Magnetically Guidable Proteinaceous Adhesive Microbots for Targeted Locoregional Therapeutics Delivery in the Highly Dynamic Environment of the Esophagus

The esophagus is a tubular-shaped muscular organ where swallowed fluids and muscular contractions constitute a highly dynamic environment. The turbulent, coordinated processes that occur through the oropharyngeal conduit can often compromise targeted administration of therapeutic drugs to a lesion, significantly reducing therapeutic efficacy. Here, magnetically guidable drug vehicles capable of strongly adhering to target sites using a bioengineered mussel adhesive protein (MAP) to achieve localized delivery of therapeutic drugs against the hydrodynamic physiological conditions are proposed. A suite of highly uniform microparticles embedded with iron oxide (IO) nanoparticles (MAP@IO MPs) is microfluidically fabricated using the genipin-mediated covalent cross-linking of bioengineered MAP. The MAP@IO MPs are successfully targeted to a specific region and prolongedly retained in the tubular-structured passageway. In particular, orally administered MAP@IO MPs are effectively captured in the esophagus in vivo in a magnetically guidable manner. Moreover, doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded MAP@IO MPs exhibit a sustainable DOX release profile, effective anticancer therapeutic activity, and excellent biocompatibility. Thus, the magnetically guidable locomotion and robust underwater adhesive properties of the proteinaceous soft microbots can provide an intelligent modular approach for targeted locoregional therapeutics delivery to a specific lesion site in dynamic fluid-associated tubular organs such as the esophagus.     

Spectral shape tunable band-rejection filter using a long-period fiber grating with divided coil heaters

We have developed a new type of tunable band rejection filter, which provides high spectral-shaping flexibility in a wide tuning range. The filter consists of a long-period fiber grating (LPFG) with divided coil heaters. Each of the divided coil heaters is controlled individually to adjust a temperature distribution along the LPFG and to modify the spectral shape of the LPFG filter. The tunable band rejection filter is demonstrated to function properly when applied as an erbium-doped fiber amplifier gain-flattening filter.     

Live animal performance, carcass traits, and meat palatability of calf- and yearling-fed cloned steers

Two groups of Brangus steers produced by nuclear transplantation cloning were used in parallel studies investigating the impact of calf- and yearling-feeding. The first group (n = 8) were fed as calves (CF; n = 4) or yearlings (YF; n = 4) to a constant age end point of 16 mo. The second group (n = 10) were fed as calves (CF; n = 5) or yearlings (YF; n = 5) to a constant live weight end point (530 kg). When slaughtered at the same age, CF and YF steers did not differ (P > .05) in feedlot ADG, but the CF steers were heavier and had higher dressing percentages, numeric yield grades, and quality grades (P < .05). Top loin steaks from the groups of steers did not differ (P > .05) in palatability traits. When fed to a constant live weight, the YF steers gained more rapidly (P < .05) and had lower (P < .05) numeric yield grades than did CF steers. Again CF steers had higher (P < .05) dressing percentages. There was no difference (P > .05) between the treatments in carcass quality grade or meat palatability characteristics. Thus, when finished to a constant weight end point, YF steers gained more rapidly, with no adverse effects on carcass quality grade or palatability traits; however, CF steers consistently produced higher dressing percentages, largely due to greater external fatness.     

Simultaneous degradation of nitroaromatic compounds TNT,RDX, atrazine,and simazine by Pseudomonas putida HK‐6 in bench‐scale bioreactors

BACKGROUND: Environmental contamination by nitroaromatic compounds such as 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT), hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐s‐triazine (RDX), atrazine, and/or simazine (TRAS) generated as waste from military and agricultural activities is a serious worldwide problem. Microbiological treatment of these compounds is an attractive method because many explosives and herbicides are biodegradable and the process can be made cost‐effective. We explored the feasibility of using cultures of Pseudomonas putida HK‐6 for simultaneous degradation of TRAS with the aim of microbial application in wastewater treatment in bench‐scale bioreactors. RESULTS: Experiments were conducted to study the effects of supplemental carbons, nitrogens, and Tween‐80 on the degradation of Ps. putida HK‐6 in media containing TRAS as target substrate(s). The most effective TRAS degradation was shown in the presence of molasses. Addition of nitrogen sources produced a delayed effect for the target substrate(s). Tween‐80 enhanced the degradation of target substrate(s). Simultaneous degradation of these compounds proceeded to completion within the given period. CONCLUSIONS: Ps. putida HK‐6 was capable of growth with TRAS, and the effects of supplements on TRAS degradation and simultaneous TRAS degradation were evaluated in bench‐scale bioreactors. The results of this study have practical applications in the processes of industrial waste stream treatment where the disposal of TRAS may be problematic. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Johnny's story: transfusing a Jehovah's Witness

Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood transfusions for themselves and for their children. This action can be difficult for health professionals to understand and can lead to tensions between the staff and family. For one family, their refusal of blood for their child lead to a greater understanding of their religion and its beliefs for those who cared for them. Interspersed with their story are the medical reasons their son required blood, the reasons Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood transfusions, and what the acceptable alternatives are to Jehovah's Witnesses. This article will share the thoughts and feelings of the family and the nursing staff who cared for the family during this crisis.     

Cortisone-induced osteoporosis: effects on bone adenylate cyclase

The majority of patients with soft tissue or bone sarcomas of the upper extremity can be treated today with limb-saving procedures using combined modality therapies. For patients with a tumor in the shoulder area, sometimes an interscapulothoracic amputation is the only radical surgical treatment. However, in selected cases, in which the tumor does not involve the neurovascular bundle, a limb-sparing alternative might be the Tikhoff-Linberg resection. Normal function of the hand and forearm, with reasonable function of the elbow, can be maintained by this procedure. Four case histories are reported.     

Spatial gradients of cytosolic calcium concentration in neurones during paradoxical activation by calcium

PURPOSE: To assess long-term survival following cladribine salvage treatment for previously treated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients aged 39-84 years with previously treated CLL received cladribine 0.12 mg/kg/day in 2-hour infusions for 5 days in monthly courses. Two-thirds were refractory to previous therapy, and 8 had prior fludarabine. RESULTS: Sixteen (31%) patients achieved complete response (CR) and 14 (27%) partial remission (PR) according to consensus criteria. Response correlated with clinical stage, number of previous treatment regimes, blood lymphocyte count, and lymphocyte halflife following the first cladribine course. Toxicity included pneumonia (n = 9), herpes zoster (n = 7), and septicemia (n = 2). Four patients in CR underwent high-dose chemotherapy with autologous blood stem cell support, and 2 remain in CR 48 and 60 months from start of cladribine, and 2 had relapse at 42 and 48 months, respectively. Median progression-free survival (Kaplan-Meier analysis) for CR patients was 23 months from start of cladribine treatment, and for PR patients 16 months. The projected overall survival was 80% at 3 years for CR patients, and the median survival 28 months for PR patients and 4 months for non-responding patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our previous finding of durable CRs from cladribine in advanced CLL is thus confirmed in a larger patient material, and follow-up indicate that long-term survival may be achieved.