Search

The assembly–disassembly of hyaluronic acid (HA) with a bovine serum albumin-conjugated gold nanoparticle (BSA-AuNP) was demonstrated using a gas-phase electrophoresis approach, electrospray-differential mobility analysis (ES-DMA). Physical sizes, number and mass concentrations, and degrees of aggregation of HA, BSA, and AuNP were successfully quantified using ES-DMA hyphenated with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was employed complementarily for an orthogonal characterization of the assembly of HA with BSA-AuNP and the subsequent HA detachment. The results show that the surface packing density of HA on BSA-AuNP was proportional to the concentration of HA (CHA) when CHA≤ 5 × 10–3μmol/L, and the equilibrium binding constant of HA on BSA-AuNP was identified as ≈ 4 × 105L/mol at pH 3. The pH-sensitive and enzyme-induced detachments of HA from BSA-AuNP were both successfully characterized using ES-DMA and ATR-FTIR. In the absence of enzymatic catalysis, the rate constant of HA detachment (k) was shown to increase by at least 3.7 times on adjusting the environmental acidity from pH 3 to pH 7. A significant enzyme-induced HA detachment was identified at pH 7, showing a remarkable increase of kby at least two times in the presence of an enzyme. This work provides a proof of concept for assembly of HA-based hybrid colloidal nanomaterials through the tuning of surface chemistry in the aqueous phase with the ability of in situ quantitative characterization, which has shown promise for the development of a variety of HA-derivative biomedical applications (e.g., drug delivery).

Trace element analysis of soft materials, to determine the content of low concentration elements, is important in many industries such as food quality control and medical biopsy analysis. Many of these applications would benefit from faster analysis with smaller sample requirements. Further, some natural samples are soft and have high water content, which brings challenges to element analysis. Here, we develop a cryogenic pelletization pretreatment to address those challenges. The soft samples are cryogenically milled, freeze-dried, and pelletized before elemental analysis. Analysis is performed by laser ablation spectroscopy, the combination of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (LA-ICP-MS), to rapidly analyze light and heavy analytes. For this initial study, aluminum (Al) content in soft samples is determined by LIBS and lead (Pb) content by LA-ICP-MS. The standard addition method is performed to build calibration curves for element quantification. The measurements are compared with a Hong Kong government certified acid digestion and ICP-MS procedure. The experiment is performed on standard reference materials and selected food samples. The relative errors compared with certified measurements are less than 10% for all samples, with Al content ranging from 63–1466 µg/g and Pb content from 0.37–2.35 µg/g (dry mass). Microscopy of pellets shows that laser ablation spectroscopy can be performed with 100 µg of sample (dry mass). Total analysis time from raw sample to final measurement, including preparation, is under 1 h. The results indicate that the laser ablation spectroscopy with cryogenic pelletization is a promising technique for many applications such as screening of small food samples for toxic metals and trace element analysis of millimeter biopsies.

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a promising radiotherapy for treating glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). However, the penetration of drugs (e.g., sodium borocaptate and BSH) for BNCT into brain tumors is limited by cerebral vesicular protective structures, the blood–brain barrier, and the blood–brain tumor barrier (BTB). Although BSH has been reported to be selectively taken up by tumors, it is rapidly excreted from the body and cannot achieve a high tumor-to-normal brain ratio (T/N ratio) and tumor-to-blood ratio (T/B ratio). Despite the development of large-molecular weight boron compounds, such as polymers and nanoparticles, to enhance the permeation and retention effect, their effects remain insufficient for clinical use. To improve the efficiency of boron delivery to the tumor site, we propose combinations of self-assembled boron-containing polyanion [polyethylene glycol-b-poly((closo-dodecaboranyl)thiomethylstyrene) (PEG-b-PMBSH)] nanoparticles (295 ± 2.3 nm in aqueous media) coupled with cationic microbubble (B-MB)-assisted focused ultrasound (FUS) treatment. Upon FUS sonication (frequency = 1 MHz, pressure = 0.3–0.7 MPa, duty cycle = 0.5%, sonication = 1 min), B-MBs can simultaneously achieve safe BTB opening and boron drug delivery into tumor tissue. Compared with the MBs of the PEG-b-PMBSH mixture group (B + MBs), B-MBs showed 3- and 2.3-fold improvements in the T/N (4.4 ± 1.4 vs 1.3 ± 0.1) and T/B ratios (1.4 ± 0.6 vs 0.1 ± 0.1), respectively, after 4 min of FUS sonication. The spatial distribution of PEG-b-PMBSH was also improved by the complex of PEG-b-PMBSH with MBs. The findings presented herein, in combination with the expanding clinical application of FUS, may improve BNCT and treatment of GBM.

AbstractIn this study, an alkaline-digestion pretreatment and a subsequent ICP-MS measurement were conducted for iodine-129 (I-129) determination in low-level radioactive waste. A TMAH + H2O2+ Triton X-100 mixed alkaline digestion was the most effective mixture for I-129 determination. Using this alkaline reagent, a high level of I-129 recovery (101 ± 6%) was achieved for the analysis of the I-129-spiked standard reference materials NIST 2709 and 2711. Importantly, the I-129 concentrations determined for ten real samples provided by the Lan-Yu radioactive waste temporary storage site were found to be below the detection limit (0.011 mg/kg). This value was only approximately 30–70% of the values determined using the I-129/Cs-137 scaling factor. This means that using the I-129/Cs-137 scaling factor severely overestimates the I-129 concentration in these low-level radioactive wastes. We therefore suggest that a detailed re-inspection of the I-129/Cs-137 scaling factor should be performed to appropriately categorize these low-level radioactive wastes.

It has been suggested that a high concentration of Fe3+in solution, a low pH, and noncomplexing ions of high ionic strength are all essential for developing a high-quality hematite array. Our curiosity was piqued regarding the role of the electrolyte ions in the hydrothermal synthesis of hematite photoanodes. In this study, we prepared hematite photoanodes hydrothermally from precursor solutions of 0.1 M FeCl3at pH 1.55 with a background electrolyte of 1.0 M sodium halide (NaF, NaCl, NaBr, or NaI). We compared the structures and properties of the as-obtained hematite photoanodes with those of the material prepared in 1.0 M NaNO3, the most widely adopted electrolyte in previous studies. Among our studied systems, we found that the hematite photoanode prepared in NaCl solution was the only one possessing properties similar to those of the sample obtained from the NaNO3solutionmost importantly in terms of photoelectrochemical performance (ca. 0.2 mA/cm2with +0.4 V vs SCE). The hematites obtained from the NaF, NaBr, and NaI solutions exhibited much lower (by approximately 2 orders of magnitude) photocurrent densities under the same conditions, possibly because of their relatively less ordered crystallinity and the absence of rodlike morphologies. Because the synthetic protocol was identical in each case, we believe that these two distinct features reflect the environments in which these hematite photoanodes were formed. Consistent with the latest studies reported in the literature of the X-ray photoelectron spectra of fast-frozen hematite colloids in aqueous solutions, it appears that the degree of surface ion loading at the electrolyte–hematite interface (Stern layer) is critical during the development of hematite photoanodes. We suspect that a lower ion surface loading benefits the hematite developing relatively higher-order and a rodlike texture, thereby improving the photoelectrochemical activity.

Bone pain, anemia, renal failure, and paraproteinemia are common manifestations in patients with multiple myeloma. In this article, we describe an elderly woman with multiple myeloma who had unusual manifestations of cutaneous xanthomatosis, temporal arteritis, and retinal vasculitis. The literature of the dermatologic, ocular, and rheumatologic manifestations of multiple myeloma is reviewed, and the clinical significance of vasculitis in multiple myeloma is discussed.

A multiband wavelength-division-demultiplexing (WDDM) structure, which incorporates cascaded substrate-mode holograms, is presented. The method can be used to design a WDDM device that consists of two or more layers of fundamental units (i.e., substrate-mode holograms). The fundamental unit is based on a diffracted grating and a substrate that include angular dispersion, wavelength bandwidth, and total internal reflection, which can be used to separate optical signals of different wavelengths. We have designed and built a multiband WDDM device, incorporating cascaded substrate-mode holograms in dichromated gelatin.

We describe a case of non-pyothorax-associated primary pleural lymphoma with bone marrow and central nervous system involvement, and complex karyotypic abnormalities involving nullisomy chromosome 17 and multiple breakpoints that are commonly associated with acute leukemia and myeloproliferative diseases.

We report a case of diffuse large cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with concomitant lupus anticoagulant at initial diagnosis. Progressive thrombosis occurred despite radiologically proven response of the lymphoma after chemotherapy treatment. Extraordinary bone scintigraphy with multiple "cold" lesions probably due to bone ischemia is described.

We report here a rare case of biphenotypic MO acute myeloid leukemia (AML) associated with trisomy 4. The literature of trisomy 4 in acute leukemia was reviewed. M2 and M4 AML are the most common FAB subtypes associated with trisomy 4. The clinical course of this entity is generally comparable with other non-trisomy 4 cases of AML. Despite the speculation made when first described, no specific environmental toxin has been found to be associated with this entity. C-kit oncogene has been mapped to chromosome 4 recently, and the role of this proto-oncogene in leukemogenesis of trisomy 4 associated leukemia should be further investigated.

Central venous catheters play an integral part in the treatment of patients with a variety of illnesses. Complications, although not common, do occur. However, the benefits of these devices far outweigh the risks. Thrombosis, one of the most common problems, can be divided into three distinct clinical entities. The prophylaxis, diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment of central venus catheter-related thromboses are critical in the treatment of patients requiring long-term venous access.

We describe a case of stage IE diffuse small cleaved B-cell lymphoma involving primarily the head of pancreas in a patient with chronic malabsorption as a result of short bowel syndrome. The association of chronic malabsorption with lymphoma and other cancer is reviewed. The possible role of dietary fat as an etiologic link to this association is speculated.

•M-Na-Al and v-Na-Ca glasses show bead exchange between Guishan and Southeast Asia.•Varied types of copper-based colourants may be used in the m-Na-Al glass.•V-Na-Ca glass reveals early sub-type around the South China Sea in 1st millennium.•Yellow m-Na-Al glass with bone ash suggests small scale exchange along east Taiwan.

We present theoretical and experimental studies of a novel substrate-mode grating pair structure for wavelength-division-multiplexing/demultiplexing applications. Normally incident coupling and on-axis output imaging with this device provide easier alignment with coupled optical fibers. We have designed and fabricated wavelength-division-multiplexing devices that are implemented by polarization-insensitive high-efficiency (> 85%) substrate-mode holograms. Three-channel demultiplexing experiments have also been successfully demonstrated with the limited available wavelength range of our diode-laser system.

We report a case of chyloperitoneum and peritoneal carcinomatosis 8 months after radiation therapy for cervical cancer and treatment with lowfat diet, diuretics, and systemic combination chemotherapy. The literature of chyloperitoneum complicating gynecological malignancies is reviewed.

We present theoretical and experimental studies of a novel substrate-mode grating pair structure for wavelength-division-multiplexing/demultiplexing applications. Normally incident coupling and on-axis output imaging with this device provide easier alignment with coupled optical fibers. We have designed and fabricated wavelength-division-multiplexing devices that are implemented by polarization-insensitive high-efficiency (> 85%) substrate-mode holograms. Three-channel demultiplexing experiments have also been successfully demonstrated with the limited available wavelength range of our diode-laser system.

This study was conducted to compare predictive accuracy of the available pharmacogenetics (PGx)‐guided warfarin dosing algorithms derived from Caucasian, Asian, and mixed population to identify a suitable algorithm for Thai population. Ten warfarin dosing algorithms derived from different population including Caucasian, East Asian, South‐East Asian, and mixed races were selected and tested with clinical and genetic data of Thai patients. Comparative performances of these algorithms were tested using mean dose error (MDE) between actual warfarin maintenance dose (AWMD) and predicted dose generated by each dosing algorithm, and percentage of ideal dose prediction (IDP). Sensitivity analysis for predictive accuracy was also conducted by stratifying patients into low (AWMD≤21 mg/wk), intermediate (AWMD>21 to <49 mg/wk), and high maintenance dose (AWMD≥49 mg/wk) groups. Data of 165 patients were included for the analyses. Mean actual warfarin dose of the study population was 25.03 ± 10.53 mg/wk. Large variability of MDE, ranging from −12.11 to 11.24 mg/wk, among algorithms was observed. International Warfarin Pharmacogenetics Consortium, Gage et al, and Ohno et al algorithms had comparable performances to Sangviroon et al algorithm, as observed by MDEof <1 mg/wk with percentage of IDP≥40%. Further sensitivity analyses among patients requiring low and intermediate maintenance doses confirmed such findings with IDPpercentage ranging from 37.8% to 59.2%. Among high‐dose group, only Ohno et al and Sarapakdi et al algorithms had acceptable performance. Warfarin PGx‐guided dosing algorithms derived from large, mixed population performed comparably to Sangviroon et al algorithm. Certain algorithms should be avoided due to significant dose prediction error.

Constitutional chromosomal abnormalities in apparently normal individuals have shown a rise in incidence possibly because of improved banding techniques. Constitutional pericentric inversion of chromosome 9 [inv(9)] occurs in approximately 0.8%–2% of the normal population (Hsu et al. Am J Med Genet 1987, Tawn et al. Mutat Res 1992) and is generally regarded as a normal variant, as is constitutional pericentric inversion of chromosome 2 [inv(2)] (Hysert et al. Prenat Diagn 2006). However, both inversions have been implicated with infertility, recurrent spontaneous abortion, as well as myeloid leukemias (Daya. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 1994, Mozziconacci et al. Cancer Genet Cytogenet 1998). Inv(9) has also been implicated in causing delayed engraftment after autologous and allogeneic transplantation from donors with inv(9), though not without controversy (Keung et al. Br J Haematol 2003, Lee et al. Ann Clin Lab Sci 2010). Most of these studies were conducted among patients with leukemia and/or transplantation. To investigate the constitutional chromosomal abnormalities in a more community-like setting, we conducted a pilot study of the incidence of constitutional chromosomal abnormalities in our clinic.Between January 2010 and June 2011, 248 consecutive patients, 132 males and 116 females, median age of 68.6 (range 20.5–89.5) underwent bone marrow examination for various indications at our clinic. Of these patients, 181 underwent one or more cytogenetic analysis. We then reviewed clinical charts.A total of 274 bone marrow examinations were performed. Of the 274 bone marrow examinations, 199 conventional karyotypes were also obtained. Three patients (1.7%) with constitutional chromosomal abnormalities were found: two had pericentric inversion of chromosome 9, inv(9)(p12q13)c, and one had pericentric inversion of chromosome 2, inv(2)(p11.2q13)c.Case 1. A 48-year old male presented with cryptococcal meningitis, absolute CD4 count of 3/μL and CD8 count 4/μL. He was treated successfully with high dose fluconazole. Subsequent workup suggested a diagnosis of idiopathic non-HIV CD4 lymphocytopenia (Smith et al N Engl J Med 1993). Bone marrow examination showed normal finding and no evidence of lymphoma, with 46,XY,inv(9)(p12q13)c[20].Case 2. A 66-year old female presented with asymptomatic leukocytopenia for 6 years, WBC 3,100-3,900/μL with normal hemoglobin and platelet. Bone marrow examination showed normal finding, with 46,XX,inv(9)(p12q13)c[20].Case 3. A 69-year old male presented with asymptomatic lymphocytosis, WBC 17,800/μL, Hgb 13.5 g/dL, platelet 227,000/μL, with neutrophils 27%, lymphocytes 68%, and monocytes 4%. Bone marrow examination diagnosed chronic lymphocytic leukemia, CD5+, CD19+ and CD23+, with 49,XY,inv(2)(p11.2q13), +12,+18,+19[2]/46,XY, inv(2)(p11.2q13)c[18].The incidence of constitutional chromosomal abnormalities is estimated to be 1.7% in this pilot study, which is similar to the reported literature. The occurrence of constitutional abnormalities in our patients may simply be coincidental. However, due to small sample size, a larger study is required to confirm this finding.No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract 4913