Methotrexate (MTX) is widely used as an anticancer and anti-inflammtory drug for treating various types of cancer and autoimmune diseases. The optimal dose of MTX is known to inhibit the dihydrofolatereductase that hinders the replication of purines. The nanobiomedicine has been extensively explored in the past decade to develop myriad functional nanostructures to facilitate the delivery of therapeutic agents for various medical applications. This review is focused on understanding the design and development of MTX-loaded nanoparticles alongside the inclusion of recent findings for the treatment of cancers. In this paper, we have made a coordinated effort to show the potential of novel drug delivery systems by achieving effective and target-specific delivery of methotrexate.

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Although anything that changes spatiotemporally could be a signal, cells, particularly neurons, precisely manipulate calcium ion (Ca2+) to transmit information. Ca2+ homeostasis is indispensable for neuronal functions and survival. The cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]CYT) is regulated by channels, pumps, and exchangers on cellular membrane systems. Under physiological conditions, both endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria function as intracellular Ca2+ buffers. Furthermore, efficient and effective Ca2+ flux is observed at the ER-mitochondria membrane contact site (ERMCS), an intracellular membrane juxtaposition, where Ca2+ is released from the ER followed by mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake in sequence. Hence, the ER intraluminal Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]ER), the mitochondrial matrix Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]MT), and the [Ca2+]CYT are related to each other. Ca2+ signaling dysregulation and Ca2+ dyshomeostasis are associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), an irreversible neurodegenerative disease. The present review summarizes the cellular and molecular mechanism underlying Ca2+ signaling regulation and Ca2+ homeostasis maintenance at ER and mitochondria levels, focusing on AD. Integrating the amyloid hypothesis and the calcium hypothesis of AD may further our understanding of pathogenesis in neurodegeneration, provide therapeutic targets for chronic neurodegenerative disease in the central nervous system.

Rationale: Fibroma of tendon sheath is a rare entity that is typically attached to the tendon sheath. Patient concerns: A 43-year-old man presented with a painful mass in his right wrist, which was initially misdiagnosed as an enchondroma. Diagnosis: Fibroma embedded into carpal bones, which exhibited lytic radiographic features similar to those of enchondroma. Excisional biopsy demonstrated spindle-shaped cells and collagen-like stroma. Interventions: The patient underwent lesion resection surgery. Outcomes: The patient recovered well and showed no signs of recurrence at 6-month follow-up. Lessons: This case provides valuable insights for hand surgeons. While radiograph is helpful in multiple diseases, histological examination is indispensable for establishment of final diagnosis.

Pregnant women infected with HCV should be given attention due to their special physiological stage and the effect on offspring health. To examine the prevalence of HCV infection among pregnant women in part of China and explore relevant factors during pregnancy, a cross-sectional study was conducted in four maternal and children health care institutions (MCHC) in Guangdong, Hunan and Chongqing. Pregnant women who were delivered, induced or spontaneous abortion were included and relevant information was collected through the Hospital Information System. Results showed that the prevalence of HCV among pregnant women in four MCHCs was 0.11% (95% CI 0.09–0.13%). Age, occupations, regions, syphilis-infection, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), and placenta previa were significant factors (all P < 0.05). Age and syphilis-infection were positively correlated with HCV infection (Z = 3.41, P = 0.0006; OR = 18.16, 95% CI 9.34–35.29). HCV and HBV infection were risk factors of ICP (OR = 4.18, 95% CI 2.18–8.04; OR = 2.59, 95% CI 2.31–2.89). Our study indicates that the prevalence of HCV among pregnant women in the three provinces(city) was low compared with the general population in China. Older age and syphilis-infection increased the risk of HCV infection during pregnancy. HCV infection was a risk factor of ICP. Generally, we need keep a watchful eye on HCV infection and relevant factors mentioned above during pregnancy in clinic, especially those also infected with syphilis. HCV testing based on risk factors is recommended in antenatal care and obstetrics.