Synthesis and Characterization of Nanocomposite Hydrogels Based on Poly(Sodium 4-Styrene Sulfonate) under Very-High Concentration Regimen of Clays (Bentonite and Kaolinite).

The aim of this work was to synthesize and study the functional properties of polymer-clay nanocomposite (PCNCs) based on poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) (NaPSS) and two types of clay in the dispersed phase: bentonite and kaolinite, in order to advance in the development of new geomimetic materials for agricultural and environmental applications. In this study, the effect of adding high concentrations of clay (10-20 wt. %) on the structural and functional properties of a polymer-clay nanocomposite was evaluated.

Nanocarrier of α-Tocopheryl Succinate Based on a Copolymer Derivative of (4,7-dichloroquinolin-2-yl)methanol and Its Cytotoxicity against a Breast Cancer Cell Line.

In order to improve the water solubility and, therefore, bioavailability and therapeutic activity of anticancer hydrophobic drug α-tocopherol succinate (α-TOS), in this work, copolymers were synthesized via free radicals from QMES (1-[4,7-dichloroquinolin-2-ylmethyl]-4-methacryloyloxyethyl succinate) and VP (N-vinyl-2-pirrolidone) using different molar ratios, and were used to nanoencapsulate and deliver α-TOS into cancer cells MCF-7. QMES monomer was chosen because the QMES pendant group in the polymer tends to hydrolyze to form free 4,7-dichloro-2-quinolinemethanol (QOH), which also, like α-TOS, exhibit anti-proliferative effects on cancerous cells. From the QMES-VP 30:70 (QMES-30) and 40:60 (QMES-40) copolymers obtained, it was possible to prepare aqueous suspensions of empty nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with α-TOS by nanoprecipitation.

A portable survivorship care plan: a tool that helps educate and improve knowledge in childhood cancer survivors.

Purpose: There is a growing population of survivors of childhood cancer at risk for late effects that can affect their overall quality of life. There is evidence that they have inadequate knowledge about their diagnosis, treatment, and subsequent late effects. A randomized study was conducted to determine if a portable credit card-sized plastic card, the "Survivor Healthcare Passport," improved the survivor's knowledge of diagnosis, treatment, risks, and follow-up care.

Reproductive status and sex show strong effects on knee OA in a baboon model.

Objective: We aimed to characterize severity and occurrence of knee osteoarthritis (OA), and effects of age, sex, body mass, and reproductive status on population-level normal variation in this condition in the baboon, a natural model of human knee OA.

Methods: We visually inspected articular cartilage of distal right femora of 464 baboons (309 females, 155 males) and assigned an OA severity score (comparable to a modified Outerbridge score) from 1 = unaffected to 4 = advanced OA (eburnation). Presence/absence of osteophytes was recorded.