Generation and Characterization of Three Novel Mouse Mutant Strains Susceptible to Audiogenic Seizures.

The mechanisms of epileptogenesis after brain injury, ischemic stroke, or brain tumors have been extensively studied. As a result, many effective antiseizure drugs have been developed. However, there are still many patients who are resistant to therapy.

Molecular mechanisms of corpus callosum development: a four-step journey.

The Corpus Callosum (CC) is a bundle of axons connecting the cerebral hemispheres. It is the most recent structure to have appeared during evolution of placental mammals. Its development is controlled by a very complex interplay of many molecules.

A prospective study of the effect of testosterone escape on preradiotherapy prostate-specific antigen kinetics in prostate cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy.

Introduction: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetic patterns during neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy have been shown to predict unfavorable long-term outcomes.

Objective: To investigate the effect of testosterone escape (TE) on these kinetic patterns, as this had not been previously reported.

Methods: There were 50 consecutive prostate cancer patients who received 6 months of triptorelin prior to definitive radiotherapy (RT).

Is prospective MRI mapping of the changes in the volume of the prostate gland in prostate cancer patients undergoing 6 months of neo-adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy a step towards a trial to determine those who may benefit from treatment intensification or extended duration?

Introduction: Neo-adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy prior to radiotherapy (RT) causes shrinkage of the prostate gland, but the changes in volume have never been mapped over time in detail, nor have the associations between volume reduction and testosterone escape or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetics been determined.

Methods: Fifty consecutive patients with prostate cancer were treated with 6 months of triptorelin prior to definitive RT. The volume of the prostate gland was measured at the outset and every 6-7 weeks thereafter using MRI scans.

Fabrication of 1D-Nanofiber/Fe₂O₃ Composites with Tailored Magnetic Properties.

A novel flexible electrospun nanofiber/-Fe₂O₃ composite has been obtained from suspension of -Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles in polyvinylpyrolidone solution in dimethylformamide. The impedance spectroscopy of the synthesized nanofiber/-Fe₂O₃ composite was carried out. Negative magnetoresistance and giant magnetocapacitance effects, as well as phenomenon of a "negative capacitance" at room temperature were observed in magnetic field (2.

Comb-like PEG-containing polymeric composition as low toxic drug nanocarrier.

Background: Development of biocompatible multifunctional polymeric drug carriers is crucial in modern pharmaceutics aimed to create "smart" drugs. The high potential of the PEGylated comb-like polymeric nanocarrier (PNC) in delivering both traditional and experimental drugs to tumor cells in vitro and in vivo has been demonstrated previously. In the present study, we investigated the general toxicity of polyethylene glycol (PEG) processed with both covalent and non-covalent attachments of PEG to compose a comb-like polymer that behaves like a simple chain of n monomers decorated with swollen side chains.

Which patients benefit from post-implant CT dosimetry after real-time intraoperative planning for low dose rate prostate brachytherapy? Case series and systematic literature review.

Introduction: At present, post-implant CT-based dosimetry is a standard quality assurance practice following low dose rate (LDR) prostate brachytherapy. However, it rarely influences management and involves radiation exposure, costs and inconvenience. The purpose of our study was to assess the need for post-implant CT-based dosimetry through correlation with pre-implant and real-time dosimetry and review its place in the management of patients treated with LDR brachytherapy, so that it could be undertaken more selectively.

Hepatic metallothioneins in molecular responses to cobalt, zinc, and their nanoscale polymeric composites in frog Rana ridibunda.

Despite numerous studies suggesting a dramatic decline of amphibians, the biochemical mechanisms of adaptation in these animals to polluted environment are poorly studied. The aim of this study was to elucidate the ability to release cobalt (Co) and zinc (Zn) from their nanoscale complexes (NCs) derived from the polymeric substance of N-vinylpyrrolidone (PS) in the liver of amphibian (Rana ridibunda). Frog males were subjected to 14days exposure to waterborne Co(2+) (50μg/L), Zn(2+) (100μg/L), as well as corresponding concentrations of Co-NC, Zn-NC or PS.

Responses of hepatic metallothioneins and apoptotic activity in Carassius auratus gibelio witness a release of cobalt and zinc from waterborne nanoscale composites.

The main goal of this study was to evaluate the ability of fish Carassius auratus tissues to release cobalt (Co) and zinc (Zn) cations present in the applied Co- and Zn-containing nanoscale composites (NCs). Male fish was subjected to 14day long action of Co- and Zn-NCs, as well as of Co(2+) and Zn(2+) or polymeric substance (PS) used for the NC preparation and derived from the vinylpyrrolidone. 50μg∙L(-1) of Co and 100μg∙L(-1) of Zn were applied either as a salt or a nanocomposite.

Evaluation of biotargeting and ecotoxicity of Co²⁺-containing nanoscale polymeric complex by applying multi-marker approach in bivalve mollusk Anodonta cygnea.

Cobalt (Co(2+)) is present in many nanoscaled materials created for various applications. The key goal of our study was to develop sensitive approaches for assessing the bio-risks associated with using novel Co(2+)-containing nanoscaled polymeric complex (Co-NC). Freshwater bivalve mollusk Anodonta cygnea (Unionidae) was subjected to 14 d action of the developed Co-NC, as well as of Co(2+) applied in the corresponding concentration (50 μg L(-1)) or polymeric substance (PS).

Smoking habits of radiotherapy patients: did the diagnosis of cancer make an impact and is there an opportunity to intervene?

Objectives: To investigate the impact of a cancer diagnosis on smoking habits in patients receiving radiotherapy and assess the opportunity to intervene.

Methods: One hundred consecutive patients were interviewed. They included patients newly diagnosed with cancer of any type and receiving radiotherapy.