Rapid generation of multiplexed cell cocultures using acoustic droplet ejection followed by aqueous two-phase exclusion patterning

The development of tools for patterning cocultures of cells is a fundamental interest among cell biologists and tissue engineers. Although a variety of systems exist for micropatterning cells, the methods used to generate cell micropatterns are often cumbersome and difficult to adapt for tissue engineering purposes. This study combines acoustic droplet ejection and aqueous two-phase system exclusion patterning to introduce a method for patterning cocultures of cells in multiplexed arrays. This new method uses focused acoustic radiation pressure to eject discrete droplets of uniform size from the surface of a dextran solution containing cells. The size of droplets is controlled by adjusting ultrasound parameters, such as pulse, duration, and amplitude. The ejected dextran droplets are captured on a cell culture substrate that is manipulated by a computer-controlled 3D positioning system according to predesigned patterns. Polyethylene glycol solution containing an additional cell type is then added to the culture dish to produce a two-phase system capable of depositing different types of cells around the initial pattern of cells. We demonstrate that our method can produce patterns of islands or lines with two or more cell types. Further, we demonstrate that patterns can be multiplexed for studies involving combinations of multiple cell types. This method offers a tool to transfer cell-containing samples in a contact-free, nozzle-less manner, avoiding sample cross-contamination. It can be used to pattern cell cocultures without complicated fabrication of culture substrates. These capabilities were used to examine the response of cancer cells to the presence of a ligand (CXCL12) secreted from surrounding cocultured cells.     

Visual recovery and predictors of visual prognosis after managing traumatic cataracts in 555 patients

Aim:

The aim was to evaluate the visual recovery after managing traumatic cataracts and determine the predictors of a better visual prognosis.

Materials and Methods:

This was a prospective study. We enrolled patients with specific inclusion criteria, examined their eyes to review the comorbidities due to trauma, performed surgery for traumatic cataracts, and implanted lenses. The patients were reexamined 6 weeks postoperatively. We divided the cases of traumatic cataract into two groups, the “open globe” (Group 1) and “closed globe” (Group 2) groups, according to the ocular trauma based on the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology System (BETTS) and compared the determinants of visual acuity.

Results:

Our cohort of 555 eyes with traumatic cataracts included 394 eyes in Group 1 and 161 in Group 2. Six weeks postoperatively, the visual acuity in the operated eye was >20/60 in 193 (48%) and 49 (29%) eyes in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = 0.002, ANOVA). At follow-up, >20/60 vision was significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (OR = 1.61; 95% CI, 0.85–3.02). Overall 242 (43.5%) eyes gained a final visual acuity of >20/60.

Conclusion:

Open globe injury has a favorable prognosis for satisfactory (>20/60) visual recovery after the management of traumatic cataracts.     

Biracial couples and adverse birth outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analyses

Background. Differences in birth outcomes such as low birthweight (LBW), preterm births (PTB), stillbirth, differences in birthweight in Black vs. White race are well known. Infants born to biracial parents (mother and father from either Black or White races) also experience higher adverse birth outcomes. Objective. To systematically review and meta-analyze birth outcomes among parents of mixed racial background compared to parents of same race. Search strategy. Medline, Embase, CINAHL and bibliographies of identified articles were searched for English language studies. Selection criteria. Studies reporting association between parental mixed racial status and LBW, PTB, or small-for-gestational age (SGA) outcomes were included. Data collection and analyses. After exclusion of duplicate cohorts in different publications, data from White mother-Black father (WMBF), Black mother-White father (BMWF) and Black mother-Black father (BMBF) groups were compared with the White mother-White father (WMWF) group. Results. Eight English language studies from of 26?335?596 singleton births were included and reviewed. Compared to the WMWF group, the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) were: (a) low birthweight; 1.21 (1.10-1.33) for WMBF, 1.75(1.64-1.87) for BMWF, and 2.08 (1.81-2.38) for BMBF; (b) preterm births; 1.17 (1.05-1.31) for WMBF, 1.37 (1.18-1.59) for BMWF, and 1.78 (1.59-2.00) for BMBF; and (c) stillbirths; 1.43 (0.92-2.21) for WMBF, 1.51 (1.09-2.08) for BMWF, and 1.85 (1.47-2.32) for BMBF. Conclusion. Biracial status of parents was associated with higher risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes than both White parents but lower than both Black parents, with maternal race having a greater influence than paternal race on pregnancy outcomes.     

Intracranial benign fibrous histiocytomas: a case report and review

Fibrous histiocytomas are rare lesions, more commonly encountered in soft tissues and bones. They are uncommon as an intracranial lesion. Although there have been several reports about malignant fibrous histiocytomas, less is known about the benign variant of these intracranial tumors as they are often misclassified as other types of tumors. We describe a child who presented with seizure and was subsequently found to have a large temporal lesion. Pathology revealed benign fibrous histiocytoma. We also review other cases reported in the literature in an effort to provide further insight into the diagnosis and management of this rare tumor.     

A Study of Immunogenicity of Intensified Hepatitis B Vaccination in Children Being Treated for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Indian Journal of Pediatrics - Children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) are at an increased risk of acquiring hepatitis B infection due to repeated exposure to blood products. They have poor...     

Deciphering the enigma of astigmatism in cataract surgery

Background:With about 87% of patients with cataracts having astigmatism, management of astigmatism in cataract surgery not only yields an improved unaided visual acuity and image quality but also higher patient satisfaction. The video will give a step-wise guide to cataract surgeons to manage astigmatism with cataracts.Purpose:To hit the bull’s eye as far as target refraction is concerned, it is necessary to understand the benefits and limitations of currently available cutting-edge technology and formulae and apply them to the cataract surgery practice. The purpose of the video is to make sure that we have no surprises in our Toric intraocular lens (IOL) planning.Synopsis:After a brief introduction to available modalities for the treatment of astigmatism, a step-wise approach to diagnostics is discussed, which will include the role of corneal topography and aberrometers and their application to planning Toric IOLs. Appropriate planning, implementation, and execution in form of preoperative and intraoperative pearls of using Toric IOLs are shown in the video. This will be followed by troubleshooting and case-based discussions and future perspectives including the possible role of corneal biomechanics.Highlights:What this video adds new is the importance of topography, interpretation of Belin‒Ambrosio display map and the equivalent keratometry reading (EKR) map, aberrometry, and higher order aberration (HOA) analysis and role of biomechanics in Toric IOL planning. Video also highlights the importance of posterior corneal astigmatism and accurate axis marking. With a case-based approach and relevant examples, we are trying to decipher the enigma of astigmatism by giving a step-wise approach for the same.Online Video Link: https://youtu.be/5VuEY_6NdQA     

Molecular targets of opiate drug abuse in neuro AIDS

Opiate drug abuse, through selective actions at mu-opioid receptors (MOR), exacerbates the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) in the CNS by disrupting glial homeostasis, increasing inflammation, and decreasing the threshold for pro-apoptotic events in neurons. Neurons are affected directly and indirectly by opiate-HIV interactions. Although most opiates drugs have some affinity for kappa (KOR) and/or delta (DOR) opioid receptors, their neurotoxic effects are largely mediated through MOR. Besides direct actions on the neurons themselves, opiates directly affect MOR-expressing astrocytes and microglia. Because of their broad-reaching actions in glia, opiate abuse causes widespread metabolic derangement, inflammation, and the disruption of neuron-glial relationships, which likely contribute to neuronal dysfunction, death, and HIV encephalitis. In addition to direct actions on neural cells, opioids modulate inflammation and disrupt normal intercellular interactions among immunocytes (macrophages and lymphocytes), which on balance further promote neuronal dysfunction and death. The neural pathways involved in opiate enhancement of HIV-induced inflammation and cell death, appear to involve MOR activation with downstream effects through PI3-kinase/Akt and/or MAPK signaling, which suggests possible targets for therapeutic intervention in neuroAIDS.