Functionalized Hyperbranched Polyethylenimines as Thermosensitive Drug Delivery Nanocarriers with Controlled Transition Temperatures.

The low critical solution temperature phase transition (T) that is exhibited by thermosensitive polymers is strongly dependent on polymer concentration, pH, ionic strength, as well as the presence of specific molecules or ions in solution. Therefore, polymers with T values above 37 °C that are useful for hyperthermia therapy are not readily available. In the present study, temperature-sensitive hyperbranched polyethylenimine derivatives were developed through stepwise functionalization with isobutylamide groups.

Second-trimester screening for trisomy-21 using prefrontal space ratio.

Objective: To investigate the potential value of prefrontal space ratio (PFSR) in second-trimester screening for trisomy-21.

Methods: A retrospective study utilizing stored midsagittal two-dimensional images of fetal profiles in 240 euploid and 45 trisomy-21 pregnancies at 16(+0)-23(+6) weeks' gestation. The vertical distance between the leading edge of the skull and that of the skin (D1) and the distance between the skull and the mandibulo-maxillary line (D2) were measured and the D1:D2 ratio (PFSR) was calculated.

Maternal serum placental growth factor, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-a and free β-human chorionic gonadotrophin at 30-33 weeks in the prediction of pre-eclampsia.

Objective: To investigate the potential value of maternal serum concentrations of free β-human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-hCG), pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and placental growth factor (PlGF) at 30-33 weeks of gestation in the prediction of pre-eclampsia (PE) developing at or after 34 weeks.

Methods: Serum free β-hCG, PAPP-A and PlGF were measured at 11-13 and at 30-33 weeks of gestation in a case-control study of 50 cases that developed PE at or after 34 weeks and 250 unaffected controls. The measured concentration of metabolites was converted into multiples of the unaffected median (MoM) and the MoM values in the PE and control groups were compared.