Machine learning-assisted label-free colorectal cancer diagnosis using plasmonic needle-endoscopy system

Early and accurate detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) is critical for improving patient outcomes. Existing diagnostic techniques are often invasive and carry risks of complications. Herein, we introduce a plasmonic gold nanopolyhedron (AuNH)-coated needle-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor, integrated with endoscopy, for direct mucus sampling and label-free detection of CRC. The thin and flexible stainless-steel needle is coated with polymerized dopamine, which serves as an adhesive layer and simultaneously initiates the nucleation of gold nanoparticle (AuNP) seeds on the needle surface. The AuNP seeds are further grown through a surface-directed reduction using Au ions-hydroxylamine hydrochloride solution, resulting in the formation of dense AuNHs. The formation mechanism of AuNHs and the layered structure of the plasmonic needle-based SERS (PNS) sensor are thoroughly analyzed. Furthermore, a strong field enhancement of the PNS sensor is observed, amplified around the edges of the polyhedral shapes and at nanogap sites between AuNHs. The feasibility of the PNS sensor combined with endoscopy system is further investigated using mouse models for direct colonic mucus sampling and verifying noninvasive label-free classification of CRC from normal controls. A logistic regression-based machine learning method is employed and successfully differentiates CRC and normal mice, achieving 100% sensitivity, 93.33% specificity, and 96.67% accuracy. Moreover, Raman profiling of metabolites and their correlations with Raman signals of mucus samples are analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient, offering insights for identifying potential cancer biomarkers. The developed PNS-assisted endoscopy technology is expected to advance the early screening and diagnosis approach of CRC in the future.

Ionic Liquid-Based Extraction of Fulvic-like Substances from Wood Sawdust: Reproducing Unique Biological Activities of Fulvic Acids Using Renewable Natural Sources

Fulvic acids (FAs) have been commercially used in cosmetics and agronomy due to their unique biological activities, such as plant stimulation and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the extraction sources of FAs, such as peat, are currently limited. Consequently, new extraction methods using renewable resources need to be developed, while reproducing the biological functions. Here, ionic liquids (ILs) effectively extracted fulvic-like substances (FLSs) from wood sawdust. The overall molecular weight distributions of FLSs were similar to those of commercial FAs, and key organic groups (e.g., aromatic, phenolic, and methoxy groups) were also found to be shared between commercial FAs and FLSs. Detailed compositional analysis revealed by high-resolution mass spectrometry showed that the extracts contain both lignin-like and lipid-like molecules, while commercial FAs are biased toward lignin-like and carbohydrate-like molecules. FLSs generally showed better and similar performance in radical scavenging activity against ABTS+· and H2O2. Fibroblast proliferation and lettuce growth enhancements were also observed with the extract containing 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate and triethylammonium hydrogen sulfate, respectively, which performed better than commercial FAs. Immunofluorescence staining of in vitro human follicle dermal papilla cells supports that coexpression of hair growth-related proteins can be accelerated with FLSs, and this effect was further evidenced by in vivo mouse model experiments. Finally, the reusability of ILs in the extraction process was confirmed by analyzing the structural features of FLSs from each recycling. Our findings indicate that ILs are useful for obtaining biologically functional fulvic analogs from renewable plant sources.

Cold-Responsive Hyaluronated Upconversion Nanoplatform for Transdermal Cryo-Photodynamic Cancer Therapy

Cryotherapy leverages controlled freezing temperature interventions to engender a cascade of tumor-suppressing effects. However, its bottleneck lies in the standalone ineffectiveness. A promising strategy is using nanoparticle therapeutics to augment the efficacy of cryotherapy. Here, a cold-responsive nanoplatform composed of upconversion nanoparticles coated with silica - chlorin e6 - hyaluronic acid (UCNPs@SiO2-Ce6-HA) is designed. This nanoplatform is employed to integrate cryotherapy with photodynamic therapy (PDT) in order to improve skin cancer treatment efficacy in a synergistic manner. The cryotherapy appeared to enhance the upconversion brightness by suppressing the thermal quenching. The low-temperature treatment afforded a 2.45-fold enhancement in the luminescence of UCNPs and a 3.15-fold increase in the photodynamic efficacy of UCNPs@SiO2-Ce6-HA nanoplatforms. Ex vivo tests with porcine skins and the subsequent validation in mouse tumor tissues revealed the effective HA-mediated transdermal delivery of designed nanoplatforms to deep tumor tissues. After transdermal delivery, in vivo photodynamic therapy using the UCNPs@SiO2-Ce6-HA nanoplatforms resulted in the optimized efficacy of 79% in combination with cryotherapy. These findings underscore the Cryo-PDT as a truly promising integrated treatment paradigm and warrant further exploring the synergistic interplay between cryotherapy and PDT with bright upconversion to unlock their full potential in cancer therapy.

Association of gustatory dysfunction and Alzheimer

BACKGROUND

Chemosensory dysfunction has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Compared with olfaction, gustatory dysfunction in AD has not been evaluated in depth. We reviewed previously published studies regarding gustatory dysfunction in patients with AD compared with healthy controls.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted by searching the MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, and PubMed databases covering publications from January 2000 to February 2023. The search was performed using the keyword "Alzheimer* AND (gustatory OR taste OR gustation)." Only studies that performed gustatory function testing and compared the results between patients with AD and healthy controls were included. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Twelve articles were finally included, and various gustatory tests including taste strips, the taste disk test, taste solutions, and subjective questionnaires were applied. Overall gustatory function based on the taste strip test was significantly decreased in patients with AD compared with controls in two out of three papers. The overall gustatory function of patients with AD was significantly decreased in all studies based on the taste disk and taste solution tests. We also found that the sweet taste test showed low heterogeneity across all the included studies, and there was low publication bias. In studies using subjective questionnaires, gustatory function was not significantly different between patients with AD and healthy controls in the meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these studies, gustatory dysfunction diagnosed by gustatory function testing was closely related to AD. However, the results of subjective questionnaires were not significantly different between patients with AD and healthy controls in the current meta-analysis. As the number of studies and enrolled subjects was limited and unified gustatory function testing was lacking, further studies are needed to confirm this relationship.

Biomedical Applications of CNT-Based Fibers

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been regarded as emerging materials in various applications. However, the range of biomedical applications is limited due to the aggregation and potential toxicity of powder-type CNTs. To overcome these issues, techniques to assemble them into various macroscopic structures, such as one-dimensional fibers, two-dimensional films, and three-dimensional aerogels, have been developed. Among them, carbon nanotube fiber (CNTF) is a one-dimensional aggregate of CNTs, which can be used to solve the potential toxicity problem of individual CNTs. Furthermore, since it has unique properties due to the one-dimensional nature of CNTs, CNTF has beneficial potential for biomedical applications. This review summarizes the biomedical applications using CNTF, such as the detection of biomolecules or signals for biosensors, strain sensors for wearable healthcare devices, and tissue engineering for regenerating human tissues. In addition, by considering the challenges and perspectives of CNTF for biomedical applications, the feasibility of CNTF in biomedical applications is discussed.

Nano/Micro Biosensors for Biomedical Applications

Advances in nano/micro technologies in recent years have significantly improved biosensors in terms of their viability for biomedical purposes, from diagnostic to therapeutic applications, allowing for effective early detection and personalized treatment modalities [...].

Treatment Outcomes of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Pulmonary Metastasis from Sarcoma: A Multicenter, Retrospective Study

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes and potential dose-response relationship of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for pulmonary metastasis of sarcoma.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A retrospective review of 39 patients and 71 lesions treated with SBRT from two institutions was performed. The patients had oligometastatic or oligoprogressive disease, or were receiving palliation. Doses of 20-60 Gy were delivered in 1-5 fractions. The local control per tumor (LCpT) was evaluated according to the biologically effective dose with an α/β ratio of 10 (BED10) of the prescribed dose (BED10 ≥ 100 Gy vs. BED10 < 100 Gy). Clinical outcomes per patient, including local control per patient (LCpP), pulmonary progression-free rate (PPFR), any progression-free rate (APFR), and overall survival (OS) were investigated.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 27.2 months. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year LCpT rates for the entire cohort were 100.0%, 88.3%, and 73.6%, respectively. There was no observed difference in LCpT between the two BED10 groups (p = 0.180). The 3-year LCpP, PPFR, APFR, and OS rates were 78.1%, 22.7%, 12.9%, and 83.7%, respectively. Five (12.8%) patients with oligometastasis had long-term disease-free intervals, with a median survival period of 40.7 months. Factors that were associated with a worse prognosis were oligoprogression (vs. oligometastasis), multiple pulmonary metastases, and simultaneous extrathoracic metastasis.

CONCLUSION

SBRT for pulmonary metastasis of sarcoma is effective. Some selected patients may achieve durable response. Considerations of SBRT indication and disease extent may be needed as they may influence the prognosis.

Recent Trends in Macromolecule-Based Approaches for Hair Loss Treatment

Macromolecules are large, complex molecules composed of smaller subunits known as monomers. The four primary categories of macromolecules found in living organisms are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids; they also encompass a broad range of natural and synthetic polymers. Recent studies have shown that biologically active macromolecules can help regenerate hair, providing a potential solution for current hair regeneration therapies. This review examines the latest developments in the use of macromolecules for the treatment of hair loss. The fundamental principles of hair follicle (HF) morphogenesis, hair shaft (HS) development, hair cycle regulation, and alopecia have been introduced. Microneedle (MN) and nanoparticle (NP) delivery systems are innovative treatments for hair loss. Additionally, the application of macromolecule-based tissue-engineered scaffolds for the in vitro and in vivo neogenesis of HFs is discussed. Furthermore, a new research direction is explored wherein artificial skin platforms are adopted as a promising screening method for hair loss treatment drugs. Through these multifaceted approaches, promising aspects of macromolecules for future hair loss treatments are identified.

Efficacy and Safety of Image-Guided Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of image-guided 10-fraction hypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT).

MATERIALS/METHODS

Between 2016 and March 2022, 69 HCC with PVTT patients received RT (40-50Gy/10fx) in our institutions. The median prescribed dose of 50 Gy (range, 40-50 Gy, BED10; 56-75 Gy10) was delivered in 10 fractions in all patients. Follow-up imaging was performed at three-month intervals after the completion of RT. The extent of PVTT was described according to the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan classification: Vp0 = no PVTT, Vp1 = segmental portal vein branch, Vp2 = right/left anterior/posterior portal vein, Vp3 = right/left portal vein and Vp4 = main portal vein. Response evaluation was performed using response evaluation criteria in solid tumors, version 1.1. Freedom from local progression (FFLP), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were calculated from the start date of RT.

RESULTS

In this cohort, 4.3% of patients had Vp1 PVTT, 20.3% had Vp2, 37.7% had Vp3, and 37.7% had Vp4. The median PTV volume was 105.3 cc (interquartile range [IQR], 74.1-179.4 cc). Fifty-two (75.4%) patients received 50 Gy in 10 fractions. With a median follow-up of 10.2 months (IQR, 6-21 months), the median OS was 18.5 months, and 1-year FFLP, PFS, and OS rates were 84.8%, 26.9%, and 62.2% respectively. At 3 months after RT, 13.0% had a complete response, 36.2% had a partial response, 46.4% had a stable disease and 4.4% had a progressive disease. In the multivariate analysis, AFP ≥ 600 IU/ml (HR 2.06, p = 0.03), Child-Pugh Class B or C (HR 2.30, p = 0.02), and modified Union for International Cancer Control (mUICC) stage IVA or IVB (4.05, p = 0.02) were significantly related to OS. During the follow-up period, there were 2 (2.8%) cases of grade ≥3 toxicity: grade 3 AST/ALT elevation (n = 1), and acute cholangitis (n = 1).

CONCLUSION

Hypofractionated RT demonstrated promising local PVTT control with acceptable toxicity. These data suggest that 10-fraction image-guided hypofractionated RT (BED10 = 56-75 Gy10) is a feasible treatment option for PVTT in HCC patients.

Terbium-doped carbon dots (Tb-CDs) as a novel contrast agent for efficient X-ray attenuation

Metal-doped carbon dots have attracted considerable attention in nanomedicine over the last decade owing to their high biocompatibility and great potential for bioimaging, photothermal therapy, and photodynamic therapy. In this study, we prepared, and for the first time, examined terbium-doped CDs (Tb-CDs) as a novel contrast agent for computed tomography. A detailed physicochemical analysis revealed that the prepared Tb-CDs have small sizes (∼2-3 nm), contain relatively high terbium concentration (∼13.3 wt%), and exhibit excellent aqueous colloidal stability. Furthermore, preliminary cell viability and CT measurements suggested that Tb-CDs exhibit negligible cytotoxicity toward L-929 cells and demonstrate high X-ray absorption performance (∼48.2 ± 3.9 HU L g^-1). Based on these findings, the prepared Tb-CDs could serve as a promising contrast agent for efficient X-ray attenuation.

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs): emerging biomaterials for cancer theragnostic applications

Cancer is a disease caused by abnormal cell growth that spreads through other parts of the body and threatens life by destroying healthy tissues. Therefore, numerous techniques have been employed not only to diagnose and monitor the progress of cancer in a precise manner but also to develop appropriate therapeutic agents with enhanced efficacy and safety profiles. In this regard, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), synthetic receptors that recognize targeted molecules with high affinity and selectivity, have been intensively investigated as one of the most attractive biomaterials for theragnostic approaches. This review describes diverse synthesis strategies to provide the rationale behind these synthetic antibodies and provides a selective overview of the recent progress in the in vitro and in vivo targeting of cancer biomarkers for diagnosis and therapeutic applications. Taken together, the topics discussed in this review provide concise guidelines for the development of novel MIP-based systems to diagnose cancer more precisely and promote successful treatment. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), synthetic receptors that recognize targeted molecules with high affinity and selectivity, have been intensively investigated as one of the most attractive biomaterials for cancer theragnostic approaches. This review describes diverse synthesis strategies to provide the rationale behind these synthetic antibodies and provides a selective overview of the recent progress in the in vitro and in vivo targeting of cancer biomarkers for diagnosis and therapeutic applications. The topics discussed in this review aim to provide concise guidelines for the development of novel MIP-based systems to diagnose cancer more precisely and promote successful treatment.

Plasmon Modulated Upconversion Biosensors

Over the past two decades, lanthanide-based upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have been fascinating scientists due to their ability to offer unprecedented prospects to upconvert tissue-penetrating near-infrared light into color-tailorable optical illumination inside biological matter. In particular, luminescent behavior UCNPs have been widely utilized for background-free biorecognition and biosensing. Currently, a paramount challenge exists on how to maximize NIR light harvesting and upconversion efficiencies for achieving faster response and better sensitivity without damaging the biological tissue upon laser assisted photoactivation. In this review, we offer the reader an overview of the recent updates about exciting achievements and challenges in the development of plasmon-modulated upconversion nanoformulations for biosensing application.

Marine plankton exoskeletone-derived hydroxyapatite/polycaprolactone composite 3D scaffold for bone tissue engineering

3D porous scaffolds based on biodegradable polymers are one of the materials for bone tissue regeneration. In this study, a porous scaffold was prepared using a solvent casting/particulate leaching method that used polycaprolactone (PCL) and hydroxyapatite (OceanBone-HAp) extracted from a marine plankton exoskeleton to achieve excellent bone regeneration. In this study, the morphology and physicochemical properties of the PCL/OceanBone-HAp scaffolds were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and porosity analysis. The results confirmed the porous structure of the scaffold and removal of the solvent and porogen particles. In vitro test results revealed superior cell adhesion, proliferation, and viability of PCL/OceanBone-HAp scaffolds compared to PCL scaffolds alone. The enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity and expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2, collagen type I α 1, osteocalcin, and bone sialoprotein in the PCL/OceanBone-HAp scaffolds were confirmed through ALP and real-time polymerase chain reaction assays. Moreover, in vivo experiments using a rabbit calvarial defect model showed that the PCL/OceanBone-HAp scaffold exhibited enhanced bone regeneration compared to the PCL scaffold. Therefore, the PCL/OceanBone-HAp scaffold is a promising scaffold for bone repair.

Enhanced Biocompatibility and Osteogenic Activity of Marine-Plankton-Derived Whitlockite Bone Granules through Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 Incorporation

Whitlockite (WH) is a calcium-phosphate-based Mg-containing ceramic with good mechanical properties, rapid resorption, and good osteogenicity. Recently, we successfully synthesized highly porous WH granules using a marine plankton exoskeleton (MP-WH). In the present study, we improved the osteoinductive activity of MP-WH granules by bone morphogenetic protein2 (BMP2) (MP-WH/BMP2). The surface morphology and composition of the fabricated MP-WH/BMP2 granules were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The biocompatibility and osteogenic effects were evaluated using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). BMP2 was absorbed on the surfaces of the MP-WH/BMP2 granules. Immobilized BMP2 was released at a moderate rate over 30 days. hMSCs seeded on MP-WH/BMP2 granules became biocompatible, with a better proliferation and adhesion for MP-WH/BMP2, compared with MP-WH. Bone-specific markers Runx2, type I collagen, osteocalcin, and osteopontin were significantly upregulated following BMP2 incorporation. Similar observations were made regarding the alkaline phosphatase activity. This study suggests that BMP2 incorporation improves the osteoinductive activity of marine-plankton-derived WH granules for bone tissue repair.

3D printing of skin equivalents with hair follicle structures and epidermal-papillary-dermal layers using gelatin/hyaluronic acid hydrogels

Recent advances in three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technologies enabled the fabrication of sophisticated live 3D tissue analogs. Although various hydrogel-based bioink has been reported, the development of advanced bioink materials that can reproduce the composition of native extracellular matrix (ECM) accurately and mimic the intrinsic property of laden cells is still challenging. In this work, 3D printed skin equivalents incorporating hair follicle structures and epidermal-papillary-dermal layers are fabricated with gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)/hyaluronic acid (HA) MA (HAMA) hydrogel (GelMA/HAMA) bioink. The composition of collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) of native skin was recapitulated by adjusting the combination of GelMA and HAMA. The GelMA/HAMA bioink was proven to have excellent viscoelastic and physicochemical properties, 3D printability, cytocompatibility, and functionality to maintain the hair inductive potency and facilitated spontaneous hair pore development. Overall, we suggest that the GelMA/HAMA hydrogels can be promising candidates as bioinks for the 3D printing of skin equivalents with epidermal-papillary-dermal multi-layers and hair follicle structures, and they might serve as a useful model in skin tissue engineering and regeneration.

Combinatorial wound healing therapy using adhesive nanofibrous membrane equipped with wearable LED patches for photobiomodulation

Wound healing is the dynamic tissue regeneration process replacing devitalized and missing tissue layers. With the development of photomedicine techniques in wound healing, safe and noninvasive photobiomodulation therapy is receiving attention. Effective wound management in photobiomodulation is challenged, however, by limited control of the geometrical mismatches on the injured skin surface. Here, adhesive hyaluronic acid-based gelatin nanofibrous membranes integrated with multiple light-emitting diode (LED) arrays are developed as a skin-attachable patch. The nanofibrous wound dressing is expected to mimic the three-dimensional structure of the extracellular matrix, and its adhesiveness allows tight coupling between the wound sites and the flexible LED patch. Experimental results demonstrate that our medical device accelerates the initial wound healing process by the synergetic effects of the wound dressing and LED irradiation. Our proposed technology promises progress for wound healing management and other biomedical applications.

Graphene-Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical Imaging

Graphene is sp²-hybridized carbon structure-based two-dimensional (2D) sheet. Graphene-based nanomaterials possess several features such as unique mechanical, electronic, thermal, and optical properties, high specific surface area, versatile surface functionalization, and biocompatibility, which attracted researcher's interests in various fields including biomedicine. In this chapter, we particularly focused on the biomedical imaging applications of graphene-based nanomaterials like graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), graphene quantum dots (GQDs), graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs), and other derivatives, which utilize their outstanding optical properties. There are some biomedical imaging modalities using Graphene-based Nanomaterials, among which we will highlight fluorescence imaging, Raman imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, and photoacoustic imaging. We also discussed the brief perspectives and future application related to them.

Anti-diabetic effects of Protaetia brevitarsis in pancreatic islets and a murine diabetic model

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the antidiabetic efficacy of Protaetia brevitarsis in alloxan-treated pancreatic islets and db/db mice was investigated. P. brevitarsis was tested for alloxan-mediated cytotoxicity and nitric oxide production in mice pancreatic islets.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-diabetic effect of P. brevitarsis was also evaluated in db/db mice after 4 weeks of administration. Biochemical analysis, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and pancreatic histological analysis were performed.

RESULTS

P. brevitarsis displayed hypoglycemic activity in alloxan-treated mice pancreatic islets. Our results showed that P. brevitarsis protects pancreatic islets from cytotoxicity. Moreover, daily oral supplementation with P. brevitarsis for 4 weeks reduced plasma glucose levels without affecting body weight and food intake, elevated glucose tolerance in OGTT, improved blood lipid parameters, inhibited fat accumulation, and restored islet structure of db/db mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provided evidence for the anti‑diabetic effect of P. brevitarsis in alloxan-treated pancreatic islets and db/db mice. These results suggest that P. brevitarsis may be used as an adjunctive anti-diabetic agent or as a functional food.

Rotating Cylinder-Assisted Nanoimprint Lithography for Enhanced Chemisorbable Filtration Complemented by Molecularly Imprinted Polymers

Rotating cylindrical stamp-based nanoimprint technique has many advantages, including the continuous fabrication of intriguing micro/nanostructures and rapid pattern transfer on a large scale. Despite these advantages, the previous nanoimprint lithography has rarely been used for producing sophisticated nanoscale patterns on a non-planar substrate that has many extended applications. Here, the simple integration of nanoimprinting process with a help of a transparent stamp wrapped on the cylindrical roll and UV optical source in the core to enable high-throughput pattern transfer, particularly on a fabric substrate is demonstrated. Moreover, as a functional resin material, this innovative strategy involves a synergistic approach on the synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymer, which are spatially organized free-standing perforated nanostructures such as nano/microscale lines, posts, and holes patterns on various woven or nonwoven blank substrates. The proposed materials can serve as a self-encoded filtration medium for selective separation of formaldehyde molecules. It is envisioned that the combinatorial fabrication process and attractive material paves the way for designing next-generation separation systems in use to capture industrial or household toxic substances.

Identification of genomic loci conferring broad-spectrum resistance to multiple nematode species in exotic soybean accession PI 567305

KEY MESSAGE

Genetic analysis identified a unique combination of major QTL for resistance to important soybean nematodes concurrently present in a single soybean accession, which has not been reported earlier. An exotic soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] accession, PI 567305, was reported to be highly resistant to three important nematode species, soybean cyst (SCN), root-knot (RKN), and reniform (RN) nematodes. However, genetic basis controlling broad-spectrum resistance in this germplasm has not been investigated. We report results of genetic analysis to identify genomic loci conferring resistance to these nematode species. A bi-parental population consisting of 242 F8-derived recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was developed from a cross of a nematode susceptible cultivar, Magellan, and resistant accession, PI 567305. The RILs were phenotyped for nematode resistance to three SCN HG types. They were genotyped using the Infinium SoySNP6K BeadChips and genotype-by-sequencing (GBS) methods in an attempt to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of these two genotyping platforms. Genetic analysis confirmed the major QTL on chromosomes (Chrs) 10 and 18 with broad-spectrum resistance to the three nematodes present in this germplasm. Haplotype and copy number variation analyses of SCN resistance QTL indicated that PI 567305 has a different haplotype, which is associated with likely a unique SCN resistance mechanism different from Peking- or PI 88788-type resistance. The evaluations of both Infinium Beadchip- and GBS-based genotyping technologies provided comprehensive insights for researchers to choose a cost-effective and efficient platform for QTL mapping and for other genomic studies in soybeans.

Recent advances in transdermal drug delivery systems: a review

Various non-invasive administrations have recently emerged as an alternative to conventional needle injections. A transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) represents the most attractive method among these because of its low rejection rate, excellent ease of administration, and superb convenience and persistence among patients. TDDS could be applicable in not only pharmaceuticals but also in the skin care industry, including cosmetics. Because this method mainly involves local administration, it can prevent local buildup in drug concentration and nonspecific delivery to tissues not targeted by the drug. However, the physicochemical properties of the skin translate to multiple obstacles and restrictions in transdermal delivery, with numerous investigations conducted to overcome these bottlenecks. In this review, we describe the different types of available TDDS methods, along with a critical discussion of the specific advantages and disadvantages, characterization methods, and potential of each method. Progress in research on these alternative methods has established the high efficiency inherent to TDDS, which is expected to find applications in a wide range of fields.

Recent Advances in Hollow Gold Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications

The localized surface plasmon resonance of metallic nanoparticles has attracted much attention owing to its unique characteristics, including the enhancement of signals in sensors and photothermal effects. In particular, hollow gold nanostructures are highly promising for practical applications, with significant advantages being found in their material properties and structures: 1) the interaction between the outer surface plasmon mode and inner cavity mode leads to a greater resonance, allowing it to absorb near-infrared light, which can readily penetrate tissue; 2) it has anti-corrosiveness and good biocompatibility, which makes it suitable for biomedical applications; 3) it shows a reduced net density and large surface area, allowing the possibility of nanocarriers for drug delivery. In this review, we present information on the classification, characteristics, and synthetic methods of hollow gold nanostructures; discuss the recent advances in hollow gold nanostructures in biomedical applications, including biosensing, bioimaging, photothermal therapy, and drug delivery; and report on the existing challenges and prospects for hollow gold nanostructures.