Synthesis and preliminary investigations of the siRNA delivery potential of novel, single-chain rigid cationic carotenoid lipids.

The success of nucleic acid delivery requires the development of safe and efficient delivery vectors that overcome cellular barriers for effective transport. Herein we describe the synthesis of a series of novel, single-chain rigid cationic carotenoid lipids and a study of their preliminary in vitro siRNA delivery effectiveness and cellular toxicity. The efficiency of siRNA delivery by the single-chain lipid series was compared with that of known cationic lipid vectors, 3ß-[N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane)carbamoyl]-cholesterol (DC-Chol) and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glyceryl-3-phosphoethanolamine (EPC) as positive controls. All cationic lipids (controls and single-chain lipids) were co-formulated into liposomes with the neutral co-lipid, 1,2-dioleolyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE). Cationic lipid-siRNA complexes of varying (+/-) molar charge ratios were formulated for delivery into HR5-CL11 cells. Of the five single-chain carotenoid lipids investigated, lipids 1, 2, 3 and 5 displayed significant knockdown efficiency with HR5-CL11 cells. In addition, lipid 1 exhibited the lowest levels of cytotoxicity with cell viability greater than 80% at all (+/-) molar charge ratios studied. This novel, single-chain rigid carotenoid-based cationic lipid represents a new class of transfection vector with excellent cell tolerance, accompanied with encouraging siRNA delivery efficiency.

Optic cupping secondary to periventricular leukomalacia: A potential mimic for normal pressure glaucoma.

We herein present a case of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) with secondary optic pathway denervation atrophy, which was initially labeled as normal tension glaucoma. However, given the discordant clinical and ophthalmologic findings, brain magnetic resonance imaging was requested which proved PVL to be the underlying process to the patient's decreased visual acuity. In addition to presenting the ophthalmologic findings, we are emphasizing the pivotal role of neuroimaging in ruling out central causes of optic atrophy/hypoplasia and making this clinical distinction by demonstrating optic pathway atrophy associated with PVL.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease: A Case Report With Distinct Brain MRI Enhancement Patterns.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease is a rare autoimmune granulomatous panuveitis with significant associated morbidity. While ocular and meningeal signs are typically observed in the acute stage, the associated classic tegumentary findings are observed subsequently. This case report highlights the imaging findings associated with this entity that serves to emphasize the role of contrast-enhanced brain MRI in early disease detection, which allows for prompt treatment initiation and better disease outcome.

The efficacy and safety of natural honey on the healing of foot ulcers: a case series.

UNLABELLED: This clinical observation investigated the efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and acceptability of natural honey on the healing of a variety of chronic foot ulcers at the primary care level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 12 patients with foot ulcers utilizing natural honey as an effective alternative to more expensive, advanced wound products were followed. Cases were referred to Umgwailinah Primary Health Care Center, Doha, Qatar from different health centers and from Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar. There were also self-referred cases. After rinsing the site with normal saline, natural honey was applied and the wound was covered by glycerin-impregnated gauze (Adaptic Non-Adhering Dressing, Systagenix, San Antonio, TX) to prevent the absorption of honey into the cotton gauze and away from the wound site. Patients were followed on a daily basis for an average of 4 weeks. RESULTS: All ulcers healed with no contractures or scars with a mean healing time of 3 weeks. There was a 75% reduction in the dressing budget of the health center and a high level of satisfaction among both health professionals and patients. Patients' pain levels were reduced significantly after using natural honey, as evidenced by the use of the Visual Analog Scale. CONCLUSION: The use of natural honey in the management of chronic foot ulcers proved to be efficacious, cost-effective, and acceptable by both clinicians and patients.