Hyaluronic acid dressing of hydrophobic carbon nanodots: A self-assembling strategy of hybrid nanocomposites with theranostic potential.

We propose a rational design of hyaluronic acid-dressed red-emissive carbon dots (CDs), with a well-structured hydrophobic core capable of locally delivering high amount doxorubicin (Doxo) (> 9% w/w) and heat (hyperthermia) in a light stimuli sensitive fashion. We combined in a unique micelle-like superstructure the peculiar optical properties of CDs (NIR photothermal conversion and red fluorescence) with the ability of hyaluronic acid (HA) shell of stabilizing nanomedicines in aqueous environment and recognizing cancer cells overexpressing CD44 receptors on their membranes, thus giving rise to smart theranostic agents useful in cancer imaging and NIR-triggered chemo-phototherapy of solid tumors. Hydrophobic CDs, named HCDs, were used as functional beads to self-assemble amphiphilic HA derivatives carrying polylactic acid side chains (HA-g-PLA), yielding to light-sensitive and biodegradable core-shell superstructures. We explored the biocompatibility and synergistic effects of chemo-phototherapy combination, together with fluorescence imaging, showing the huge potential of the proposed engineering strategy in improving efficacy. CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS.

Carbon Nanodots for On Demand Chemophotothermal Therapy Combination to Elicit Necroptosis: Overcoming Apoptosis Resistance in Breast Cancer Cell Lines.

BACKGROUND: Engineered luminescent carbon nanodots (CDs) are appealing nanomaterials for cancer image-guided photothermal therapy combining near infrared (NIR)-triggered hyperthermia, imaging, and drug delivery in a single platform for efficient killing of cancer cells. This approach would allow eliciting synergistic regulated cell death (RCD) routes such as necroptosis, targeting breast cancer cells refractory to apoptosis, thus overcoming drug resistance. METHODS: We report the preparation of CDs bearing biotin as a targeting agent (CDs-PEG-BT), which are able to load high amounts of irinotecan (23.7%) to be released in a pulsed on-demand fashion. CDs-PEG-BT have narrow size distribution, stable red luminescence, and high photothermal conversion in the NIR region, allowing imaging of MDA-MB231 and MCF-7 cancer cells and killing them by photothermal and chemotherapeutic insults. RESULTS: Cellular uptake, viability profiles, and RCD gene expression analyses provided insights about the observed biocompatibility of CDs-PEG-BT, indicating that necroptosis can be induced on-demand after the photothermal activation. Besides, photothermal activation of drug-loaded CDs-PEG-BT implies both necroptosis and apoptosis by the TNFα and RIPK1 pathway. CONCLUSIONS: The controlled activation of necroptosis and apoptosis by combining phototherapy and on-demand release of irinotecan is the hallmark of efficient anticancer response in refractory breast cancer cell lines in view of precision medicine applications.

The nucleic acid-binding protein PcCNBP is transcriptionally regulated during the immune response in red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii.

Gene family encoding cellular nucleic acid binding proteins (CNBP) is well conserved among vertebrates; however, there is limited knowledge in lower organisms. In this study, a CNBP homolog from the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii was characterised. The full-length cDNA of PcCNBP was of 1257 bp with a 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of 63 bp and a 3'-UTR of 331 bp with a poly (A) tail, and an open-reading frame (ORF) of 864 bp encoding a polypeptide of 287 amino acids with the predicted molecular weight of about 33 kDa. The predicted protein possesses 7 tandem repeats of 14 amino acids containing the CCHC zinc finger consensus sequence, two RGG-rich single-stranded RNA-binding domain and a nuclear localization signal, strongly suggesting that PcCNBP was a homolog of vertebrate CNBP. The PcCNBP transcript was constitutively expressed in all tested tissues of unchallenged crayfish, including hepatopancreas, gill, eyestalk, haemocytes, intestine, stomach and cuticle with highest expression in haemocytes, intestine, gills and hepatopancreas. The mRNA expression of PcCNBP in haemocytes was modulated at transcriptional level by different immune challenges, suggesting its involvement in the immune response of P. clarkii during both bacteria and viruses infection.

Deficits of encoding in hypnosis: a result of altered state of awareness.

Because no studies have examined learning in hypnosis in an academic setting, the current study tested whether learning in hypnosis impacts test performance. Participants (N = 43) were randomly assigned into a hypnosis or a control group. Participants listened to an academic lecture, answered questions about their hypnotic depth, and completed a quiz based on the lecture. The data was analyzed using multilevel modeling predicting test performance from group placement. Learning in the hypnosis predicted significantly worse performance compared to the control group. This relationship was significantly mediated by attention, which had a positive relationship to test performance. However, the altered state of awareness produced by the hypnosis condition was associated with a more significant decrease in test performance.

The effects of encoding in hypnosis and post-hypnotic suggestion on academic performance.

This study examined the relationship between proactive learning in hypnosis, post-hypnotic suggestion, and academic performance. Participants (N = 56) were randomly assigned to a control group or a treatment group. The treatment group was hypnotized and read a passage while in hypnosis. Concurrently, they were given a post-hypnotic suggestion, which attempted to aid recognition and performance on a test immediately following the hypnosis session. Both groups completed a multiple-choice test based on the aforementioned passage. An analysis of covariance discerned the effect of proactive learning and post-hypnotic suggestion on test performance, while controlling for the variance introduced by scholastic aptitude as measured by the ACT. Results indicated that the hypnosis sessions predicted significantly impaired test performance.

Management and clinical outcomes of acute cardiac tamponade complicating electrophysiologic procedures: a single-center case series.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac perforation with tamponade is an infrequent occurrence during an electrophysiologic procedure. The customary approach to management includes volume resuscitation followed by pericardiocentesis. Such a procedure, however, is not without its own risk, especially when performed emergently. We hypothesized that some patients experiencing this type of complication can be managed successfully in a conservative fashion, without the need for an additional invasive procedure. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical outcomes and echocardiographic features of 33 consecutive patients who experienced this complication during cardiac electrophysiology (EP) procedures performed at our institution from 1988 to 2007. Nineteen patients (58%) were managed conservatively with intravenous fluids and vasopressors (Group A). Fourteen patients (42%) were managed invasively with pericardiocentesis (Group B). RESULTS: The mean systolic blood pressure at diagnosis did not differ between the two groups (64 vs 71 mmHg, P = 0.134). The mean lengths of hospitalization (4.7 vs 4.9 days, P = 0.75) and survival to hospital discharge (100% in both groups) were also similar. A large pericardial effusion (>or=2 cm) was seen predominantly among Group B patients. There was a statistically significant temporal trend toward managing this type of complication invasively (P = 0.038). CONCLUSION: Among patients who experience cardiac perforation as an acute complication of EP procedure, there appears to be a role for conservative management in a subset of patients who do not have echocardiographic evidence of a large effusion and who respond well to initial stabilizing measures consisting of fluids and vasopressors.