Ultrasound-mediated targeted microbubble sonoporation of endothelial cells

Molecular imaging using ultrasound makes use of targeted microbubbles. In this study we investigated whether these microbubbles could also be used to induce drug uptake in endothelial cells. CD31-targeted microbubbles insonified at 1 MHz induced sonoporation when they were larger than 3.0 μm or when their relative vibration amplitude was larger than 0.5. No relationship was found between the position of the microbubble on the cell and the induction of sonoporation

Using the attachment network Q-sort for profiling one's attachment style with different attachment-figures

Attachment instruments vary substantially in practicability of administration, employment of categorical versus dimensional scoring, quality of scales, and applicability to different attachment figures. The Attachment Network Q-sort (ANQ) is a self-report, quasi-qualitative instrument that discriminates relationship-specific attachment styles for multiple attachment figures. The current study assesses the properties of the ANQ in psychotherapy patients and in non-patient respondents, using mother, father and romantic partner as possible attachment figures. Analyzing the ANQ-data with latent class analysis, we found four types or classes of participants: a group with an overall secure profile, a group only insecure for father, a group only insecure for mother, and a group insecure for mother as well as father but not for partner (if available). These profiles proved to have good concurrent, discriminant and construct validity. We conclude that the ANQ is potentially a useful alternative clinical self-report instrument to assess combinations of attachment styles for a range of attachment figures such as parents and a romantic partner

Prospects for local co-governance

British local authorities and their partners are increasingly developing new ways of working together with local communities. The nature of this co-working, however, is complex, multi-faceted and little understood. This article argues for greater clarity of thinking on the topic, by analysing this co-working as a form of political co-governance, and drawing attention in particular to issues of scale and democracy. Using evidence from a study of 43 local authority areas, 16 authorities are identified where co-governance is practised, following three main types of approach: service-influencing, service-delivering and parish council developing. It is concluded that strengthening political co-governance is essential for a healthy democracy

Ultrasound-triggered local release of lipophilic drugs from a novel polymeric ultrasound contrast agent

The advantage of ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) as drug delivery systems is the ability to non-invasively control the local and triggered release of a drug or gene. In this study we designed and characterized a novel UCA-based drug delivery system, based on polymer-shelled microcapsules filled with a mixture of gas and oil, for the local delivery of lipophilic drugs