Specific lipoplex-mediated antisense against Bcl-2 in breast cancer cells: a comparison between different formulations.

G3139 is an antisense oligonucleotide (ODN) that can down-regulate bcl-2, thus potentially acting as a potent anticancer drug. However, effective therapy requires efficient ODN delivery, which may be achieved by employing G3139 lipoplexes. Yet, lipofection is a complex, multifactorial process that is still poorly understood.

[Compulsory treatment of nondelinquent drug-alcohol abusers in Israel: the present situation and feasible solutions].

The number of persons affected by alcoholism and/or substance abuse is constantly increasing in Israel as well the number of those suffering from severe addictions. The Israel Law for the Treatment of the Mentally Ill, 1991, does not allow the compulsory treatment of nondelinquent alcoholics and/or drug abusers who refuse treatment and who are not in a psychotic condition which includes severe and immediate danger to themselves or others. This paper analyzes and discusses the possibilities of assisting this group of patients within the framework of the present Israel legislation, other than the Law for the Treatment of the Mentally Ill of 1991, as well as focusing on modifications of this law that would be necessary to facilitate the implementation of urgent therapeutic interventions.

Oligonucleotide lipoplexes: the influence of oligonucleotide composition on complexation.

Despite extensive investigations into oligonucleotide lipoplexes, virtually no work has addressed whether the physicochemical properties of these assemblies vary as a function of the constituent oligonucleotide (ODN) sequence and/or composition. The present study was aimed at answering this question. To this end, we complexed N-(1-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl)-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTAP) liposomes, in dispersion, with either 18-mer phosphorothiote homo-oligonucleotides composed of either adenine, thymidine or cytosine; or one of three structurally related 18-mer phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (S-ODNs) (G3139, its reverse sequence and its two-base mismatch).

Effects of parenteral and enteral nutrition on gut-associated lymphoid tissue.

Changes in mucosal defense have been implicated as important factors affecting infections complications in critically ill patients. To study the effects of nutrient administration on gut-associated lymphatic tissue (GALT), ICR mice were randomized to receive chow plus intravenous saline, intravenous feeding of a total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solution, or enteral feeding of the same TPN solution. In a second series of experiments, a more complex enteral diet (Nutren) was compared with chow feeding and enteral TPN.

Fiber-containing formula and needle catheter jejunostomies: a clinical evaluation.

Despite the high frequency of diarrhea, chemically defined diets have traditionally been used with needle catheter jejunostomies, a common form of postpyloric enteral access, to avoid tube occlusion. We reviewed our experience with 57 patients fed a fiber-containing diet to determine the incidence of catheter occlusion and diarrhea. Eight catheters temporarily occluded but were reopened and remained patent for an additional 6.