoring System PEST with SCORAD in Young Children Using a Ceramide Dominant Therapeutic Moisturizer.

Introduction: Patient eczema severity time (PEST) is a new atopic dermatitis (AD) scoring system based on patients' own perception of their disease. Conventional scales such as SCORing of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) reflect the clinician's observations during the clinic visit. Instead, the PEST score captures eczema severity, relapse and recovery as experienced by the patient or caregiver on a daily basis, promoting patient engagement, compliance with treatment and improved outcomes.

Transient Neonatal Zinc Deficiency Caused by a Novel Mutation in the SLC30A2 Gene.

This is a case report of a 4-month-old full-term, fully breastfed boy who presented with a persistent periorificial and groin rash associated with poor weight gain and irritability. His serum zinc level was low. The mother's breast milk zinc level was found to be low despite her serum zinc levels being normal, confirming the diagnosis of transient neonatal zinc deficiency.

A Case of Eczematoid Graft-Versus-Host Disease.

A 13-year-old boy underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for underlying acute lymphoblastic leukemia and achieved neutrophil engraftment 28 days after HSCT. He developed ichthyosis 6 weeks after HSCT and then keratotic follicular papules, palmoplantar keratoderma, and a seborrheic dermatitis-like eruption 18 weeks after HSCT. From skin biopsies he was diagnosed with eczematoid graft-versus host disease (GVHD), which showed spongiosis with scattered necrotic keratinocytes.

An evaluation of the narrowing gender gap in DUI arrests.

Although males account for the vast majority of those convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs (DUI), female DUI convictions have increased over the past two decades. In this study, we examined the ratio of males-to-females who were court-mandated between the years 1992 and 2008 to attend the Mississippi Alcohol Safety Education Program (MASEP), a DUI intervention program in Mississippi. The data for this study came from MASEP records; the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS); the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR); the Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS); the National Household Travel Survey (NHTS); and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an agency within the US Department of Transportation.

The Healthy Teen Girls project: comparison of health education and STD risk reduction intervention for incarcerated adolescent females.

Adolescent girls incarcerated in a state reformatory (N = 246) were recruited and assigned to an 18-session health education program or a time-equivalent HIV prevention program. Cohorts were assigned to conditions using a randomized block design separated by a washout period to reduce contamination. Post intervention, girls in the HIV risk reduction program demonstrated the acquisition of risk-reduction behavioral skills and improved condom application skill.

Investigation of the variables that impact upon the knowledge of cardiac risk factors.

Objective: Awareness of cardiac disease risk factors is required before they can be modified. The present study aimed to investigate risk factor knowledge and the variables that impact upon this knowledge.

Methods: We undertook an analytical, cross-sectional survey of 226 patients attending an ED.

Alcohol use among young adults presenting to the emergency department.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of young ED patients at risk from hazardous alcohol consumption, to identify high-risk patient subgroups and evaluate the feasibility of use of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) in this setting.

Methods: We undertook a cross-sectional survey of 336 ED patients aged 18-30 years, inclusive. All were breathalysed prior to self-administering the AUDIT.