Design of Nanocrystalline Suspension of Dutasteride for Intramuscular Prolonged Delivery.

The aim of the study is to formulate an injectable nanocrystalline suspension (NS) of dutasteride (DTS), a hydrophobic 5α-reductase inhibitor used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and scalp hair loss, for parenteral long-acting delivery. A DTS-loaded NS (DTS-NS, 40 mg/mL DTS) was prepared using a lab-scale bead-milling technique. The optimized DTS-NS prepared using Tween 80 (0.

APE1 is a master regulator of the ATR-/ATM-mediated DNA damage response.

To maintain genomic integrity, cells have evolved several conserved DNA damage response (DDR) pathways in response to DNA damage and stress conditions. Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) exhibits AP endonuclease, 3'-5' exonuclease, 3'-phosphodiesterase, and 3'-exoribonuclease activities and plays critical roles in the DNA repair and redox regulation of transcription. However, it remains unclear whether and how APE1 is involved in DDR pathways.

Novel 3D printed bioactive SiC orthopedic screw promotes bone growth associated activities by macrophages, neurons, and osteoblasts.

Ceramic additive manufacturing currently relies on binders or high-energy lasers, each with limitations affecting final product quality and suitability for medical applications. To address these challenges, our laboratory has devised a surface activation technique for ceramic particles that eliminates the necessity for polymer binders or high-energy lasers in ceramic additive manufacturing. We utilized this method to 3D print bioactive SiC orthopedic screws and evaluated their properties.

Surgical Outcomes of Open and Laparoscopic Hartmann Reversal: A Single-Center Comparative Study.

Background And Objectives: Hartmann reversal (HR) is challenging and traditionally requires a large laparotomy wound. With the development of minimally invasive techniques, laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's operation (HO) was attempted. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic Hartmann reversal (LHR) versus open Hartmann reversal (OHR).

Dexamethasone nanocrystals-embedded hydroxypropyl methylcellulose hydrogel increases cochlear delivery and attenuates hearing loss following intratympanic injection.

Herein, dexamethasone (DEX) nanocrystalline suspension (NS)-embedded hydrogel (NS-G) was constructed using a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) polymer to enhance cochlear delivery and attenuate hearing loss following intratympanic (IT) injection. Hydrophobic steroidal nanocrystals were prepared using a bead milling technique and incorporated into a polysaccharide hydrogel. The NS-G system with HPMC (average molecular weight, 86,000 g/mol; 15 mg/mL) was characterized as follows: rod-shaped drug crystalline; particle size <300 nm; and constant complex viscosity ≤1.

Nerve Regeneration Using Compartmentalized System in CIPN Model.

The analysis of nerve regeneration in the chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) model can be achieved using the compartmentalized culture system. This system enables us to isolate the cell body from the axon physically and fluidically, therefore allowing for the independent manipulation of the cell body and axons. Compartmentalized chambers mimic the human body conditions, and can be used to study axonal degeneration, disease modeling, and drug screening.

Oncologic safety of transverse colon cancer surgery without central vessel ligation of middle colic artery.

Background: Surgical standardization for transverse colon cancers (TCC) has not been established, and the oncologic benefit of central vessel ligation (CVL) are still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the oncologic safety of TCC surgery without CVL of the middle colic artery (MCA).

Methods: This is a single-center, retrospective, observational, comparative study.

Real-world experience of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors in patients with heart failure and dialysis.

Introduction: Although angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) has shown promise in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), the treatment effect in HFrEF patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing dialysis is uncertain. This study aimed to examine the real-world effects of ARNI vs. angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARB) in this subpopulation.

Tricaprylin-based drug crystalline suspension for intramuscular long-acting delivery of entecavir with alleviated local inflammation.

In order to ensure prolonged pharmacokinetic profile along with local tolerability at the injection site, tricaprylin-based drug crystalline suspension (TS) was designed and its local distribution, pharmacokinetics, and inflammatory response, were evaluated with conventional aqueous suspension (AS). As model drug particles, entecavir 3-palmitate (EV-P), an ester lipidic prodrug for entecavir (EV), was employed. The EV-P-loaded TS was prepared by ultra-sonication method.

Personalized prediction of intradialytic hypotension in clinical practice: Development and evaluation of a novel AI dashboard incorporating risk factors from previous and current dialysis sessions.

Background: Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is one of the most common and critical complications of hemodialysis. Despite many proven factors associated with IDH, accurately predicting it before it occurs for individual patients during dialysis sessions remains a challenge.

Purpose: To establish artificial intelligence (AI) predictive models for IDH, which consider risk factors from previous and ongoing dialysis to optimize model performance.

Are sporadic colorectal cancers in young patients distinct from those in elderly patients?

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the clinicopathological and oncological characteristics of sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) between young and elderly patients without any genetic mutations that cause hereditary CRC.

Method: In this cross-sectional, retrospective study conducted at three tertiary referral hospitals, we enrolled 1599 patients with CRC who underwent surgery between January 2010 and December 2017, including 157 young patients (age ≤ 40 years; yCRC) and 1442 elderly patients (age ≥ 70 years; eCRC). The clinicopathological and oncological outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Carboxymethyl cellulose-based rotigotine nanocrystals-loaded hydrogel for increased transdermal delivery with alleviated skin irritation.

Transdermal rotigotine (RTG) therapy is prescribed to manage Parkinson's disease (Neupro® patch). However, its use is suffered from application site reactions. Herein, drug nanocrystalline suspension (NS)-loaded hydrogel (NS-HG) employing polysaccharides simultaneously as suspending agent and hydrogel matrix was constructed for transdermal delivery, with alleviated skin irritation.

Synthesis mechanism from graphene quantum dots to carbon nanotubes by ion-sputtering assisted chemical vapor deposition.

We present the first work of the synthesis mechanism from graphene quantum dots (GQDs) to carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by an ion-sputtering assisted chemical vapor deposition. During the annealing process, a Pt thin film deposited by the ion-sputtering was dewetted and agglomerated to form many nanometer-sized particles, leading to Pt nanoparticles (PtNPs) that can act as catalysts for creating carbon allotropes. The shape of the allotropes can be effectively tailored from GQDs to CNTs by controlling three key parameters such as the dose of catalytic ions (D), amounts of carbon source (S), and thermal energy (T).

Functional characterization of plant specific Indeterminate Domain (IDD) transcription factors in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

Plant-specific transcription factors (TFs) are responsible for regulating the genes involved in the development of plant-specific organs and response systems for adaptation to terrestrial environments. This includes the development of efficient water transport systems, efficient reproductive organs, and the ability to withstand the effects of terrestrial factors, such as UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and soil-related stress factors, and evolutionary advantages over land predators. In rice and Arabidopsis, INDETERMINATE DOMAIN (IDD) TFs are plant-specific TFs with crucial functions, such as development, reproduction, and stress response.

mFOLFIRINOX versus mFOLFOX 6 as adjuvant treatment for high-risk stage III colon cancer - the FROST trial: study protocol for a multicenter, randomized controlled, phase II trial.

Background: High-risk stage III colon cancer has a considerably poorer prognosis than stage II and low-risk stage III colon cancers. Nevertheless, most guidelines recommend similar adjuvant treatment approaches for all these stages despite the dearth of research focusing on high-risk stage III colon cancer and the potential for improved prognosis with intensive adjuvant treatment. Given the the proven efficacy of triplet chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer treatment, the goal of this study is to evaluate the oncologic efficacy and safety of mFOLFIRINOX in comparison to those of the current standard of care, mFOLFOX 6, as an adjuvant treatment for patients diagnosed with high-risk stage III colon cancer after radical resection.

Clinical effectiveness of oral antiviral agents for treating non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients with chronic kidney disease.

Objectives: This study examined the effectiveness of nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir (NMV-r) and molnupiravir (MOV) in treating COVID-19 among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study, using the TriNetX research network, identified stage 3-5 CKD and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients with non-hospitalized COVID-19 between 1 January 2022, and 31 May 2023. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to compare patients on NMV-r or MOV (antiviral group) against those not receiving these treatments (control group).

Assessing the diversity and determinants of health-related quality of life measures in patients with acute heart failure.

Aims: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) significantly impacts health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). Existing HR-QoL questionnaires can show inconsistencies, potentially misrepresenting patient self-reports. This study examines the variation in HR-QoL measurement tools for HFrEF patients, identifying related determinants.

Phytic Acid Maintains Peripheral Neuron Integrity and Enhances Survivability against Platinum-Induced Degeneration via Reducing Reactive Oxygen Species and Enhancing Mitochondrial Membrane Potential.

Phytic acid (PA) has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are critical for neuroprotection in neuronal disorders. This raises the question of whether PA can effectively protect sensory neurons against chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Peripheral neuropathy is a dose-limiting side effect of chemotherapy treatment often characterized by severe and abnormal pain in hands and feet resulting from peripheral nerve degeneration.

A case report of torsion of the gravid uterus caused by pelvic adhesion.

Key Clinical Message: In this case, a patient experienced rare uterine torsion during pregnancy, detected by MRI. Diagnosis before Cesarean is helpful to achieve better outcomes, highlighting the importance of attention in high-risk groups.

Abstract: Uterine torsion during pregnancy is a rare complication and its risk factors and diagnostic modalities have not yet been clearly defined.

Novel bioequivalent oral disintegrating tablet of aripiprazole prepared by direct compression technique with shortened disintegration time.

Herein, we aimed to formulate a novel oral disintegrating tablet (ODT) of aripiprazole (ARP) capable of rapid disintegration using a direct compression technique. Different ODTs were fabricated with directly compressible excipients, and their disintegration time, wettability (water absorption ratio and wetting time), and mechanical properties (hardness and friability) were evaluated. The optimized ODT comprised F-Melt® type C, Prosolv® SMCC HD90, and Na croscarmellose (10 mg of ARP in a 130 mg tablet).

Mitochondrial trafficking as a protective mechanism against chemotherapy drug-induced peripheral neuropathy: Identifying the key site of action.

Aims: Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect seen in patients who have undergone most chemotherapy treatments to which there are currently no treatment methods. CIPN has been shown to cause axonal degeneration leading to Peripheral Neuropathy (PN), which can lead to major dosage reduction and may prevent further chemotherapy treatment due to oftentimes debilitating pain. Previously, we have determined the site-specific action of Paclitaxel (PTX), a microtubule targeting agent, as well as the neuroprotective effect of Fluocinolone Acetonide (FA) against Paclitaxel Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (PIPN).

Simultaneous Enhancement of Efficiency and Operational-Stability of Mesoscopic Perovskite Solar Cells via Interfacial Toughening.

The combined effects of compact TiO (c-TiO ) electron-transport layer (ETL) are investigated without and with mesoscopic TiO (m-TiO ) on top, and without and with an iodine-terminated silane self-assembled monolayer (SAM), on the mechanical behavior, opto-electronic properties, photovoltaic (PV) performance, and operational-stability of solar cells based on metal-halide perovskites (MHPs). The interfacial toughness increases almost threefold in going from c-TiO without SAM to m-TiO with SAM. This is attributed to the synergistic effect of the m-TiO /MHP nanocomposite at the interface and the enhanced adhesion afforded by the iodine-terminated silane SAM.

CanISO: a database of genomic and transcriptomic variations in domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris).

Background: The domestic dog, Canis lupus familiaris, is a companion animal for humans as well as an animal model in cancer research due to similar spontaneous occurrence of cancers as humans. Despite the social and biological importance of dogs, the catalogue of genomic variations and transcripts for dogs is relatively incomplete.

Results: We developed CanISO, a new database to hold a large collection of transcriptome profiles and genomic variations for domestic dogs.