Dual-modal in vivo tumor imaging and photodynamic therapy using hexagonal NaYF(4):Yb,Er/NaGdF(4) core-shell upconverting nanoparticles combined with a photosensitizer, chlorin e6, is reported. Tumors can be clearly observed not only in the upconversion luminescence image but also in the magnetic resonance image. In vivo photodynamic therapy by systemic administration is demonstrated under 980 nm irradiation.

Accurate analysis of specific biomarkers in clinical serum is essential for early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Here, a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based immunoassay, using magnetic beads and SERS nano tags, was developed for the determination of free to total (f/t) prostate specific antigen (PSA) ratio to improve the diagnostic performance of prostate cancer. To assess the clinical applicability of the proposed method, SERS-based assays for the simultaneous detection of dual PSA markers, free PSA (f-PSA) and complexed PSA (c-PSA), were performed for clinical samples in the gray zone between 4.0 and 10.0 ng/mL. Our assay results for f/t PSA ratio showed a good linear correlation with those measured using the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) system installed in the clinical laboratory of the University Hospital. In addition, the simultaneous assay provided better precision than parallel assays for the detection of f-PSA and c-PSA in 13 clinical serum samples. Therefore, our SERS-based assay for simultaneous detection of dual PSA markers in clinical fluids has strong potential for application in the accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may hold great promise for treating diabetic wounds. However, it is difficult for a clinician to use MSCs because they have not been commercialized. Meanwhile, a new commercial drug that contains adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) has been developed. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential of allogeneic ASC sheets for treating diabetic foot ulcers. Fifty-nine patients with diabetic foot ulcers were randomized to either the ASC treatment group (n = 30) or a control group treated with polyurethane film (n = 29). Either an allogeneic ASC sheet or polyurethane film was applied on diabetic wounds weekly. These wounds were evaluated for a maximum of 12 weeks. Complete wound closure was achieved for 73% in the treatment group and 47% in the control group at week 8. Complete wound closure was achieved for 82% in the treatment group and 53% in the control group at week 12. The Kaplan-Meier median times to complete closure were 28.5 and 63.0 days for the treatment group and the control group, respectively. There were no serious adverse events related to allogeneic ASC treatment. Thus, allogeneic ASCs might be effective and safe to treat diabetic foot ulcers.

The IIV of tacrolimus trough concentrations had a significant impact on rejection-free survival. The effect was influenced by CYP3A5 polymorphism, although the tacrolimus variability itself was not determined by the CYP3A5 polymorphism.

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