Engineered multifunctional nanomaterials for multimodal imaging of retinoblastoma cells in vitro

Multifunctional nanoparticles are next generation materials that can be simultaneously used for imaging, diagnosis, and delivery of drugs. However, materials intended for cancer diagnosis need to be investigated for its cell uptake, toxicity, and effectiveness. In the current work, we have synthesized fluorescent iron oxide nanoparticles and evaluated its efficacy against retinoblastoma cell imaging. The iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized and stabilized using oleic acid. Sulforhodamine B was adsorbed onto albumin over the oleic acid-capped iron oxide nanoparticles. Our results demonstrated good cell uptake in a time-dependent manner and nanoparticles were found to localize in the cytosol. Further, the nanoparticles exhibited excellent negative contrast in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experiments and with no cytoxicity (5–100?μg/mL iron oxide nanoparticles) to both normal as well as cancer cells demonstrating its biocompatibility. Thus, this novel material integrates the ability to image tissues with high sensitivity by MRI and specifically visualize Y79 retinoblastoma cells by fluorescence imaging with no toxicity.     

Persistent müllerian duct syndrome: How to deal with the müllerian duct remnants — a review

Persistent müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is usually a surprise finding either during orchidopexy or during routine inguinal hernia repair in male patients. Often, the surgeon would face a dilemma about what is to be done with the remnants of müllerian duct, i.e. the fallopian tubes, uterus and proximal vagina. Till recently, it was advised to retain these structures whenever it was felt that the complete excision of these structures may jeopardise the blood supply and integrity of the vas deferens. Recent reports of malignancy in these retained structures would justify more aggressive approach. In our patients with PMDS, we have removed the mucosa of the retained müllerian structures, without compromising the integrity and vascularity of the vas deferens, thus reducing the chances of malignancy.     

Mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke: The road thus far

Early restoration of flow to perfuse the salvageable brain tissue in acute ischemic stroke significantly reduces mortality and morbidity. Recanalization of large vessel occlusions has not been more than 10-20% with intravenous thrombolysis. Use of mechanical devices in acute ischemic stroke has shown promise in greater recanalization rates and hopefully will yield more optimal stroke outcomes. The results of the recent trials appear promising as the devices continue to evolve, become more operator friendly, and patient outcomes improve.     

Centronuclear myopathy--morphological relation to developing human skeletal muscle: a clinicopathological evaluation

Centronuclear myopathy (CNM), an uncommon condition, is one of the congenital myopathies. It is believed to arise as a result of maturational arrest, with persistence of myotubes postnatally. However, denervation being the basic disease process and its possible influence on central nervous system causing defect in nuclear migration has also been postulated. Keeping in view these existing controversies, we have studied 17 cases of CNM (neonatal - 1, childhood - 13, adulthood - 3) during the last twelve and a half years. Diagnosis was based on histological and enzyme histochemical findings of muscle biopsy along with clinical data. Ultrastructural characterstics of muscle have been studied in 10 cases. The affected muscle fibres showed a central nucleus (40-99%) with perinuclear halo. Type I fibre predominance with hypoplasia was consistently seen. Fibre type disproportion was noticed in 7 cases. The neonatal form revealed dense oxidative enzyme reaction product in the centre. The morphological features of CNM were compared with foetal skeletal muscles obtained at gestational ages ranging from 9 weeks - 36 weeks (n = 18). In the severe neonatal form th myofibres resembled the foetal myotubes. In the less severe childhood and adult form of CNM, aberrant organization of cytoskeletal network might have played a pathogenetic role in causing the disease.