Chemotherapeutic effects of Apigenin in breast cancer: Preclinical evidence and molecular mechanisms; enhanced bioavailability by nanoparticles.

This review highlights using nanotechnology in increasing the bioavailability of AP (Apigenin) to enhance its therapeutic efficacy in breast cancer treatment. Breast cancer is one of the most leading causes of cancer death in women both in developed and developing countries. According to several epidemiological and clinical trial studies that indicate progestin-stimulated breast cancer in post-menopausal women; it is necessary to determine compounds to suppress or attenuate the tumor-promoting effects of progestins in breast cells. For this purpose, using the natural anti-progestins, including AP compared with the chemical ones could be significantly effective due to the lack of toxicities and contradiction effects. However, AP is categorized as a Class II drug of Biopharmaceutical Classification System with low solubility in water which limited its therapeutic effects. Therefore, nanotechnology due to the presentation of remarkable properties has overcome this limitation through enhanced the solubility and bioavailability of AP. In this regard, various nanocarriers such as nanocrystals, micelles, liposomes, PLGA, etc., have highlighted the significantly increased bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of AP. Therefore, we will focus on the anticancer effects of AP in breast cancers, including involved mechanisms, the chemistry of AP and its bioavailability, finally different nanostructure systems to enhance the bioavailability of AP.

Preparation, characterization, and evaluation of the anticancer activity of artemether-loaded nano-niosomes against breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to develop nonionic surfactant vesicles (niosomes) as a promising nanocarrier to enhance the anticancer activity of artemether. METHODS: The niosomes were prepared by thin-film hydration method containing a mixture of Span, Tween and cholesterol (Chol) in different molar ratios. All formulations were characterized in terms of size, entrapment efficiency (%EE), release profile and morphology. The optimized niosomal formulation (F7), artemether and phosphate buffered saline (PBS) were intratumorally administrated to mice as the nano-niosome group, the free drug group and the control group, respectively (n = 4 per group). Tumor volume was measured during the 12-day experiment, then mice were sacrificed to evaluate the necrosis, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation of tumor tissues by H&E, CD34 and Ki-67 immunostaining, respectively. RESULTS: Both artemether and nano-niosome groups could decrease angiogenesis and proliferation of tumor cells. However, in nano-niosome group superior tumor necrosis and smaller tumor volume were observed compared to both artemether and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The niosomal formulation could be a promising carrier for breast cancer treatment.

Analytical characterization of label-free immunosensor subsystems based on multi-walled carbon nanotube array-modified gold interface.

In the present work, we report characterization studies of antigen(Ag)-antibody (Ab) interaction based on the multi-walled carbon nanotube array-modified gold electrode for label-free electrochemical immunosensor. -COOH functionalization of MWCNT was suggested by FTIR spectroscopy. Images from atomic force microscopy (AFM) and RAMAN spectroscopy confirmed the interaction of Ab on the gold interface based on the MWCNT array. A cyclic voltammetric study exhibited a linear response in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution including 1mM K3Fe (CN) 6 at pH 7.4 with PSA concentrations over a range of 2 to 40 ngmL(-1), and a calculated detection limit of 0.56 ngmL(-1).

A survey on clinical governance awareness among clinical staff: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical Governance (CG) program has been raised in Iran in order to improve the quality of clinical care. The purpose of this study is to investigate the awareness of clinical governance program among clinical staff working in selected teaching hospitals in Tehran, Iran. METHODS: To investigate the CG awareness, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 345 clinical staff working in 20 selected public hospitals in Tehran. Data were gathered using the standardized clinical governance awareness questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. RESULT: The results showed that the level of staff awareness about the concept of CG was low. They perceived continuous quality improvement, responsibility, medical errors reduction and patient safety as the main concepts of the CG framework. Reaching agreement of standards concepts among staff and positive changes in attitudes were considered as two most observed changes. The main perceived barriers to the implementation of clinical governance included lack of proper management and leadership, lack of full support, inappropriate organizational culture, lack of knowledge, poor communication system and insufficient training. CONCLUSIONS: The concepts and goals of clinical governance have not been effectively conveyed to the staff and despite its implementation in the hospitals, there has been low clinical governance awareness among the staff. Clinical Governance must be implemented through comprehensive management support and participation of all staff and health professionals at both hospital and policy making level.