A novel gold nanorods-based pH-sensitive thiol-ended triblock copolymer for chemo-photothermo therapy of cancer cells

Currently an effective strategy in nanomedicine for cancer therapy is the combination of photothermal therapy with chemotherapy. Because combination cancer therapy improve the therapy efficiency by synergistic effects and overcoming drug resistance as compared to monotherapy possesses. According to these facts, gold nanorods-cored biodegradable micelles were prepared by coating gold nanorods (AuNRs) with synthesized pH-sensitive thiol-ended amphiphilic triblock copolymer (PAA-b-PDMAEMAQ-b-PCL-SH). The synthesized AuNRs@polymer was loaded with methotrexate (MTX) as an anticancer drug through electrostatic interactions to afford AuNRs@polymer-MTX. The success of the coating was investigated by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, as well as dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential measurements. MTX-loading capacity, and pH triggered in vitro drug release behavior of the synthesized nanocomposites were also investigated. In vitro cytotoxic effects was comprehensively evaluated among free MTX, AuNRs@polymer, and AuNRs@polymer–MTX, with or without NIR light irradiation (1064?nm, 125?mJ/pulse, and 4?min) to improve curative effect of AuNRs@polymer–MTX led by the combination of photothermal therapy and chemotherapy.     

Microleakage Evaluation in Amalgam Restorations Used with Bases

Marginal leakage in amalgam restorations often precedes the development of secondary caries. One potential way to improve the marginal seal of such restorations, and thus minimize the risk of carles development, is to apply a glassionomer base prior to amalgam placement.
This study compared microleakage resistance among amalgam restorations placed with and without light-cured glass-ionomer base materials. Preparations were made in extracted human molar teeth. Four groups were studied, including copal varnish, which was used as a control. All specimens were restored with amalgam. Results indicated significantly greater leakage at the cavity wall/base interface for restorations with a copal varnish cavity liner than for those with a glass-ionomer base. Leakage differences among bases were also found at the amalgam/base interface. Best results were obtained with a dual-cure resin-based system. These samples showed minimal leakage at both the cavity wall/base and the base/amalgam interfaces. These findings suggest that light-cured glass-ionomer bases can be effective in the prevention of microleakage in amalgam restorations.     

Validity of standard gamble estimated quality of life in acute venous thrombosis

Introduction

The standard gamble is considered the ‘gold standard’ technique for measuring quality of life. We recently used the standard gamble to estimate quality of life in acute venous thrombosis, and found unexpected variability in the responses. The current study aimed to explore the reasons for variability by comparing the standard gamble technique in patients with acute venous thrombosis to other quality of life measurement tools.

Materials and Methods

Thrombosis clinic patients treated for venous thrombosis were eligible to participate. Patients evaluated their current health state by performing a standard gamble interview, reporting on a visual analogue scale, completing the SF-36 and disease specific questionnaires (PEmb-Qol and VEINES-QOL/Sym). Validity was assessed by correlating the standard gamble utilities with the other methods. Test-retest reliability, responsiveness and acceptability were also assessed.

Results

Forty-four patients were interviewed, with 16 attending for a repeat interview. The median standard gamble utility was 0.97 (0.84-1.0), SF-6D 0.64 (0.59 - 0.80) and visual analogue score 70 (60 - 80). Participants with pulmonary embolism had lower standard gamble estimates than those with deep vein thrombosis. There was good discriminant validity in that the standard gamble estimates were not associated with risk taking behavior, negative outlook, sex or education. Test-retest reliability with the standard gamble was moderate and there was evidence of a ceiling effect.

Conclusions

Standard gamble utilities are higher than other methods of measuring quality of life in venous thrombosis. The choice of utility values adopted in studies will impact on future economic studies.     

Adverse Tumor Biology Associated with Mesenterico-Portal Vein Resection Influences Survival in Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Background

Although pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) with mesenterico-portal vein resection (VR) can be performed safely in patients with resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the impact of this approach on long-term survival is controversial.

Patients and Methods

Analyses of a prospectively collected database revealed 122 consecutive patients with PDAC who underwent PD with (PD+VR) or without (PD?VR) VR between January 2004 and May 2012. Clinical data, operative results, and survival outcomes were analysed.

Results

Sixty-four (53 %) patients underwent PD+VR. The majority (84 %) of the venous reconstructions were performed with a primary end-to-end anastomosis. Demographic and postoperative outcomes were similar between the two groups. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, duration of operation, intraoperative blood loss, and blood transfusion requirement were significantly greater in the PD+VR group compared with the PD?VR group. Furthermore, the tumor size was larger, and the rates of periuncinate neural invasion and positive resection margin were higher in the PD+VR group compared with the PD?VR group. Histological venous involvement occurred in 47 of 62 (76 %) patients in the PD+VR group. At a median follow-up of 29 months, the median overall survival (OS) was 18 months for the PD+VR group, and 31 months for the PD?VR group (p = 0.016). ASA score, lymph node metastasis, neurovascular invasion, and tumor differentiation were predictive of survival. The need for VR in itself was not prognostic of survival.

Conclusions

PD with VR has similar morbidity but worse OS compared with a PD?VR. Although VR is not predictive of survival, tumors requiring a PD+VR have more adverse biological features.