Plasmonic fluorescent CdSe/Cu2S hybrid nanocrystals for multichannel imaging and cancer directed photo-thermal therapy.

A simple, crude Jatropha curcas (JC) oil-based synthesis approach, devoid of any toxic phosphine and pyrophoric ligands, to produce size and shape tuned CdSe QDs and a further copper sulfide (Cu2S) encasing is presented. The QDs exhibited excellent photoluminescent properties with narrow band gap emission. Furthermore, the Cu2S shell rendered additional cytocompatibility and stability to the hybrid nanomaterial, which are major factors for translational and clinical applications of QDs. The nanocomposites were PEGylated and folate conjugated to augment their cytoamiability and enhance their specificity towards cancer cells. The nanohybrids possess potentials for visible, near infrared (NIR), photoacoustic (PA) and computed tomography (µCT) imaging. The diverse functionality of the composite was derived from the multi-channel imaging abilities and thermal competence on NIR laser irradiation to specifically actuate the photo-thermal ablation of brain cancer cells.

Implant-connected versus tooth-connected implant-supported partial dentures: 2-year clinical and radiographic comparative evaluation.

The purpose of this study was to clinically and radiographically compare implant-connected and tooth-connected implant-supported fixed-detachable mandibular partial dentures. Twenty partially edentulous patients (age range: 25 to 50 years) with mandibular Kennedy Class II configurations were equally divided into two groups receiving a three-unit, fixed-detachable, screw-retained partial denture. Group 1 comprised patients with unilateral missing mandibular molars and premolars. Two implants were placed at the mandibular first premolar and first molar areas. Group 2 comprised patients with missing mandibular molars and second premolars. An implant was placed at the mandibular first molar area, the first premolar was prepared, and a coping was cemented to the tooth with permanent cement. Each case was evaluated clinically and radiographically at baseline (partial denture insertion) and after 6, 12, and 24 months. Data were collected and statistically analyzed using repeated-measures one-way and two-way analysis of variance tests. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P > .05). The implant-tooth-supported prosthesis provided an equally predictable treatment option compared to the totally implant-supported prosthesis in terms of implant survival and loss of marginal bone.

FITC/suramin harboring silica nanoformulations for cellular and embryonic imaging/anti-angiogenic theranostics.

The in vitro and in vivo uptake, toxicological analysis and anti-angiogenic theranostic prospect of FITC loaded (FITC-Si) and suramin loaded (Sur-Si) silica nanoparticles are presented. FITC/suramin encapsulated silica nanoparticles (NPs) with an average size of <30 nm were synthesized. The uptake of FITC-Si by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HuVECs) (in vitro) and by early stage medaka embryos (in vivo) was monitored by fluorescence microscopy. The nanoformulation was found to be biocompatible with both cells and embryos. The cytotoxicity analysis, tubulogenesis and migration assay confirmed the anti-angiogenic potential of Sur-Si NPs in HuVECs. The imaging of medaka embryos exposed to FITC-Si, their survival and hatching rate and biocompatibility post FITC-Si exposure were documented. The in vivo drug delivery mediated anti-angiogenic potential of Sur-Si NPs was assessed by survival and hatching rate analysis along with morphological indicators. At higher concentrations, Sur-Si proved lethal to embryos, whereas at lower concentrations it was rather an efficient anti-angiogenic formulation leading to malformed vasculogenesis and inhibited intersegmental vessel formation in an efficient dose dependent mode. The results indicate the potential application of such nanoformulation in future anti-angiogenic theranostics.