An image-based modeling framework for patient-specific computational hemodynamics

We present a modeling framework designed for patient-specific computational hemodynamics to be performed in the context of large-scale studies. The framework takes advantage of the integration of image processing, geometric analysis and mesh generation techniques, with an accent on full automation and high-level interaction. Image segmentation is performed using implicit deformable models taking advantage of a novel approach for selective initialization of vascular branches, as well as of a strategy for the segmentation of small vessels. A robust definition of centerlines provides objective geometric criteria for the automation of surface editing and mesh generation. The framework is available as part of an open-source effort, the Vascular Modeling Toolkit, a first step towards the sharing of tools and data which will be necessary for computational hemodynamics to play a role in evidence-based medicine.     

Assembly of targeting complexes driven by a single-chain antibody

Rapid development in design and production of recombinant antibodies and antibody fragments specific for cell surface markers opens new opportunities for targeted delivery of therapeutic or imaging agents. However, the progress in this field is slowed by inactivation of many antibodies by chemical conjugation of payloads and by lack of internalization of complexes formed on the cell surface. Here, we describe conversion of a non-internalizing single chain Fv (scFv) antibody P4G7 specific for vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) into a targeting protein (Hu-P4G7) for assembly of a novel type of targeting complexes. Hu-P4G7 contains an N-terminal "docking" Hu-tag, a 15-aa fragment of human RNase I, capable of high affinity binding of S-protein fragment of human RNase I or bovine RNase A. Purified Hu-P4G7 and complexes of Hu-P4G7 with S-protein bind both soluble and full-length cellular VEGFR-2. To assemble targeted DNA delivery complexes, S-protein modified with a DNA condensing agent was "docked" to Hu-P4G7, and then loaded with luciferase plasmid DNA. As expected for a non-internalizing targeting protein, Hu-P4G7-based complexes did not deliver DNA in VEGFR-2 expressing cells. However, in the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), these complexes selectively delivered DNA into the cells overexpressing VEGFR-2 suggesting that even a non-internalizing scFv antibody can be used for targeted intracellular drug delivery.     

Technical basis for magnetic resonance images

The spin-echo procedure is the basic technique in a magnetic resonance (MR) study (the magnetization vector is flipped by 90° onto the ortogonal plane to the main magnetic field). Very soon after the MR procedure was developed, it was pointed out how important it is to achieve the needed contrast with shorter repetition times (TRs) to reduce the imaging time. Recently, fast imaging techniques have been introduced (partial flip angles, short TRs, and the lack of 180° radiofrequency pulses to refocus the spins are their main characteristics; the spins are refocused by the application of a gradient reversal technique). These techniques are particularly needed in pediatric neuroradiology, where the examination time must be as short as possible. At present, partial flip-angle techniques are almost completely replacing the conventional spin-echo procedure, but the variations in flip angle could result in a change in contrast. For these reasons, conventional spin-echo techniques may still be useful in a routine MR study.Presented at the 11th Meeting of the European Society for Paediatric Neurosurgery, Naples 1988     

Pharmacokinetics of the antitumor antibiotic n-pentyl-sparsomycin in beagle dogs

Summary N-pentyl-sparsomycin (PSm) is a lipophilic analogue of sparsomycin (Sm), which is a well known inhibitor of protein synthesis. This compound was selected for preclinical pharmacokinetic studies because of its high in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity. In this study in which the drug was evaluated in beagle dogs under anaesthesia, the drug concentrations in plasma, urine and bile samples were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Plasma protein binding was approximately 54%. The mean t1/2 was 0.2 hours (12 minutes) and t1/2 was 0.75 ± 0.1 hours (45 ± 6 minutes). During continuous infusions up to 5.25 hours, the steady state was reached in 3 out of 6 experiments, suggesting that in some cases the real t1/2 was longer than measured. PSm was actively reabsorbed from the renal tubuli. This process was saturable at the higher doses. Tubular reabsorption played only a minor role in pharmacokinetics as most of the drug (67%) was eliminated by the non-renal clearance. The non-renal clearance was saturable at higher doses of PSm and was the reason for non-linearity of pharmacokinetics.     

Chlorhexidine susceptibility and Eagle effect in planktonic cells and biofilm of nosocomial isolates

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases - The aim of this study is to evaluate the chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) susceptibility in both planktonic cells and biofilm of...     

Mechanism underlying superantigen-induced clonal deletion of mature T lymphocytes

We observed that peripheral T cells activated in vivo or invitro by superantigens are susceptible to cell death when theirantigen receptor is cross-linked with the appropriate anti-ßTCR mAb. TCR ligation by mAbs specifically drove the T cellclonal deletion in both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ cell subsets. An IL-2/1L-2Rinteraction seems to be a critical step In predisposing superantigenactivated cells to death; In fact, in vivo IL-2R bockade reversedT cell deletion In superantlgen plus anti-ß TCR mAbtreated mice. TCR ligatlon by mAbs also produced cell deathof the relevant targets in in vitro IL-2 activated T cells.Surprisingly, no T cell deletion was demonstrable in IL-2 activatedcells following staphylococcal enterotoxin B - TCR Interaction,ruling out the possibility that superantigen in Itself can inducecell death. Thus, while superantigen activation opens the celldeath program, a subsequent TCR-antigen (self) Interaction appearsnecessary to produce clonal deletion in mature T lymphocytes.     

Early-onset encephalomyopathy associated with tissue-specific mitochondrial DNA depletion: A morphological,biochemical and molecular-genetic study

A male infant, born from consanguineous parents, suffered from birth with a progressive neuromuscular disorder characterized by psychomotor delay, hypotonia, muscle weakness and wasting, deep-tendon areflexia and spastic posture. High levels of lactic acid in blood and cerebrospinal fluid suggested a mitochondrial respiratory chain defect. Muscle biopsy revealed raggedred and cytochromec oxidase-negative fibres, lipid accumulation and dystrophic changes. Multiple defects of respiratory complexes were detected in muscle homogenate, but cultured fibroblasts, myoblasts and myotubes were normal. Southern blot analysis showed markedly reduced levels of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in muscle, while lymphocytes, fibroblasts and muscle precursor cells were normal. Neither depletion of mtDNA nor abnormalities of the respiratory complexes were observed in innervated muscle fibres cultured for as long as 4 months. No mutations were observed in two candidate nuclear genes,mtTFA andmtSSB, retro-transcribed, amplified and sequenced from the proband's mRNA. Sequence analysis of the mtDNA D-loop and of the origin of replication of the mtDNA light strand failed to identify potentially pathogenic mutations of these replicative elements in the proband's muscle mtDNA. Our findings indicate that mtDNA depletion is due to a nuclear encoded gene and suggest that the abnormality underlying defective mtDNA propagation must occur after muscle differentiation in vivo.     

A genetic study of idiopathic focal dystonias

The inheritance of focal dystonias was investigated in 43 families containing 43 index cases with torticollis (n = 21), blepharospasm (n = 18) and writer's cramp (n = 4). They generated a potential population of 235 first-degree relatives, and 168 out of 179 living first-degree relatives were examined. Ten relatives with dystonia were identified in ten families. Another two parents from two of the same group of ten families were affected according to the family history. The majority of the secondary cases (six patients, five siblings, and one child) were not aware of any dystonia. The tendency for affected relatives to have the same type of dystonia as index patients was observed only for torticollis. Overall, 23% of index patients had relatives with dystonia. Segregation analysis suggested the presence of an autosomal dominant gene or genes with reduced penetrante underlying focal dystonia.