Photoacoustic imaging of the spatial distribution of oxygen saturation in an ischemia-reperfusion model in humans

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a novel hybrid imaging technique that combines the advantages of optical and ultrasound imaging to produce hyperspectral images of the tissue. The feasibility of measuring oxygen saturation (sO₂) with PAI has been demonstrated pre-clinically, but has limited use in humans under conditions of ischemia and reperfusion. As an important step towards making PAI clinically available, we present a study in which PAI was used to estimate the spatial distribution of sO₂ in vivo during and after occlusion of the finger of eight healthy volunteers. The results were compared with a commercial oxygen saturation monitor based on diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. We here describe the capability of PAI to provide spatially resolved picture of the evolution of sO₂ during ischemia following vascular occlusion of a finger, demonstrating the clinical viability of PAI as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for diseases indicated by impaired microvascularization.     

Fundamentals and recent progress relating to the fabrication,functionalization and characterization of mesostructured materials using diverse synthetic methodologies

Since 1990 and the invention of the very first generation of ordered mesoporous silica materials, several innovative methodologies have been applied to synthesize, characterize, and modify silica/non-silica mesoporous materials. The growth of the mesoporous materials field has generated significant environmental and economic advantages compared to various other industrial developments. According to the literature, there are several key synthesis approaches and parameters that can affect the structural, textural and morphological characteristics of mesoporous materials. To date, huge attempts have been made to maximize the activities and selectivities of these materials through either the in situ or post-synthesis functionalization of the large interior surface areas and internal mesostructured frameworks in the presence of specific organic/inorganic components. However, the main challenge is to provide good control over the incorporation and distribution of multiple guest components within the mesostructured hosts. Mesostructured materials have received great attention for various applications, such as being used in electronics, medicine, photocatalysis, catalyst supports, catalysis, absorbers, sensors, gas separation, etc. In the current paper, several recent developments have been highlighted and reviewed regarding the fabrication and characterization of siliceous/non-siliceous mesoporous materials via various synthetic approaches. Furthermore, the availability of diverse functionalization methods has been reviewed to provide comprehensive approaches for synthesizing new generations of suitably modified mesoporous materials with superior structural, physicochemical, and textural characteristics.

Since 1990 and the invention of the very first generation of ordered mesoporous silica materials, several innovative methodologies have been applied to synthesize, characterize, and modify silica/non-silica mesoporous materials.     

Cast index in predicting outcome of proximal pediatric forearm fractures

Background:Many pediatric forearm fractures can be treated in plaster following closed reduction. The cast index (CI, a ratio of anteroposterior to lateral internal diameters of the cast at the fracture site) is a simple, reliable marker of quality of molding and a CI of >0.8 correlates with increased risk of redisplacement. Previously, CI has been applied to all forearm fractures. We hypothesize that an acceptable CI is more difficult to achieve and does not predict outcome in fractures of the proximal forearm.Results:The mean CI was 0.77. Remanipulation was required in five cases (6%), all distal half fractures – mean CI 0.79. CI was higher in proximal half forearm fractures (0.83 vs. 0.76, P = 0.006), nonetheless these fractures did not re-displace more than distal fractures.Conclusion:Cast index is useful in predicting redisplacement of manipulated distal forearm fractures. We found that in proximal half forearm fractures it is difficult to achieve a CI of <0.8, but increased CI does not predict loss of position in these fractures. We therefore discourage the use of CI in proximal half forearm fractures.     

Moderate hemoptysis of unknown etiology.

The underlying cause and treatment of hemoptysis should be addressed promptly to avoid potentially life-threatening complications. We report on a previously healthy 11-year-old white boy who presented with acute hemoptysis. On bronchoscopy, bleeding was noted from the right upper and lower lobes. Right bronchial arteriography revealed multiple regions of abnormal "blushing" throughout the right bronchial arterial distribution which was successfully controlled by right bronchial arterial embolization. In spite of an extensive work-up, we were not able to determine the cause of bleeding. The patient has been followed for 18 months without any recurrence and without evidence of any systemic disease. Our patient does not fit any diagnostic category of pulmonary bleeding and further case reports are needed to delineate this entity.     

Gene expression of IQGAPs and Ras families in an experimental mouse model for hepatocellular carcinoma: a mechanistic study of cancer progression

IQGAPs genes play critical role in either induction or suppression of cancer and its progression, however the relationship between Ras genes and these genes are still unclear. In this study, we tried to understand the mechanistic action of IQGAPs genes and its correlation with Ras genes in mouse hepatic cancer model. The genetic expressions of IQGAP1, IQGAP2, IQGAP3, Hras, Kras, Nras, Mras, Caspase3, and BAX were followed in both hepatocellular carcinoma and normal liver cells of Balbc mice. Genotoxic agent diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatic cancer model was induced in male mice and recorded the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma by morphological and histological changes in the liver. It was observed that mRNA expressions of IQGAP1, Hras, Kras, Nras, Mras, Caspase3, and BAX genes were highly elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma cells when compared with normal liver cells, additionally their expressions increased by concentrating the dose of DEN. While, the expressions of IQGAP2 and IQGAP3 were significantly decreased in hepatocellular carcinoma cells when compared with normal liver cells, as well as their expressions decreased more with increasing the dose of DEN. It was concluded from this study that IQGAP1 has a strong signaling relationship with Ras genes in induction of cancer and it is considered as a key gene for induction or suppression of the hepatocellular carcinoma.     

Interleukin-3-Deficient Mice Have Increased Resistance to Blood-Stage Malaria

The contribution of interleukin-3 (IL-3), a hematopoietic growth factor and immunoregulatory cytokine, to resistance to blood-stage malaria was investigated by infecting IL-3-deficient (knockout [KO]) mice with Plasmodium berghei NK65. Male IL-3 KO mice, but not female mice, were more resistant to infection than wild-type (WT) mice, as evidenced by lower peak parasitemia and prolonged survival. Both male and female IL-3 KO mice had increased splenomegaly and were more anemic than corresponding WT mice. Anemia was compensated for by an increase in bone marrow and splenic erythropoiesis in IL-3 KO mice, as evidenced by higher levels of erythroid progenitors. Plasma levels of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and CXCL9 (monokine induced by IFN-γ [MIG]) were found to be significantly reduced in IL-3 KO mice during early stages of infection. In contrast, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) levels were significantly higher, and the percentage of peripheral blood neutrophils lower, in infected IL-3 KO mice than in WT counterparts. Overall, our results indicate that IL-3 plays a critical role in suppressing protective immunity to P. berghei NK65 infection and that it is involved in inhibiting the development of splenomegaly, anemia, and erythropoiesis. IL-3 also influences IFN-γ, CXCL9, and G-CSF production in response to infection. The abnormal responses seen in infected IL-3 KO mice may be due to the lack of IL-3 during development, to the lack of IL-3 in the infected mature mice, or to both.