In Vivo Longitudinal Tracking of Lymphangiogenesis and Angiogenesis in Cutaneous Melanoma Mouse Model Using Multifunctional Optical Coherence Tomography.

Melanoma is a high-risk skin cancer because it tends to metastasize early and ultimately leads to death. In this study, we introduced a noninvasive multifunctional optical coherence tomography (MFOCT) for the early detection of premetastatic pathogenesis in cutaneous melanoma by label-free imaging of microstructures (i.e., providing the thickness and the scattering information) and microcirculation (i.e., providing depth-resolved angiography and lymphangiography). Using MFOCT-based approaches, we presented an in vivo longitudinal observation of the tumor microenvironment in Braf V600E/V600E ;Pten -/- mice with inducible melanoma monitored for 42 days. Quantitative analysis of MFOCT images identified an increased number of lymphatic and vascular vessels during tumor progression and faster lymphangiogenesis (beginning on day 21) than angiogenesis (beginning on day 28) in the melanoma microenvironment. We further observed lymphatic vessel enlargement from the first week of melanoma development, implying tumor cells interacting with the vessels and increased likelihood of metastasis. MFOCT identified cutaneous melanoma‒associated angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis before the possible visual perception of the tumor (≥42 days) and before metastasis could be diagnosed using micropositron emission tomography (35 days). Thus, the proposed quantitative analysis using MFOCT has the potential for early detection of cutaneous melanoma progression or prediction of metastatic melanoma in a mouse model. However, retrospective and extensive experiments still need to be performed in the future to confirm the value of MFOCT in clinical application.

Combined methyl aminolevulinate-based photodynamic therapy and imiquimod in a patient with perianal extramammary Paget's disease.

Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a rare form of intraepithelial adenocarcinoma. Complete surgical removal of localized disease is the standard treatment for EMPD but carries anaesthesia-related risks and possible postoperative functional deficits. Herein, we present a case of perianal EMPD successfully treated with topical methyl aminolevulinate-based photodynamic therapy (MAL-PDT), followed by topical imiquimod. Immunohistochemical analysis after PDT revealed high expression of Toll-like receptor 7 on keratinocytes, Paget's cells, and dermal inflammatory cells, as well as increased expression of intraepidermal Langerhans cells, dermal macrophages, and T cells. We propose that MAL-PDT may prime the enhancing effects of topical imiquimod. Combined local treatment with PDT and imiquimod may provide an alternative and non-invasive strategy for perianal EMPD.

One-step degradation of cellulose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in ionic liquid under mild conditions.

One-step conversion of cellulose to HMF (5-hydroxymethylfurfural) has been achieved by using metal chlorides (CrCl3, CuCl2, SnCl4, WCl6) in [BMIM]Cl. The effects of temperature, reaction time, amount of catalysts, and the purity of [BMIM]Cl on the performance have been studied and discussed in detail. More than 63% yield of HMF and 80% yield of TRS (total reducing sugar) were obtained in [BMIM]Cl with CrCl3 at 120 °C under atmospheric pressure. Filter paper and cotton were also used as a source for cellulose degradation to HMF, but only a moderate yield of HMF was obtained (40% for filter paper and 12% for cotton). The reutilization of this system was examined and the reaction mechanism was also discussed.

Oxidative degradation of chitosan to the low molecular water-soluble chitosan over peroxotungstate as chemical scissors.

Low molecular water-soluble chitosan was prepared by the depolymerization of chitosan in the presence of a series of catalysts with active W(O2) sites. Both the peroxo species [W2O3(O2)4]2- and {PO4[WO(O2)2]4}3- showed high efficiency in the degradation of chitosan, indicating that the degradation mechanism did not follow the radical mechanism. That means •OH is not the active species, which has been proven by the fluorescence spectra. H2O2 acted as an oxidant to regenerate the active W(O2) sites in the depolymerization of chitosan. The developed catalyst (TBA)3{PO4[WO(O2)2]4} is recoverable.

Conversion of cellulose to HMF in ionic liquid catalyzed by bifunctional ionic liquids.

A new kind of bifunctional ionic liquid catalysts was synthesized to degrade microcrystalline cellulose in [BMIM]Cl at atmospheric pressure. The effects of reaction temperature, amount of catalysts, reaction time, ionic liquid purity and cellulose concentration on conversion were investigated. At low temperature cellulose can be degraded with being heated in [BMIM]Cl by oil bath. Among the as-synthesized catalysts, Cr([PSMIM]HSO4)3 exhibited the best performance. The HMF yield of 53% and TRS yield of 94% can be achieved at 120 °C in [BMIM]Cl for 5 h over 0.05 g Cr([PSMIM]HSO4)3/2.0 g [BMIM]Cl with 95% cellulose conversion.

The synthesis of quaternary ammonium salts from ammonium salts and dialkyl carbonate.

Quaternary ammonium salts were synthesized from ammonium salts and dialkyl carbonates over an ionic liquid catalyst 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide.