Investigation of Polar and Nonpolar Cyclotides Separation from Violet Extract Through Microfluidic Chip

Cyclotides (CTs) as a cyclic peptide obtained from different groups of plants have been very attractable field of research for scientists because of their specific properties like their natural function as host defense agents. CTs are bioactive peptides from plants that characterized by their head-to-tail cyclic backbone and knotted arrangement of their three conserved disulfide bonds. Their natural function is thought to be as host defense agents and a single plant can express dozens to hundreds of CTs. CTs stand out as a family of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) because of their exceptional stability, structural plasticity, unique biochemical target, and Gram-negative selective antimicrobial action. These features together with recent advancements in the methods of production of CTs make them an intriguing prospect from a drug development perspective. To accomplish this aim, as part of a separation, detection and research of anti-cancer properties CTs study, we investigate the separation of cyclotides in violets into polar and non-polar groups by microfluidic chips

Adsorption challenge in the PDMS-based microfluidic systems for drug screening application

Drug screening is one of the demand areas due to close and direct dependency on human health. On the other hand, recently microfluidic systems have been increasingly used for drug development and screening purposes. However, this system has some challenges such as adsorption issue which can effect pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) of the drugs. Thus, in this research, the issue was characterized and evaluated by UV-Vis spectrophotometry and FTIR spectroscopy devices as a model drug of cisplatin. Despite of strong relationship between logP and adsorption, and the very low value of logP in the drug candidate, the results for both apical and basal planes of the microfluidic chip confirmed the adsorption. In the UV-Vis spectrophotometry, the basal plane show 5%, and 10% higher adsorption compared to apical and control polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microfluidic. Additionally, the FTIR patterns were a good coincide with UV-Vis results

Investigation of Mesenchymal cells in the Microfluidic Cell Culture Device

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as multipotent stem cells, can be obtained from many tissues/organs including bonemarrow, adipose tissue, dental pulp, and amniotic or synovial fluids1. MSCs are unique cells that can support functionsof many tissues and organs by releasing soluble factors such as growth factors, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammationfactors, and they can synthesize extracellular matrix (ECM) mainly composed of collagen fibrils, a key component oftissues. In damaged tissues, MSCs can help the formation of new blood vessels by secreting angiogenic factors.Therefore, MSCs are very helpful for reducing the inflammation2, decreasing the progress of autoimmune diseases3and preventing rejection of transplant4. Our objective in this study is to use MSCs as supportive/feeder cells for themaintenance of liver cells including cell adhesion, cell growth and proliferation other biological activity in microfluidicchip by benefitting from such protective and regenerative properties of MSCs for tissues. To accomplish this aim, aspart of a liver-on-a-chip study, we investigate the behavior of MSCs in microfluidic (MF) culture by monitoring cellviability, proliferation, cell numbers, and the expression of MSC-specific genes. Moreover, we will investigate the effectof MSCs on the viability and maintenance of liver cells within the MF-chip conducted by co-culture of MSCs withliver cells (PDF) Investigation of Mesenchymal cells in the Microfluidic Cell Culture Device

Efficacy of Capecitabine and Temozolomide Regimen in Neuroendocrine Tumors: Data From the Turkish Oncology Group

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to report the efficacy and safety of capecitabine plus temozolomide (CAPTEM) across different lines of treatment in patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). METHODS: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study analyzing the data of 308 patients with metastatic NETs treated with CAPTEM between 2010 and 2022 in 34 different hospitals across various regions of Turkey. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 41.0 months (range: 1.7-212.1), and the median age was 53 years (range: 22-79). Our results across the entire patient cohort showed a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 10.6 months and a median overall survival (OS) of 60.4 months. First-line CAPTEM treatment appeared more effective, with a median PFS of 16.1 months and a median OS of 105.8 months (median PFS 16.1, 7.9, and 9.6 months in first-, second- and ≥third-line respectively, P = .01; with median OS values of 105.8, 47.2, and 24.1 months, respectively, P = .003) In terms of ORR, the first-line treatment again performed better, resulting in an ORR of 54.7% compared to 33.3% and 30.0% in the second and third or higher lines, respectively (P < .001). Grade 3-4 side effects occurred only in 22.5% of the patients, leading to a discontinuation rate of 9.5%. Despite the differences in outcomes based on treatment line, we did not observe a significant difference in terms of side effects between the first and subsequent lines of treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The substantial superior outcomes in patients receiving first-line CAPTEM treatment highlight its potential as an effective treatment strategy for patients with metastatic NET