Nanoparticle-Mediated Cell Capture Enables Rapid Endothelialization of a Novel Bare Metal Stent.

Incomplete endothelialization of intracoronary stents has been associated with stent thrombosis and recurrent symptoms, whereas prolonged use of dual antiplatelet therapy increases bleeding-related adverse events. Facilitated endothelialization has the potential to improve clinical outcomes in patients who are unable to tolerate dual antiplatelet therapy. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of magnetic cell capture to rapidly endothelialize intracoronary stents in a large animal model. A novel stent was developed from a magnetizable duplex stainless steel (2205 SS). Polylactic-co-glycolic acid and magnetite (Fe3O4) were used to synthesize biodegradable superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, and these were used to label autologous blood outgrowth endothelial cells. Magnetic 2205 SS and nonmagnetic 316L SS control stents were implanted in the coronary arteries of pigs (n = 11), followed by intracoronary delivery of magnetically labeled cells to 2205 SS stents. In this study, we show extensive endothelialization of magnetic 2205 SS stents (median 98.4% cell coverage) within 3 days, whereas the control 316L SS stents exhibited significantly less coverage (median 48.9% cell coverage, p < 0.0001). This demonstrates the ability of intracoronary delivery of magnetic nanoparticle labeled autologous endothelial cells to improve endothelialization of magnetized coronary stents within 3 days of implantation.

Acrylic intraocular lens damage after folding using a forceps insertion technique.

PURPOSE: To analyze intraocular lens (IOL) surface abnormalities seen after folding using a forceps insertion technique. SETTING: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA. METHODS: Acrylic AcrySof MA60AC IOLs were examined using an Axio Imager microscope before and after they were folded using a forceps insertion technique. Differential interference contrast, brightfield reflected light, and darkfield reflected light imaging techniques were used as necessary. The effects of temperature, time, and ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) on optic surface abnormalities after folding were studied. RESULTS: All 17 IOLs examined had smooth, defect-free optic surfaces before folding. After folding, anterior optic surface depressions were observed in all IOLs; the depressions corresponded to the contact area of the titanium insertion forceps. Surface depressions were present up to 72 hours after folding, were more pronounced when an insertion forceps with a high degree of wear was used, and were greater when the IOL was warmed to 98 degrees F before folding. Coating the IOL surface with OVD before grasping it with the insertion forceps prevented formation of depressions. CONCLUSIONS: The anterior optic surface of the acrylic IOL was vulnerable to forceps-induced surface depressions. Surface abnormalities were prevented by coating the anterior optic surface with OVD before grasping it with a metal insertion forceps.

Interleukin-6 and type I interferon-regulated genes and chemokines mark disease activity in dermatomyositis.

OBJECTIVE: Up-regulation of whole blood type I interferon (IFN)-driven transcripts and chemokines has been described in a number of autoimmune diseases. An IFN gene expression "signature" is a candidate biomarker in patients with dermatomyositis (DM). This study was performed to evaluate the capacity of IFN-dependent peripheral blood gene and chemokine signatures and levels of proinflammatory cytokines to serve as biomarkers for disease activity in adult and juvenile DM. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples and clinical data were obtained from 56 patients with adult or juvenile DM. The type I IFN gene signature in the whole blood of patients with DM was defined by determining the expression levels of 3 IFN-regulated genes (IFIT1, G1P2, and IRF7) using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Multiplexed immunoassays were used to quantify the serum levels of 4 type I IFN-regulated chemokines (IFN-inducible T cell alpha chemoattractant, IFNgamma-inducible 10-kd protein, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 [MCP-1], and MCP-2) and the serum levels of other proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6). RESULTS: DM disease activity correlated significantly with the type I IFN gene signature (r = 0.41, P = 0.007) and with the type I IFN chemokine signature (r = 0.61, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the serum levels of IL-6 were significantly correlated with disease activity (r = 0.45, P = 0.001). In addition, correlations between the serum levels of IL-6 and both the type I IFN gene signature (r = 0.47, P < 0.01) and the type I IFN chemokine signature (r = 0.71, P < 0.0001) were detected in patients with DM. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that serum IL-6 production and the type I IFN gene signature are candidate biomarkers for disease activity in adult and juvenile DM. Coregulation of the expression of IFN-driven chemokines and IL-6 suggests a novel pathogenic linkage in DM.