Handheld forward-imaging needle endoscope for ophthalmic optical coherence tomography inspection

We report the narrowest to-date (21 gauge, 820-µm-diam) handheld forward-imaging optical coherence tomography (OCT) needle endoscope and demonstrate its feasibility for ophthalmic OCT inspection. The probe design is based on paired-angle-rotation scanning (PARS), which enables a linear B-scan pattern in front of the probe tip by using two counterrotating angle polished gradient-index (GRIN) lenses. Despite its small size, the probe can provide a numerical apertune (NA) of 0.22 and an experimental sensitivity of 92 dB at 0.5 frames. The feasibility of retinal imaging is tested on enucleated ex vivo porcine eyes, where structural features including remnant vitreous humor, retina, and choroid can be clearly distinguished. Due to its imaging quality comparable to a commercial OCT system and compatibility with the current ophthalmic surgery standard, the probe can potentially serve as a better alternative to traditional visual inspection by white light illumination during vitreoretinal surgery (e.g., vitrectomy)

Kinematics analysis and optimization of the exoskeleton’s knee joint

Two major defects of the exoskeleton’s single-axis knee joint were exposed in human-machine coordination experiments, which are chattering of hip and knee joints and pull-feeling at ankle joint. In order to analyze and solve these issues, human gait experiments were conducted to obtain the human gait data, and a kinematic model of the exoskeleton was established. Kinematics analysis of the exoskeleton based on the human’s hip and knee joint angles indicated the obvious human-machine ankle joint movement error; inverse kinematics analysis of the exoskeleton according to the human ankle joint trajectory reflected the abrupt angle changes of exoskeleton’s hip and knee joints. According to these analysis results, kinematics differences between the exoskeleton’s single-axis knee joint and human’s trochlea knee joint were regarded as the primary cause of the defects observed in human-machine coordination experiments. The exoskeleton’s knee joint was optimized in four-bar linkage type to imitate the kinematics characteristics of human’s knee joint. Kinematics simulation results of the optimized exoskeleton showed that human-machine ankle joint movement error and abrupt angle changes of the exoskeleton’s hip and knee joints have been both significantly reduced, thus the effectiveness of the exoskeleton’s knee joint optimization for improving the human-machine coordination could be confirmed

Endoscopic optical coherence tomography of the retina at 1310 nm using paired-angle rotating scanning

Vitrectomy (removal of the vitreous humor) is an ophthalmic surgery required as a precursor to several posterior chamber procedures. Vitrectomy is commonly performed using an endoscopic vitreous cutter and fiber based light delivery for observation through a surgical microscope. Cross-sectional visualization of the retina and remnant vitreous layers during surgery using an external optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanner is impractical due to deformation in the shape of the eye and the cornea. We present a forward imaging probe with 820 &mgr;m outer diameter (21 gauge needle) for cross-sectional endoscopic OCT imaging during ophthalmic surgeries. The Paired-Angle-Rotating Scanner (PARS) OCT probe is based on angle polished gradient index (GRIN) lenses which are rotated about the optical axis. The scan pattern is determined by the angle between the GRIN lenses and the relative angular velocity. Endoscopic placement of the PARS-OCT probe tip near the retinal surface permits use of a longer wavelength light, in particular 1310 nm, which would otherwise suffer significant attenuation traversing the vitreous humor. The prototype endoscopic PARS-OCT probe is coupled to a commercially available 1310 nm swept laser source, and uses commercial software for data acquisition, processing, and display of retinal images in real time at an A-scan rate of 16 kHz. We present an analysis of aberrations due to off axis use of GRIN lenses and measure the scan pattern of the PARS probe. Images acquired on an ex vivo porcine retina are presented, motivating development of the endoscopic PARS-OCT probe for clinical evaluation

Transgenic expression of lactoferrin imparts enhanced resistance to head blight of wheat caused by Fusarium graminearum

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The development of plant gene transfer systems has allowed for the introgression of alien genes into plant genomes for novel disease control strategies, thus providing a mechanism for broadening the genetic resources available to plant breeders. Using the tools of plant genetic engineering, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial gene was tested for resistance against head blight caused by <it>Fusarium graminearum </it>Schwabe, a devastating disease of wheat (<it>Triticum </it><it>aestivum </it>L.) and barley (<it>Hordeum vulgare </it>L.) that reduces both grain yield and quality.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A construct containing a bovine lactoferrin cDNA was used to transform wheat using an <it>Agrobacterium</it>-mediated DNA transfer system to express this antimicrobial protein in transgenic wheat. Transformants were analyzed by Northern and Western blots to determine lactoferrin gene expression levels and were inoculated with the head blight disease fungus <it>F</it>. <it>graminearum</it>. Transgenic wheat showed a significant reduction of disease incidence caused by <it>F. graminearum </it>compared to control wheat plants. The level of resistance in the highly susceptible wheat cultivar Bobwhite was significantly higher in transgenic plants compared to control Bobwhite and two untransformed commercial wheat cultivars, susceptible Wheaton and tolerant ND 2710. Quantification of the expressed lactoferrin protein by ELISA in transgenic wheat indicated a positive correlation between the lactoferrin gene expression levels and the levels of disease resistance.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Introgression of the lactoferrin gene into elite commercial wheat, barley and other susceptible cereals may enhance resistance to <it>F. graminearum</it>.</p

Endoscopic optical coherence tomography of the retina at 1310 nm using paired-angle rotating scanning

Vitrectomy (removal of the vitreous humor) is an ophthalmic surgery required as a precursor to several posterior chamber procedures. Vitrectomy is commonly performed using an endoscopic vitreous cutter and fiber based light delivery for observation through a surgical microscope. Cross-sectional visualization of the retina and remnant vitreous layers during surgery using an external optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanner is impractical due to deformation in the shape of the eye and the cornea. We present a forward imaging probe with 820 &mgr;m outer diameter (21 gauge needle) for cross-sectional endoscopic OCT imaging during ophthalmic surgeries. The Paired-Angle-Rotating Scanner (PARS) OCT probe is based on angle polished gradient index (GRIN) lenses which are rotated about the optical axis. The scan pattern is determined by the angle between the GRIN lenses and the relative angular velocity. Endoscopic placement of the PARS-OCT probe tip near the retinal surface permits use of a longer wavelength light, in particular 1310 nm, which would otherwise suffer significant attenuation traversing the vitreous humor. The prototype endoscopic PARS-OCT probe is coupled to a commercially available 1310 nm swept laser source, and uses commercial software for data acquisition, processing, and display of retinal images in real time at an A-scan rate of 16 kHz. We present an analysis of aberrations due to off axis use of GRIN lenses and measure the scan pattern of the PARS probe. Images acquired on an ex vivo porcine retina are presented, motivating development of the endoscopic PARS-OCT probe for clinical evaluation

In situ Proteomic Profiling of Curcumin Targets in HCT116 Colon Cancer Cell Line

To date, the exact targets and mechanism of action of curcumin, a natural product with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, remain elusive. Here we synthesized a cell permeable curcumin probe (Cur-P) with an alkyne moiety, which can be tagged with biotin for affinity enrichment, or with a fluorescent dye for visualization of the direct-binding protein targets of curcumin in situ. iTRAQ™ quantitative proteomics approach was applied to distinguish the specific binding targets from the non-specific ones. In total, 197 proteins were confidently identified as curcumin binding targets from HCT116 colon cancer cell line. Gene Ontology analysis showed that the targets are broadly distributed and enriched in the nucleus, mitochondria and plasma membrane, and they are involved in various biological functions including metabolic process, regulation, response to stimulus and cellular process. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis™ (IPA) suggested that curcumin may exert its anticancer effects over multiple critical biological pathways including the EIF2, eIF4/p70S6K, mTOR signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction pathways. Functional validations confirmed that curcumin downregulates cellular protein synthesis, and induces autophagy, lysosomal activation and increased ROS production, thus leading to cell death

Transgenic expression of lactoferrin imparts enhanced resistance to head blight of wheat caused by \u3ci\u3eFusarium graminearum\u3c/i\u3e

Background: The development of plant gene transfer systems has allowed for the introgression of alien genes into plant genomes for novel disease control strategies, thus providing a mechanism for broadening the genetic resources available to plant breeders. Using the tools of plant genetic engineering, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial gene was tested for resistance against head blight caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe, a devastating disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) that reduces both grain yield and quality. Results: A construct containing a bovine lactoferrin cDNA was used to transform wheat using an Agrobacterium-mediated DNA transfer system to express this antimicrobial protein in transgenic wheat. Transformants were analyzed by Northern and Western blots to determine lactoferrin gene expression levels and were inoculated with the head blight disease fungus F. graminearum. Transgenic wheat showed a significant reduction of disease incidence caused by F. graminearum compared to control wheat plants. The level of resistance in the highly susceptible wheat cultivar Bobwhite was significantly higher in transgenic plants compared to control Bobwhite and two untransformed commercial wheat cultivars, susceptible Wheaton and tolerant ND 2710. Quantification of the expressed lactoferrin protein by ELISA in transgenic wheat indicated a positive correlation between the lactoferrin gene expression levels and the levels of disease resistance. Conclusions: Introgression of the lactoferrin gene into elite commercial wheat, barley and other susceptible cereals may enhance resistance to F. graminearum

Management of Penetrating Skull Base Injury: A Single Institutional Experience and Review of the Literature

Background. Penetrating skull base injury (PSBI) is uncommon among head injuries, presenting unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Although many cases of PSBIs have been reported, comprehensive understanding of its initial diagnosis, management, and outcome is still unavailable. Materials and Methods. A retrospective review was performed for patients treated in neurosurgical department of Changzheng Hospital for PSBIs. Presurgical three-dimensional (3D) Slicer-assisted reconstructions were conducted for each patient. Then we reviewed previous literature about all the published cases of PSBIs worldwide and discussed their common features. Results. A total of 5 patients suffering PSBIs were identified. Penetrating points as well as the surrounding neurovascular structures were clearly visualized, assisting in the presurgical planning of optimal surgical approach and avoiding unexpected vascular injury. Four patients underwent craniotomy with foreign bodies removed successfully and 1 patient received conservative treatment. All of them presented good outcomes after proper management. Conclusion. Careful physical examination and radiological evaluation are essential before operation, and angiography is recommended for those with suspected vascular injuries. 3D modeling with 3D Slicer is practicable and reliable, facilitating the diagnosis and presurgical planning. Treatment decision should be made upon the comprehensive evaluation of patient’s clinicoradiological features and characteristics of foreign bodies