Development of a Novel Sulfur Quantum Dots: Synthesis, Tc Radiolabeling, and Biodistribution.

Sulfur quantum dots (SQDs) as free heavy metal element quantum dots have promising applications in diagnosis and therapy; however, SQDs' in vivo biodistribution has not been studied. In the current study, SQDs were synthesized directly from cheap sublimated sulfur powder via a one-pot solvothermal method, and sucrose was used as a stabilizer to enhance stability and biocompatibility. The as-obtained SQDs with an average size of 4.

Docetaxel in combination with metformin enhances antitumour efficacy in metastatic breast carcinoma models: a promising cancer targeting based on PEGylated liposomes.

Objectives: Metformin has been shown to kill cancer stem-like cells in genetically various types of breast carcinoma. With the aim to simultaneously eradicate the bulk population of tumour cells and the rare population of cancer stem-like cells in breast cancer tissues, we used the combination chemotherapy of docetaxel (DTX) with metformin (MET). Furthermore, we introduce an active loading method based on ammonium sulphate 250 mM (SA) for encapsulating docetaxel into liposomes.

Sentinel lymph node mapping in post chemotherapy nonseminoma testicular cancer patients undergoing retroperitoneal lymph node dissection: A series of nine cases.

Objectives: Testicular germ cell cancers are the most common solid malignancy among young men at the age ranging between 14 and 35 years. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of sentinel lymph node mapping using intraoperative injection of radiotracer in nonseminomatous testicular cancer patients with history of orchiectomy who were candidate for retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) in post-chemotherapy setting.

Methods: Nine consecutive cases were included in the study.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in upper tract urothelial cancers: an experience with intraoperative radiotracer injection.

Background: The feasibility of the sentinel node mapping in upper tract urothelial cancers (UTUC) was evaluated, using a radiotracer as the mapping material.

Material And Methods: To identify the sentinel lymph nodes, 37 MBq of [99mTc] phytate was injected in five patients with the renal pelvis or ureter cancer, who were candidates for ureterectomy and lymphadenectomy. The radiotracer was injected in a peritumoral fashion following the surgical exposure of the tumour.

Development of a stable and high loaded liposomal formulation of lapatinib with enhanced therapeutic effects for breast cancer in combination with Caelyx®: In vitro and in vivo evaluations.

Lapatinib, a dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has poor water solubility, which results in poor and incomplete absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. To overcome this obstacle, we designed a stable and high-loaded liposomal formulation encapsulating lapatinib and examined its therapeutic efficacy in vitro and in vivo on TUBO and 4T1 cell lines. We also assessed the impact of liposomal lapatinib on the extent of the tumor and spleen-infiltrating lymphocytes and the autophagy and apoptosis gene expression within the tumor site.

Lymphoscintigraphy in the Time of COVID-19: Effect of Molybdenum-99 Shortage on Feasibility of Sentinel Node Mapping.

In the current study, we reported our experience on sentinel node mapping of breast cancer patients during the extreme shortage of Mo99-Tc99m generators using Tc-99m phytate. During the period from March 7, 2019, to April 18, 2020, due to disruption of molybdenum supply chain, we used low specific activity Tc-99m pertechnetate elute (0.5-2 mCi of TcO in 5 mL) for each kit preparation.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in muscle-invasive bladder cancer: single-center experience.

Objective: In this study, the validity of sentinel node biopsy procedure as our index test was assessed and compared with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy for staging and detecting the regional lymph nodes metastasis in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).

Methods: Consecutive series of cases with T1-T4 urothelial MIBC were included. Following the injection of radiotracer, sentinel nodes were sought using a handheld gamma probe and all hot nodes were harvested.

Folate targeted PEGylated liposomes for the oral delivery of insulin: In vitro and in vivo studies.

In this study using phospholipids with high transition temperature and taking advantage of PEGylation, we designed liposomal formulation targeted with folic acid (FA) to improve the stability of liposomes with high penetration efficiency at the same time. The results of characterization demonstrated that liposomal formulations are in range of 150-210 nm size with negative surface charge. The results of cell uptake indicated that FA conjugation resulted in the more uptake of insulin.

Optimization of Docetaxel Loading Conditions in Liposomes: proposing potential products for metastatic breast carcinoma chemotherapy.

Docetaxel (DTX) was loaded in nanoliposomes based on a new remote loading method using mannitol and acetic acid as hydration buffer. DTX loading conditions were optimized, and the final formulations were prepared according to the best parameters which were HSPC/mPEG2000-DSPE/Chol (F1), HSPC/mPEG2000-DSPE/DPPG/Chol (F2), HSPC/mPEG2000-DSPE/DSPG/Chol (F3), at molar ratios of 85/5/10, 80/5/5/10, 80/5/5/10, respectively. DTX-liposomes were found of desired size (~115 nm) and homogeneity (PDI ≤ 0.

Synthesis, Tc-radiolabeling, and biodistribution of new cellulose nanocrystals from Dorema kopetdaghens.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are known as nano-biomaterials that can be achieved from the different sources. The designated CNCs have been successfully fabricated from the roots of Dorema kopetdaghens (Dk) plant by sulphuric acid hydrolysis method. Structural analysis has been carried out by the means of XRD, FTIR, and TGA/DTG procedures.

Preparation, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of PLGA/Chitosan based nano-complex as a novel insulin delivery formulation.

The smart self-regulated drug delivery systems for insulin administration are desirable to achieve glycemic control, and decrease the long-term micro- and macro vascular complications. In this study, we developed an injectable nano-complex formulation for closed-loop insulin delivery after subcutaneous administration and release of insulin in response to increased blood glucose levels. The nano-complex was prepared by mixing oppositely charged chitosan and PLGA nanoparticles.

Bio-based synthesis of Nano-Ceria and evaluation of its bio-distribution and biological properties.

Bio-based synthesis of Nano-Ceria (NC) was performed in Linum usitatissimum L. (Lu) seeds extract as capping agent. Obtained gel was calcined at 400, 500, and 600 °C to investigate the effect of temperature on the size and morphology of the particles.

Formulation and Optimization of a New Cationic Lipid-Modified PLGA Nanoparticle as Delivery System for HspX/EsxS Fusion Protein: An Experimental Design.

Polymeric particles and liposomes are efficient tools to overcome the low immunogenicity of subunit vaccines. The aim of the present study was formulation and optimization of a new cationic lipid-modified PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) as a delivery system for HspX/EsxS fusion protein. The cationic lipid-modified PLGA NPs containing HspX/EsxS fusion protein were prepared using a modified double emulsion solvent evaporation method.

Prognostic value and optimal threshold of first thyroglobulin in low/intermediate risk DTC.

Background: The aim of this study was to define prognostic value and optimal threshold of first thyroglobulin (fTg) measured after thyroidectomy and just before radio-iodine therapy (RIT), in low/intermediate risk patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).

Methods: This is a retrospective study in 383 patients with DTC who were treated with surgery followed by RIT. Response to treatment was assessed 1 and 2 years after RIT.

Sentinel Node Biopsy in Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: To determine the application of sentinel node biopsy in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: Pooled false negative rate and detection rate were presented using Meta-Disc (version 1.4), and comprehensive meta-analysis (version 2).

Corrigendum to "Exosomes derived from TRAIL-engineered mesenchymal stem cells with effective anti-tumor activity in a mouse melanoma model" [International Journal of Pharmaceutics 549 (2018) 218-229].

Exosomes are biological nano-sized vesicles (~30-200 nm in diameter) that are produced by a wide range of cells and play several roles in cell-cell communications. These vesicles contain membrane and cytoplasmic components of producing cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the ideal producer of exosomes.

Robust mucosal and systemic responses against HTLV-1 by delivery of multi-epitope vaccine in PLGA nanoparticles.

In this investigation, the immunogenicity of HTLV-1 fusion epitope-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) was assessed in the absence or presence of co-encapsulated CpG ODN adjuvant, in a mice model. For this purpose, the multi-epitope chimera including Tax, env, and gag immunodominant HTLV-1 epitopes was encapsulated in biodegradable PLGA NPs with or without CpG adjuvant. PLGA nanospheres produced by a double emulsion method had a size of <200 nm, and encapsulation efficiency of chimera antigen was 85%.

Green synthesis of labeled CeO nanoparticles with Tc and its biodistribution evaluation in mice.

Aims: The in vivo targeted diagnostic applications of biosynthetic Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO-NPs), prepared by applying chitosan as a stabilizer, was explored by evaluating the cytotoxicity through MTT assay on WEHI 164 cell line, the Hemolytic activity of CeO-NPs and biodistribution in rats.

Main Methods: The CeO-NPs were characterized through the use of TGA/DTG, PXRD, FESEM, FTIR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The biodistribution of CeO-NPs were determined by directly labeled nanoparticles with Technetium-99 m (99mTc) radioisotope (99mTc-CeO-NPs).

Exosomes derived from TRAIL-engineered mesenchymal stem cells with effective anti-tumor activity in a mouse melanoma model.

Exosomes are biological nano-sized vesicles (~30-200 nm in diameter) that are produced by a wide range of cells and play several roles in cell-cell communications. These vesicles contain membrane and cytoplasmic components of producing cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the ideal producer of exosomes.

Liposomal CpG-ODN: An in vitro and in vivo study on macrophage subtypes responses, biodistribution and subsequent therapeutic efficacy in mice models of cancers.

CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN), a common immune stimulator and vaccine adjuvant, was reported to switch Tumor Associated Macrophages (TAMs) from M2 to M1 phenotype inducing anti-tumor responses. Liposomes are of the successfully applied carriers for CpG-ODN. The aim of present study was design and preparation of a liposomal formulation containing phosphodiester CpG-ODN, evaluation of its effect on macrophages responses, and subsequent antitumor responses in mice.

Improved tumor accumulation and therapeutic efficacy of CTLA-4-blocking antibody using liposome-encapsulated antibody: In vitro and in vivo studies.

Cancer immunotherapies using monoclonal antibodies including cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4) blocking monoclonal antibody have several drawbacks including lack of appropriate penetration to the tumors, and organ toxicity. To address these obstacles, PEGylated and non-PEGylated liposomes containing CTLA-4 was prepared and characterized and the anti-tumor therapeutic responses were studied on the mice bearing C26 colon cancer tumors. The biodistribution study showed that the PEGylated liposomes had prolonged blood half-lives and accumulated remarkably more than non-PEGylated liposomes and free CTLA-4 antibody in tumor area.

Fibroblast Growth Factor Type 1 (FGF1)-Overexpressed Adipose-Derived Mesenchaymal Stem Cells (AD-MSC) Induce Neuroprotection and Functional Recovery in a Rat Stroke Model.

Stroke, as the second most common cause of death, imposes a great financial burden on both the individual and society. Mesenchymal stem cells from rodents have demonstrated efficacy in experimental animal models of stroke due to enhanced neurological recovery. Since FGF1 (fibroblast growth factor 1) displays neuroprotective properties, for the first time, we investigated the effect of acute intravenous administration of FGF1 gene transfected adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (AD-MSC) on transient experimental ischemic stroke in rats.

Tc-TRODAT-1 SPECT Imaging in Early and Late Onset Parkinson's Disease.

Objectives: Tc-TRODAT-1, which binds to the dopamine transporter, could be used to image the dopaminergic system in diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD). PD can be classified into two groups: late onset Parkinson's disease (LOPD) and early onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD). In this study we tried to determine the TRODAT SPECT findings in EOPD as compared to LOPD.

Tat peptide and hexadecylphosphocholine introduction into pegylated liposomal doxorubicin: An in vitro and in vivo study on drug cellular delivery, release, biodistribution and antitumor activity.

We have investigated the co-addition of hexadecylphosphocholine (HePC) and a Tat derived peptide (Tat), coupled to Maleimide-PEG2000-DSPE pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) in many respects, including drug and liposome cellular delivery, drug release, biodistribution, in vivo cell delivery and antitumor activity. The liposomes were HePC-free and -containing liposomes, from which liposomes with 25, 50, 100 and 200 numbers of Tat/liposome were prepared. Similarly, DiI-C18 (3)-model liposomes (DiI-L and DiI-HePC-L) were prepared.