Adsorption properties of cellulose/guar gum/biochar composite hydrogel for Cu2+, Co2+ and methylene blue.

Herein, Typha angustifolia was used as a charcoal source and chemically modified with a strong oxidizing agent, potassium permanganate (KMnO4), to obtain modified Typha angustifolia (MTC). Then, the green, stable and efficient CMC/GG/MTC composite hydrogel was successfully prepared by compounding MTC with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and guar gum (GG) by free radical polymerization. Various variables that influence adsorption performance were explored, and optimal adsorption conditions were determined. The maximum adsorption capacity calculated from the Langmuir isotherm model was 805.45, 772.52, and 598.28 mg g-1 for Cu2+, Co2+, and methylene blue (MB), respectively. The XPS results revealed that the main mechanism of removing pollutants by adsorbent is surface complexation and electrostatic attraction. After five adsorption-desorption cycles, the CMC/GG/MTC adsorbent still exhibited good adsorption and regeneration capacity. This study provides a low-cost, effective and simple method for preparation of hydrogels from modified biochar, which has excellent application potential in the removal of heavy metal ions and organic cationic dye contaminants from wastewater.

Reducing Target Volumes of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy After Induction Chemotherapy in Locoregionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Long-Term Results of a Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized Trial.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to estimate the long-term survival, late toxicity profile, and quality of life of patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with combined induction chemotherapy (IC) and concurrent chemoradiotherapy from a clinical trial focused on reducing the target volume of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). METHODS AND MATERIALS: This prospective, randomized clinical trial was conducted across 6 Chinese hospitals and included 212 patients with stage III-IVB NPC who were randomly allocated to a pre-IC or post-IC group. Eligible patients were treated with 2 cycles of IC + CCRT. All patients underwent radical IMRT. Gross tumor volumes of the nasopharynx were delineated according to pre-IC and post-IC tumor extent in the pre-IC and post-IC groups, respectively. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 98.4 months, 32 of 97 (32.9%) and 33 of 115 (28.7%) patients experienced treatment failure or died in the pre-IC and post-IC groups, respectively. None of the patients developed grade 4 late toxicity. Late radiation-induced toxicity predominantly manifested as grade 1 to 2 subcutaneous fibrosis, hearing loss, tinnitus, and xerostomia, whereas grade 3 late toxicity included xerostomia and hearing loss. The 5-year estimated overall, progression-free, locoregional recurrence-free, and distant metastasis-free survival rates in the pre-IC and post-IC groups were 78.2% versus 83.3%, 72.0% versus 78.1%, 90.2% versus 93.5%, and 78.1% versus 82.1%, respectively. The pre-IC group had a significantly higher incidence of xerostomia and hearing damage than the post-IC group. In terms of quality of life, compared with the pre-IC group, the post-IC group showed significant improvement in cognitive function (P = .045) and symptoms including dry mouth (P = .004), sticky saliva (P = .047), and feeling ill (P = .041). CONCLUSIONS: After long-term follow-up, we confirmed that reducing the target volumes of IMRT after IC in locoregionally advanced NPC showed no inferiority in terms of the risk of locoregional relapse and potentially improved quality of life and alleviated late toxicity.

Extraordinary terahertz transmission in superconducting subwavelength hole array.

We report the extraordinary terahertz (THz) transmission through subwavelength hole array in superconducting NbN film. As the temperature drops below the superconducting transition temperature, the transmission spectra experience distinct changes. The extraordinary transmission is greatly enhanced in superconducting state due to the enhancement of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) and localized surface plasmons (LSPs). We have also observed temperature-dependent resonance frequency shift, which mainly depends on the coupling between SPPs and LSPs.

Construction of a Lignosulfonate-Lysine Hydrogel for the Adsorption of Heavy Metal Ions.

Industrial wastewater has brought great disaster to water bodies and soils and seriously affected the growth of crops. It is necessary to prepare a stable, effective, and sustainable treatment agent to control water pollution to obtain clean water. The adsorption effect of a lignosulfonate-lysine hydrogel (CLS-Lys adsorbent) on heavy metal ions (Cu2+ and Co2+) in water is studied. In the synthesis experiment, a response surface method is used to optimize the content of sodium lignosulfonate, lysine, initiator, and cross-linker. The CLS-Lys adsorbent is characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, thermal analysis, and zeta potential analysis. The performance of the CLS-Lys adsorbent under different influencing factors is studied. The kinetic and isothermal models of the CLS-Lys adsorbent are established. The results show that the main adsorption model of the CLS-Lys adsorbent is chemical adsorption, accompanied by electrostatic adsorption. These two ions have a competitive adsorption relationship, and when the two ions are present at the same time, they inhibit each other. In addition, the CLS-Lys adsorbent has good adsorption and analytical regeneration performance. It is an economic and effective adsorbent and has a broad application prospect.

Therapeutic efficacy of thermosensitive Pluronic hydrogel for codelivery of resveratrol microspheres and cisplatin in the treatment of liver cancer ascites.

Ascites constitutes the most frequent decompensating event in patients with advanced liver cancer and is associated with poor quality of life and high mortality. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy appears to be a reliable treatment strategy for advanced liver cancer ascites. However, the rapid metabolism of drugs and ascites dilution limits the efficacy of chemotherapeutics. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop a novel thermosensitive hydrogel drug system for targeted therapy of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ascites through intraperitoneal administration. The system was prepared by blending resveratrol (RES) microspheres and cisplatin (DDP) into thermosensitive Pluronic F127 hydrogel. The in vitro anti-tumor activity against H22 cells indicated that the prepared drug system could initiate apoptosis and induce cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase. The mice model of ascites with advanced HCC was established to validate the therapeutic potential of the F127 hydrogel drug system in vivo. The results revealed that intraperitoneal administration of F127 hydrogel drug could significantly inhibit the number of ascites, the proliferation of tumor cells, micro-angiogenesis, and prolong the survival of mice, thus, augmenting the efficacy of intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Moreover, immunohistochemical staining revealed that the F127 hydrogel drug system was safe and presented low toxicity to major vital organs. Collectively, this study highlights the clinical application potential of the F127 hydrogel drug delivery system.

Carbon composite lignin-based adsorbents for the adsorption of dyes.

Carbon composite lignin-based adsorbent were prepared through hydrothermal method with glucose as carbon source, calcium lignosulfonate and triethylene tetramine as raw materials, respectively. The optimum synthesis conditions were determined by investigating the addition of carbon and triethylene tetramine. The adsorbent was used for the adsorption of azo dyes Congo red and Eriochrome blue black R, and the five factors affecting the adsorption were discussed, including pH of dyes, initial concentration, adsorption time, adsorption temperature and adsorbent dosage. The corresponding adsorption mechanism such as pseudo first order kinetics, pseudo second order kinetics, intraparticle diffusion, Langmuir adsorption isotherm, Freundlich isotherm, Temkin isotherm, Dubinin-Radushkevich adsorption isotherm, thermodynamics were also studied. When the dye concentration is 40 mg L-1, Congo red and Eriochrome blue black R dye removal rates reach 99%. Moreover, the adsorption process of two kinds of dyes follow the pseudo second order kinetics and the Langmuir adsorption isotherm.

Preparation, characterization, in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor effect of thalidomide nanoparticles on lung cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Thalidomide (THA) is an angiogenesis inhibitor and an efficient inhibitor of the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). However, the clinical application of THA has been limited due to hydrophobicity of the compound. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To increase the water solubility of THA and in order to evaluate the anticancer abilities of this material on human lung carcinoma, methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles loaded with THA (THA-NPs) were prepared. The synthesis of THA-NPs was carried out via a dialysis method with relative satisfactory encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, size distribution, and zeta potential. RESULTS: A cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that THA-NPs inhibited the growth of cells in a dose-dependent manner. The evaluation of anti-tumor activity in vivo showed that THA-NPs could inhibit tumor growth and prolong the survival rate of tumor-bearing mice. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that THA-NPs inhibited cell proliferation (Ki-67 positive rate, 32.8%±4.2%, P<0.01), and resulted in a decreased rate of the tumor tissue microvessel density (3.87%±0.77%, P<0.01), VEGF (26.67%±4.02%, P<0.01), and TNF-α (75.21±6.85 ng/mL, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: In general, the drug delivery system reported herein may shed light on future targeted therapy in lung cancer treatment.

Treatment outcomes after reduction of the target volume of intensity-modulated radiotherapy following induction chemotherapy in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A prospective, multi-center, randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether reducing the target volume of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) after induction chemotherapy (IC) improves the quality of life (QOL) in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) without decreasing the local control and survival rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total number of 212 NPC patients staged as III-IVb were randomly assigned to group A (n=97) or group B (n=115) in this prospective clinical trial. All patients received IC followed by cisplatin concurrent with IMRT. IMRT was planned using the images of pre-IC in group A and post-IC in group B. RESULTS: The dose received by normal tissues in group B was lower than that of group A (P<0.05). The recovery of the dry mouth symptoms in group B was significantly improved than group B. The quality of life (QOL) scores in group B were higher than group A. With a median follow-up of 35months, the 1-year estimated overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), locoregional failure-free survival (LRFFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) in group A versus group B were 97.9% vs 97.3%, 90.7% vs 92,2%, 99.0% vs 98.2%, 91.8% vs 94.8%. The 2-year OS, PFS, LRFFS, DMFS in group A versus group B were 93.7% vs 92.9%, 83.4% vs 84.3%, 96.8% vs 95.5%, 86.5% vs 89.5%. The 3-year OS, PFS, LRFFS, DMFS in group A versus group B were 82.3% vs 87%, 74.7% vs 83.4%, 91.8 vs 93.9%, 81.3% vs 88.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Reducing the IMRT target volume after IC did not reduce the local control and survival rate in locoregionally advanced NPC but the doses received by normal tissues were decreased, and the QOL scores were improved.

Honokiol-loaded polymeric nanoparticles: an active targeting drug delivery system for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

The purpose of this study was to develop a novel drug delivery system for a sustained and targeted delivery of honokiol (HK) to the nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) HNE-1 cell lines, since the folate receptor (FR) is over-expressed on their surface. Emulsion solvent evaporation was used to develop the active targeting nanoparticles-loaded HK (ATNH) using copolymerpoly (ɛ-caprolactone)-poly (ethyleneglycol)-poly (ɛ-caprolactone) (PCEC), which was modified with folate (FA) by introducing Polythylenimine (PEI). ATNH characterization, including particle size distribution, morphology, drug loading, encapsulation efficiency and drug release, was performed. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to evaluate the shape and construction, respectively. MTT assay, cell uptake study and apoptosis test were assayed to detect the antitumor properties and targeting uptake by HNE-1 cells in vitro. Cell-cycle redistribution, 18 F-FDG PET/CT and immunohistochemistry were performed in vivo. The ATNH we developed were successfully synthesized and showed a suitable size distribution, high encapsulation efficiency, gradual release, and targeting uptake by the cells in vitro. Moreover, ATNH significantly inhibited tumor growth, metabolism, proliferation, micro-vessel generation, and caused cell-cycle arrest at G1 phase. Thus, these nanoparticles we developed might represent a novel formulation for HK delivery and a promising potential therapy in the treatment of cancer.

Magnetic nanoparticle-loaded electrospun polymeric nanofibers for tissue engineering.

Magnetic nanoparticles have been one of the most attractive nanomaterials for various biomedical applications including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diagnostic contrast enhancement, magnetic cell separation, and targeted drug delivery. Three-dimensional (3-D) fibrous scaffolds have broad application prospects in the biomedical field, such as drug delivery and tissue engineering. In this work, a novel three-dimensional composite membrane composed of the tri-block copolymer poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL-PEG-PCL, PCEC) and magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) were fabricated using electrospinning technology. The physico-chemical properties of the PCEC/Fe3O4 membranes were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Morphological observation using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the composite fibers containing 5% Fe3O4 nanoparticles had a diameter of 250nm. In vitro cell culture of NIH 3T3 cells on the PCEC/Fe3O4 membranes showed that the PCEC/Fe3O4 fibers might be a suitable scaffold for cell adhesion. Moreover, MTT analysis also demonstrated that the membranes possessed lower cytotoxicity. Therefore, this study revealed that the magnetic PCEC/Fe3O4 fibers might have great potential for using in skin tissue engineering.

In vivo synergistic anti-tumor effect of paclitaxel nanoparticles combined with radiotherapy on human cervical carcinoma.

In this study, our purpose was to explore the synergistic anti-tumor effect and mechanism of paclitaxel nanoparticles (PTX-NPs) combined with radiotherapy (RT) on human cervical carcinoma (HeLa). PTX-NPs were prepared by a solid dispersion method using methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (MPEG-PCL), which combined with RT exerted a potent and high efficient effect against cervical cancer. In vivo antitumor activity of PTX-NPs combined with RT, was estimated using nude mice carrying Hela cell xenograft tumor. The results were evaluated using microfluorine-18-deoxyglucose PET/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that PTX-NPs possessed a more efficient effect than PTX when combined with RT (p < 0.05). PTX-NPs in combination with RT might inhibit cell proliferation through its action on Ki-67, and decreased micro-vessel density (MVD) associated with CD31 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These results suggested that PTX-NPs possessed a synergistic anti-tumor effect against cervical cancer when combined with RT.

Serendipitous Detection of Hodgkin Lymphoma by 18F-NaF PET/CT.

A 17-year-old girl underwent F-NaF PET/CT to evaluate bone pain after an accident. The images did not identify any osseous lesion. However, there was a focally increased activity in the left upper chest, which corresponded to a partially calcified soft tissue mass in the mediastinum, suggestive of malignancy. The result led to subsequent F-FDG PET/CT imaging, which demonstrated intense activity in the mediastinal mass and in multiple cervical, supraclavicular, and mediastinal lymph nodes. Hodgkin lymphoma was diagnosed histopathologically following the biopsy.

A study of the synergistic effect of folate-decorated polymeric micelles incorporating Hydroxycamptothecin with radiotherapy on xenografted human cervical carcinoma.

In this study, Hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT)-loaded micelles were formed in water by the self-assembly of folate (FA)-decorated amphiphilic block copolymer, methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (MPEG-PCL), and achieved a hydrodynamic diameter about of 132 nm. HCPT release from the micelles exhibited no initial burst but showed a sustained release profile. The cytotoxicity and targeting ability of FA conjugated polymeric micelles was investigated by using methylthiazoletetrazolium (MTT) and fluorescence microscopy. We found that FA-conjugated micelles had superior cytotoxicity against HeLa cells compared to non-conjugated micelles, and that they exerted this effect by folate receptor (FR)-mediated endocytosis. In addition, HeLa cells were xenografted into nude mice and subjected to radiotherapy (RT) and/or HCPT-loaded micelle treatment. The antitumor efficacy was detected by analysis of tumor growth delay (TGD) and median survival time. Micro fluorine-18-deoxyglucose PET/computed tomography ((18)F-FDG PET/CT) was performed to assess early tumor response to HCPT-loaded micelles in combination with RT. Analysis of cell cycle redistribution, apoptosis and expression of histone H2AX phosphorylation (λ-H2AX) was used to evaluate the mechanism by which HCPT loaded micelles led to radiosensitization. Taken together, the results showed that HCPT-loaded FA decorated micelles efficiently sensitized xenografts in mice to RT, and induced G2/M phase arrest, apoptosis and expression of λ-H2AX.

In vitro and in vivo degradation behavior of n-HA/PCL-Pluronic-PCL polyurethane composites.

Scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications should have suitable degradability in favor of new bone ingrowth after implantation into bone defects. In this study, degradation behavior of polyurethane composites composed of triblock copolymer poly(caprolactone)-poluronic-poly(caprolactone) (PCL-Pluronic-PCL, PCFC) and nanohydroxyapatite (n-HA) was investigated. The water contact angle and water absorption were measured to reveal the effect of n-HA content on the surface wettability and swelling behavior of the n-HA/PCFC composites, respectively. The weight loss in three degradation media with pH value of 4.0, 7.4, and 9.18 was also studied accordingly. Fourier transform infrared analysis, differential scanning calorimeter, X-ray diffraction, thermal-gravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the change of chemical structure and micromorphology after the n-HA/PCFC composite with 30% HA was degraded for different time intervals. Meanwhile, in vivo degradation was conducted by subcutaneous implantation. The weight loss and morphology change during observation periods were also studied.

Acceleration of dermal wound healing by using electrospun curcumin-loaded poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) fibrous mats.

This study prepared a composite scaffold composed of curcumin and poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL-PEG-PCL, PCEC) copolymer using coelectrospinning technology. Incorporation of curcumin into the polymeric matrix had an obvious effect on the morphology and dimension of PCEC/curcumin fibers. The results of in vitro anti-oxidant tests and of the cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that the curcumin-loaded PCEC fibrous mats had significant anti-oxidant efficacy and low cytotoxicity. Curcumin could be sustainably released from the fibrous scaffolds. More importantly, in vivo efficacy in enhancing wound repair was also investigated based on a full-thickness dermal defect model for Wistar rats. The results indicated that the PCEC/curcumin fibrous mats had a significant advantage in promoting wound healing. At 21 days post-operation, the dermal defect was basically recovered to its normal condition. A percentage of wound closure reached up to 93.3 ± 5.6% compared with 76.9 ± 4.9% of the untreated control (p < 0.05). Therefore, the as-prepared PCEC/curcumin composite mats are a promising candidate for use as wound dressing.

In vitro mineralization of hydroxyapatite on electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) fibrous scaffolds for tissue engineering application.

In this study, a fibrous scaffold was prepared by electrospinning triblock PCL-PEG-PCL (PCEC) copolymer. Afterwards, in vitro biomimetic mineralization was carried out through incubation of the PCEC fibrous mats in a simulated body fluid (SBF) for different time. The apatite-deposited PCEC composite scaffolds were characterized by using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation and weighing. Due to the importance of biocompatibility, rat ROS 17/2.8 osteoblasts were cultured on mineralized PCEC scaffolds, and the cell proliferation was investigated by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. The obtained results confirmed that the deposited apatite had the chemical composition and crystalline phase similar to those of hydroxyapatite (HA). After 21 days incubation, the mass increase of PCEC scaffold reached up to 22%. Moreover, in vitro cell culture also confirmed that osteoblasts could attach on the mineralized composite scaffolds, and the HA-deposited PCEC mats had less cytotoxicity. So, the mineralized PCEC composite scaffolds had a great potential for tissue engineering application.