Monitoring cerebral oxygenation during balloon occlusion with multichannel NIRS

We report on oxygenation changes noninvasively recorded by multichannel continuous-wave near infrared spectroscopy (CW-NIRS) during endovascular neuroradiologic interventions requiring temporary balloon occlusion of arteries supplying the cerebral circulation. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) provides reference data on the site, timing, and effectiveness of the flow stagnation as well as on the amount and direction of collateral circulation. This setting allows us to relate CW-NIRS findings to brain specific perfusion changes. We focused our analysis on the transition from normal perfusion to vessel occlusion, i.e., before hypoxia becomes clinically apparent. The localization of the maximal response correlated either with the core (occlusion of the middle cerebral artery) or with the watershed areas (occlusion of the internal carotid artery) of the respective vascular territories. In one patient with clinically and angiographically confirmed insufficient collateral flow during carotid artery occlusion, the total hemoglobin concentration became significantly asymmetric, with decreased values in the ipsilateral watershed area and contralaterally increased values. Multichannel CW-NIRS monitoring might serve as an objective and early predictive marker of critical perfusion changes during interventions—to prevent hypoxic damage of the brain. It also might provide valuable human reference data on oxygenation changes as they typically occur during acute stroke.     

Correlation of transcutaneous hepatic near-infrared spectroscopy readings with liver surface readings and perfusion parameters in a piglet endotoxemic shock model.

PURPOSE: To determine whether transcutaneous liver near-infrared spectrophotometry (NIRS) measurements correlate with NIRS measurements taken directly from the liver surface, and invasive blood flow measurements. PROCEDURE: Laparotomy was performed in 12 Yorkshire piglets, and ultrasound blood flow probes were placed on the hepatic artery and portal vein. Intravascular catheters were inserted into the hepatic and portal veins for intermittent blood sampling, and a pulmonary artery catheter was inserted via the jugular vein for cardiac output measurements. NIRS optodes were placed on skin overlying the liver and directly across the right hepatic lobe. Endotoxemic shock was induced by continuous infusion of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide O55:B5. Pearson's correlations were calculated between the NIRS readings and the perfusion parameters. FINDINGS: After endotoxemic shock induction, liver blood flow, and oxygen delivery decreased significantly. There were statistically significant correlations between the transcutaneous and liver-surface NIRS readings for oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, and cytochrome c oxidase concentrations. There were similar significant correlations of the transcutaneous oxyhemoglobin with both the mixed venous and hepatic vein saturation, and mixed venous and hepatic vein lactate. CONCLUSIONS: Transcutaneous NIRS readings of the liver, in an endotoxemic shock model, correlate with NIRS readings taking directly from the liver surface, as well as with global and specific organ-perfusion parameters.     

祖母绿的充填技术

选择3种充填物香柏油、蓖麻油与液体石蜡来充填祖母绿以掩盖其裂隙且提高透明度,并在不同充填温度及时间下对充填效果进行对比研究。升高充填温度有利于降低充填物黏度,增加其流动性,从而优化充填工艺,充填温度60 ℃为宜。采用静态注入法与真空注入法进行充填,充填时间1 d为宜。相同工艺条件下,充填绿柱石与祖母绿得到的实验结果类似。通过红外光谱检测充填物质,香柏油在3 065、2 957 cm^-1及2 872 cm^-1处有特征吸收峰,蓖麻油在3 012、2 927、2 854 cm^-1处有特征吸收峰,液体石蜡则在2 955、2 924、2 854 cm^-1处有特征吸收峰。     

Advances in understanding the molecular basis of the first steps in color vision

Serving as one of our primary environmental inputs, vision is the most sophisticated sensory system in humans. Here, we present recent findings derived from energetics, genetics and physiology that provide a more advanced understanding of color perception in mammals. Energetics of cis–trans isomerization of 11-cis-retinal accounts for color perception in the narrow region of the electromagnetic spectrum and how human eyes can absorb light in the near infrared (IR) range. Structural homology models of visual pigments reveal complex interactions of the protein moieties with the light sensitive chromophore 11-cis-retinal and that certain color blinding mutations impair secondary structural elements of these G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Finally, we identify unsolved critical aspects of color tuning that require future investigation.     

Heterogeneous PHPMA hydrogels for tissue repair and axonal regeneration in the injured spinal cord

A biocompatible heterogeneous hydrogel of poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide] (PHPMA) showing an open porous structure, viscoelastic properties similar to the neural tissue and a large surface area available for cell interaction, was evaluated for its ability to promote tissue repair and axonal regeneration in the transected rat spinal cord. After implantation, the polymer hydrogel could correctly bridge the tissue defect, form a permissive interface with the host tissue to favour cell ingrowth, angiogenesis and axonal growth occurred within the microstructure of the network. Within 3 months the polymer implant was invaded by host derived tissue, glial cells, blood vessels and axons penetrated the hydrogel implant. Such polymer hydrogel matrices which show neuroinductive and neuroconductive properties have the potential to repair tissue defects in the central nervous system by promoting the formation of a tissue matrix and axonal growth by replacing the lost of tissue.     

D‐A Conjugated Polymers Based on Tetracyclic Acceptor Units: Synthesis and Application in Organic Solar Cells

Two electron‐deficient tetracyclic monomers, 6,9‐dibromo‐7,8‐bis(octyloxy)‐11H‐indeno[2,1‐b] quinoxalin‐11‐one ( M1 ) and 1,3‐bis(5′‐bromo‐4′‐hexylthiophen‐2‐yl)‐9H‐indeno[1,2‐b]thieno[3,4‐e]pyrazin‐9‐one ( M2 ), are synthesized through condensation of ninhydrin with aromatic diamines in good yields. Copolymerization of M1 with thiophene (Th) and dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]silole (DTS), and M2 with DTS affords three new D–A conjugated copolymers, P1 – P3, respectively . The optical, electrochemical, and photovoltaic properties of P1–P3 are investigated. P3 exhibits a broad absorption (300–1100 nm) and a low bandgap of 1.24 eV. Solar cells based on P3 /[6,6]‐phenyl C71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC₇₁BM) blends afford a power conversion efficiency of 1.93% and a very broad spectral response (300–1020 nm).

     

The influence of irrigation solutions in the inorganic and organic radicular dentine composition

The aim of this study was to analyse changes in radicular dentine composition after different irrigation regimes using attenuated total reflectance Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR). Dentine slices from human single‐root teeth were immersed in: (i) 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for 1, 5 and 20 min; (ii) 17% EDTA for 1 min; and (iii) 5.25% NaOCl for 20 min, and 17% EDTA and 5.25% NaOCl, both for 1 min. Carbonate/mineral, Amide I/mineral and Amide III/CH₂ ratios were determined using ATR‐FTIR before and after immersion in the irrigation solutions tested. Results showed that 5.25% NaOCl significantly decreased carbonate/mineral, Amide I/mineral and Amide III/CH₂ ratios (P < 0.05). Application of 17% EDTA produced no change in carbonate/mineral ratio (P = 0.120), while an increase in Amide I/mineral in apical third (P = 0.002) and Amide III/CH₂ (P < 0.001) was observed. The combination of NaOCl, EDTA and NaOCl increased carbonate/mineral ratio in coronal third (P = 0.037), and Amide I/mineral (P = 0.003) and Amide III/CH₂ (P = 0.001) ratios. In conclusion, irrigation solutions tested significantly affected radicular dentine composition.