Magnetically-driven 2D cells organization on superparamagnetic micromagnets fabricated by laser direct writing.

We demonstrate a proof of concept for magnetically-driven 2D cells organization on superparamagnetic micromagnets fabricated by laser direct writing via two photon polymerization (LDW via TPP) of a photopolymerizable superparamagnetic composite. The composite consisted of a commercially available, biocompatible photopolymer (Ormocore) mixed with 4 mg/mL superparamagnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The micromagnets were designed in the shape of squares with 70 µm lateral dimension. To minimize the role of topographical cues on the cellular attachment, we fabricated 2D microarrays similar with a chessboard: the superparamagnetic micromagnets alternated with non-magnetic areas of identical shape and lateral size as the micromagnets, made from Ormocore by LDW via TPP. The height difference between the superparamagnetic and non-magnetic areas was of ~ 6 µm. In the absence of a static magnetic field, MNPs-free fibroblasts attached uniformly on the entire 2D microarray, with no preference for the superparamagnetic or non-magnetic areas. Under a static magnetic field of 1.3 T, the fibroblasts attached exclusively on the superparamagnetic micromagnets, resulting a precise 2D cell organization on the chessboard-like microarray. The described method has significant potential for fabricating biocompatible micromagnets with well-defined geometries for building skin grafts adapted for optimum tissue integration, starting from single cell manipulation up to the engineering of whole tissues.

Sialocyst of the Parotid Gland in a Child.

Non-neoplastic cysts localized in salivary glands are quite rare and represent approximately 2-5% of all salivary gland lesions. Salivary duct cyst, also known as sialocyst is a true cyst with the epithelium lining the inner side of its walls. It is generally observed in minor salivary glands and it rarely involves the parotid. Patients are mostly affected between the ages of 30 and 40 and the lesion is rarely seen in children. The current case is a rare report, as the patient was a child. The diagnosis has been difficult to ascertain due to the presence of pain, symptom characteristic for inflammatory lesions.

Efficacy of cetuximab in metastatic colon cancer - case report.

In recent years, targeted therapies have proved effective in the treatment of colon cancer, but even in these conditions,metastatic disease is generally considered incurable.Cetuximab is approved for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer patients with KRAS wild-type, in order to increase survival and hinder progression of the disease. We report a case of a 55 year-old woman, diagnosed with stenosing sigmoid cancer and liver metastases, which underwent multimodal treatment: palliative surgery -Hartmann segmental colectomy, and adjuvant chemotherapy -second line monotherapy with cetuximab, according to standard protocols. After 6 months of XELOX chemotherapy,during which she showed progression of metastatic disease, she was switched to monotherapy with cetuximab, with favorable outcome. Comparing relevant literature, in which complete response to treatment with cetuximab is obtained in low percentages ( 3%) after 3 months of treatment with cetuximab the patient shows clinical and paraclinical complete response and increased quality of life. Proper selection of patients with metastatic colon cancer for treatment with anti-EGFR therapy may lead to prolonged survival and time to progression.

Traumatic brain injury in infants and toddlers, 0-3 years old.

OBJECT: Children 0-3 years old present a completely different neurotraumatic pathology. The growing and the development processes in this age group imply specific anatomical and pathophysiological features of the skull, subarachnoid space, CSF flow, and brain. Most common specific neurotraumatic entities in children 0-3 years old are cephalhematoma, subaponeurotic (subgaleal) hematoma, diastatic skull fracture, grow skull fracture, depressed ('ping-pong') skull fracture, and extradural hematoma. METHODS: We present our 10 years experience in neuropediatric traumatic brain injuries, between 1999 and 2009, in the First Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Including criteria were children, 0-3 years old, presenting only traumatic brain injury. We excluded patients with politrauma, who require a different management. RESULTS: We present the incidence of these specific head injuries, clinical and imagistic features, treatment, and outcome. We found 72 children with diastatic skull fracture, 61 cases with depressed ('ping-pong') skull fracture, 22 cases with grow skull fracture, 11 children harboring intrusive skull fracture, 58 cephalhematomas, 26 extradural hematomas, and 7 children with severe brain injury and major posttraumatic diffuse ischemia ('black-brain'). Usually, infants and toddlers present with seizures, pallor, and rapid loss of consciousness. First choice examination, in all children was cerebral CT-scan, and for follow-up, we performed cerebral MRI. We emphasize on the importance of seizure prevention in this age group. Children presenting with extensive diffuse ischemia ('black-brain') had a poor outcome, death occurring in all 7 cases. CONCLUSION: Children 0-3 years old, present with a total distinctive pathology than adults. Children with head injury must be addressed to a pediatric department of neurosurgery and pediatric intensive care unit. Prophylaxis pays the most important role in improving the outcome.