In Vivo Targeted, Responsive, and Synergistic Cancer Nanotheranostics by Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Synergistic High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation and Chemotherapy.

As one of the most representative noninvasive therapeutic modalities, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has shown great promise for cancer therapy, but its low therapeutic efficacy and biosafety significantly hinder further extensive clinical translation and application. In this work, we report on the construction of a multifunctional theranostic nanoplatform to synergistically enhance the HIFU-therapeutic efficacy based on nanomedicine. A targeted and temperature-responsive theranostic nanoplatform (PFH/DOX@PLGA/FeO-FA) has been designed and fabricated for efficient ultrasound/magnetic resonance dual-modality imaging-guided HIFU/chemo synergistic therapy.

Screening potential reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR analysis in the oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata.

The oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata, is a major insect pest in China and other Asian countries. Unfortunately, suitable reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) have not been previously identified in M. separata for normalizing target gene expression.

Possible bite-induced abscess and osteomyelitis in Lufengosaurus (Dinosauria: sauropodomorph) from the Lower Jurassic of the Yimen Basin, China.

We report an osseous abnormality on a specimen of the sauropod dinosaur Lufengosaurus huenei from the Fengjiahe Formation in Yuxi Basin, China. A gross pathological defect occurs on the right third rib, which was subjected to micro-computed tomographic imaging as an aid in diagnosis. The analysis of pathological characteristics and the shape of the abnormality is incompatible with impact or healed trauma, such as a common rib fracture, and instead suggests focal penetration of the rib, possibly due to a failed predator attack.

Cell-penetrating Peptide-modified Targeted Drug-loaded Phase-transformation Lipid Nanoparticles Combined with Low-intensity Focused Ultrasound for Precision Theranostics against Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Prepare a multifunctional ultrasound molecular probe, hyaluronic acid-mediated cell-penetrating peptide-modified 10-hydroxycamptothecin-loaded phase-transformation lipid nanoparticles (HA/CPPs-10-HCPT-NPs), and to combine HA/CPPs-10-HCPT-NPs with low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) for precision theranostics against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HA/CPPs-10-HCPT-NPs were prepared using thin-film dispersion, ultrasound emulsification, and electrostatic effects. HA/CPPs-10-HCPT-NPs were characterized for particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and drug-loading efficiency.

Novel gadopentetic acid-doped silica nanoparticles conjugated with YPSMA-1 targeting prostate cancer for MR imaging: an in vitro study.

The early diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) is particularly important for reducing its high mortality rate. With the development of molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), early diagnosis via non-invasive imaging has become possible. In this study, gadopentetic acid (GA)-doped silica (Gd@SiO) was first synthesized by a reverse microemulsion method, and amino and carboxyl groups were then successively introduced onto the surface of this Gd@SiO.

Identification of key differentially expressed genes associated with non‑small cell lung cancer by bioinformatics analyses.

Increasing evidence has indicated that the abnormal expressions of certain genes serve important roles in tumorigenesis, progression and metastasis. The aim of the present study was to explore the key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and matched normal lung tissues by analyzing 4 different mRNA microarray datasets downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. In improving the reliability of the bioinformatics analysis, the DEGs in each dataset that met the cut‑off criteria (adjust P‑value <0.

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 promotes colorectal cancer metastasis in response to glucose by suppressing PTEN.

Background: Diabetic patients have a higher risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), the main enzyme responsible for producing monounsaturated fatty acids(MUFA) from saturated fatty acids, is frequently deregulated in both diabetes and CRC. The function and mechanism of SCD1 in metastasis of CRC and its relevance to glucose remains largely unknown.

Engineering of a Nanosized Biocatalyst for Combined Tumor Starvation and Low-Temperature Photothermal Therapy.

Tumor hypoxia is one of the major challenges for the treatment of tumors, as it may negatively affect the efficacy of various anticancer modalities. In this study, a tumor-targeted redox-responsive composite biocatalyst is designed and fabricated, which may combine tumor starvation therapy and low-temperature photothermal therapy for the treatment of oxygen-deprived tumors. The nanosystem was prepared by loading porous hollow Prussian Blue nanoparticles (PHPBNs) with glucose oxidase (GOx) and then coating their surface with hyaluronic acid (HA) via redox-cleavable linkage, therefore allowing the nanocarrier to bind specifically with CD44-overexpressing tumor cells while also exerting control over the cargo release profile.

Drug Release from Phase-Changeable Nanodroplets Triggered by Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound.

As one of the most effective triggers with high tissue-penetrating capability and non-invasive feature, ultrasound shows great potential for controlling the drug release and enhancing the chemotherapeutic efficacy. In this study, we report, for the first time, construction of a phase-changeable drug-delivery nanosystem with programmable low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) that could trigger drug-release and significantly enhance anticancer drug delivery. Liquid-gas phase-changeable perfluorocarbon (perfluoropentane) and an anticancer drug (doxorubicin) were simultaneously encapsulated in two kinds of nanodroplets.

Perfluorooctyl bromide & indocyanine green co-loaded nanoliposomes for enhanced multimodal imaging-guided phototherapy.

As a highly biocompatible NIR dye, indocyanine green (ICG) has been widely explored for cancer treatment due to its various energy level transition pathways upon NIR light excitation simultaneously, which leads to different theranostic effects (eg. Photoacoustic (PA) and fluorescence imaging (FL), photodynamic and photothermal therapy (PDT&PTT)). However, the theranostic efficiency of ICG is restricted intrinsically, owing to the competitive relationship of its co-existing imaging and therapeutic effect.

Extracranial vertebral artery dissection: Findings and advantages of ultrasonography.

Vertebral artery dissection (VAD) is not uncommon in the young adult population. Owing to the various clinical manifestations; the diagnosis of VAD mainly depends on imaging examinations. Ultrasound has found an increasingly wide utilization in the diagnosis of VAD because of the continuous improvement in the resolution of ultrasonic instruments and accessibility.

Peptide-Functionalized Phase-Transformation Nanoparticles for Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound-Assisted Tumor Imaging and Therapy.

In this study, we successfully developed novel tumor homing-penetrating peptide-functionalized drug-loaded phase-transformation nanoparticles (tLyP-1-10-HCPT-PFP NPs) for low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU)-assisted tumor ultrasound molecular imaging and precise therapy. With the nanoscale particle size, tLyP-1-10-HCPT-PFP NPs could pass through the tumor vascular endothelial cell gap. Induced by tLyP-1 peptide with targeting and penetrating efficiency, tLyP-1-10-HCPT-PFP NPs could increase tumor accumulation and penetrate deeply into the extravascular tumor tissue, penetrating through extracellular matrix and the cellular membrane to the cytoplasm.

A liquid crystalline precursor incorporating chlorhexidine acetate and silver nanoparticles for root canal disinfection.

Lyotropic liquid crystals (LLC) have received increasing attention as a drug delivery system. In this study, a novel intra-canal disinfectant based on the glycerol monooleate (GMO) LLC precursor incorporation with chlorhexidine (CHX) and silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) was designed and evaluated. The LLC precursor with excellent fluidity was able to penetrate deeply into the complex tiny collateral branch root canals.

Design and Synthesis of a Novel n-Type Polymer Based on Asymmetric Rylene Diimide for the Application in All-Polymer Solar Cells.

A novel n-type polymer of PTDI-T based on asymmetric rylene diimide and thiophene is designed and synthesized. The highest power conversion efficiency of 4.70% is achieved for PTB7-Th:PTDI-T-based devices, which is obviously higher than those of the analogue polymers of PPDI-2T and PDTCDI.

Glucose-derived AGEs enhance human gastric cancer metastasis through RAGE/ERK/Sp1/MMP2 cascade.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have been reported to take part in many cancer processes. Whether AGEs contribute to gastric cancer (GC) course and the underlying mechanism are still unclear. Here, glucose-derived AGEs are detected to be accumulated in tumor tissues and blood of patients with GC.

Phase Transition Nanoparticles as Multimodality Contrast Agents for the Detection of Thrombi and for Targeting Thrombolysis: in Vitro and in Vivo Experiments.

Thrombotic disease is extremely harmful to human health, and early detection and treatment can improve the prognosis and reduce mortality. Multimodal molecular imaging can provide abundant information about thrombi, but to date, few studies have used multimodal and multifunctional nanoparticles (NPs) for thrombus detection and for targeting thrombolysis. In this study, phase transition multimodal and multifunctional NPs (EWVDV-Fe-Ink-PFH NPs) were constructed for the first time using a three-step emulsification and carbodiimide method, and the physical and chemical properties of the NPs were investigated.

A Laser-Activated Biocompatible Theranostic Nanoagent for Targeted Multimodal Imaging and Photothermal Therapy.

Unlabelled: Multifunctional nanoparticles have been reported for cancer detection and treatment currently. However, the accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment for tumors are still not satisfied. Here we report on the development of targeted phase change multimodal polymeric nanoparticles for the imaging and treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer.

Novel dissolving microneedles for enhanced transdermal delivery of levonorgestrel: In vitro and in vivo characterization.

Dissolving microneedles (DMN) have been studied as a drug delivery system to enhance the transport of drug molecules across the skin with almost no pain. However, the poor dissolving ability of microneedles in the skin and low drug loading have limited their potential application. The aim of this study was to develop a novel dissolving microneedle system with improved dissolving ability for the delivery of poorly water soluble contraception drug, levonorgestrel (LNG).

[Correlation factors of 127 times pre-crisis state in patients with myasthenia gravis].

To investigate the clinical features of the Pre-Crisis State and analyze the correlated risk factors of Pre-Crisis State of myasthenia crisis. We included 93 patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) who experienced 127 times Pre-Crisis State between October 2007 and July 2016. Those patients were hospitalized in the MG specialize center, Department of Neurological Science, first Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University.

Novel strategy for immunomodulation: Dissolving microneedle array encapsulating thymopentin fabricated by modified two-step molding technology.

Thymopentin (TP5) is commonly used in the treatment for autoimmune diseases, with a short plasma half-life (30s) and a long treatment period (7 days to 6 months). It is usually administrated by syringe injection, resulting in compromised patient compliance. Dissolving microneedle array (DMNA) offers a superior approach for transdermal delivery of biological macromolecules, as it allows painless penetration through the stratum corneum and generates minimal biohazardous waste after dissolving in the skin.

Drug release from core-shell PVA/silk fibroin nanoparticles fabricated by one-step electrospraying.

Silk fibroin (SF), a FDA-approved natural protein, is renowned for its great biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mechanical properties. SF-based nanoparticles provide new options for drug delivery with their tunable drug loading and release properties. To take advantage of the features of carrier polymers, we present a one-step electrospraying method that combines SF, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and therapeutic drugs without an emulsion process.

Impact of ocean acidification on the early development and escape behavior of marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma).

Ocean acidification is predicted to affect a wide diversity of marine organisms. However, no studies have reported the effects of ocean acidification on Indian Ocean fish. We have used the Indian Ocean medaka (Oryzias melastigma) as a model species for a marine fish that lives in coastal waters.

High-intensity focused ultrasound-triggered nanoscale bubble-generating liposomes for efficient and safe tumor ablation under photoacoustic imaging monitoring.

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is widely applied to tumors in clinical practice due to its minimally invasive approach. However, several issues lower therapeutic efficiency in some cases. Many synergists such as microbubbles and perfluorocarbon nanoparticles have recently been used to improve HIFU treatment efficiency, but none were determined to be effective and safe in vivo.

Preparation of Acid-Resistant Microcapsules with Shell-Matrix Structure to Enhance Stability of Streptococcus Thermophilus IFFI 6038.

Microencapsulation is an effective technology used to protect probiotics against harsh conditions. Extrusion is a commonly used microencapsulation method utilized to prepare probiotics microcapsules that is regarded as economical and simple to operate. This research aims to prepare acid-resistant probiotic microcapsules with high viability after freeze-drying and optimized storage stability.

Injectable PLGA/Fe3O4 implants carrying cisplatin for synergistic magnetic hyperthermal ablation of rabbit VX2 tumor.

Magnetic hyperthermia ablation has attracted wide attention in tumor therapy for its minimal invasion. Although the chemo-hyperthermal synergism has been proven to be effective in subcutaneously xenografted tumors of nude mice in our previous experiment, the occurrence of residual tumors due to incomplete ablation is more common in relatively larger and deeper-seated tumors in anti-tumor therapy. Thus, a larger tumor and larger animal model are needed for further study of the therapeutic efficacy.