Detection and differentiation of semi-transparent materials simulating biological structures using optical coherence tomography: a phantom study.

Significance: Lymphatic and peripheral nervous system imaging is of prime importance for monitoring various important pathologic processes including cancer development and metastasis, and response to therapy. Aim: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a promising approach for this imaging task but is challenged by the near-transparent nature of these structures. Our aim is to detect and differentiate semi-transparent materials using OCT texture analysis, toward label-free neurography and lymphography. Approach: We have recently demonstrated an innovative OCT texture analysis-based approach that used speckle statistics to image lymphatics and nerves in-vivo that does not rely on negative contrast. However, these two near-transparent structures could not be easily differentiated from each other in the texture analysis parameter space. Here, we perform a rigorous follow-up study to improve upon this differentiation in controlled phantoms mimicking the optical properties of these tissues. Results: The results of the three-parameter Rayleigh distribution fit to the OCT images of six types of tissue-mimicking materials varying in transparency and biophysical properties demonstrate clear differences between them, suggesting routes for improved lymphatics-nerves differentiation. Conclusions: We demonstrate a novel OCT texture analysis-based lymphatics-nerves differentiation methodology in tissue-simulating phantoms. Future work will focus on longitudinal in-vivo lymphangiography and neurography in response to cancer therapeutics toward adaptive personalized medicine.

Nutrition Considerations After NICU Discharge.

Preterm infants are at high nutrition risk during neonatal intensive care and well after discharge. Nutrition care should be individualized and provided by a multidisciplinary team including a dietitian. Breast milk, the gold standard for feeding, may not meet the increased needs of preterm infants and may require fortification or supplementation. Decisions regarding formula choice and calorie concentration can also be challenging and require individualization based on growth, intake, and individual need. Developmental milestones should be considered during the initation of complementary food. This article presents new research on allergenic food introduction to guide practitioners during caregiver education. Finally, an evidence-based weaning practice for enteral feeding-dependent patients is provided with suggestions for outpatient applicability. [Pediatr Ann. 2018;47(4):e154-e158.].