CARS microscopy for the visualization of micrometer-sized iron oxide MRI contrast agents in living cells

Micrometer-sized iron oxide particles (MPIOs) attract increasing interest as contrast agents for cellular tracking by clinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Despite the great potential of MPIOs for in vivo imaging of labeled cells, little is known on the intracellular localization of these particles following uptake due to the lack of techniques with the ability to monitor the particle uptake in vivo at single-cell level. Here, we show that coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy enables non-invasive, label-free imaging of MPIOs in living cells with sub-micron resolution in three dimensions. CARS allows simultaneous visualization of the cell framework and the MPIOs, where the particles can be readily distinguished from other cellular components of comparable dimensions, and localized inside the cell.     

Efficient generation of transgene-free induced pluripotent stem cells from normal and neoplastic bone marrow and cord blood mononuclear cells

Reprogramming blood cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provides a novel tool for modeling blood diseases in vitro. However, the well-known limitations of current reprogramming technologies include low efficiency, slow kinetics, and transgene integration and residual expression. In the present study, we have demonstrated that iPSCs free of transgene and vector sequences could be generated from human BM and CB mononuclear cells using non-integrating episomal vectors. The reprogramming described here is up to 100 times more efficient, occurs 1-3 weeks faster compared with the reprogramming of fibroblasts, and does not require isolation of progenitors or multiple rounds of transfection. Blood-derived iPSC lines lacked rearrangements of IGH and TCR, indicating that their origin is non-B- or non-T-lymphoid cells. When cocultured on OP9, blood-derived iPSCs could be differentiated back to the blood cells, albeit with lower efficiency compared to fibroblast-derived iPSCs. We also generated transgene-free iPSCs from the BM of a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). CML iPSCs showed a unique complex chromosomal translocation identified in marrow sample while displaying typical embryonic stem cell phenotype and pluripotent differentiation potential. This approach provides an opportunity to explore banked normal and diseased CB and BM samples without the limitations associated with virus-based methods.     

An evolutionary perspective for contemporary psychiatric research

Behaviour represents the ultimate output of the brain and is characterized by a high level of inter-individual variability. On the one hand, taking into account evolutionary history and adaptive significance of behavioural responses allows to design experimental protocols that improve both data quality and interpretation. On the other hand, a multilevel approach, which analyses factors ranging from the genetic set up to the socioeconomic status, leads to a more comprehensive and effective investigation of mechanisms underlying brain function. Exploitation of this approach in clinical studies may provide new strategies to more precisely investigate psychiatric disorders.     

Skoog Rhinoplasty Revisited

Background  

Accurate restoration of the smooth nasal bridge contour may be difficult to achieve after removal of the hump during reduction rhinoplasty. In patients with thin skin, a projecting septum or sharp bone edges can spoil an otherwise excellent result. To prevent dorsal irregularities from arising and to preserve the nasal roof, the technique of autografting the reduced nasal dorsum was introduced by Cottle and Skoog. This technique was popular for a few decades but then was rarely used. Experiences with the Skoog rhinoplasty method are presented and its use in suitable cases discussed.     

Nephrolithiasis during pregnancy: characteristics, complications, and pregnancy outcome

Purpose  

To evaluate obstetric complications and birth outcome in pregnant women with nephrolithiasis.     

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy: conservative versus surgical treatment after 10 years

It is not known whether the results of decompressive surgery to treat the mild and moderate forms of spondylotic cervical myelopathy (CSM) are any better than those of a conservative approach. A 10-year prospective randomised study was performed. The objective of the study was to compare conservative and operative treatments of mild and moderate, non-progressive, or slowly progressive, forms of CSM. Sixty-four patients were randomised into two groups of 32. Group A was treated conservatively while group B was treated surgically. The clinical outcome was evaluated by modified JOA score, timed 10-m walk, score of daily activities recorded by video and evaluated by two observers blinded to the type of therapy, and by subjective assessment by the patients themselves. Seventeen patents died of natural, unrelated causes, during the follow-up. A total of 25 patients in the conservatively and 22 in the surgically treated group were used for the final evaluation. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups in mJOA score, in subjective evaluation by the patients themselves and in evaluation of video-recordings of daily living activities by two observers blinded to treatment mode. There was neither any difference found in the percentage of patients losing the ability to walk nor in the time taken to cover the 10-m track from a standing start. Comparison of conservative and surgical treatment in mild and moderate forms of CSM in a 10-year follow-up has not shown, on average, a significant difference in results. In both groups, patients get better and worse. According to the power analysis it is necessary admit that these results possess the low ability to answer definitely the question which treatment is better for the patients with a mild and moderate non-progressive CSM because of the low number of patients for the final evaluation and for clinically negligible differences between two compared arms. These findings can serve as a worthy odds-on hypothesis which needs the confirmation.     

Blunt pancreatic trauma in children

Purpose

To report our experience with blunt pancreatic trauma in pediatric patients and evaluate several various management strategies.

Methods

Ten children admitted over the last 10 years with pancreatic blunt trauma were included in the present series.

Results

The average time from injury to hospital admission was 2.4 days. All injuries resulted from accidents: bicycle handlebar injuries (5), being kicked by a horse (2), falls from a height (2), and injury sustained during closure of an electric gate (1). Additional systemic and abdominal injuries were recorded in 7 patients. The amylase levels at the time of patient admission were normal in 3 patients, mildly raised in 4 patients, and elevated in 3 patients. Abdominal computed tomography was performed in 10 patients, ultrasonography in 5, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in 4. Pancreatic injuries comprised 4 grade I, 3 grade II, and 3 grade III injuries. Grade I and II injuries were successfully managed by conservative treatment. The 3 children with grade III trauma and pancreatic ductal injury in the neck (1), body (1), and tail (1) of the gland were surgically treated, having an uneventful postoperative stay of 8?C14 days and no complications during the 1-year follow-up period.

Conclusion

The present study supports early ERCP as an essential part of the initial patient evaluation when pancreatic transection is highly suspected.