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Background: Hepatic pseudolesions detected by helical computed tomography (CT) are not rare, but it is difficult to make a final diagnosis when the hepatic lesion is complicated by the presence of greatly elevated alpha fetoprotein (AFP). Clinical treatment of non-typical hepatic pseudolesions complicated by greatly elevated AFP should confirm the diagnosis and minimize trauma. Case presentation: Non-invasive procedures including ultrasonography, CT, and micro-invasive digital subtraction angiography could not safely differentiate this lesion from a malignant focus when it was complicated by greatly elevated AFP. Laparoscopic hepatectomy was performed, and pathological analysis showed chronic hepatitis, nodular regenerative hyperplasia, focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver, and mild vascular malformation. The tissue was HbsAg(-), HbcAg(-), and AFP(+). Conclusion: Heightened awareness of hepatic pseudolesion complicated by primarily elevated AFP will help physicians avoid unnecessary invasive procedures. Hepatic biopsy is inevitable because of greatly elevated AFP. For suspected hepatic pseudolesion with elevated AFP, needle-core biopsy and follow-up surveillance instead of hepatectomy are recommended to find the source of AFP and make a final diagnosis of pseudolesion [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter presents the design, fabrication, and measurement of a KTa1-xNbxO3- (KTN-) based phase shifter. This loaded-line phase shifter has insertion losses of about 7.36 dB at zero bias and 10 GHz, a return loss greater than 12 dB over the frequency range 1–16 GHz and a relatively high differential phase shift of about 88° for a 120 V DC bias at 10 GHz. The enhancement of performances observed by comparison with those presented by the KTN-based phase shifters positions KTN materials as a serious alternative to Ba1-xSrxTiO3 ones for microwave agility applications. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 1148–1150, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25104 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To formulate trimethyl chitosan-functionalized retinoic acid-encapsulated solid lipid nanoparticles for the effective treatment of glioma. Methods: Retinoic acid-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (R-SLNs) were prepared using homogenization followed by sonication. R-SLN surfaces were functionalized electrostatically with trimethyl chitosan as a nanocarrier (TR-SLNs) with enhanced anti-cancer activity. They were evaluated by dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy, in vitro drug release, and cell cytotoxicity and apoptosis studies. Results: Morphological images showed spherical and uniformly dispersed nanoparticles. A sustained monophasic release pattern was observed throughout the study period. Furthermore, the anti-cancer effect of TR-SLNs was demonstrated by increased cell killing activity compared with the free drug (p < 0.01); negligible cytotoxicity was observed with blank carriers. Apoptosis assay showed increased cell populations in early/late apoptotic and necrotic phases. Conclusion: This study showed the potential application of surface-modified solid lipid nanoparticles for the effective treatment of brain cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]