It is possible to make conjugates or, more preferably, single-chain proteins that recognize cancer cells and deliver cargo inside the cells, even to the desired subcellular compartment. These findings offer new opportunities to deliver drugs/labels only to cancer cells and only to their site of action within the cells. The development of such dual-specificity vectors for targeting cancer cells is an attractive and potentially safer and more efficacious way of delivering drugs. We provide examples of this approach for delivering brain cancer therapeutics, using a specific biomarker
on glioblastoma tumor cells.”
“Objective: To determine the incidence and risk factors for umbilical cord prolapse and to evaluate Sonidegib supplier whether obstetrical interventions increase this risk.
Methods:
A retrospective, cohort study of all intended vaginal deliveries in a single tertiary university affiliated medical center (33 519 deliveries). Obstetrical and labor characteristics, including labor interventions [as LCL161 artificial rupture of membranes (ARM) and intrauterine catheter insertion] and short-term pregnancy outcome were obtained. Primary outcome measure was defined as abnormal umbilical cord pH < 7.2 and/or 5-min Apgar score < 7.
Results: The rate of umbilical cord prolapse was 37/33 519 (0.11%); of them, 23 (62%) were diagnosed after ARM, three cases (8%) were related to external cephalic version and three cases (8%) were related to intrauterine catheter insertion. The rate of umbilical cord pH < 7.2 and 5-min Apgar score < 7 was higher in the ARM group in comparison to women with spontaneous rupture of membranes (30% versus 21%, p = 0.8). There was no significant difference in mean Selleck Buparlisib pH according to mode of delivery. All neonates were discharged within 8 d of delivery with good neonatal outcome and the rate of maternal complications was low.
Conclusion: Prompt delivery in cases of umbilical cord prolapse is associated with favorable pregnancy outcome.”
“Reconstruction of extensive bone defects remains technically
challenging and has considerable medical and financial impact on our society. Surgical procedures often require a bone/substitute graft to enhance and accelerate bone repair. Bone autografts are associated with morbidity related to bone harvesting and are limited in quantity. Alternatively, bone allografts expose the patient to the risk of transmission of infectious disease. Synthetic bone graft substitutes, such as calcium sulfates, hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, and combinations, circumvent some of the disadvantages of auto- and allografts, but have limited indications. Biomedical research has made possible the stimulation of the body’s own healing mechanisms, either by delivering exogenous growth factors locally, or by stimulating their local production by gene transfer.