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In addition, in vivo studies revealed that the high molecular weight micelle-forming AP1-ELPs (A86 and A100) displayed better tumor penetration and extensive retention in tumor tissue along with reduced non-specific accumulation in vital organs, when compared to low molecular weight non-micelle forming AP1-ELPs. It is suggested that the superior binding activities shown by A86 and A100 may depend on the multiple presentation of ligands upon transition to a micelle-like structure rather than a larger molecular weight. Thus, this study has significance in elucidating the different patterns underlying unimer and micelle-forming ELP-mediated tumor targeting as well as the in vivo biodistribution. © The author(s).The present work explores the ability of poly(1-vinylimidazole) (PVI) to complex small interfering RNA (siRNA) silencing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the in vitro efficiency of the formed complexes in A549 lung cancer cells. The polyplex formed was found to exhibit 66% complexation efficiency. The complexation was confirmed by gel retardation assays, FTIR and thermal analysis. The blank PVI polymer was not toxic to cells. The polyplex was found to exhibit excellent internalization and escaped the endosome effectively. The polyplex was more effective than free siRNA in silencing VEGF in lung cancer cells. The silencing of VEGF was quantified using Western blot and was also reflected in the depletion of HIF-1α levels in the cells treated with the polyplex. VEGF silencing by the polyplex was found to augment the cytotoxic effects of the chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil. Microarray analysis of the mRNA isolated from cells treated with free siRNA and the polyplex reveal that the VEGF silencing by the polyplex also altered the expression levels of several other genes that have been connected to the proliferation and invasion of lung cancer cells. These results indicate that the PVI complexes can be an effective agent to counter lung cancer. Copyright © 2020, Kandasamy et al.; licensee Beilstein-Institut.Ultrasound (US) based classification systems exist for the stratification of thyroid nodules based on the risk for malignancy. This systematic review aimed to assess the evidence for the performance of US-based thyroid nodule classification systems through correlation with fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). PubMed and Scopus were searched using keywords that included 'ultrasound classification', 'thyroid nodules', 'fine needle aspiration', and 'malignancy'. Inclusion criteria were as follows studies/reviews reporting on US imaging for the classification of thyroid nodules. Exclusion criteria were as follows no comparison between US imaging findings and histology reports based on FNAB, no full English text available/accessible. The database searches identified 66 publications. After evaluation, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. Two US-based classification systems for thyroid nodules were assessed the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) and the American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines. For TIRADS, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) ranged from 70.6% to 97.4%, 29.3% to 90.4%, 23.3% to 64.3%, and 87.1% to 99.0%, respectively. The median sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for TIRADS was 90.0%, 57.4%, 49.0%, and 91.0%, respectively. One study comparing TIRADS with the ATA guidelines demonstrated that TIRADS was superior in terms of sensitivity, whereas the ATA guidelines were superior in terms of specificity and PPV. The high sensitivity and NPV of the US-based TIRADS classification system have excellent utility for correctly classifying nodules as positive for malignant disease and for predicting the absence of malignant disease. The paucity of studies assessing the ATA guidelines highlights avenues for further research comparing TIRADS with other systems of thyroid nodule classification. Copyright © 2020, Mistry et al.The traditional management of pancreatic pseudocyst (PP) is surgical drainage; however, there is significant morbidity associated with this approach. An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided transgastric endoscopic approach is preferred if there is favourable access to the PP. This case report describes a rare complication of an EUS-guided transgastric drainage of a PP secondary to a suboptimally positioned stent. Significant soiling of the peritoneal cavity by pancreatic juices and gastric contents occurred due to leakage around the stent puncture sites. A novel technique using an infant feeding tube is described to inflate the collapsed PP and facilitate definitive surgical cystogastrostomy. A literature review and discussion surrounding the safety of endoscopic decompression and the type of stent utilised is also presented. Copyright © 2020, Mimery et al.BACKGROUND Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive, everlasting neurological disorder of movement, posture, and physical activities, with a prevalence of 2.2-3.3/1,000. CP is a condition that occurs globally, with a similar prevalence in both developed and undeveloped countries. However, the etiology differs according to the socioeconomic status of the countries. The objective is to determine the pattern and the contributing factors of CP among Sudanese children. METHODS This was a retrospective hospital-based study conducted over a period of three years in a pediatric referral hospital in Khartoum, Sudan. One hundred and eight patients of CP were enrolled, of whom 59 (54.6%) were males and 49 (45.4%) were females. RESULTS Spastic quadriplegic CP was the most common type. Most cases were from lower social classes. Prenatal, antenatal, and unclassified CP were found in 45 (41.7%), 31 (28.7.%), 23 (21.3%), and 9 (8.3%) cases, respectively. Birth asphyxia, neonatal jaundice, Toxoplasma gondii, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus infections (TORCH), and sepsis (acquired) were the main causative factors. CONCLUSION Spastic quadriplegia is the most common type of CP. Most of the cases had a direct positive relationship with socioeconomic status. The prenatal period was the most common period for the development of CP. Hormones antagonist Copyright © 2020, Salih et al.