[Effect of Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser Combined With Desensitizing Toothpaste on Dentinal Tubule Occlusion Against Acid Challenge].

Objective To assess the effects of different application sequences of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet(Nd∶YAG)laser and the desensitizing toothpaste containing stannous fluoride on dentinal tubule occlusion.Methods Twelve intact third molars freshly extracted from human were selected and prepared into dentin slices with a thickness of 0.8 mm.Each dentin slice was subdivided into four small slices,three of which were etched with 6% citric acid and randomly assigned to the following three groups(n=12):(1)control group:no treatment;(2)Nd∶YAG+toothbrushing(TB)group:first irradiated with Nd∶YAG laser and then brushed with desensitizing toothpaste;(3)TB+Nd∶YAG group:first brushed with desensitizing toothpaste and then irradiated with Nd∶YAG laser.The Nd∶YAG laser irradiation were carried out at 1 W,15 pulses/s,and the pulse width of 150 µs for 10 s(for a total of 6 cycles).After the above treatment,the 12 dentin slices from the Nd∶YAG+TB and TB+Nd∶YAG groups were randomly assigned to four subgroups(n=3)and subjected to acid etching in the Coca-Cola solution for 0,5,10,and 15 min.A scanning electron microscope was used to observe and photograph the dentin slices in each group,and eight single-blinded examiners scored the slices according to uniform criteria.The analysis of variance was carried out to compared the scores between groups.Results Before acid etching,the dentin tubule occlusion scores of the Nd∶YAG+TB and TB+Nd∶YAG groups were(4.83±0.09) scores and(3.85±0.66) scores,respectively,which had no significant difference between each other(P=0.0590)and were higher than that[(0.10±0.07)scores]of the control group(both P<0.0001).The dentin tubule occlusion scores of the Nd∶YAG+TB group after acid etching for 5,10,and 15 min were(4.33±0.60)scores,(4.27±0.24)scores,and(3.63±0.07)scores,respectively,which were not significantly different from those[(4.04±0.10)scores,(3.76±0.59)scores,and(3.17±0.29)scores,respectively]of the TB+Nd∶YAG group(all P>0.05).In the Nd∶YAG+TB subgroup,the dentin tubule occlusion score after acid etching for 15 min was significantly lower than that before acid etching(P=0.0011).In the TB+Nd∶YAG group,there was no statistically significant difference in the score between before and after acid etching(P>0.05).Conclusions Nd∶YAG laser irradiation with appropriate parameters combined with the use of desensitizing toothpaste could produce an excellent occluding effect on dentinal tubules regardless of the sequence.However,brushing with desensitizing toothpaste followed by Nd∶YAG laser irradiation produced more consistent dentin sealing after acid etching.

Comparison of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and polyvinyl alcohol particles for bronchial artery embolisation in primary lung cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Bronchial artery embolisation (BAE) is an effective treatment option to control haemoptysis in primary lung cancer. However, no studies have investigated optimal embolisation material for BAE in lung cancer patients. Thus, this study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of BAE performed using n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles in primary lung cancer patients to determine which embolic material is better for patients with haemoptysis. METHODS: This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board, and consent was waived. The rates of hemostasis, complications, procedure time, dose-area product, and haemoptysis-free survival were retrospectively compared between primary lung cancer (non-small cell [n = 111] and small cell [n = 11]) patients who underwent BAE using NBCA (n = 58) or PVA particles (n = 64) between January 2004 and December 2019. Predictors of recurrent haemoptysis were analysed using the Cox proportional hazard regression model. RESULTS: Among 122 patients (mean age, 66 ± 10 years; range 32-86 years; 103 men), more patients in the NBCA group (81.0%; 47 of 58) achieved complete hemostasis than did patients in the PVA group (53.1%; 34 of 64) (P = 0.002). No major complications were observed in either group. The procedure time (36.4 ± 21.6 vs. 56.3 ± 27.4 min, P < 0.001) was shorter, and the dose-area product (58.6 ± 64.0 vs. 233.5 ± 225.0 Gy*cm2, P < 0.001) was smaller in the NBCA group than in the PVA group. The median haemoptysis-free survival was 173.0 in the NBCA group compared with 20.0 days in the PVA group (P < 0.001). The PVA use (P < 0.001) and coagulopathy (P = 0.014) were independent predictors of shortened haemoptysis-free survival. CONCLUSION: BAE using NBCA showed significantly superior initial hemostasis with longer haemoptysis-free survival, shorter procedure time, and reduced radiation dose than BAE using PVA particles. The PVA use and coagulopathy were independent predictors of recurrent haemoptysis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered.

A Fully Implantable Miniaturized Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP)-Based Spinal Cord Stimulator for Pain Control.

Spinal cord stimulation is a therapy to treat the severe neuropathic pain by suppressing the pain signal via electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. The conventional metal packaged and battery-operated implantable pulse generator (IPG) produces electrical pulses to stimulate the spinal cord. Despite its stable operation after implantation, the implantation site is limited due to its bulky size and heavy weight. Wireless communications including wireless power charging is also restricted, which is mainly attributed to the electromagnetic shielding of the metal package. To overcome these limitations, here, we developed a fully implantable miniaturized spinal cord stimulator based on a biocompatible liquid crystal polymer (LCP). The fabrication of electrode arrays in the LCP substrate and monolithically encapsulating the circuitries using LCP packaging reduces the weight (0.4 g) and the size (the width, length, and thickness are 25.3, 9.3, and 1.9 mm, respectively). An inductive link was utilized to wirelessly transfer the power and the data to implanted circuitries to generate the stimulus pulse. Prior to implantation of the device, operation of the pulse generator was evaluated, and characteristics of stimulation electrode such as an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were measured. The LCP-based spinal cord stimulator was implanted into the spared nerve injury rat model. The degree of pain suppression upon spinal cord stimulation was assessed via the Von Frey test where the mechanical stimulation threshold was evaluated by monitoring the paw withdrawal responses. With no spinal cord stimulation, the mechanical stimulation threshold was observed as 1.47 ± 0.623 g, whereas the stimulation threshold was increased to 12.7 ± 4.00 g after spinal cord stimulation, confirming the efficacy of pain suppression via electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. This LCP-based spinal cord stimulator opens new avenues for the development of a miniaturized but still effective spinal cord stimulator.

Oral Commissure Lift: A Retrospective Analysis of Complication Rates and Overall Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Downward-turning oral commissures and sagging mouth corners can present an unfavorable impression. We introduced a new oral commissure lift procedure and investigated its effectiveness and complication rates. METHODS: Patients who underwent oral commissure lift in the plastic surgery clinic between January 2010 and December 2017 were enrolled retrospectively. Pre-and postoperative photographs were evaluated to measure oral commissure angles and analyze surgical complications, including visible scarring, unnatural appearance, and asymmetry. Many patients underwent a oral commissure lift with a simultaneous facelift. To exclude potential bias, we compared angular changes between patients receiving both oral commissure lift and facelift, with those receiving only oral commissure lift. Moreover, oral commissure angles of patients only receiving facelift were also measured. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Oral commissure lift was performed in 51 patients. The mean ages and follow-up periods were 46.7 ± 11.9 years, and 25.2 ± 22.9 months, respectively. The preoperative mean angles of the right and left oral commissures measured - 3.1 ± 4.0° and - 3.4 ± 3.7°, respectively, and postoperative mean angles measured 3.6 ± 3.2° and 3.3 ± 3.5°, respectively. Postoperative changes in oral commissure angles were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The low complication rate included undercorrection in one patient, asymmetry in one patient, and visible scarring in three patients. We found no statistically significant differences in the studies excluding bias. CONCLUSIONS: The new oral commissure lift procedure for correcting sagging oral commissures was simple, safe, and effective with a low complication rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Paper-Based Strip for Ultrasensitive Detection of OSCC-Associated Salivary MicroRNA via CRISPR/Cas12a Coupling with IS-Primer Amplification Reaction.

As the most common malignancy in humans, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) not only harms the people's health but also undermines their confidence after facial surgery. Early detection and treatment can effectively reduce these damages. The unique collateral trans-cleavage nuclease activity of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas12a system was utilized to realize the detection of nucleic acid with high sensitivity. So, in this work, we designed a point-of-care testing (POCT) platform for the detection of OSCC-associated salivary hsa-miRNA 31-5p (miR-31) via the cascade signal amplification of "invading stacking primer" (IS-primer) amplification reaction (ISAR), CRISPR/Cas12a, and dual-mode paper-based strip (dm-Strip). To amplify the detection signal of trace miR-31, the cascade signal amplification of CRISPR/Cas12a system coupling with ISAR was designed in a one-pot reaction at a constant temperature. The target miR-31 could activate the ISAR to generate numerous DNAs, which would further trigger the trans-cleavage effect of Cas12a to catalyze the nonspecific single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) cleavage. This ssDNA was labeled with digoxin and biotin at the 5' and 3' termini (digoxin/ssDNA/biotin), respectively, which led to generate the naked-eye signal and fluorescent signal of the designed dm-Strip. The whole detection time was 90 min with limit-of-detection (LOD) down to aM level. This ISAR/Cas12a-based dm-Strip (ISAR/Cas12a-dmStrip) allowed for the portable and ultrasensitive detection of miRNA, an important step in early diagnosis of OSCC and biomedical research.

Carbon-Fiber Based Microelectrode Array Embedded with a Biodegradable Silk Support for In Vivo Neural Recording.

BACKGROUND: Recently, carbon fibers have been utilized to develop a depth-type microelectrode array for chronic neural recording. Since the diameter of carbon fibers is smaller than the conventional electrodes made of metal wires or microfabricated silicon, the carbon fiber electrodes showed an improved capability for chronic neural recording with less tissue damages. However, the carbon fiber based microelectrodes have a limitation of short insertion depth due to a low stiffness. METHODS: We proposed a carbon fiber based microelectrode array embedded with a mechanical support structure to facilitate the penetration into the deeper brain. The support is made of biodegradable silk fibroin to reduce the reactive tissue responses. The 4-channel carbon fiber based microelectrode arrays were fabricated and accessed in terms of electrochemical impedance, recording capability for 1-month implantation in rat hippocampi. The electrodes with tungsten supports were fabricated and tested as a control group. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to identify the reactive glial responses. RESULTS: The carbon fiber based electrode arrays with silk supports showed about 2-fold impedance increase 2 weeks after implantation while the number of active electrodes decreased simultaneously. However, after 1 month, the electrode impedance decreased back to its initial value and the percentage of active electrodes also increased above 70%. Immunohistochemical staining clearly showed that the electrodes with silk supports induced less reactive glial responses than that with tungsten supports. CONCLUSION: The proposed carbon fiber based microelectrode array is expected to be used for long-term in vivo neural recording from deep brain regions with the minimized reactive tissue response.

Cryptogenic Hemoptysis: Effectiveness of Bronchial Artery Embolization Using N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate.

PURPOSE: To describe angiographic findings and assess safety and effectiveness of bronchial artery embolization (BAE) with N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) in patients with cryptogenic hemoptysis (CH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2003 and March 2014, 26 patients who underwent BAE for CH were enrolled. A retrospective review was conducted for angiographic findings and clinical outcomes of BAE, including technical and clinical success, complications, and recurrent hemoptysis. RESULTS: Selective arteriograms were abnormal in 22 patients (85%), showing hypertrophied bronchial arteries (n = 19), parenchymal hypervascularity (n = 18), and bronchial-to-pulmonary shunting (n = 8). All abnormal bronchial and nonbronchial collateral arteries (n = 36) were successfully embolized with NBCA. Hemoptysis ceased within 24 hours in all patients. There were no procedure-related complications. During 11-117 months of follow-up (median, 60.2 mo), 1 patient (4%) experienced recurrent hemoptysis at 5 months after initial BAE, which was treated with repeat BAE. The 5-year hemoptysis-free survival rate was 96%. CONCLUSIONS: Bronchial arteries were angiographically abnormal in most patients with CH (85%). BAE is a safe and effective treatment with excellent short- and long-term results in patients with CH. NBCA appears to be a useful embolic material for this application.

Antitumor Effect of Nanoparticle 131I-Labeled Arginine-Glycine-Aspartate-Bovine Serum Albumin-Polycaprolactone in Lung Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to investigate the biologic effects of internal irradiation and the therapeutic effectiveness of 131I-labeled arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD)-bovine serum albumin (BSA)-polycaprolactone (PCL) (131I-RGD-BSA-PCL) in murine lung cancer models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The target binding and cellular uptake of NCI-H460 lung cancer cells overexpressing integrin αvß3 were observed by confocal microscopy. Flow cytometry was used to assay apoptosis. The biologic effects of internal irradiation and the therapeutic efficacy of 131I-RGD-BSA-PCL were investigated in murine lung cancer models; tumor size, body weight, histopathologic findings, and SPECT/CT imaging findings were also monitored. RESULTS: In vitro uptake studies performed using confocal microscopy showed that, after 1 hour of incubation with RGD-BSA-PCL or BSA-PCL, visible fluorescence was present in the cells, and after 8 hours, the florescent signal did not disappear. The mean (± SE) tumor uptake level (i.e., the percentage of the injected dose per gram of tissue [% ID/g]) of 131I-labeled BSA-PCL (131I-BSA-PCL) at 24 and 72 hours after injection was 11.06% ± 2.15% ID/g and 3.83% ± 0.87% ID/g, respectively, which is significantly higher than the uptake levels noted for other organs (p < 0.05). The level of tumor uptake of 131I-RGD-BSA-PCL at 24 and 72 hours after injection was 39.49% ± 6.06% ID/g and 6.97% ± 1.43% ID/g, respectively, which is significantly higher than that of 131I-labeled liposome (p < 0.05). The decrease in body weight in the group treated with 131I-RGD-BSA-PCL was only 3.5% of the original body weight and was much lower than noted in the group receiving saline (i.e., 21.5% of original body weight). The median survival time for the therapeutic groups was prolonged to 27 days and 23 days after treatment with 131I-RGD-BSA-PCL and 131I-BSA-PCL, respectively. CONCLUSION: RGD-BSA-PCL has excellent cellular binding in vitro in a non-small cell lung cancer xenograft model. Furthermore, 131I-RGD-BSA-PCL was evaluated as an imaging agent and is an interesting candidate for targeting therapies in the non-small cell lung cancer xenograft model.

Multifunctional reduction-responsive SPIO&DOX-loaded PEGylated polymeric lipid vesicles for magnetic resonance imaging-guided drug delivery.

Multifunctional superparamagnetic iron-oxide (SPIO)-based nanoparticles have been emerging as candidate nanosystems for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Here, we report the use of reduction- responsive SPIO/doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether (PEG)ylated polymeric lipid vesicles (SPIO&DOX-PPLVs) as a novel theranostic system for tumor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnosis and controlled drug delivery. These SPIO&DOX-PPLVs are composed of SPIOs that function as MR contrast agents for tumor enhancement and PPLVs as polymer matrices for encapsulating SPIO and antitumor drugs. The in vitro characterizations show that the SPIO&DOX-PPLVs have nanosized structures (∼80 nm), excellent colloidal stability, good biocompatibility, as well as T2-weighted MRI capability with a relatively high T2 relaxivity (r2 = 213.82 mM(-1) s(-1)). In vitro drug release studies reveal that the release rate of DOX from the SPIO&DOX-PPLVs is accelerated in the reduction environment. An in vitro cellular uptake study and an antitumor study show that the SPIO&DOX-PPLVs have magnetic targeting properties and effective antitumor activity. In vivo studies show the SPIO&DOX-PPLVs have excellent T2-weighted tumor targeted MRI capability, image-guided drug delivery capability, and high antitumor effects. These results suggest that the SPIO&DOX-PPLVs are promising nanocarriers for MRI diagnosis and cancer therapy applications.

Sensitive detection of Porphyromonas gingivalis based on magnetic capture and upconversion fluorescent identification with multifunctional nanospheres.

A specific and sensitive detection system was designed to detect Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major periodontal pathogen, in mixed bacterial fluids. This new detection system was based on the use of fluorescent and magnetic encoding nanospheres that were conjugated with monoclonal antibodies specific to P. gingivalis, thus enabling rapid detection of the target bacterium. This strategy simplifies the detection process and improves the sensitivity compared with conventional methods, with a detection limit of approximately 10 colony-forming units (CFU) ml(-1) . This new method shows strong anti-interference ability and excellent selectivity and specificity to detect P. gingivalis in mixed solutions.

A liquid crystal polymer-based neuromodulation system: an application on animal model of neuropathic pain.

OBJECTIVE: We developed a custom-made miniaturized neural stimulation system with a liquid crystal polymer (LCP)-based electrode array for animal experiments. In order to verify the feasibility of the system, motor cortex stimulation (MCS) was applied on the rat pain model induced by sciatic nerve injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: LCP is mechanically stable and chemically inert and has a much lower water absorption rate than other biocompatible polymers such as polyimide or parylene. In the present study, a film-type LCP substrate is used to microfabricate the cortical stimulation electrode array. A miniaturized electrical neuromodulation system is implemented using an application-specific integrated chip for generation of electrical stimulation current. In vivo experiment was performed using a rat neuropathic pain model induced by sciatic nerve injury. The electrodes were attached to the contralateral primary motor cortex, which processes the hind limb movement. Mechanical allodynia was measured before, during, and after electrical stimulation to determine the effects on pain threshold. RESULTS: Electrical stimulation into the brain structure processing pain perception was effective in alleviating neuropathic pain. The pain threshold of the rats increased more than fivefold during the electrical stimulation. CONCLUSION: We developed a miniaturized electrical stimulation system with a novel flexible LCP electrode array for MCS in rats. This system is expected to be used in studying various neurological diseases and examining in vivo brain function.

Bronchial artery embolization to control hemoptysis: comparison of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and polyvinyl alcohol particles.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively compare safety and effectiveness of embolic agents polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles versus n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for bronchial artery embolization (BAE) for control of hemoptysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approved this retrospective study; informed consent was waived. From January 2005 to December 2008, 406 patients (242 men, 164 women; age range, 6-92 years) with major hemoptysis underwent BAE by using PVA particles (n = 293) or NBCA (n = 113). Technical and clinical success, complications, hemoptysis-free survival rates, and causes of recurrent hemoptysis were compared between PVA and NBCA groups. The differences in hemoptysis-free survival rates were assessed between subgroups stratified to underlying diseases. The predictive factor for recurrent hemoptysis was identified with Cox proportional hazard regression model. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 93.9% (275 of 293) and 96.5% (109 of 113) of patients for PVA and NBCA, respectively (P = .463); clinical success was achieved in 92.2% (270 of 293) and 96.5% (109 of 113) of patients for PVA and NBCA, respectively (P = .180). Overall and major complication rates were not statistically different (overall complication rates: 34.1% for PVA, 31.0% for NBCA; P = .56; major complication rates: 0.3% for PVA, 0% for NBCA; P > .999). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year hemoptysis-free survival rates were, respectively, 77%, 68%, and 66% for PVA and 88%, 85%, and 83% for NBCA (P = .01). Recanalization of previously embolized vessels was more frequent in PVA group (21.5%) than in NBCA group (1.8%; P < .001). NBCA group showed hemoptysis-free survival rates superior to PVA group in patients with bronchiectasis (P = .016). PVA (P = .050) and aspergilloma (P < .001) were predictive factors for recurrent hemoptysis. CONCLUSION: BAE with NBCA provided higher hemoptysis-free survival rates compared with PVA particles without increasing complication rates. This improvement was evident in patients with bronchiectasis and was caused by more durable embolic effect than PVA particles. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: http://radiology.rsna.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1148/radiol.13130046/-/DC1.

Properties and evaluation of quaternized chitosan/lipid cation polymeric liposomes for cancer-targeted gene delivery.

Development of high-stability and efficient nonviral vectors with low cytoxicity is important for targeted tumor gene therapy. In this study, cationic polymeric liposomes (CPLs), with similar lipid bilayer structure and high thermal stability, were prepared from polymeric surfactants of quaternized (carboxymethyl)chitosan with different carbon chains (dodecyl, tetradecyl, hexadecyl, and octadecyl). By comparing different factors that influence gene delivery, tetradecyl-quaternized (carboxymethy)chitosan (TQCMC) CPLs, with suitable size (184.4 ± 17.1 nm), ζ potentials (27.5 ± 4.9 mV), and productivity for synthesis TQCMC (weight yield 13.1%), were selected for gene transfection evaluation in various cancer cell lines. Although TQCMC CPLs have lower gene transfection efficiency compared with cationic liposomes (Lipofectamine 2000) in vitro, they displayed higher reporter gene delivery ability for cancer tissues (bearing U87 and SMMC-7721 tumors) in vivo after intravenous injection. TQCMC CPLs also have lower cell cytotoxicity and lower cytokine production or liver injury for BALB/c mice. We conclude that the CPLs are promising gene delivery systems that may be used to target various cancers.

Postpartum haemorrhage from ruptured pseudoaneurysm: efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolisation using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolisation (TAE) using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) in the treatment of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) due to ruptured pseudoaneurysm. METHODS: From March 2004 to December 2010, 33 patients underwent TAE using NBCA for massive PPH. Twenty-one patients (63.6 %) were in coagulopathic condition. Angiograms and medical records were retrospectively reviewed to determine technical/clinical success, complications and recurrent haemorrhage after TAE. Telephone interviews were conducted to obtain fertility-related data. RESULTS: Emergent angiograms revealed ruptured pseudoaneurysms at the uterine (n = 17), vaginal (n = 14), internal pudendal (n = 3) and obturator (n = 1) arteries, which were successfully embolised with NBCA. Four patients required additional embolisation of the uterine (n = 3) or ovarian artery (n = 1) with an absorbable gelatine sponge. Adequate haemostasis was achieved in 31 patients (93.9 %) after TAE. Two patients experienced persistent (n = 1) or recurrent (n = 1) haemorrhage, which required hysterectomy. There were no major embolisation-related complications. All 29 patients who were interviewed reported regaining of their regular menstruation. Nine patients had normal pregnancies and delivered healthy babies at full term. CONCLUSIONS: TAE using NBCA is an effective treatment of PPH from ruptured pseudoaneurysms. In particular, NBCA is a potent embolic material in patients with coagulopathy. It does not seem to adversely affect future fertility. KEY POINTS: • Transcatheter arterial embolisation is a safe and effective treatment for postpartum haemorrhage. • NBCA is potent embolic material to treat bleeding patients with severe coagulopathy. • NBCA does not seem to adversely affect future fertility.

Electrolytes for Zn Batteries: Deep Eutectic Solvents in Polymer Gels.

Gel polymer electrolytes composed of deep eutectic solvent acetamide4 :Zn(TFSI)2 and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) are prepared by using a fast, solvent-free procedure. The effect of the PEO molecular weight and its concentration on the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of the electrolytes are studied. Gels prepared with ultrahigh molecular-weight PEO present pseudo-solid behavior and ionic conductivity even higher than that of the original liquid electrolyte. A decrease in the dendritic growth in soft gels with PEO contents up to 1 wt % is demonstrated. The changes in the chemical structure of the electrolyte produced by the strong interactions between ethylene oxide units and Zn2+ have also been studied. The addition of PEO takes the electrolyte out of its original eutectic composition, producing blend crystallization. However, it is possible to retain the eutectic point of the electrolyte in a gel form if the addition of PEO is accompanied by the reduction of acetamide.

Polymeric liposomes-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as contrast agent for targeted magnetic resonance imaging of cancer cells.

The purpose of this study was to use polymeric liposomes (PLs) with a targeting ligand (folate) to coat superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and transfer the magnetic nanoparticles from organic phases to aqueous solutions, and further evaluate their efficacy as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent. The formed nanoparticles exhibited a narrow range of size dispersity (core size of the particles is about 8-10 nm) and relatively high T2 relaxivities (r2 = 164.14 s(-1) mM(-1) for folate-PLs-coated SPIONs). The in vitro tumor cell targeting efficacy of the folate functionalized and PLs-coated SPIONs was evaluated upon observing cellular uptake of magnetite liposomes by HeLa cells, which overexpresses surface receptors for folic acid. In the Prussian blue staining experiments, cells incubated with folate-PLs-coated SPIONs showed much higher intracellular iron density than did the cells incubated with the folate-free PLs-coated SPIONs. Meanwhile, the MTT assay explains the negligible cell cytotoxicity of SPIONs and folate-PLs-coated SPIONs. In HeLa cells, the in vitro MRI study also indicates the better T2-weighted images in folate-PLs-coated SPIONs than in folate-free PLs-coated SPIONs.

Temporary placement of covered retrievable expandable nitinol stents with barbs in high-risk surgical patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: work in progress.

PURPOSE: To report the use of a newly constructed, covered, retrievable, expandable nitinol stent with barbs to overcome the problem of stent migration associated with conventional covered prostatic expandable stents and to evaluate prospectively the technical feasibility and clinical effectiveness of the stents in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A covered retrievable expandable nitinol stent with four barbs was placed with use of an 18-F stent delivery system in seven consecutive patients with symptomatic BPH who had high operative risks. Age range of patients was 62-83 years (mean 74 years). In cases in which the stent migrated, it was replaced with a stent with eight barbs. The stents were routinely removed 4 months after placement using a 21-F stent removal set. RESULTS: Stent placement was technically successful and well tolerated in six of the seven patients. The remaining patient needed a second stent placement after removal of the first stent. The stent with four barbs migrated into the urinary bladder in four patients (57%); three of these patients received a second stent with eight barbs with good results, and the fourth patient did not need further treatment because his symptoms improved. Routine removal of the stent 4 months after placement was performed in three of the seven patients with good results. CONCLUSIONS: Retrievable stents with eight barbs seem to overcome the problem of stent migration associated with conventional prostatic expandable stents. Preliminary results suggest that stents with barbs are both feasible and effective in patients with BPH.

Bronchial and nonbronchial systemic artery embolization in patients with major hemoptysis: safety and efficacy of N-butyl cyanoacrylate.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of N-butyl cyanoacrylate for bronchial and nonbronchial systemic artery embolization in the management of major hemoptysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2004 through March 2006, 108 patients with major hemoptysis underwent embolization with N-butyl cyanoacrylate. The common conditions causing hemoptysis were bronchiectasis (n = 34), sequelae of tuberculosis (n = 31), active tuberculosis (n = 18), lung cancer (n = 8), and aspergilloma (n = 6). A retrospective analysis of postprocedure outcomes, including immediate success, recurrence of hemoptysis, cause of recurrence, and complications, was performed. RESULTS: Immediate success was achieved in 105 patients (97.2%). During the follow-up period (range, 5 days-63 months; median, 28.5 months), recurrent hemoptysis was found in 21 of the 105 patients (20%). Repeat angiograms (n = 14) revealed incomplete embolization during the initial procedure in seven patients with early recurrence (< 3 months) and revascularization of nonbronchial systemic collateral arteries in seven patients with late recurrence (> 3 months). No recanalization of embolized arteries was found on repeat angiograms or at follow-up CT. The cumulative nonrecurrence rates were 91.4% 1 month, 83.4% 1 year, 76.7% 3 years, and 56.8% 5 years after the initial procedure. The procedure-related complications included transient chest pain (n = 21) and denudation of the bronchial mucosa (n = 3), which was clinically silent but found at bronchoscopy. CONCLUSION: N-butyl cyanoacrylate is a safe and effective agent for embolization in patients with major hemoptysis.

Positive-/negative-, erasable-/immobilized-, mono-/multi-color fluorescence image patterning of molecular-scale porous polymer film via a microcontact printing method using various chemical inks.

Fluorescent image patterns of a substituted acetylene polymer film with a large FFV were successfully obtained by a µCP method using several kinds of chemical ink compounds. PO and SCA generated positive-type fluorescent image patterns. On the other hand, an ethanolic solution of DNT generated a negative-type fluorescent image pattern due to a significant quenching effect. An NMP solution of NR gave a two-color image pattern due to an intermolecular energy transfer from PTMSDPA to NR.

CRISPR-dcas9 Optogenetic Nanosystem for the Blue Light-Mediated Treatment of Neovascular Lesions.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the key regulator in neovascular lesions. The anti-VEGF injection is a major way to relieve retinal neovascularization and treat these diseases. However, current anti-VEGF therapeutics show significant drawbacks. The reason is the inability to effectively control its therapeutic effect. Therefore, how to controllably inhibit the VEGF target is a key point for preventing angiogenesis. Here, a CRISPR-dCas9 optogenetic nanosystem was designed for the precise regulation of pathologic neovascularization. This system is composed of a light-controlled regulatory component and transcription inhibition component. They work together to controllably and effectively inhibit the target gene's VEGF. The opto-CRISPR nanosystem achieved precise regulation according to individual differences, whereby the expression and interaction of gene was activated by light. The following representative model laser-induced choroid neovascularization and oxygen-induced retinopathy were taken as examples to verify the effect of this nanosystem. The results showed that the opto-CRISPR nanosystem was more efficacious in the light control group (NV area effectively reduced by 41.54%) than in the dark control group without light treatment. This strategy for the CRISPR-optogenetic gene nanosystem led to the development of approaches for treating severe eye diseases. Besides, any target gene of interest can be designed by merely replacing the guide RNA sequences in this system, which provided a method for light-controlled gene transcriptional repression.