Successful repositioning of mertansine for improved chemotherapy by combining a polymer prodrug approach and PET imaging.

Mertansine (DM1), a potent tumor-killing maytansinoid, requires conjugation to antibodies or incorporation into nanocarriers due to its high toxicity. However, these carriers often result in undesirable biodistribution, leading to rapid and long-term accumulation in the kidneys or liver and potentially increased toxicity. To overcome this limitation, we used the hydrophilic, biocompatible, and stealth properties of polyacrylamide (PAAm) as a scaffold to develop water-soluble PAAm-DM1 polymer prodrugs, leveraging PAAm's previous success in delivering paclitaxel via subcutaneous administration.

From Venous to Arterial Blood in the Same Tunneled Dialysis Catheter After Starting a Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: A Case Report.

Tunneled dialysis catheter is the alternative for dialysis patients who cannot benefit from an arteriovenous fistula. The insertion of such catheters is usually ultrasound-guided to prevent complications. A 36-year old patient had an unexpected complication following the insertion of a right femoral tunneled dialysis catheter: Although the blood collected from the catheter was venous after insertion, the blood turned arterial few minutes after initiating a continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).

Can brain neurons change identity? Lessons from obesity.

It has long been thought that the functional identity of mammalian brain neurons is programmed during development and remains stable throughout adult life; however, certain populations of neurons continue to express active regulators of neuronal identity into adulthood. Prolonged exposure to diet-induced metabolic stress induces features of neuronal identity modification in adult mice, and maladaptive changes in neuronal identity maintenance have been linked to cognitive impairment in humans suffering from neurodegenerative diseases often associated with obesity. Here we discuss how, by unraveling the neurological roots of obesity, we may solve the puzzle of whether mammalian brain neurons retain identity plasticity into adulthood, while advancing knowledge of the pathogenic mechanisms at the interface of metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders.

Unveiling the interfacial liquid in electrochemical reactions.

Adapting novel experimental techniques to address key knowledge gaps about the structure and properties of the interfacial liquid (IL) will enhance our understanding of its influence on electrochemical reactions, particularly in mediating species transport, charge transfer, and intermediate stability.

Comparing arterial catheterisation by palpation or ultrasound guidance by novice nurses in an adult intensive care unit: A prospective cohort study.

Background: Arterial catheterisation is a common procedure in intensive care units (ICUs), typically performed using the palpation technique. Ultrasound (US)-guided catheterisation remains underutilised, particularly when performed by nonphysician operators.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of US-guided arterial catheterisation performed by nurses in critically ill patients.