Preparation and Characterization of Self-Emulsified Docetaxel

The aim of this paper was to prepare a self-microemulsifying docetaxel (Dtx) using PLGA, Tetraglycol, Labrasol, and Cremophor ELP. The prepared Dtx-loaded self-microemulsifying system (SMES) showed the initial size of the range of 80–100 nm with narrow size distribution and the negative zeta-potential values. Its morphology was a spherical shape by atomic force microscopy. In experiment of stability, Dtx-loaded SMES prepared in DW and BSA condition showed good stability at 37∘C for 7 days. The viability of the B16F10 cells incubated with Dtx-loaded SMES, Dtx-solution, and Taxol were decreased as a function of incubation time. In conclusion, we confirmed that Dtx-loaded SMES showed an inhibitory effect for proliferation of B16F10 melanoma cells

Genetic polymorphism of merozoite surface protein-1 and merozoite surface protein-2 in Plasmodium falciparum field isolates from Myanmar

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1) and MSP-2 of <it>Plasmodium falciparum </it>are potential vaccine candidate antigens for malaria vaccine development. However, extensive genetic polymorphism of the antigens in field isolates of <it>P. falciparum </it>represents a major obstacle for the development of an effective vaccine. In this study, genetic polymorphism of MSP-1 and MSP-2 among <it>P. falciparum </it>field isolates from Myanmar was analysed.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A total of 63 <it>P. falciparum </it>infected blood samples, which were collected from patients attending a regional hospital in Mandalay Division, Myanmar, were used in this study. The regions flanking the highly polymorphic characters, block 2 for MSP-1 and block 3 for MSP-2, were genotyped by allele-specific nested-PCR to analyse the population diversity of the parasite. Sequence analysis of the polymorphic regions of MSP-1 and MSP-2 was also conducted to identify allelic diversity in the parasite population.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Diverse allelic polymorphism of MSP-1 and MSP-2 was identified in <it>P. falciparum </it>isolates from Myanmar and most of the infections were determined to be mixed infections. Sequence analysis of MSP-1 block 2 revealed that 14 different alleles for MSP-1 (5 for K1 type and 9 for MAD20 type) were identified. For MSP-2 block 3, a total of 22 alleles (7 for FC27 type and 15 for 3D7 type) were identified.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Extensive genetic polymorphism with diverse allele types was identified in MSP-1 and MSP-2 in <it>P. falciparum </it>field isolates from Myanmar. A high level of mixed infections was also observed, as was a high degree of multiplicity of infection.</p

Development of a Specific and Rapid Diagnostic Method for Detecting Influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 Virus Infection Using Immunochromatographic Assay

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to develop an immunochromatographic assay (ICA) for the detection of influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 virus infection.Materials and methodsSeveral monoclonal antibodies against influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 virus were generated and an ICA (pdm09-ICA) was developed for the rapid and specific detection of influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 virus infection. The specificity and sensitivity of the developed assay were compared with that of hemagglutination assay and real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR).ResultsThe detection limit was estimated to be 1/2 (8) hemagglutinating unit; the sensitivity and specificity rates of pdm09-ICA were 75.86% (110/145) and 100% (43/43), respectively, compared with rRT-PCR. The cross-reactivity for 20 influenza viruses, including seasonal H1N1 viruses, was found to be negative except for the H1N1 virus (A/Swine/Korea/GC0503/2005).ConclusionThese results indicate that the proposed method can be easily used for rapid and specific detection of the pdm09 infection. The assay developed in this study would be a useful tool for distinguishing the pdm09 infection from seasonal influenza A and B infections

Prenatal Diagnosis of Bilateral Pulmonary Agenesis: a Case Report

We report a case of bilateral pulmonary agenesis (BPA), which was suspected during a prenatal US examination and diagnosed by fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). BPA is an extremely rare congenital anomaly and, although many fetal structural defects can be detected with a high degree of confidence after introducing high-resolution US, the prenatal diagnosis of BPA remains problematic. Other thoracic abnormalities, such as a congenital diaphragmatic hernia, congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, and pulmonary sequestration, should be excluded from the list of possible diagnoses before coming to the conclusion of BPA, because BPA is absolutely incompatible with extrauterine life, and an accurate internal diagnosis can prevent a futile intervention from being performed.Lee EY, 2008, RADIOLOGY, V247, P632, DOI 10.1148/radiol.2473062124Moreno-Alvarez O, 2008, ULTRASOUND OBST GYN, V31, P164, DOI 10.1002/uog.5201Obenauer S, 2008, CLIN IMAG, V32, P48, DOI 10.1016/j.clinimag.2007.08.019Joshi S, 2007, EARLY HUM DEV, V83, P789, DOI 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2007.09.007Jeanty C, 2007, ULTRASOUND OBST GYN, V29, P378, DOI 10.1002/uog.3958Nazir Z, 2006, J PEDIATR SURG, V41, P1165, DOI 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2006.02.012Gabarre JA, 2005, J ULTRAS MED, V24, P865Levine D, 2003, RADIOLOGY, V228, P379, DOI 10.1148/radiol.2282020604Vettraino IM, 2003, J ULTRAS MED, V22, P723Yang JI, 2003, J CLIN ULTRASOUND, V31, P214, DOI 10.1002/jcu.10157Laudy JAM, 2000, ULTRASOUND OBST GYN, V16, P284Kalache KD, 1997, FETAL DIAGN THER, V12, P360ENGELLENNER W, 1989, PEDIATR PATHOL, V9, P725