Hitchhiking Nanoparticles: Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Mediated Delivery of Theranostic Nanoparticles.

Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising solution to permanent elimination of cancer. However, nanoparticles themselves lack specificity to tumors. Due to enhanced migration to tumors, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were suggested as cell-mediated delivery vehicles of nanoparticles. In this study, we have constructed a complex composed of photoluminescent quantum dots (QDs) and a photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) to obtain multifunctional nanoparticles, combining cancer diagnostic and therapeutic properties. QDs serve as energy donors-excited QDs transfer energy to the attached Ce6 via Förster resonance energy transfer, which in turn generates reactive oxygen species. Here, the physicochemical properties of the QD-Ce6 complex and singlet oxygen generation were measured, and the stability in protein-rich media was evaluated, showing that the complex remains the most stable in protein-free medium. In vitro studies on MSC and cancer cell response to the QD-Ce6 complex revealed the complex-loaded MSCs' potential to transport theranostic nanoparticles and induce cancer cell death. In vivo studies proved the therapeutic efficacy, as the survival of tumor-bearing mice was statistically significantly increased, while tumor progression and metastases were slowed down.

Cadmium sulphide (CdS) nanotechnology: synthesis and applications.

Over the past few years there has been sustained interest in the synthesis, characterization and application of cadmium sulphide (CdS) nanostructures such as nanoparticles, nanowires, nanobelts, nanospheres. The history of CdS, more recent advances in the chemistry and synthesis of CdS nanostructures, and their application as nanoscale devices in diverse technology areas from electronics to targeted drug delivery is described. Although the focus is on CdS, the review provides an excellent overview of the materials, methods, processes and promising solutions that are emerging.

Multihydroxylated [Gd@C82(OH)22]n nanoparticles: antineoplastic activity of high efficiency and low toxicity.

[Gd@C82(OH)22]n particles (22 nm in a saline solution) of a dose level as low as 10(-7) mol/kg exhibit a very high antineoplastic efficiency ( approximately 60%) in mice. A dose increment of 1 x 10(-7) mol/kg increases the tumor inhibition rate 26%. [Gd@C82(OH)22]n particles have a strong capacity to improve immunity and interfere with tumor invasion in normal muscle cells, nearly without toxicity in vivo and in vitro. Unlike conventional antineoplastic chemicals, the high antitumor efficiency of nanoparticles is not due to toxic effects to cells because they do not kill the tumor cells directly and only about 0.05% of the used dose is found in the tumor tissues. Results suggest that fullerene derivatives with proper surface modifications and sizes may help realize the dream of tumor chemotherapeutics of high-efficacy and low-toxicity.

Homeopathic treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: three case studies using Jan Scholten's methodology.

This paper explores the treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome following a viral infection in young people. The methodology is based on that of Dr Jan Scholten, Holland, who has systematically described the homeopathic themes of all elements in the periodic table. Three case studies are presented, Cobaltum Phosphoricum, Calcium Phosphoricum and Cadmium Phosphoricum were prescribed. The common themes and the differentiating features of these Phosphate salts are described in detail to show how the homeopathic similimum is found and cure achieved.