Wireless electrical-molecular quantum signalling for cancer cell apoptosis.

Quantum biological tunnelling for electron transfer is involved in controlling essential functions for life such as cellular respiration and homoeostasis. Understanding and controlling the quantum effects in biology has the potential to modulate biological functions. Here we merge wireless nano-electrochemical tools with cancer cells for control over electron transfer to trigger cancer cell death. Gold bipolar nanoelectrodes functionalized with redox-active cytochrome c and a redox mediator zinc porphyrin are developed as electric-field-stimulating bio-actuators, termed bio-nanoantennae. We show that a remote electrical input regulates electron transport between these redox molecules, which results in quantum biological tunnelling for electron transfer to trigger apoptosis in patient-derived cancer cells in a selective manner. Transcriptomics data show that the electric-field-induced bio-nanoantenna targets the cancer cells in a unique manner, representing electrically induced control of molecular signalling. The work shows the potential of quantum-based medical diagnostics and treatments.

Upper gastrointestinal tract involvement in Crohn's disease: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease that typically affects the distal part of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) such as the terminal ileum and colon. However, it can affect the upper GI tract, potentially resulting in complications such as strictures, but discussion of the management of such effects is limited in the surgical literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 39 year old male was referred to our department with stricturing upper GI disease 20 years after CD diagnosis. He had a history of intermittent abdominal pain, nausea, frequent vomiting and weight loss. Imaging demonstrated a long stricture in the duodenum with proximal dilatation. There was no evidence of acute inflammatory Crohn's disease. A Roux-en-Y bypass was performed to successfully relieve the obstructive symptoms. DISCUSSION: Proximal obstructive gastrointestinal manifestations of CD are a rare entity and require a full diagnostic workup and treatment in a specialist centre. A variety of systemic treatments, endoscopic procedures and surgical techniques are addressed in this paper. CONCLUSION: Evidence for the optimal treatment of obstructive upper gastrointestinal CD is limited, but careful consideration of the extent of the disease, thorough preoperative planning and weighing up the benefits and risks can lead to a positive outcome for these patients.

Heterotopic pancreas of the gallbladder associated with chronic cholecystitis.

CONTEXT: The presentation of heterotopic pancreas with cholecystolithiasis is exceedingly rare. Very few cases have been reported in the literature. The clinical significance so far is unclear. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 20-year-old female, suffering with biliary colic. On clinical examination abdomen was unremarkable. Ultrasonographic examination shows suspicion of a single stone in the gallbladder. Her liver functions were slightly abnormal. MRCP did not show any abnormality in the gallbladder and the common bile duct was of normal caliber. She underwent a successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy and her symptoms resolved. Pathological examination of the gallbladder revealed an area of heterotopic pancreas. CONCLUSION: The preoperative diagnosis of heterotopic pancreas in the gallbladder is difficult. The significance of incidental finding of heterotopic pancreas in unclear and requires a systematic review of the subject.