Comparative Analysis of Two-Photon Absorption and Normal Absorption images of dispersions of β-NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ Nanoparticles using fluorescence and two-photon microscopes

openUp-conversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have emerged as one of the most promising nanomaterials for bioanalytical and biomedical applications. β-NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nanoparticles, with a size less than 40 nm, are currently being studied for diagnostic applications, utilizing regular optical spectroscopies, exploiting their ability to absorb in the infrared (IR) and emit in the visible spectrum. In this study, we performed the first tests to explore the possibility of using them in emission microscopy. Fluorescence microscopy and imaging were employed as the first proof-of-concept to examine the detectability of these nanoparticles using different microscopes, using either normal absorption or two-photon absorption in the IR region, and to detect their emission in the visible spectrum.Up-conversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have emerged as one of the most promising nanomaterials for bioanalytical and biomedical applications. β-NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nanoparticles, with a size less than 40 nm, are currently being studied for diagnostic applications, utilizing regular optical spectroscopies, exploiting their ability to absorb in the infrared (IR) and emit in the visible spectrum. In this study, we performed the first tests to explore the possibility of using them in emission microscopy. Fluorescence microscopy and imaging were employed as the first proof-of-concept to examine the detectability of these nanoparticles using different microscopes, using either normal absorption or two-photon absorption in the IR region, and to detect their emission in the visible spectrum

Neapolitan nights: from Vesuvian blues to planetary vibes

A sonorial cartography of popular music in post-1945 Naples that considers the sounds in terms of culture and power of historicism, postcolonialism, heterotopias and counter narratives

Robust laparoscopic instruments tracking using colored strips

To assist surgeons in the acquisition of the required skills for the proper execution of the laparoscopic procedure, surgical simulators are used. During training with simulators it is useful to provide a surgical performance quantitative evaluation. Recent research works showed that such evaluation can be obtained by tracking the laparoscopic instruments, using only the images provided by the laparoscope and without hindering the surgical scene. In this work the state of the art method is improved so that a robust tracking can run even with the noisy background provided by realistic simulators. The method was validated by comparison with the tracking of a â\u80\u9cchess-boardâ\u80\u9d pattern and following tests were performed to check the robustness of the developed algorithm. Despite the noisy environment, the implemented method was found to be able to track the tip of the surgical instrument with a good accuracy compared to the other studies in the literature

Canine leishmaniasis in Southern Italy: a role for nitric oxide released from activated macrophages in asymptomatic infection?

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Human and canine leishmaniasis (CanL) by <it>Leishmania infantum </it>is endemic in Italy, with a high percentage of infected asymptomatic animals. However, the immune response mechanisms underlying the clinical presentation of CanL have not been fully investigated. Among leishmanicidal molecules produced by activated macrophages, nitric oxide (NO) produced by an inducible NO synthase seems to play an important protective role, but no conclusive data are available. Therefore, NO released by cultured macrophages from dogs with natural <it>Leishmania </it>infection living in an endemic area for CanL was evaluated.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>On the basis of one year's clinical and laboratory follow-up, 22 dogs infected by <it>Leishmania infantum </it>were identified and grouped as: asymptomatic dogs (n = 13) and dogs with symptoms of leishmaniasis (n = 9). Each animal was bled twice at 4-month intervals and macrophage and lymphocyte cultures were obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Supernatants of <it>L. infantum</it>-infected macrophage cultures, with or without addition of autologous lymphocytes, were assayed for NO production by Griess reaction for nitrites.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In the first months of the infection the levels of NO in supernatants of <it>Leishmania</it>-infected macrophages were higher in symptomatic than in asymptomatic dogs, but they were significantly increased in the latter group eight months after the diagnosis of infection. Furthermore, NO release significantly decreased in the presence of autologous lymphocytes in both groups of animals.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These results suggest that NO may be involved in the long-term protection of dogs against natural <it>Leishmania </it>infection and in the clinical presentation of canine leishmaniasis in the Mediterranean area.</p

Fractionated stereotactic conformal radiotherapy for large benign skull base meningiomas

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Purpose</p> <p>to assess the safety and efficacy of fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) for large skull base meningiomas.</p> <p>Methods and Materials</p> <p>Fifty-two patients with large skull base meningiomas aged 34-74 years (median age 56 years) were treated with FSRT between June 2004 and August 2009. All patients received FSRT for residual or progressive meningiomas more than 4 centimeters in greatest dimension. The median GTV was 35.4 cm³(range 24.1-94.9 cm³), and the median PTV was 47.6 cm³(range 33.5-142.7 cm³). Treatment volumes were achieved with 5-8 noncoplanar beams shaped using a micromultileaf collimator (MLC). Treatment was delivered in 30 daily fractions over 6 weeks to a total dose of 50 Gy using 6 MV photons. Outcome was assessed prospectively.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>At a median follow-up of 42 months (range 9-72 months) the 3-year and 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 96% and 93%, respectively, and survival was 100%. Three patients required further debulking surgery for progressive disease. Hypopituitarism was the most commonly reported late complication, with a new hormone pituitary deficit occurring in 10 (19%) of patients. Clinically significant late neurological toxicity was observed in 3 (5.5%) patients consisting of worsening of pre-existing cranial deficits.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>FSRT as a high-precision technique of localized RT is suitable for the treatment of large skull base meningiomas. The local control is comparable to that reported following conventional external beam RT. Longer follow-up is required to assess long term efficacy and toxicity, particularly in terms of potential reduction of treatment-related late toxicity.</p

A workflow to generate physical 3D models of cerebral aneurysms applying open source freeware for CAD modeling and 3D printing

Objectives: 3D anatomical models are becoming a new frontier in surgery for planning and simulation on an individualized patient specific basis. Since 1999, 3D cerebral aneurysms models for neurosurgery have been proposed. The possibility of reproducing in a realistic 3D fashion the malformation with the surrounding vascular structures, provides important preoperative information for the treatment strategy. The same models can be used for training and teaching.Unfortunately stereolitography is often burdened by high costs and long times of production. These factors limit the possibility to use 3D models to plan surgeries in an easy daily fashion. Patients and methods: Our study enrolled 5 patients harboring cerebral aneurysms. DICOM data of each aneurysm were elaborated by an open source freeware to obtain CAD molds. Afterwards, the 3D models were produced using a fused deposition or a stereolitography printer. Results: Models were evaluated by Neurosurgeons in terms of quality and usefulness for surgical planning. Costs and times of production were recorded. Conclusions: Models were reliable, economically affordable and quick to produce. Keywords: Stereolitography, Cerebral aneurysms, 3D printing, Surgical planning, Aneurysm model