Impedimetric Detection of Cancer Markers Based on Nanofiber Copolymers.

The sensitive determination of folate receptors (FRs) in the early stages of cancer is of great significance for controlling the progression of cancerous cells. Many folic acid (FA)-based electrochemical biosensors have been utilized to detect FRs with promising performances, but most were complicated, non-reproducible, non-biocompatible, and time and cost consuming. Here, we developed an environmentally friendly and sensitive biosensor for FR detection. We proposed an electrochemical impedimetric biosensor formed by nanofibers (NFs) of bio-copolymers prepared by electrospinning. The biosensor combines the advantages of bio-friendly polymers, such as sodium alginate (SA) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) as an antifouling polymer, with FA as a biorecognition element. The NF nanocomposites were characterized using various techniques, including SEM, FTIR, zeta potential (ZP), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). We evaluated the performance of the NF biosensor using EIS and demonstrated FR detection in plasma with a limit of detection of 3 pM. Furthermore, the biosensor showed high selectivity, reliability, and good stability when stored for two months. This biosensor was constructed from 'green credentials' holding polymers that are highly needed in the new paradigm shift in the medical industry.

π-Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles from Design, Synthesis to Biomedical Applications: Sensing, Imaging, and Therapy.

In the past decade, π-conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs) have been considered as promising nanomaterials for biomedical applications, and are widely used as probe materials for bioimaging and drug delivery. Due to their distinctive photophysical and physicochemical characteristics, good compatibility, and ease of functionalization, CPNs are gaining popularity and being used in more and more cutting-edge biomedical sectors. Common synthetic techniques can be used to synthesize CPNs with adjustable particle size and dispersion. More importantly, the recent development of CPNs for sensing and imaging applications has rendered them as a promising device for use in healthcare. This review provides a synopsis of the preparation and functionalization of CPNs and summarizes the recent advancements of CPNs for biomedical applications. In particular, we discuss their major role in bioimaging, therapeutics, fluorescence, and electrochemical sensing. As a conclusion, we highlight the challenges and future perspectives of biomedical applications of CPNs.

Differential effects of angiotensin II receptor blocker and losartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination on central blood pressure and augmentation index.

Central systolic blood pressure (CSBP) may be a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than clinic brachial (B)SBP. The effects of dose increment from medium dose of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) to the maximum dose of ARBs (maximum) and changing from medium dose of ARBs to losartan 50 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg combination (combination) were compared in hypertensive patients in whom monotherapy with a medium ARB dose did not achieve goal home SBP (135 mmHg). Four weeks after treatment with a medium ARB dose monotherapy, those whose home SBP level was above 135 mmHg were randomized to receive the maximum ARB dose (n = 101) or the combination (n = 99) once daily for 8 weeks. Both regimens significantly decreased BSBP and CSBP, while a decrease in BSBP and CSBP was greater with combination. The maximum significantly decreased augmentation index (AIx), while the combination did not. The rate of a decrease in reflection to decrease in CSBP was greater in the maximum than in the combination. In the elderly subgroup, the combination more effectively lowered BSBP than the maximum, and only the combination decreased CSBP. However, in the young subgroup, the maximum decreased AIx more than combination, while both regimens lowered CSBP and BSBP to a similar extent. It is explained in part that the maximum may affect pulse wave reflection more predominantly than the combination, especially in young subjects. A weak effect on pulse wave reflection and, thus, on CSBP, of the combination may be overcome by the potent antihypertensive effect of this regimen.

The velocity of home blood pressure reduction in response to low-dose eplerenone combined with other antihypertensive drugs determined by exponential decay function analysis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Eplerenone is a highly selective aldosterone blocker, which has the potential to lower blood pressure (BP) in patients with hypertension. The objective of this study was to assess the hypotensive effects of low-dose eplerenone (25 mg) using home BP measurements. We also assessed the time required to reach 95% of the maximum antihypertensive effect (stabilization time) by analyzing exponential decay functions using home BP measurements. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 83 hypertensive patients who were taking eplerenone 25 mg (age, 68.6±11.8 years; men, 36.1%) in addition to other antihypertensive agents. Home BPs were averaged in each patient for the last 5 days of each observation period. The morning versus evening effect (M/E ratio) and the evening versus morning effect (E/M ratio) were calculated to assess the duration of action of eplerenone. RESULTS: The mean home systolic/diastolic BPs at baseline were 136.8±8.8/77.2±9.3 mmHg, respectively. After 8 weeks of treatment with eplerenone, home systolic/diastolic BP significantly decreased by -7.1±10.1/-2.6±5.0 mmHg (p<0.0001). The time for stabilization of home systolic and diastolic BPs was 13.7 days (p=0.006) and 16.5 days (p=0.001), respectively. When eplerenone was administered in the morning, the M/E ratio was 1.1±0.3. The corresponding E/M ratio for evening administration was 0.9±0.6. Although no nocturia was observed, there was a slight but significant increase in serum potassium levels (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the combination of eplerenone with other antihypertensive drugs may be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of essential hypertension.

Validity of salt intake assessment system based on a 24-h dietary recall method using a touch panel computer.

BACKGROUND: An electronic system for salt intake assessment using a 24-h dietary recall method has been developed in Japan. We evaluated the validity of this salt intake system for assessing salt intake. METHODS: We prospectively obtained data on estimated salt intake using 24-hour urinary sodium excretion (24-hUNaCl) and salt intake by the salt intake assessment system from 203 consecutive outpatients with essential hypertension (age: 67.8 ± 10.7 years; 53.7% men). RESULTS: Mean values were 9.7 ± 2.9 g/day for 24-hUNaCl and 9.1 ± 2.9 g/day for the salt intake assessment system before corrections. The salt intake estimated by the present system was significantly correlated with 24-hUNaCl (r = 0.66, p < 0.0001). After corrections for habitual use of discretionary seasonings, habitual intake of salty foods, and physical activity, correlation coefficients between salt intake and 24-hUNaCl increased from 0.60 to 0.66 in men <65 years, from 0.80 to 0.81 in men ≥ 65 years, from 0.64 to 0.75 in women <65 years, and from 0.52 to 0.59 in women ≥ 65 years. After further correction for regional differences in average salt intake, the correlation coefficient reached 0.72 in all patients. CONCLUSION: After correction for dietary habits, lifestyle factors, and differences in average salt intake by region, this system may be a useful tool in Japan to encourage salt restriction in the clinical treatment of hypertension and improve public health in terms of salt restriction overall.

Clinical significance of home blood pressure measurements for the prevention and management of high blood pressure.

1. Ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitoring (M) provides BP information at many points on any particular day during unrestricted routine daily activities, whereas home blood pressure (HBP) monitoring provides a lot of BP information obtained under fixed times and conditions over a long period of time, thus mean values of HBP provide high reproducibility, and thus an overall superiority compared with ABP. 2. HBP is at least equally or better able than ABP to predict hypertensive target organ damage and prognosis of cardiovascular disease. 3. HBPM allows for ongoing disease monitoring by patients, improves adherence to antihypertensive treatment, and can provide health-care providers with timely clinical data and direct and immediate feedback regarding diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. 4. HBPM provides BP information in relation to time; that is, BP in the morning, in the evening and at night during sleep, and it is an essential tool for the diagnosis of white-coat and masked hypertension. 5. HBPM yields minimal alerting affects and no or minimal placebo effect, and can therefore distinguish small, but significant, serial changes in BP. It is thus the most practical method for monitoring BP in the day-to-day management of hypertension. 6. The superiority of HBPM over ABPM and clinic BPM is apparent from almost all practical and clinical research perspectives.