Multiple release kinetics of targeted drug from gold nanorod embedded polyelectrolyte conjugates induced by near-infrared laser irradiation.

The conjugates of gold nanorods and the model drug, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), embedded inside polyelectrolytes (GNRs/FITC@PLE) were synthesized to study the release kinetics of FITC under femtosecond near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation. The optical and structural properties of GNRs/FITC@PLE conjugates before and after laser treatments were examined using UV-vis spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The release of FITC from the conjugates was induced by the heat generated from gold nanorods under laser irradiation. The concentration of released FITC was measured as the time of continuous and periodic laser irradiation was varied. Within 5 min of the laser exposure, the release rates of FITC exhibited zero-order and first-order kinetics under continuous and periodic irradiation, respectively. Furthermore, a drug release system was designed based on the conjugates of gold nanorods and the anticancer drug, paclitaxel (PTX), embedded inside polyelectrolytes (GNRs/PTX@PLE). The conjugates were applied for in vitro studies with breast cancer cells. The release of PTX from the conjugates was triggered by NIR laser irradiation, and the inhibition rates of the cells showed strong dependencies on the irradiation modes and time. The results suggested that the multiple releases of PTX from the conjugates can be controlled by laser irradiation within a long period of time. Our system holds great potential for future therapeutic applications on breast cancers.

[Effects of stepped counseling intervention on quality of life among newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients].

The purpose of this research was to understand how stepped counseling intervention affects quality of life in newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients. The study made use of quasi-experimental methodology that included a three-step interview process over 45 days. The theoretical framework supporting interviews with 32 newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients in northern Taiwan included a combination of rational-emotive therapy, cognitive-behavior therapy, and health education. Participants were divided into an experimental and control group of equal size. Data collection also included responses to the WHOQOL-HIV instrument at the beginning and end of each interview session. Responses were analyzed with the SPSS software package. The results showed a 25-point difference between pre- and post-test scores in the experimental group (SD = 3.2) and a 6 point difference in the control group (SD = 4.3). The results indicate that stepped counseling techniques are effective in helping this patient population to adjust to the physical, emotional, social, and environmental stresses associated with their newly diagnosis. The researchers suggest that stepped counseling be used with all newly diagnosed HIV-positive Taiwanese patients in all hospitals and clinics to promote adaptive abilities and to control the further spread of HIV.