Multimodal molecular 3D imaging for the tumoral volumetric distribution assessment of folate-based biosensors

The aim of this study was to characterize the in vivo volumetric distribution of three folate-based biosensors by different imaging modalities (X-ray, fluorescence, Cerenkov luminescence, and radioisotopic imaging) through the development of a tridimensional image reconstruction algorithm. The preclinical and multimodal Xtreme imaging system, with a Multimodal Animal Rotation System (MARS), was used to acquire bidimensional images, which were processed to obtain the tridimensional reconstruction. Images of mice at different times (biosensor distribution) were simultaneously obtained from the four imaging modalities. The filtered back projection and inverse Radon transformation were used as main image-processing techniques. The algorithm developed in Matlab was able to calculate the volumetric profiles of ^99mTc-Folate-Bombesin (radioisotopic image), ¹⁷⁷Lu-Folate-Bombesin (Cerenkov image), and FolateRSense? 680 (fluorescence image) in tumors and kidneys of mice, and no significant differences were detected in the volumetric quantifications among measurement techniques. The imaging tridimensional reconstruction algorithm can be easily extrapolated to different 2D acquisition-type images. This characteristic flexibility of the algorithm developed in this study is a remarkable advantage in comparison to similar reconstruction methods.     

A study with Bangladeshi women: Seeking care for breast health

In many low- and middle-income countries, breast cancer survival is low. Reasons for this are multifactorial, but delayed presentation for care is a common theme. In this survey study with 100 urban Bangladeshi women, we examined the role of socioeconomic and sociocultural factors on their likelihood to seek breast care from a family physician. In our multivariate model, a woman's age and education significantly predicted her likelihood to see a physician. Sociocultural aspects (e.g., concerns about time commitment of family members, personal household obligations) were significant at bivariate level. Findings are discussed in relation to practice, policy, and research.     

Computer simulation of neuronal toxicity in the spinal cord

Abstract

The use of computers to model biological systems is a relatively new research tool. For examplel it is possible to write mathematical systems to model neuronal activity involved in memory and learning and to model blood flow in any organ such as the brain. There is also an interest in designing computer-controlled machines to simulate human activities such as hand movements and vision. One of the most important uses of computer modeling is as a research tool to test hypotheses and aid in formulating new hypotheses. This enables the investigator to apply preliminary tests on several experimental strategies and select for animal experimentation the ones that are most likely to produce unambiguous and interpretable results. In the following articlel we describe a computer model of neuron toxicity in the mammalian spinal cord. [Neural Res 1997; 19: 340–348]     

Association Notes

Diagnostic procedures for study of the urinary tract are easily adaptable to patients of all age groups, and technical developments have made possible the surgical correction of many anomalies of the genitourinary tract. Early recognition and correction, when possible, are mandatory. Obstructive anomalies are of the greatest immediate importance because of their adverse effect on renal function.     

A new early cognitive screening measure to detect cognitive side-effects of electroconvulsive therapy?

Cognitive side-effects from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be distressing for patients and early detection may have an important role in guiding treatment decisions over the ECT course. This prospective study examined the utility of an early cognitive screening battery for predicting cognitive side-effects which develop later in the ECT course. The screening battery, together with the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE), was administered to 123 patients at baseline and after 3 ECT treatments. A more detailed cognitive battery was administered at baseline, after six treatments (post ECT 6) and after the last ECT treatment (post treatment) to assess cognitive side-effects across several domains: global cognition, anterograde memory, executive function, speed and concentration, and retrograde memory. Multivariate analyses examined the predictive utility of change on items from the screening battery for later cognitive changes at post ECT 6 and post treatment. Results showed that changes on a combination of items from the screening battery were predictive of later cognitive changes at post treatment, particularly for anterograde memory (p < 0.01), after controlling for patient and treatment factors. Change on the MMSE predicted cognitive changes at post ECT 6 but not at post treatment. A scoring method for the new screening battery was tested for discriminative ability in a sub-sample of patients. This study provides preliminary evidence that a simple and easy-to-administer measure may potentially be used to help guide clinical treatment decisions to optimise efficacy and cognitive outcomes. Further development of this measure and validation in a more representative ECT clinical population is required.