Cascade Nanoreactor Employs Mitochondrial-Directed Chemodynamic and δ-ALA-Mediated Photodynamic Synergy for Deep-Seated Oral Cancer Therapy.

The management of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) poses significant challenges, leading to organ impairment and ineffective treatment of deep-seated tumors, adversely affecting patient prognosis. A cascade nanoreactor that integrates photodynamic therapy (PDT) and chemodynamic therapy (CDT) for comprehensive multimodal OSCC treatment is introduced. Utilizing iron oxide and mesoporous silica, the FMMSH drug delivery system, encapsulating the photosensitizer prodrug δ-aminolevulinic acid (δ-ALA), is developed. Triphenylphosphine (TPP) modification facilitates mitochondrial targeting, while tumor cell membrane (TCM) coating provides homotypic targeting. The dual-targeting δ-ALA@FMMSH-TPP-TCM demonstrate efficacy in eradicating both superficial and deep tumors through synergistic PDT/CDT. Esterase overexpression in OSCC cells triggers δ-ALA release, and excessive hydrogen peroxide in tumor mitochondria undergoes Fenton chemistry for CDT. The synergistic interaction of PDT and CDT increases cytotoxic ROS levels, intensifying oxidative stress and enhancing apoptotic mechanisms, ultimately leading to tumor cell death. PDT/CDT-induced apoptosis generates δ-ALA-containing apoptotic bodies, enhancing antitumor efficacy in deep tumor cells. The anatomical accessibility of oral cancer emphasizes the potential of intratumoral injection for precise and localized treatment delivery, ensuring focused therapeutic agent delivery to maximize efficacy while minimizing side effects. Thus, δ-ALA@FMMSH-TPP-TCM, tailored for intratumoral injection, emerges as a transformative modality in OSCC treatment.

Microplastics in urban soils of Nanjing in eastern China: Occurrence, relationships, and sources.

Although microplastic (MP) pollution has been defined as a new global challenge by the United Nations Environment Programme, their abundance and composition has only been studied in-depth within farmland soil, while minimal attention has been placed on urban soil contamination. Accordingly, within the current study, MP abundance and composition is investigated within urban soil from green spaces in Nanjing, eastern China. The average MP abundance in soil was 461 ± 222 items/kg and primarily comprised fibers (39.1%) and fragments (37.7%). MPs <1000 µm in size accounted for 83.7% of the total content and white MPs were the most abundant (26.5%). The dominant polymers were polyethylene glycol terephthalate (32.0%) and polypropylene (20.5%). Moreover, relationship network analysis generated three distinct MP modules based on community similarity. Indeed, the degree of similarity increased by ∼26.8% per kilometer. Furthermore, application of a forward selective optimal multiple regression model identified clay, sand, longitude, and points of interest for recycling bins (RecyclePOI) as the primary spatial and soil environmental factors affecting MP abundance and composition. Additionally, five potential sources of MPs were identified based on the MP diversity integrated index fitting results, and point of interest density (MDII-POI) source analysis (R2 = 0.21-0.62; P < 0.05). In particular, the point of interest of express delivery points (ExpressPOI) were important sources of plastic emissions as they are widely distributed throughout urban and fringe areas. Collectively, the findings of this study provide novel insights regarding quantitative source appointment and regional ecological control of MPs in urban soil.

[Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis: a practical overview with treatment recommendations for the primary and secondary care]. / Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis.

Chondrodermatitisnodularishelicis is characterized by a sore nodule of the helix or antihelix of the ear. Pressure plays an important role in the pathogenesis of the benign inflammatory condition. Pressure relieving is a rational first-line treatment modality and could be applied in combination with or followed by intralesional steroid injections. If the condition remains, a surgical procedure is warranted. Cartilage removal without skin excision is the procedure of choice. Particular attention should be paid to the complete removal of all defective cartilage. This procedure is elegant and simple compared to the conventional wedge excision and has a lower risk of recurrence. Because of high recurrence rates of non-surgical treatments, early surgical treatment is recommended.

Current Trends in Operative Treatment of Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid Osteoarthritis: A Survey among European Hand Surgeons.

Objective Based on the available evidence, the optimal surgical treatment for isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoid oarthritis (STT OA) remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the prevailing surgical practice for isolated STT OA among European hand surgeons. We hypothesized that a considerable variance exists in the current surgical practice among hand surgeons in Europe. Methods An online survey was distributed to 20 participating member states of the Federation of European Societies for Surgery of the Hand (FESSH). Respondents were questioned on their country of practice, surgical experience, preferred surgical procedure, frequency of performing this procedure, factors in decision-making, and other performed surgical procedures. Results Four hundred and sixty-five responses were received with an estimated response rate of 19%. Trapeziectomy with partial trapezoidal excision was the surgical treatment of choice among the participating hand surgeons in Europe (38%), followed by STT joint fusion (30%), and distal scaphoid excision (14%). Conclusion This survey provides an insight into the surgical management of isolated STT OA among hand surgeons in Europe. A wide variety of preferred treatment techniques were found. Evidence concerning the optimal surgical treatment has not been established. Future prospective randomized studies comparing different techniques are warranted.

Increased SLC7A8 expression mediates L-DOPA uptake by renal tubular epithelial cells.

The kidney serves a central role in the control of blood pressure through the release of vasoactive substances and the urinary excretion of Na+. Patients with essential hypertension usually exhibit persistent high blood pressure accompanied by Na+ retention. L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L­DOPA) is an amino acid, converted by the enzyme aromatic L­amino acid decarboxylase to dopamine. The uptake of L­DOPA by cells of the proximal tubular epithelium of the kidney is controlled by the L­type amino acid transporter 2 (LAT2). LAT2 belongs to the solute carrier family 7 (SLC7) of amino acid transporters and is coded by the SLC7A8 gene. SLC7A8 expression is increased in the second­order mesenteric arteries and kidneys of spontaneously hypertensive rats. The present study aimed to investigate the physiological role of the SLC7A8 gene in L­DOPA handling by kidney cells. Selective upregulation of SLC7A8 mRNA and protein levels was achieved by adenoviral transduction of NRK­52E cells, which retain several properties of proximal tubular epithelial cells. In addition, L­DOPA uptake was determined using high performance liquid chromatography; NRK­52E cells expressing SLC7A8 exhibited increased uptake of L­DOPA. The results of the present study suggested that SLC7A8 may serve a critical role in blood pressure control through regulating L­DOPA uptake in renal epithelial cells of the proximal tubule.