34 research outputs found

    E Actitrode: The new selective stimulation interface for functional movements in hemiplegics patients

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    We describe the new multi-contact electrode-array for surface electrical stimulation, and the corresponding interface device that allows on-line selection of the conductive fields during the application of the system. This new device has a specific value for therapeutic applications of electrical stimulation since it allows effective generation of desired functional movements. The user-friendly interface also allows patients at home to select the optimal electrode array; thereby, to receive therapies out of the clinical environment. The electrode was tested in three post-stroke hemiplegics patients. The pilot experiments showed that system works sufficiently good for control of fingers during grasp and release functions without the interference of the wrist movement. The use of electrode is also envisioned for many other applications (foot-drop fitness, shoulder subluxation, etc)

    Glucosomes: Magnetically induced controlled release of glucose modified liposomes

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    Novel methods of cancer therapy are constantly being investigated since the current approach heavily relies on the use of non-specific and toxic chemotherapy agents. Ideally, a drug used for cancer therapy would specifically target tumor sites or rather bind specifically with cancer cells. The way to achieve this is by targeting cancer cell specific receptors or receptors present in abnormally high counts at the surface. Rapid proliferation of cancer cells is fueled by large amounts of energy that is in turn produced by abnormal glucose uptake. Because of this high energy/glucose demand, cancer cells exhibit an abnormally high glucose receptor (GLUTs) count on their surface, compared to normal, healthy cells. We have utilized this glucose dependency to create glucose modified liposomes (Glucosomes) that are specifically bound by cancer cells. Glucosomes can be used to transport different substances, either hydrophilic or hydrophobic, and can therefore deliver any type of drug to cancer cells, increasing its efficiency. Another important aspect to consider is the controlled release of the drug being transported in order to maximize therapeutic efficiency. Controlled release can be achieved by utilizing different internal or external influences. In our study, we have used standard Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles to load glucosomes and induce their controlled opening via an external magnetic field. By applying an external magnetic field, the magnetic nanoparticles start heating up and transferring this thermal energy to the surrounding lipid bilayer, causing its perturbation and opening of the glucosome. Our study has found that controlled release can be achieved with high efficiency while the chemical stability of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles stays practically intact. Using EPR spectroscopy, we have shown that Fe3O4 nanoparticles remain trapped within the lipid bilayer and are essentially protected from oxidation that would diminish their magnetic properties. Since magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles are lodged well within the lipid bilayer no thermal damage can be caused to the drug being transported within the glucosome bilayer, making this a viable controlled release cancer targeting drug delivery system.Twentieth Young Researchersā€™ Conference - Materials Science and Engineering: Program and the Book of Abstracts; November 30 ā€“ December 2, 2022, Belgrade, Serbi

    New Water-Soluble Copper(II) Complexes with Morpholine-Thiosemicarbazone Hybrids: Insights into the Anticancer and Antibacterial Mode of Action

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    Six morpholine-(iso)Ā­thiosemicarbazone hybrids HL1ā€“HL6 and their CuĀ­(II) complexes with good-to-moderate solubility and stability in water were synthesized and characterized. CuĀ­(II) complexes [CuĀ­(L1ā€“6)Ā­Cl] (1ā€“6) formed weak dimeric associates in the solid state, which did not remain intact in solution as evidenced by ESI-MS. The lead proligands and CuĀ­(II) complexes displayed higher antiproliferative activity in cancer cells than triapine. In addition, complexes 2ā€“5 were found to specifically inhibit the growth of Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus with MIC50 values at 2ā€“5 Ī¼g/mL. Insights into the processes controlling intracellular accumulation and mechanism of action were investigated for 2 and 5, including the role of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) inhibition, endoplasmic reticulum stress induction, and regulation of other cancer signaling pathways. Their ability to moderately inhibit R2 RNR protein in the presence of dithiothreitol is likely related to Fe chelating properties of the proligands liberated upon reduction
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