Molecular imaging in oncology: Current impact and future directions

The authors define molecular imaging, according to the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, as the visualization, characterization, and measurement of biological processes at the molecular and cellular levels in humans and other living systems. Although practiced for many years clinically in nuclear medicine, expansion to other imaging modalities began roughly 25 years ago and has accelerated since. That acceleration derives from the continual appearance of new and highly relevant animal models of human disease, increasingly sensitive imaging devices, high-throughput methods to discover and optimize affinity agents to key cellular targets, new ways to manipulate genetic material, and expanded use of cloud computing. Greater interest by scientists in allied fields, such as chemistry, biomedical engineering, and immunology, as well as increased attention by the pharmaceutical industry, have likewise contributed to the boom in activity in recent years. Whereas researchers and clinicians have applied molecular imaging to a variety of physiologic processes and disease states, here, the authors focus on oncology, arguably where it has made its greatest impact. The main purpose of imaging in oncology is early detection to enable interception if not prevention of full-blown disease, such as the appearance of metastases. Because biochemical changes occur before changes in anatomy, molecular imaging—particularly when combined with liquid biopsy for screening purposes—promises especially early localization of disease for optimum management. Here, the authors introduce the ways and indications in which molecular imaging can be undertaken, the tools used and under development, and near-term challenges and opportunities in oncology.     

Biomarkers of in vivo limbal stem cell function

PurposeTo evaluate in vivo parameters as biomarkers of limbal stem cell function and to establish an objective system that detects and stage limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD).MethodsA total of 126 patients (172 eyes) with LSCD and 67 normal subjects (99 eyes) were included in this observational cross-sectional comparative study. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy, in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy (IVCM), and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) were performed to obtain the following: clinical score, cell morphology score, basal cell density (BCD), central corneal epithelial thickness (CET), limbal epithelial thickness (LET), total corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), and tortuosity coefficient. Their potential correlations with the severity of LSCD were investigated, and cutoff values were determined.ResultsAn increase clinical score correlated with a decrease in central cornea BCD, limbal BCD, CET, mean LET, maximum LET, CNFL, CNFD, CNBD, and tortuosity coefficient. Regression analyses showed that central cornea BCD, CET and CNFL were the best parameters to differentiate LSCD from normal eyes (Coef = 3.123, 3.379, and 2.223; all p < 0.05). The rank correlation analysis showed a similar outcome between the clinical scores and the central cornea BCD (ρ = 0.79), CET (ρ = 0.82), and CNFL (ρ = 0.71). A comprehensive LSCD grading formula based on a combination of these parameters was established.ConclusionsA comprehensive staging system combining clinical presentation, central cornea BCD, CET, and CNFL is established to accurately and objectively diagnose LSCD and stage its severity.     

Optical coherence tomography findings in patients with alcohol use disorder and their relationship with clinical parameters

Abstract

Purpose: In our study, we aimed to investigate the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness (GCIPL), retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFL), mean macular volume (MMV), central macular thickness (CMT), mean macular thickness (MMT), and choroidal thickness (CT) values with optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients who are diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Materials and methods: The study included 43 patients who were diagnosed with AUD, and 43 healthy controls. Detailed biomicroscopic examinations of all the participants, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, anterior and posterior segment examinations, and then, OCT measurements were carried out.

Results: Although the measured values for RNFL in the superior and temporal quadrant are within normal limits, they were slightly higher compared to those in the control group (p values 0.127 and 0.191 for superior quadrant and temporal quadrant, respectively). The CT measurements in all quadrants were higher than the control group; however, these measurements were not statistically significant (p?>?0.05). When the relation between clinical features and OCT findings of the patients were examined, it was determined that the ages of the patients were statistically significantly and inversely correlated with the temporal CT and also the nasal and temporal quadrants of RNFL.

Conclusions: Our study is the first study that examines the retinal GCIPL and CT with OCT in patients who are diagnosed with AUD. In our results, it was determined that there were no statistically significant differences between the participants in terms of OCT parameters. Further studies with larger sampling groups evaluating neurotransmission findings may provide wider results.     

光学相干断层扫描血管成像对玻璃体腔注射雷珠单抗治疗湿性年龄相关性黄斑变性的随访观察

目的 利用光学相干断层扫描血管成像(OCTA)观察雷珠单抗玻璃体腔注射3次+必要时(3+PRN)方案治疗湿性年龄相关性黄斑变性(AMD)的图像特征。方法 选取2016年9月至2017年5月经荧光素眼底血管造影(FFA)、吲哚菁绿血管造影(ICGA)检查确诊且未予治疗的湿性AMD患者8例8只眼,按照3+PRN治疗方案给予玻璃体腔注射雷珠单抗(0.5 mg/0.05 ml)治疗,采用OCTA 6 mm×6 mm范围模式扫描黄斑区视网膜,在患者治疗前,治疗后1、3、6个月进行规律的门诊随访,记录患者最小分辨角对数(logMAR)矫正视力、脉络膜新生血管(CNV)分型、CNV形态特征及变化、黄斑中心凹视网膜厚度(CRT)、黄斑区视网膜外层血流密度(ORVD)及脉络膜毛细血管层血流密度(CCVD)。结果 男性4例4只眼,女性4例4只眼,平均年龄(70.9±10.6)岁;3只眼为Ⅰ型CNV,5只眼为Ⅱ型CNV。治疗前,治疗后1、3、6个月最佳矫正视力(BCVA)分别为0.55(0.33,0.87)、0.35(0.24,0.84)、0.35(0.22,0.58)、0.26(0.10,0.58)logMAR,各组间差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05);CRT分别为(271.88±91.95)、(204.00±45.78)、(196.00±31.14)、(219.25±71.32)μm,其中,治疗3个月与治疗前差异有统计学意义(t=2.211,P=0.044);ORVD分别为(41.38±2.77)%、(41.73±3.60)%、(42.53±1.95)%、(41.40±2.33)%,各组间差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05);CCVD分别为(64.38±2.24)%、(64.96±1.39)%、(64.16±1.39)%、(64.63±1.86)%,各组间差异也均无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。相关性分析结果显示,BCVA与CRT(P=0.009, RR=0.457)和CCVD(P=0.001,RR=0.574)显著相关,与ORVD(P=0.093,RR=0.302)不相关。治疗前CNV形态特征,2只眼为团状,2只眼为线条样,2只眼为纠缠错乱状,1只眼为椭圆环形,1只眼为碎片样。治疗1个月,7只眼CNV形态趋于正常化,表现为CNV最大直径减小、断裂/破碎、周边毛细血管丢失、数量和密度下降、所在区域最大横截面积减小;1只眼CNV形态较前恶化,表现为CNV吻合成环、密度增加、最大血管直径增加。治疗3个月,7只眼CNV形态趋于正常化,1只眼较前无明显变化。治疗6个月,5只眼CNV趋于正常化,3只眼恶化。随访中未发现眼内感染或玻璃体内注射的其他并发症。结论 利用OCTA技术观察CNV特征能够评估湿性AMD患者接受雷珠单抗治疗的疗效,可为湿性AMD患者的治疗与随访提供指导。     

前节OCT评估V4c型后房型有晶体眼人工晶体植入术安全性的临床研究

目的探讨前节光学相干断层扫描(OCT)评估V4c型后房型有晶体眼人工晶体(ICL)植入术治疗超高度近视长期安全性的价值。方法 41例(78眼)>-9.0D的超高度近视进行V4c型ICL植入手术患者,测量术前及术后1、3、6、12个月的角膜内皮细胞计数,应用前节OCT及超声生物显微镜(UBM)检测患者术前睫状沟沟到沟距离(WTW)、中央前房深度(ACD)、小梁于虹膜夹角(TIA)及术后各时段拱高、ACD、TIA。分析手术安全性;比较患者术前及术后各时段角膜内皮细胞计数、前节OCT测量指标,术前不同测量方法各参数测量结果 , UBM与前节OCT各参数测量结果。结果所有患者手术顺利,术后4 h内13只眼(12例患者)一过性眼压升高,降眼压处理后至随访结束眼压均平稳,其余患者无其他手术并发症发生。术后1、3、6、12个月,患者角膜内皮细胞计数低于术前,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后1、3、6、12个月,患者前节OCT测量指标ACD低于术前、TIA小于术前,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后1、3、6、12个月,患者角膜内皮细胞计数及前节OCT测量指标ACD、TIA、拱高比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术前WTW应用卡尺手测、角膜地形图(ObscanⅡ)前节分析系统测量、Master、UBM及前节OCT测量结果分别为(11.80±0.36)、(11.75±0.37)、(12.26±1.17)、(11.94±0.41)、(11.91±0.38)mm, Master测量WTW与其他方式比较差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);术前ACD应用ObscanⅡ前节分析系统测量、Master、UBM及前节OCT测量结果分别为(3.1±0.20)、(3.30±0.17)、(3.11±0.13)、(3.10±0.15)mm, Master测量结果与其他方式比较差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);术前TIA应用UBM、前节OCT测量结果分别为(40.98±5.82)°、(40.92±5.65)°,比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术前及术后各时段,前节OCT及UBM测量ACD、TIA及拱高的测量结果比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 V4c型ICL植入术治疗超高度近视无论视力、ICL位置或是眼内情况稳定性均良好,无严重并发症,手术方式安全稳定。应用前节OCT观察术后ICL位置、前房深度及房角情况简易方便,准确无创。测量简单方便且精准,可作为术后常规随访的测量方式。     

Ocular Complications in Influenza Virus Infection

Purpose: To describe a case series of ocular complications associated with upper respiratory tract infections.

Methods: Four patients aged 21–61 years (three females, one male) had confirmed ocular complications connected with a general upper respiratory tract infection with myalgia and fever. Ophthalmological examination, including a visual acuity test, a slit-lamp exam, intraocular pressure measurements, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and diagnostic tests for influenza were performed in the patients (RT-PCR, HAI).

Results: Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) was diagnosed in three patients and serous macular detachment (SME) in one. Influenza virus infection was confirmed by molecular biological methods (RT-PCR) or the hemagglutination inhibition test (HAI) in two patients. All patients were treated with systemic prednisone.

Conclusion: A coincidence between APMPPE and SME epitheliopathy and influenza virus infection was observed in different months of a given epidemic season.     

角膜电刺激对糖尿病大鼠前部缺血性视神经病变模型的影响

观察并评估角膜电刺激对糖尿病大鼠前部缺血性视神经病变（AION）模型的影响。方法：实验 研究。健康雄性Sparague-Dawley大鼠40只，随机分组后抽出8只作为正常大鼠组。余下32只先予 以链脲佐菌素腹腔注射建立糖尿病大鼠模型，将造模成功的大鼠随机抽出8只作为糖尿病组，余下 24只糖尿病大鼠采用孟加拉玫瑰红联合532 nm激光方法建立AION大鼠模型。将24只造模成功的 AION大鼠随机分成3组，每组8只，分别为AION模型组，不予任何处理；电刺激组，予以角膜电刺 激（刺激参数为：电流1 mA，频率20 Hz，波宽1 ms/phase，刺激时间1 h，隔日1次，刺激2周）；假电 刺激组，电极安放位置与电刺激组相同，仅不接通电源。2周后5组大鼠进行眼底照相、光学相干断 层扫描和视觉诱发电位，然后处死，行视网膜及视神经冰冻切片，苏木精伊红染色观察。数据采用 单因素方差分析和LSD-t检验进行分析。结果：正常大鼠组视盘上半部视网膜厚度为（211±13）μm， 糖尿病大鼠组为（206±16）μm，AION模型组为（240±54）μm，假电刺激组为（216±11）μm，电刺 激组为（198±4）μm，5组视盘上半部视网膜厚度差异有统计学意义（F=2.854，P=0.038）。其中AION 模型组视盘上半部视网膜厚度高于正常组、糖尿病组、电刺激组，差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）； 正常组与糖尿病组差异无统计学意义，AION模型组与假电刺激组未见明显差异。视觉诱发电位示 AION模型组N1潜伏期较电刺激组延长，差异有统计学意义（t=4.1，P<0.001）；AION模型组P1潜伏 期较正常组、糖尿病组、假电刺激组、电刺激组延长，差异均有统计学意义（t=4.1、2.5、2.6、3.2， P<0.05）；电刺激组N1-P1波幅大于假电刺激组，差异有统计学意义（t=4.0，P<0.001）。结论：角膜电 刺激能促进糖尿病大鼠前部缺血性视神经病变模型肿胀的视盘变薄，加速视盘水肿的消退，同时在 一定程度上改善视功能。