Tuning stable noble metal nanoparticles dispersions to moderate their interaction with model membranes.

HYPOTHESIS: The properties of stable gold (Au) nanoparticle dispersions can be tuned to alter their activity towards biomembrane models. EXPERIMENTS: Au nanoparticle coating techniques together with rapid electrochemical screens of a phospholipid layer on fabricated mercury (Hg) on platinum (Pt) electrode have been used to moderate the phospholipid layer activity of Au nanoparticle dispersions. Screening results for Au nanoparticle dispersions were intercalibrated with phospholipid large unilamellar vesicle (LUV) interactions using a carboxyfluorescein (CF) leakage assay. All nanoparticle dispersions were characterised for size, by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FINDINGS: Commercial and high quality home synthesised Au nanoparticle dispersions are phospholipid monolayer active whereas Ag nanoparticle dispersions are not. If Au nanoparticles are coated with a thin layer of Ag then the particle/lipid interaction is suppressed. The electrochemical assays of the lipid layer activity of Au nanoparticle dispersions align with LUV leakage assays of the same. Au nanoparticles of decreasing size and increasing dispersion concentration showed a stronger phospholipid monolayer/bilayer interaction. Treating Au nanoparticles with cell culture medium and incubation of Au nanoparticle dispersions in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solutions removes their phospholipid layer interaction.

Should treatment for depression be based more on patient preference?

Patient treatment preferences are of growing interest to researchers, clinicians, and patients. In this review, an overview of the most commonly recommended treatments for depression is provided, along with a brief review of the evidence supporting their efficacy. Studies examining the effect of patient treatment preferences on treatment course and outcome are summarized. Existing literature on what treatment options patients tend to prefer and believe to be helpful, and what factors may affect these preferences, is also reviewed. Finally, clinical implications of research findings on patient preferences for depression management are discussed. In summary, although our knowledge of the impact of patient preferences on treatment course and outcome is limited, knowing and considering those preferences may be clinically important and worthy of greater study for evidence-based practice.