Multimodal doxorubicin loaded magnetic nanoparticles for VEGF targeted theranostics of breast cancer

In presented paper we have developed new system for cancer theranostics based on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) targeted magnetic nanoparticles. Conjugation of anti-VEGF antibodies with bovine serum albumin coated PEGylated magnetic nanoparticles allows for improved binding with murine breast adenocarcinoma 4T1 cell line and facilitates doxorubicin delivery to tumor cells. It was shown that intravenous injection of doxorubicin loaded VEGF targeted nanoparticles increases median survival rate of mice bearing 4T1 tumors up to 50%. On the other hand magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 4T1 tumors 24 h after intravenous injection showed accumulation of nanoparticles in tumors, thus allowing simultaneous cancer therapy and diagnostics.     

Features of microcirculatory disorders in acute and recurrent hemorrhagic vasculitis (Schönlein-Henoch disease)

AIM: To study microcirculatory disturbances in acute and chronic hemorrhagic vasculitis (HV). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examination of 44 HV patients included clinical and immunological examinations, conjunctival biomicroscopy, tests for blood viscosity, aggregation of erythrocytes, coagulation parameters. In 8 patients morphological examination of skin microvessels was made (light microscopy and electron microscopy). RESULTS: Changes in microcirculation of patients with acute HV were characterized by increased IgA and red cell aggregation, tendency to hypercoagulation. Morphologically, there was high permeability of the microvessels wall. In patients with chronic HV laboratory parameters normalized except elevated level of circulating immune complexes and red cell aggregation. Morphological picture of microcirculatory disturbances in patients with chronic HV was characterized by productive vasculitis. CONCLUSION: In HV patients microcirculatory disorders caused by immunologic mechanisms are realized through increased permeability of microvessel wall, high aggregation of erythrocytes in microvessels and hypercoagulation in acute HV. In patients with chronic HV productive vasculitis and high aggregation of erythrocytes are registered.     

Effect of allicor on platelet aggregationin vitro andex vivo

An extract of garlic powder in isotonic phosphate buffer and adjoen (bioactive compound isolated from garlic powder) suppress human blood platelet aggregation induced by ADP and arachidonic acidin vitro. Adjoen more effectively than aspirin inhibits ADP-induced platelet aggregation but is inferior to aspirin if platelet aggregation is induced by arachidonic acid.Ex vivo oral intake of one Allicor tablet significantly decreases rabbit platelet aggregation induced with ADP. It is suggested that long-acting garlic powder tablets prevent thromboembolic complications and are recommended for correcting hemostasis parameters in patients with atherosclerotic involvement of blood vessels. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 124, No. 7, pp. 79–100, July, 1997     

Russian Brief Pain Inventory: validation and application in cancer pain

To validate the Russian version of the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI-R) and to examine predictors of inadequate pain management, 221 Russian patients with advanced-stage hematological malignancies or solid tumors completed the BPI-R and a Russian-language Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36-R). Factor analysis of the BPI-R found two underlying constructs, pain severity and pain interference, with Cronbach alphas of 0.93 and 0.95, respectively. Concurrent validity was established by comparing BPI-R items with SF-36-R scales. The BPI-R detected significant differences in pain severity and interference levels by Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, supporting known-group validity. Determination of the Pain Management Index revealed that 68% of the patients were inadequately treated by World Health Organization standards. Having advanced-stage disease and not receiving chemotherapy predicted inadequate pain management in a multivariate logistic regression model. The Russian version of the BPI is psychometrically sound in its reliability and validity.