Ahn, Cheol-Hee

Gold nanoprobe: Heparin–DOPA-coated gold nanoparticles (HEPA–AuNPs) showed low toxicity, prolonged stability, and an enhanced X-ray absorption coefficient in vitro. In vivo microCT images showed that HEPA–AuNPs produced enhanced liver-specific CT images compared with iodine-based contrast agents, thus highlighting its potential as a novel, liver-specific CT imaging agent (see figure).

Double spotlight: A dual imaging probe with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for computed tomography (CT) and optical imaging exhibits have been developed (see picture). The excellent stability, tumor targeting ability, enhanced X-ray absorption, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activatable fluorescence recovery was achieved by surface modification of AuNPs with glycol chitosan and fluorescent MMP peptide probes. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Informa

A study of 271 patients infected with Mycobacterium kansasii and 226 patients with Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex has led to the proposal of new diagnostic criteria. These criteria, based on the presence or absence of cavitation and on the duration of sputum positivity after initiation of therapy, are proposed to more accurately distinguish colonizations from active invasion of tissue than the current diagnostic criteria.

The development of biodegradable cationic polymers for use in somatic gene therapy is desirable because degradable polymers have the potential to overcome cellular toxicities that are related to the high charge densities of the polycationic delivery system. Therefore, to produce a biocompatible gene delivery vehicle, we have designed a novel biodegradable, high molecular weight multiblock copolymer (MBC) of the type (AB) n which consists of repeating units of low molecular weight poly(ethylene g

Herein, we developed matrix metalloprotease (MMP) sensitive gold nanorods (MMP-AuNR) for cancer imaging and therapy. It was feasible to absorb NIR laser and convert into heat as well as visualize MMP activity. We showed the possibility of gold nanorods as a hyperthermal therapeutic agent and MMP sensitive imaging agent both in vitro and in vivo condition. The results suggested potential application of MMP-AuNR for simultaneous cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Novel fluorescent bionanoparticles (GC3CN x ) were prepared by self-assembly of biopolymeric amphiphiles that are composed of hydrophilic glycol chitosan (GC) as a biopolymeric backbone and a dipolar tricyanostilbene derivative (3CN) as a densely conjugated hydrophobic pendant. In the molecular design of 3CN, a dipolar electronic structure was introduced to spectrally shift the aggregation-induced enhanced fluorescence of the α-cyanostilbene skeleton toward the near-infrared (NIR) useful for bio

Forty patients with pulmonary disease caused by Mycobacterium kansasii were treated initially with rifampin, isoniazid, and ethambutol daily for 12 months, and with streptomycin twice weekly for the first 3 months. Postchemotherapy follow-up examinations have ranged from 6 to 68 months, with an average of 31 months. One of the 40 patients (2.5%) relapsed 6 months after completion of chemotherapy. In vitro susceptibility of the mycobacteria to the drugs used, extent of disease, and/or the coexist

We developed a new apoptosis imaging probe with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). A near-infrared fluorescence dye was attached to AuNP surface through the bridge of peptide substrate (DEVD). The fluorescence was quenched in physiological conditions due to the quenching effect of AuNP, and the quenched fluorescence was recovered after the DEVD had been cleaved by caspase-3, the enzyme involved in apoptotic process. The adhesion of DEVD substrates on AuNP surface was accomplished by conjugation of the

Forty-six patients with positive sputum cultures for Mycobacterium avium complex and cavitary disease were placed on a 4-drug regimen consisting of isoniazid, rifampin, and ethambutol daily and streptomycin twice weekly. Forty-two (91.3%) converted their sputum to negative and 4 (8.7%) failed to convert. All of the 4 nonconverters had prior subtotal gastrectomy. Twenty-two patients were available for long-term follow-up: 12 patients completed 24 months of chemotherapy, all experienced sputum con