An AI based, open access screening tool for early diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma.

Burkitt Lymphoma (BL) is a highly treatable cancer. However, delayed diagnosis of BL contributes to high mortality in BL endemic regions of Africa. Lack of enough pathologists in the region is a major reason for delayed diagnosis. The work described in this paper is a proof-of-concept study to develop a targeted, open access AI tool for screening of histopathology slides in suspected BL cases. Slides were obtained from a total of 90 BL patients. 70 Tonsillectomy samples were used as controls. We fine-tuned 6 pre-trained models and evaluated the performance of all 6 models across different configurations. An ensemble-based consensus approach ensured a balanced and robust classification. The tool applies novel features to BL diagnosis including use of multiple image magnifications, thus enabling use of different magnifications of images based on the microscope/scanner available in remote clinics, composite scoring of multiple models and utilizing MIL with weak labeling and image augmentation, enabling use of relatively low sample size to achieve good performance on the inference set. The open access model allows free access to the AI tool from anywhere with an internet connection. The ultimate aim of this work is making pathology services accessible, efficient and timely in remote clinics in regions where BL is endemic. New generation of low-cost slide scanners/microscopes is expected to make slide images available immediately for the AI tool for screening and thus accelerate diagnosis by pathologists available locally or online.

Breath-Synchronized Nebulized Surfactant in a Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Effective treatment options for surfactant therapy in acute respiratory distress syndrome and coronavirus disease 2019 have not been established. To conduct preclinical studies in vitro and in vivo to evaluate efficiency, particle size, dosing, safety, and efficacy of inhaled surfactant using a breath-synchronized, nebulized delivery system in an established acute respiratory distress syndrome model. DESIGN: Preclinical study. SETTING: Research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Anesthetized pigs. INTERVENTION: In vitro analysis included particle size distribution and inhaled dose during simulated ventilation using a novel breath-synchronized nebulizer. Physiologic effects of inhaled aerosolized surfactant (treatment) were compared with aerosolized normal saline (control) in an adult porcine model (weight of 34.3 ± 0.6 kg) of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (Pao2/Fio2 <100) with lung lavages and ventilator-induced lung injury during invasive ventilation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Mass median aerosol diameter was 2.8 µm. In vitro dose delivered distal to the endotracheal tube during mechanical ventilation was 85% ± 5%. Nebulizers were functional up to 20 doses of 108 mg of surfactant. Surfactant-treated animals (n = 4) exhibited rapid improvement in oxygenation with nearly full recovery of Pao2/Fio2 (~300) and end-expiratory lung volumes with nominal dose less than 30 mg/kg of surfactant, whereas control subjects (n = 3) maintained Pao2/Fio2 less than 100 over 4.5 hours with reduced end-expiratory lung volume. There was notably greater surfactant phospholipid content and lower indicators of lung inflammation and pathologic lung injury in surfactant-treated pigs than controls. There were no peridosing complications associated with nebulized surfactant, but surfactant-treated animals had progressively higher airway resistance post treatment than controls with no differences in ventilation effects between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Breath-synchronized, nebulized bovine surfactant appears to be a safe and feasible treatment option for use in coronavirus disease 2019 and other severe forms of acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Validation of a Preclinical Model of Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatic Neoplasia in Yucatan Miniature Pigs.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to reduce the time to tumor onset in a diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) swine model via partial liver embolization (PLE) and to characterize the model for use in translational research. METHODS: Eight Yucatan miniature pigs were injected intraperitoneally with either saline (n = 2) or DEN (n = 6) solution weekly for 12 weeks. Three of the DEN-treated pigs underwent PLE. The animals underwent periodic radiological evaluation, liver biopsy, and blood sampling, and full necropsy was performed at study termination (∼29 months). RESULTS: All DEN-treated pigs developed hepatic adenoma and HCC. PLE accelerated the time to adenoma development but not to HCC development. Biomarker analysis results showed that IGF1 levels decreased in all DEN-treated pigs as functional liver capacity decreased with progression of HCC. VEGF and IL-6 levels were positively correlated with disease progression. Immunohistochemical probing of HCC tissues demonstrated the expression of several important survival-promoting proteins. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, we are the first to demonstrate an accelerated development of hepatic neoplasia in Yucatan miniature pigs. Our HCC swine model closely mimics the human condition (i.e., progressive disease stages and expression of relevant molecular markers) and is a viable translational model.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided inoculation of transmissible venereal tumor in the colon: A large animal model for colon neoplasia.

BACKGROUND: To develop and evaluate the feasibility of emerging interventions, animal models with accurate anatomical environment are required. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to establish a clinically relevant colorectal tumor model with canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT) utilizing endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) imaging guidance. DESIGN: Survival study using a canine model. SETTING: Endoscopic animal research laboratory at a tertiary cancer center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involved five canines. INTERVENTIONS: A colorectal tumor model was established and evaluated in five canines under cyclosporine immune suppression. Under endoscopic imaging guidance, saline was injected into the submucosal layer forming a bleb. Subsequently, CTVT was inoculated into the bleb under EUS guidance. Endoscopy was the primary method of assessing tumor growth. Tumors developed in 60-130 days. Upon detection of lesions >1 cm, the animals were euthanized and the tumors were harvested for histopathological characterization. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Success rate of tumor growth. The presence or absence of vasculature inside tumors. RESULTS: Colorectal tumor successfully developed in three out of the five animals (60%). Among the ones with tumor growth, average inoculated CTVT volume, incubation time, and tumor size was 1.8 cc, 65.7 days, and 2.0 cm, respectively. The two animals without tumor growth were observed for >100 days. In all the tumors, vascular structure was characterized with CD31 imunohistochemical stain. LIMITATIONS: Small number of animals. CONCLUSION: We succeeded in creating a new colorectal tumor canine model with CTVT utilizing EUS.

Angiotensin II increases gene expression after selective intra-arterial adenovirus delivery in a rabbit model assessed using in vivo SSTR2-based reporter imaging.

BACKGROUND: Gene therapy has been hampered by low expression upon in vivo delivery. Using a somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2)-based reporter, we assessed whether angiotensin II (AII) can improve gene expression by adenovirus upon intra-arterial (IA) delivery in a large animal model. METHODS: A SSTR2-based reporter that can be imaged by a clinically approved radiopharmaceutical was used to assess gene expression. Eight rabbits bearing VX2 tumors in each thigh were randomly injected IA with adenovirus containing a human SSTR2 (Ad-CMV-HA-SSTR2) gene chimera ± AII or control adenovirus containing green fluorescent protein (Ad-CMV-GFP). Three days later, (111)In-octreotide was given IV after computed tomography (CT) imaging using a clinical CT scanner and intravenous contrast. Tumor uptake of (111)In-octreotide was evaluated the next day using a clinical gamma camera. Gene expression was normalized to tumor weight and morphology from CT to obtain in vivo biodistribution. RESULTS: SSTR2-based expression was readily visualized. VX2 tumors infected with Ad-CMV-HA-SSTR2 upon intra-arterial delivery with AII had greater in vivo biodistribution, thus greater gene expression, than those without AII (p < 0.01, n = 6). VX2 tumors infected with Ad-CMV-HA-SSTR2 upon IA delivery had greater biodistribution, thus greater gene expression, than those with the negative control Ad-CMV-GFP (p < 0.02). Similarly, VX2 tumors infected with Ad-CMV-HA-SSTR2 upon IA delivery with AII had greater biodistribution, thus greater gene expression, than those with the negative control Ad-CMV-GFP (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Angiotensin II improves in vivo gene expression by adenovirus upon intra-arterial delivery and thus may improve gene therapy efficacy. In vivo SSTR2-based reporter imaging can be used to compare methodologies for improving gene expression.

Noninvasive assessment of gene transfer and expression by in vivo functional and morphologic imaging in a rabbit tumor model.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the importance of morphology in quantifying expression after in vivo gene transfer and to compare gene expression after intra-arterial (IA) and intra-tumoral (IT) delivery of adenovirus expressing a SSTR2-based reporter gene in a large animal tumor model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tumor directed IA or IT delivery of adenovirus containing a human somatostatin receptor type 2A (Ad-CMV-HA-SSTR2A) gene chimera or control adenovirus (Ad-CMV-GFP) was performed in VX2 tumors growing in both rabbit thighs. Three days later, ¹¹¹In-octreotide was administered intravenously after CT imaging using a clinical scanner. ¹¹¹In-octreotide uptake in tumors was evaluated the following day using a clinical gamma-camera. Gene expression was normalized to tumor weight with and without necrosis. This procedure was repeated on nine additional rabbits to investigate longitudinal gene expression both 5 days and 2 weeks after adenovirus delivery. CT images were used to evaluate tumor morphology and excised tissue samples were analyzed to determine ¹¹¹In-octreotide biodistribution ex vivo. RESULTS: VX2 tumors infected with Ad-CMV-HA-SSTR2 had greater ¹¹¹In-octreotide uptake than with control virus (P<0.05). Intra-arterial and intra-tumoral routes resulted in similar levels of gene expression. Longitudinally, expression appeared to wane at 2 weeks versus 5 days after delivery. Areas of necrosis did not demonstrate significant uptake ex vivo. Morphology identified areas of necrosis on contrast enhanced CT and upon excluding necrosis, in vivo biodistribution analysis resulted in greater percent injected dose per gram (P<0.01) and corresponded better with ex vivo biodistribution(r = 0.72, P<0.01, Coefficient of the x-variable = .72) at 2 weeks than without excluding necrosis (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Tumor specificity and high transgene expression can be achieved in tumors via both tumor directed intra-arterial and intra-tumoral delivery in a large animal tumor model. Using clinical machines, morphologic imaging contributes to functional imaging for quantifying SSTR2-based reporter expression in vivo.

Urinary catheterization of male rabbits: a new technique and a review of urogenital anatomy.

Rabbits are widely used as an animal model for urologic research studies in which urinary bladder catheterization is required. However, standard manual retrograde urinary catheterization proved to be difficult to perform on anesthetized male rabbits in a research study, with frequent misplacement of the catheter into the vesicular gland. Attempts to reposition the catheter into the bladder after initial entry into the vesicular gland frequently failed and resulted in exclusion of the animal from the study. We assessed the normal anatomy of the lower urinary tract of male rabbits to determine the cause of catheterization misdirection into the vesicular gland and to develop a more reliable technique for urinary bladder catheterization. A modified 'digital (finger) pressure' catheterization technique was developed for successful urinary catheterization of male rabbits. Retrospective statistical analysis of 45 rabbits used for urinary catheterization studies showed improvement in the success rate of catheterization by using the digital pressure technique over the standard method of retrograde urinary catheter insertion. In addition, we here review the relevant gross and histologic anatomy of the urogenital tract of male rabbits.

Imaging epigenetic regulation by histone deacetylases in the brain using PET/MRI with ¹8F-FAHA.

Epigenetic modifications mediated by histone deacetylases (HDACs) play important roles in the mechanisms of different neurologic diseases and HDAC inhibitors (HDACIs) have shown promise in therapy. However, pharmacodynamic profiles of many HDACIs in the brain remain largely unknown due to the lack of validated methods for noninvasive imaging of HDAC expression-activity. In this study, dynamic PET/CT imaging was performed in 4 rhesus macaques using [(18)F]FAHA, a novel HDAC substrate, and [(18)F]fluoroacetate, the major radio-metabolite of [(18)F]FAHA, and fused with corresponding MR images of the brain. Quantification of [(18)F]FAHA accumulation in the brain was performed using a customized dual-tracer pharmacokinetic model. Immunohistochemical analyses of brain tissue revealed the heterogeneity of expression of individual HDACs in different brain structures and cell types and confirmed that PET/CT/MRI with [(18)F]FAHA reflects the level of expression-activity of HDAC class IIa enzymes. Furthermore, PET/CT/MRI with [(18)F]FAHA enabled non-invasive, quantitative assessment of pharmacodynamics of HDAC inhibitor SAHA in the brain.

Feasibility study of EUS-NOTES as a novel approach for pancreatic cancer staging and therapy: an international collaborative study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: EUS guided Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) could be a potentially viable approach for pancreatic surgery. EUS-guided access through the stomach wall may prove to be a safe and effective method for accessing the pancreas. The aim of the study was to assess the EUS-guided diagnostic and therapeutic procedures during NOTES for both anterior and posterior approach of the pancreas. METHODOLOGY: The feasibility of peritoneoscopy through an anterior EUS-guided transgastric approach, as well as direct access to the pancreas through a posterior EUS-guided transgastric approach was tested for ease of access to the tail of the pancreas. Gastric wound closure was finally performed in several animals using various commercial and prototype endoscopic accessories. RESULTS: The results showed the ability of EUS-NOTES technology to facilitate a transgastric approach and provide both an anterior and posterior access the pancreas. Identification the pancreatic tail by EUS with the aid of EUS-guided T-tag insertion, as well as posterior access and subsequent inspection/dissection of the pancreatic tail may also be possible. CONCLUSIONS: It is technically possible by EUS-guided NOTES procedures to achieve a systematic anterior and posterior access for NOTES transgastric peritoneoscopy and direct pancreatic endoscopic procedures.

Imaging long-term fate of intramyocardially implanted mesenchymal stem cells in a porcine myocardial infarction model.

The long-term fate of stem cells after intramyocardial delivery is unknown. We used noninvasive, repetitive PET/CT imaging with [(18)F]FEAU to monitor the long-term (up to 5 months) spatial-temporal dynamics of MSCs retrovirally transduced with the sr39HSV1-tk gene (sr39HSV1-tk-MSC) and implanted intramyocardially in pigs with induced acute myocardial infarction. Repetitive [(18)F]FEAU PET/CT revealed a biphasic pattern of sr39HSV1-tk-MSC dynamics; cell proliferation peaked at 33-35 days after injection, in periinfarct regions and the major cardiac lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes. The sr39HSV1-tk-MSC-associated [(18)F]FEAU signals gradually decreased thereafter. Cardiac lymphography studies using PG-Gd-NIRF813 contrast for MRI and near-infrared fluorescence imaging showed rapid clearance of the contrast from the site of intramyocardial injection through the subepicardial lymphatic network into the lymphatic vessels and periaortic lymph nodes. Immunohistochemical analysis of cardiac tissue obtained at 35 and 150 days demonstrated several types of sr39HSV1-tk expressing cells, including fibro-myoblasts, lymphovascular cells, and microvascular and arterial endothelium. In summary, this study demonstrated the feasibility and sensitivity of [(18)F]FEAU PET/CT imaging for long-term, in-vivo monitoring (up to 5 months) of the fate of intramyocardially injected sr39HSV1-tk-MSC cells. Intramyocardially transplanted MSCs appear to integrate into the lymphatic endothelium and may help improve myocardial lymphatic system function after MI.

Pharmacokinetics and magnetic resonance imaging of biodegradable macromolecular blood-pool contrast agent PG-Gd in non-human primates: a pilot study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate poly(L-glutamic acid)-benzyl-DTPA-Gd (PG-Gd), a new biodegradable macromolecular magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent, for its pharmacokinetics and MRI enhancement in nonhuman primates. Studies were performed in rhesus monkeys at intravenous doses of 0.01, 0.02 and 0.08 mmol Gd/kg. T(1)-weighted MR images were acquired at 1.5 T using fast spoiled gradient recalled echo and fast spin echo imaging protocols. The small-molecule contrast agent Magnevist was used as a control. PG-Gd in the monkey showed a bi-exponential disposition. The initial blood concentrations within 2 h of PG-Gd administration were much higher than those for Magnevist. The high blood concentration of PG-Gd was consistent with the MR imaging data, which showed prolonged circulation of PG-Gd in the blood pool. Enhancement of blood vessels and organs with a high blood perfusion (heart, liver, and kidney) was clearly visualized at 2 h after contrast injection at the three doses used. A greater than proportional increase of the area under the blood concentration-time curve was observed when the administered single dose was increased from 0.01 to 0.08 mmol/kg. By 2 days after PG-Gd injection, the contrast agent was mostly cleared from all major organs, including kidney. The mean residence time was 15 h at the 0.08 mmol/kg dose. A similar pharmacokinetic profile was observed in mice, with a mean residence time of 5.4 h and a volume of distribution at steady-state of 85.5 ml/kg, indicating that the drug was mainly distributed in the blood compartment. Based on this pilot study, further investigations on the potential systemic toxicity of PG-Gd in both rodents and large animals are warranted before testing this agent in humans.

Development of a large animal model of cirrhosis and portal hypertension using hepatic transarterial embolization: a study in swine.

PURPOSE: To develop a clinically relevant porcine model of liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension by means of hepatic transarterial embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional animal care and use committee approval was obtained for all experiments. Pigs received transcatheter arterial infusion of a 3:1 mixture of iodized oil and ethanol into the hepatic artery in volumes of 16 mL in group 1 (n = 4), 28 mL in group 2 (n = 4), and 40 mL in group 3 (n = 4) with intent of bilobar distribution. Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement, liver function tests, and volumetry were performed at baseline, at 2 weeks, and before necropsy. RESULTS: Cirrhosis was successfully induced in three animals that received 16 mL of the embolic mixture and in all four animals that received 28 mL. The animals in the 40-mL group did not recover from the procedure and were euthanized within 48 h. Increases in HVPG after 6-8 weeks versus baseline reached statistical significance (P < .05). Correlation between degree of fibrosis and volume of embolic agent did not reach statistical significance, but there was a trend toward increased fibrosis in the 28-mL group compared with the 16-mL group. CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization can be used to create a reliable and reproducible porcine model of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

Whole-body biodistribution kinetics, metabolism, and radiation dosimetry estimates of 18F-PEG6-IPQA in nonhuman primates.

UNLABELLED: We recently developed the radiotracer 4-[(3-iodophenyl)amino]-7-(2-[2-{2-(2-[2-{2-((18)F-fluoroethoxy)-ethoxy}-ethoxy]-ethoxy)-ethoxy}-ethoxy]-quinazoline-6-yl-acrylamide) ((18)F-PEG(6)-IPQA) for noninvasive detection of active mutant epidermal growth factor receptor kinase-expressing non-small cell lung cancer xenografts in rodents. In this study, we determined the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, metabolism, and radiation dosimetry of (18)F-PEG(6)-IPQA in nonhuman primates. METHODS: Six rhesus macaques were injected intravenously with 141 ± 59.2 MBq of (18)F-PEG(6)-IPQA, and dynamic PET/CT images covering the thoracoabdominal area were acquired for 30 min, followed by whole-body static images at 60, 90, 120, and 180 min. Blood samples were obtained from each animal at several time points after radiotracer administration. Radiolabeled metabolites in blood and urine were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The (18)F-PEG(6)-IPQA pharmacokinetic and radiation dosimetry estimates were determined using volume-of-interest analysis of PET/CT image datasets and blood and urine time-activity data. RESULTS: (18)F-PEG(6)-IPQA exhibited rapid redistribution and was excreted via the hepatobiliary and urinary systems. (18)F-PEG(6) was the major radioactive metabolite. The critical organ was the gallbladder, with an average radiation-absorbed dose of 0.394 mSv/MBq. The other key organs with high radiation doses were the kidneys (0.0830 mSv/MBq), upper large intestine wall (0.0267 mSv/MBq), small intestine (0.0816 mSv/MBq), and liver (0.0429 mSv/MBq). Lung tissue exhibited low uptake of (18)F-PEG(6)-IPQA due to the low affinity of this radiotracer to wild-type epidermal growth factor receptor kinase. The effective dose was 0.0165 mSv/MBq. No evidence of acute cardiotoxicity or of acute or delayed systemic toxicity was observed. On the basis of our estimates, diagnostic dosages of (18)F-PEG(6)-IPQA up to 128 MBq (3.47 mCi) per injection should be safe for administration in the initial cohort of human patients in phase I clinical PET studies. CONCLUSION: The whole-body and individual organ radiation dosimetry characteristics and pharmacologic safety of diagnostic dosages of (18)F-PEG(6)-IPQA in nonhuman primates indicate that this radiotracer should be acceptable for PET/CT studies in human patients.

Novel antiseptic urinary catheters for prevention of urinary tract infections: correlation of in vivo and in vitro test results.

Urinary catheters are widely used for hospitalized patients and are often associated with high rates of urinary tract infection. We evaluated in vitro the antiadherence activity of a novel antiseptic Gendine-coated urinary catheter against several multidrug-resistant bacteria. Gendine-coated urinary catheters were compared to silver hydrogel-coated Foley catheters and uncoated catheters. Bacterial biofilm formation was assessed by quantitative culture and scanning electron microscopy. These data were further correlated to an in vivo rabbit model. We challenged 31 rabbits daily for 4 days by inoculating the urethral meatus with 1.0 x 10(9) CFU streptomycin-resistant Escherichia coli per day. In vitro, Gendine-coated urinary catheters reduced the CFU of all organisms tested for biofilm adherence compared with uncoated and silver hydrogel-coated catheters (P < 0.004). Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that a thick biofilm overlaid the control catheter and the silver hydrogel-coated catheters but not the Gendine-coated urinary catheter. Similar results were found with the rabbit model. Bacteriuria was present in 60% of rabbits with uncoated catheters and 71% of those with silver hydrogel-coated catheters (P < 0.01) but not in those with Gendine-coated urinary catheters. No rabbits with Gendine-coated urinary catheters had invasive bladder infections. Histopathologic assessment revealed no differences in toxicity or staining. Gendine-coated urinary catheters were more efficacious in preventing catheter-associated colonization and urinary tract infections than were silver hydrogel-coated Foley catheters and uncoated catheters.

Repetitive noninvasive monitoring of HSV1-tk-expressing T cells intravenously infused into nonhuman primates using positron emission tomography and computed tomography with 18F-FEAU.

Adoptive transfer of antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) has been successfully used to treat patients with different types of cancer. However, the long-term spatial-temporal dynamics of the distribution of systemically infused CTLs remains largely unknown. Noninvasive imaging of adoptively transferred CTLs using molecular-genetic reporter imaging with positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET-CT) represents an innovative approach to understanding the long-term migratory patterns and therapeutic potential of adoptively transferred T cells. Here we report the application of repetitive PET-CT imaging with [18F]fluoro-5-ethyl-1-beta-D-arabinofuranosyluracil (18F-FEAU) in two nonhuman primates demonstrating that autologous polyclonal macaque T lymphocytes activated and transduced with a retroviral vector encoding for the sr39 mutant herpes simplex virus 1 thymidine kinase (sr39HSV1-tk) reporter gene can be detected after intravenous infusion in discrete lymphoid organs and in sites of inflammation. This study represents a proof of principle and supports the application of 18F-FEAU PET-CT imaging for monitoring the distribution of intravenously administered sr39HSV1-tk gene-transduced CTLs in humans.

Feasibility study of particle-assisted laser ablation of brain tumors in orthotopic canine model.

We report on a pilot study showing a proof of concept for the passive delivery of nanoshells to an orthotopic tumor where they induce a local, confined therapeutic response distinct from that of normal brain resulting in the photothermal ablation of canine transmissible venereal tumor (cTVT) in a canine brain model. cTVT fragments grown in severe combined immunodeficient mice were successfully inoculated in the parietal lobe of immunosuppressed, mixed-breed hound dogs. A single dose of near-IR (NIR)-absorbing, 150-nm nanoshells was infused i.v. and allowed time to passively accumulate in the intracranial tumors, which served as a proxy for an orthotopic brain metastasis. The nanoshells accumulated within the intracranial cTVT, suggesting that its neovasculature represented an interruption of the normal blood-brain barrier. Tumors were thermally ablated by percutaneous, optical fiber-delivered, NIR radiation using a 3.5-W average, 3-minute laser dose at 808 nm that selectively elevated the temperature of tumor tissue to 65.8 +/- 4.1 degrees C. Identical laser doses applied to normal white and gray matter on the contralateral side of the brain yielded sublethal temperatures of 48.6 +/- 1.1 degrees C. The laser dose was designed to minimize thermal damage to normal brain tissue in the absence of nanoshells and compensate for variability in the accumulation of nanoshells in tumor. Postmortem histopathology of treated brain sections showed the effectiveness and selectivity of the nanoshell-assisted thermal ablation.

Effects of TGF-beta1 and hydrostatic pressure on meniscus cell-seeded scaffolds.

The combinatorial effects of TGF-beta1 and hydrostatic pressure (HP) were investigated on meniscus cell-seeded PLLA constructs using a two-phase sequential study. The objective was to identify potentially synergistic effects of these stimuli toward enhancing the biomechanical and compositional characteristics of the engineered constructs. In Phase I, the effects of TGF-beta1 were examined on the ability of meniscus cells to produce ECM. In Phase II, meniscus cell-seeded PLLA constructs were cultured for 4 wks with a combination of TGF-beta1 and HP (10 MPa, 0 Hz or 10 MPa, 0.1 Hz). TGF-beta1 was found to increase collagen and GAG deposition in the scaffolds 15-fold and 8-fold, respectively, in Phase I. In Phase II, the combination of TGF-beta1 and 10 MPa, 0 Hz HP resulted in 4-fold higher collagen deposition (additive increase), 3-fold higher GAG deposition and enhanced compressive properties (additive and synergistic increases), when compared to the unpressurized no growth factor culture control. Though significant correlations were observed between the compressive properties (moduli and viscosity), and the GAG and collagen content of the constructs, the correlations were stronger with collagen. This study provides robust evidence that growth factors and HP can be used successfully in combination to enhance the functional properties of in vitro engineered knee meniscus constructs.

Animal models for adipose tissue engineering.

There is a critical need for adequate reconstruction of soft tissue defects resulting from tumor resection, trauma, and congenital abnormalities. To be sure, adipose tissue engineering strategies offer promising solutions. However, before clinical translation can occur, efficacy must be proven in animal studies. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of animal models currently employed for adipose tissue engineering.

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 in absorbable collagen sponge enhances bone healing of tibial osteotomies in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of 2 doses of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) on tibial osteotomy healing in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental, randomized complete block (n=7). ANIMALS: Adult female dogs (n=21). METHODS: Right midshaft tibial osteotomies were created and stabilized with a 1-mm gap using type I external fixators. Seven dogs were untreated controls and 14 with osteotomies were treated with either 0.05 or 0.2 mg/mL rhBMP-2 delivered in an absorbable collagen sponge (ACS). At 8 weeks, dogs were euthanatized and bones were mechanically tested and examined by microscopy. RESULTS: Bone healing based on radiographic scoring, was significantly improved in dogs treated with 0.2 mg/mL of rhBMP-2 compared with the other groups; these tibiae were also significantly stronger and stiffer than 0.05 mg/mL rhBMP-2 and control osteotomized tibiae. Histologic scores were significantly better for 0.2 mg/mL rhBMP-2 group than 0.05 mg/mL rhBMP-2 group, but neither was significantly different from control. CONCLUSIONS: rhBMP-2 in ACS at a concentration of 0.2 mg/mL improves healing of tibial osteotomies in dogs compared with untreated controls and 0.05 mg/mL rhBMP-2 based on force plate analysis and radiographic evaluation. This was not confirmed histologically but treated bones had improved mechanical properties at 8 weeks. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: After a long bone fracture, dogs may face a long recovery period before full return of limb function. rhBMP-2, in association with good fracture fixation principles, may enhance bone healing in dogs with diaphyseal fractures.