Structural control of magnetite nanoparticles for hyperthermia by modification with organic polymers: Effect of molecular weight

Hyperthermia treatment using appropriate magnetic materials in an alternating magnetic field to generate heat has been recently proposed as a low-invasive cancer treatment method. Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles are expected to be an appropriate type of magnetic thermal seed for this purpose, and the addition of organic substances during the synthesis process has been studied for controlling particle size and improving biological functions. However, the role of the properties of the organic polymer chosen as the modifier in the physical properties of the thermal seed has not yet been comprehensively revealed. Therefore, this study clarifies these points in terms of the molecular weight and the charge of the functional groups of the added polymers. Excepting polyethyleneimine, the Fe3O4 crystallite size decreased with increasing polymer molecular weight. Neutral polymers did not suppress the Fe3O4 formation regardless of the difference in molecular weight, while suppression of the Fe3O4 formation was observed for low molecular weight anionic polymers and high molecular weight cationic polymers. Samples with a small amount of Fe3O4 or with crystallite size less than 10 nm induced low heat generation under an alternating magnetic field

Differentiating comorbidities and predicting prognosis in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus using cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers: a review

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a condition resulting from impaired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) absorption and excretion characterized by a triad of symptoms comprising dementia, gait disturbance (impaired trunk balance), and urinary incontinence. CSF biomarkers not only assist in diagnosis but are also important for analyzing the pathology and understanding appropriate treatment indications. As the neuropathological findings characteristic of iNPH have yet to be defined, there remains no method to diagnose iNPH with 100% sensitivity and specificity. Neurotoxic proteins are assumed to be involved in the neurological symptoms of iNPH, particularly the appearance of cognitive impairment. The symptoms of iNPH can be reversed by improving CSF turnover through shunting. However, early diagnosis is essential as once neurodegeneration has progressed, pathological changes become irreversible and symptom improvement is minimal, even after shunting. Combining a variety of diagnostic methods may lead to a more definitive diagnosis and accurate prediction of the prognosis following shunt treatment. Identifying comorbidities in iNPH using CSF biomarkers does not contraindicate shunting-based intervention, but does limit the improvement in symptoms it yields, and provides vital information for predicting post-treatment prognosi

Structural control of magnetite nanoparticles for hyperthermia by modification with organic polymers: Effect of molecular weight

Hyperthermia treatment using appropriate magnetic materials in an alternating magnetic field to generate heat has been recently proposed as a low-invasive cancer treatment method. Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles are expected to be an appropriate type of magnetic thermal seed for this purpose, and the addition of organic substances during the synthesis process has been studied for controlling particle size and improving biological functions. However, the role of the properties of the organic polymer chosen as the modifier in the physical properties of the thermal seed has not yet been comprehensively revealed. Therefore, this study clarifies these points in terms of the molecular weight and the charge of the functional groups of the added polymers. Excepting polyethyleneimine, the Fe3O4 crystallite size decreased with increasing polymer molecular weight. Neutral polymers did not suppress the Fe3O4 formation regardless of the difference in molecular weight, while suppression of the Fe3O4 formation was observed for low molecular weight anionic polymers and high molecular weight cationic polymers. Samples with a small amount of Fe3O4 or with crystallite size less than 10 nm induced low heat generation under an alternating magnetic field