Nanoparticle Loading in Swollen Polymer Gels: An Unexpected Thermodynamic Twist.

Tailoring polymer gel functionality by loading small molecules and nanoparticles is critical for drug delivery and tissue regeneration. Typically, solute loading in gels correlates with the degree of solvent swelling, which is controlled by the cross-link density and polymer/solvent interactions. However, the general assumption that the degree of swelling is the primary factor for nanoparticle loading is incorrect.

Interactions of human milk oligosaccharides with the immune system.

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are abundant, diverse and complex sugars present in human breast milk. HMOs are well-characterized barriers to microbial infection and by modulating the human microbiome they are also thought to be nutritionally beneficial to the infant. The structural variety of over 200 HMOs, including neutral, fucosylated and sialylated forms, allows them to interact with the immune system in various ways.

Tailored Combinations of Human Milk Oligosaccharides Modulate the Immune Response in an In Vitro Model of Intestinal Inflammation.

Infants rely on their developing immune system and the protective components of breast milk to defend against bacterial and viral pathogens, as well as immune disorders such as food allergies, prior to the introduction of solid foods. When breastfeeding is not feasible, fortified infant formula will most frequently be offered, usually based on a cow's milk-based substitute. The current study aimed to explore the immunomodulatory effects of combinations of commercially available human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs).

AOH1996 targets mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism in leukemic stem cells via mitochondrial PCNA inhibition.

Cytoplasmic proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is highly expressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells, supporting oxidative metabolism and leukemia stem cell (LSC) growth. We report on AOH1996 (AOH), an oral compound targeting cancer-associated PCNA, which shows significant antileukemic activity. AOH inhibited growth in AML cell lines and primary CD34 + CD38 - blasts (LSC-enriched) in vitro while sparing normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs).

Combining Radioembolization and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Quest for Synergy.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a leading and increasing contributor to cancer-related death worldwide. Recent advancements in both liver-directed therapies in the form of yttrium-90 (Y) radioembolization (RE) and systemic therapy in the form of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have expanded treatment options for patients with an otherwise poor prognosis. Despite these gains, ICIs and Y-RE each have key limitations with low objective response rates and persistent hazard of out-of-field recurrence, respectively, and overall survival remains low.