Behavior of In Situ Cross‐Linked Hydrogels with Rapid Gelation Kinetics on Contact with Physiological Fluids

The impact of different physiological fluids on the rheological properties of gellan gum is investigated using a commercially available rheometer with a modified lower plate. The power of this method is demonstrated by measuring in real time, the rapid gelation kinetics, and gel strength of gellan gum exposed to simulated gastric fluid, lacrimal fluid, saliva, and wound fluid (all having a different ionic composition), highlighting potential use in the intelligent design of in situ gelling delivery systems. Changes in rheological behavior are examined in situ, gelation kinetics are modeled, and microstructure analyzed in the different simulated physiological environments.     

Polymers Diffusivity Encoded by Stimuli‐Induced Phase Transition: Theory and Application to Poly(N‐Isopropylacrylamide) with Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic End Groups

The self‐diffusion of various nano‐objects investigated by high‐resolution nuclear magnetic resonance diffusometry proves to be an efficient method for the characterization of dynamics, aggregation kinetic, and matrix morphology. This study investigates how the two‐state model and Boltzmann function approach can be used for the evaluation of the thermodynamic parameters of temperature‐induced phase transition encoded in polymer diffusivity. The characteristics of the phase transition given by the transition temperature, change of entropy, and width of transition are obtained for poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) linear polymers with hydrophilic and hydrophobic end‐group functionalization. The effect of end groups upon the polymer diffusivity is investigated as a function of molecular weight (M _n), from which fractal dimensions and hydrodynamic drag coefficients are obtained. The PNIPAm diffusivity is affected strongly by the end groups, and it is reflected in the hydrodynamic radius dependence upon molecular weight that obeys different power‐law relations. In this study, the synthesis of α‐ω‐heterotelechelic PNIPAm of different molecular weights with a thiol end group and a hydrophilic NIPAm‐like as well as a hydrophobic benzyl end group are described by reversible addition–fragmentation chain‐transfer polymerization.     

SPOP,ZEB-1 and E-cadherin expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (cc-RCC): Clinicopathological and prognostic significance

Background

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (cc-RCC), is a serious cancer regarding; its fatality, liability for metastases and chemoresistance, so identification of recent therapeutic targets to improve the patients prognosis is needed. SPOP is a BTB/POZ domain containing speckle-type POZ protein, has been identified as an E3 ubiquitin ligase component. ZEB1 is an essential epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) activator; E-cadherin is a cell adhesion protein that had been detected in normal epithelial cells membrane.

Immunological role of CD4<Superscript>+</Superscript>CD28<Superscript>null</Superscript> T lymphocytes,natural killer cells,and interferon-gamma in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease: relation to disease severity and response to therapy

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with alterations in immune phenotypes. CD4⁺CD28^null T lymphocytes have pro-inflammatory functions and are linked to vascular diseases. To assess the percentage of CD4⁺CD28^null T lymphocytes, natural killer cells (NK), and IFN-gamma levels, we compared 40 children and adolescents with SCD with 40 healthy controls and evaluated their relation to disease severity and response to therapy. Patients with SCD steady state were studied, focusing on history of frequent vaso-occlusive crisis, hydroxyurea therapy, and IFN-gamma levels. Analysis of CD4⁺CD28^null T lymphocytes and NK cells was done by flow cytometry. Liver and cardiac iron overload were assessed. CD4⁺CD28^null T lymphocytes, NK cells, and IFN-gamma levels were significantly higher in patients than controls. Patients with history of frequent vaso-occlusive crisis and those with vascular complications had higher percentage of CD4⁺CD28^null T lymphocytes and IFN-gamma while levels were significantly lower among hydroxyurea-treated patients. CD4⁺CD28^null T lymphocytes were positively correlated to transfusional iron input while these cells and IFN-gamma were negatively correlated to cardiac T2* and duration of hydroxyurea therapy. NK cells were correlated to HbS and indirect bilirubin. Increased expression of CD4⁺CD28^null T lymphocytes highlights their role in immune dysfunction and pathophysiology of SCD complications.     

“Lowe syndrome: A particularly severe phenotype without clinical kidney involvement”

Lowe syndrome (LS) is a very rare disorder of phosphatidylinositol metabolism, which manifests with a complex phenotype comprising a clinical triad encompassing major abnormalities of the eyes, the kidneys, and the central nervous system. We are reporting a 23‐year‐old Egyptian male with a severe phenotype of LS with a minimal kidney disease. Direct sequencing of the OCRL gene detected a p.His375Arg mutation in the catalytic domain of the protein. The patient suffered from bilateral congenital cataracts and glaucoma, striking growth deficiency, severe psychomotor disability, a severe osteopathy, and seizures, but only minimal renal dysfunction. Although the biological mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of LS manifestations is yet unclear, it has been proposed that growth delay and osteopathy are linked to a renal dysfunction. This report, however, argues this association and suggests that kidney dysfunction may partially explain the growth deficiency and bone abnormalities, but other still undefined factors might have a potential impact.

     

Neurobehavioral continuity from fetus to neonate

Neurobehavior represents development of the central nervous system (CNS). Fetuses and newborns exhibit a large number of endogenously generated motor patterns, among which general movements are often investigated pre- and post-natally. Spontaneous activity is probably a more sensitive indicator of brain dysfunction than reactivity to sensory stimuli while testing reflexes. Nutritional stress at critical times during fetal development can have persistent and potentially irreversible effects particularly on brain growth and function. Unfavorable intrauterine environment can affect adversely brain growth. All endogenously generated movement patterns from un-stimulated CNS might be observed as early as from the seven to eight weeks' gestation, with a rich repertoire of movements within the next two or three weeks, continuing for five to six months postnatally. It is still uncertain whether a new scoring system for prenatal neurological assessment will be adequate for the distinction between normal and abnormal fetuses in low-risk pregnancies. The continuity of behavioral patterns from prenatal to postnatal life might answer these intriguing questions.     

Enoxaparin versus unfractionated heparin in the management of recurrent abortion secondary to antiphospholipid syndrome

Objective

To determine whether low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) plus low-dose aspirin (LDA) is comparable in efficacy and safety to unfractionated heparin (UFH) plus LDA in the management of pregnant women with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortion secondary to antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

Methods

In a randomized prospective study, 60 women with a history of 3 or more consecutive spontaneous abortions and positive antiphospholipid antibodies were assigned in equal numbers to receive either UFH (5000 units, twice daily) plus LDA, or LMWH (enoxaparin 40 mg, once daily) plus LDA as soon as pregnancy was diagnosed.

Results

Twenty-four women in the LMWH group (80%) and 20 women in the UFH group (66.67%) delivered a viable infant (P = 0.243). There were no significant differences in pregnancy complications or neonatal morbidity between the 2 groups. There were no incidences of excessive bleeding, thrombocytopenia, or osteoporotic fractures in either group.

Conclusion

LMWH plus LDA was successfully used as an alternative to UFH plus LDA in the management of recurrent abortion secondary to APS. The results highlight the need for a larger randomized controlled trial to determine whether LMWH plus LDA should be the treatment of choice for recurrent abortion secondary to APS.Clinicaltrials.govNCT01051778.